It's time for some outdoor fun! There are so many ways to enjoy the great outdoors of Miami without having to always head to the beach. That's where the Miami-Dade park system comes into play.

Whether you're enjoying a late-afternoon picnic by the bay, kayaking, archery or one of the many other unique park offerings around the city, you'll always find a fun activity!

Below is a roundup of unique activities at public parks around Miami. 

(Courtesy of Amelia Earhart Park)

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Kayaking 101 Clinic at Bill Sadowski Park and Preserve

17555 SW 79th Ave., Palmetto Bay
Select dates; 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Fee: $10

Here's an interesting way to see Miami! Hop on a kayak, with a naturalist as your guide, as you explore the waterways that flow right by Bill Sadowski Park. The park and nature center are situated within 30 acres of pineland, tropical hardwood hammock, and a drained Everglades slough. While you're there, make sure to check out the nature trails and the main building, which houses a live animal exhibit of native freshwater fish, arthropods, reptiles and amphibians. Must be age 9 or older to participate. For registration and dates on when the experience is available, click here.

Photo Courtesy of A.D. Barnes Park

Introduction to Archery at A.D. Barnes Park

3401 SW 72nd Ave., Miami
Select Saturdays; 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Fee: $10

Discover your inner Robin Hood with an archery experience at A.D. Barnes Park! Before getting their hands on a bow and arrow, participants will be taught about the history and origin of archery as both a sport and a tool for survival. After learning how to use the tools, you'll get the chance to take some practice shots and test your skills. It is advised you bring water, comfortable shoes and protection from the sun. Must be age 9 or older to participate. For registration and dates on when the experience is available, click here.

Bees and Trees Class at Fruit and Spice Park

24801 SW 187 Ave., Homestead
Daily; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fee: $7

These yellow-and-black striped bugs can seem scary, especially if you're afraid of getting stung, but the “Bees and Trees Class” offered at the Fruit and Spice Park has something different to say. You'll leave with new knowledge on how bees work together, protect their queen, make honey, and pollinate the world. Taste-test different types of honey and discover what exactly is inside a beehive. In addition to the class, a tour of the Fruit and Spice Park is also included. Children age 5-12 are invited to participate. For registration and dates, click here.

Archaeology Adventure at Arch Creek Park

1855 NE 135th St., North Miami
Select dates and times
Fee: $6

This park was once home of the Tequesta Indian tribe! Take an adventure through the park and explore artifacts left behind by the Native Americans. A naturalist guide will take you through a tropical hardwood hammock where you'll learn about the Tequestas and the history of archaeological sites, plus take part in a mock excavation. For more information, click here.

Mountain Biking Trails at Virginia Key Beach Park

3801 Rickenbacker Causeway
Daily; 7 a.m. to sunset
Fee: $8 at the entrance

Hit the road at Virginia Key Beach's mountain biking trails! A great outdoor activity for beginners and expert mountain bikers with 18 different trails. Enjoy a leisurely bike ride on the easier Long and Winding Road Trail, or really test your skills on the difficult jumps, twists, and turns on the Purple Haze Trail. For more information, click here.

(Courtesy of Hit Zone Batting Cages)

Hit Zone Batting Cages at Tropical Park

7900 SW 40th St., Miami
2:30-9 p.m. weekdays; 9 a.m.-7 p.m. weekends
Fee: Varies

Fun for the family who is into sports, the batting cages inside Tropical Park are not just for baseball or softball players. Each cage ranges in speed so you can go as hard or as easy as you want. Prices vary and you can either pay per token, which costs as low as $2.50, or $20 for 30 minutes, or $30 for 60 minutes of hitting. Be aware, each token is worth 18 pitches, so three tokens might just be enough to get out all your energy! For more information, click here.

Bike Adventure at Crandon Park

6747 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne
Select dates and time
Fee: $15

Don't let the word “adventure” scare you! On this bike ride, you'll take a leisurely stroll through the southernmost inhabited barrier island of the United States. You'll ride through the Crandon Gardens, Crandon Park Beach, Bear Cut Preserve, Fossil Reef Overlook, and the Crandon Park Visitors & Biscayne Nature Center. The whole trip takes about 2 hours and is suitable for children age 5 and older. You can still participate if you don't have a bike, as rentals are available, but you must bring a helmet. For more information, click here.

Skyward Kites at Haulover Park

10800 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
Open daily
Kites starting at $6 (or bring your own)

Enjoy a good old American past time, kite flying near the ocean breeze. Skyward Kites is the best place to experience a relaxing kite-flying day in South Florida. Whether you're a pro or first time flyer, the team at Skyward Kites is happy to help get you set up and have your kite flying in no time. For more information, click here.

(Courtesy of Family Paintball Center)

Family Paintball Center at Homestead Air Reserve Park

27401 SW 127th Ave.
Sun.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Fee: $46 includes rented gear and unlimited field admission

For the adventure-seekers who are the most daring, the paintball center at Homestead Air Reserve Park may be right up your alley. There are three playing fields to choose from: the Speedball Field, Military Zone, and Western Town. Weave in and out of bunkers to protect yourself from being targeted by your opponents! The last one standing, or the last one with no paintball splatters, wins. Spectators can relax under a covered porch and enjoy treats from two on-site food trucks. For more information on pricing, click here.

Miami Watersports Complex at Amelia Earhart Park

401 E. 65th St., Hialeah
Daily; sunrise to sunset
Fee: Varies

The Miami Watersports Complex is a fun addition to Amelia Earhart Park. The complex sits on the 90-acre lake, where adults and children can learn how to wakeboard, waterski, kneeboard, and barefoot by champion instructors of the sport. Don't worry if you're not an expert, the complex is open to beginners and experts alike. If you're only looking to enjoy the lake, the aquapark is also available for use. Activities are on the pricier side, but specials are available every day of the week. For more information on activities, pricing, and daily specials, click here.

(Courtesy of Deering Estate)

Sunrise and Moonrise Photography at Deering Estate

16701 SW 72nd Ave., Miami
Select dates; 6-8 a.m. and 7-9 p.m.
Fee: $20

In the age of social media, we are all looking to learn how to take better pictures. This fun outdoor activity will teach you just that – and you can choose to attend either during the sunrise hours (6-8 a.m.) or evening hours (7-9 p.m.) when the lighting is at its best. Space is limited and the event tends to fill up fast. For more information and registration, click here.

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