Have a great time with the kids while not denting your wallet. Our list of free things to do in Miami for 2026 features days of family-friendly frivolity.

I live in LA, so for tropical vacations, we tend to head to nearby Hawaii. But we took the long flight to the Caribbean this fall, and I have to say, I’m sorry we waited so long. For a fantastic mix of awesome adventures, gorgeous beaches, relaxing cabanas, stunning nature, great food, loads of animals, and a plethora of activities for kids and the whole family, you can’t beat the island of St. Lucia. Yes, the island famous for honeymooners and romance is actually a wonderful family vacation.

We stayed at the all-inclusive Coconut Bay Beach Resort and had maybe the most perfectly balanced tropical family vacation I’ve ever experienced. Think chocolate tasting/making, drive-in volcano, snorkeling with endangered turtles, and the best Kids Club I’ve seen.

Below, I’m sharing the real insider stuff. Not just the list of top things to do, but the details: what you need to pack (and what to not pack!), which days you should plan on adventures and which you should lie by the pool, and even what to eat.

Check out our complete Guide to Caribbean Family Vacations. Now, here are my tips on making a trip to St. Lucia with kids a rousing success:

Explore these fun, free indoor places to play around Boston. 

Explore our favorite free indoor places to play in Connecticut!

What is this water falling from the sky? Or, what is this raging Santa Ana wind that is tearing through the neighborhood? Angelinos don't get much bad weather, but when we do, it seems to affect just about everything. And if you're a mom with kids at home, bad weather can be quite the ordeal. When the kids are jumping on the couch, spilling crayons all over the dining room, and begging to watch K-Pop Demon Hunters for the second time that day, you may need to get out of the house. I got you.

There are many indoor free things to do in Los Angeles for those rare times when it's raining in Southern California. As a mom of four living in Los Angeles, I've tried lots of indoor spots; we've found everything from mellow corners with books and cozy chairs to raucous, colorful play spaces with pop music and overstimulation. I know which spots are too boring or too adult and which spots should be at the top of your list, so read on to discover our favorite free indoor spaces in Los Angeles that will keep the whole family happy. 

For more free things to do in LA, peruse our list of 100 fun free things to do in Los Angeles with Kids. Once you've checked off all the free things to do indoors in Los Angeles and want to explore more things to do with a roof over your head, check out the best indoor playgrounds in Los Angeles, and discover more indoor amusement in our Indoor Fun and Play Spaces Guide for Los Angeles Kids. 

Cold and rainy days make it hard for kids to burn off their energy and stretch their little legs—especially without spending some serious money. But if you stay at home, you'll all be bouncing off the walls and your house will be a mess. You need somewhere to play that's warm, dry, and—most important—FREE. 

Luckily, there are many free indoor activities in DC that allow kids to move, explore, and blow off steam. From play areas at free museums to free nature centers to free mall playgrounds, these free things to do indoors in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia are all great cold and rainy-day activities for kids. 

Here are 27 free indoor things to do in DC with kids on cold and rainy days. For more family fun that won't break the bank, check out our guide to Free Things To Do in DC with Kids. It includes our ultimate list of 101 free things to do in DC with kids.