Located on Watson Island, a blip on the radar between downtown Miami and South Beach, Jungle Island (jungleisland.com; adult/child $44/28) is a South Florida landmark and eco-adventure park. It’s the kind of attraction you’d really only expect to find in a place like Miami. Those capybaras that have gone so viral on social media of late? You’ll find them living their next-best lives here, alongside a veritable Noah’s ark array of other creatures that include tropical birds, alligators, chimps, lemurs, alligators, sloths and so much more. In short, Jungle Island is a good bit of smelly fun. It’s one of those places kids (justifiably) beg to go to, so just give up and prepare for some bright-feathered, bird-poop-scented enjoyment in this artificial, self-contained jungle.
Also on offer: rope bridges among the trees, a flight generating wind tunnel, an escape room and Adventure Bay – an area with rock-climbing walls and kid-friendly bungee jumping. Do all of these activities cost a fair amount extra? You better believe it. You can even head out on a Treetop Trekking course, South Florida’ only aerial adventure park.
