Pinecrest Gardens
About
Pinecrest Gardens is a stunning 80-acre tropical oasis that perfectly blends nature education with active play for kids. With its combination of a splash pad for cooling off, a hands-on petting farm, multiple playgrounds, and winding paths through exotic botanical collections featuring flamingos and tropical plants, this garden offers something for every family member throughout the day.
Highlights
- ✓Interactive splash pad perfect for hot Florida days
- ✓Petting farm with friendly goats, chickens, and other animals
- ✓Multiple age-appropriate playgrounds throughout the grounds
- ✓Beautiful flamingo exhibit and tropical bird sightings
- ✓Shaded walking paths through rare tropical plant collections
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right when gates open at 9 AM for the coolest temperatures and best animal activity at the petting farm before it gets too hot
- 2.Bring swimsuits and towels for the splash pad, it's the perfect way to cool down after exploring the gardens on warm Florida days
- 3.Pack a picnic to enjoy in the shaded areas, as there's no full-service restaurant on-site and kids can burn through snacks quickly
- 4.Download the garden map or grab one at the entrance to make sure you don't miss hidden gems like the koi pond and butterfly garden
- 5.Check their event calendar before visiting for free family programs, concerts, and seasonal festivals that add extra value to your visit
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings between October and April for the most comfortable weather, fewer crowds, and active wildlife. The gardens can get hot and humid during summer afternoons, making early morning visits essential during June through September.
What to Know
Admission is very affordable at around $5-10 per person (children under 2 are free), with free parking available on-site. While there's no restaurant, vending machines and a small café offer drinks and snacks, and picnicking is welcomed in designated areas.
Seasonal Notes
The gardens are most lush and comfortable October through April during South Florida's dry season. Special events include holiday light displays in December, summer camps for kids, and family festivals throughout the year. The splash pad typically operates year-round, weather permitting.
Nearby Eats
The Falls shopping center is just 5 minutes away with family favorites like Yard House and Seasons 52, or head to nearby Dadeland Mall for a full food court. For a quick local bite, Pinecrest has several kid-friendly cafés and pizza spots within a mile of the gardens.
More Activities Near Pinecrest
Evelyn Greer Park
Evelyn Greer Park is a well-loved Pinecrest gem that checks all the boxes for active families. With multiple sports courts, baseball fields, engaging playgrounds, and shaded picnic areas, this park offers something for every family member whether you're planning a quick playground visit or an all-day outdoor adventure.
Suniland Park
Suniland Park is a well-loved Pinecrest gem offering everything families need for an active outdoor day. With its modern playground equipment, open green spaces for running around, basketball courts for older kids, and shaded pavilion areas perfect for birthday parties or picnics, this park delivers quality play time in a safe, maintained environment that keeps parents coming back.
Pinecrest Community Center
The Pinecrest Community Center is a family-friendly hub offering something for every age, from energetic summer camps and youth sports programs to parent-tot classes and community events. With its welcoming atmosphere and diverse programming, it's the go-to spot for Pinecrest families looking to stay active, make friends, and participate in enriching activities without breaking the bank.
Azucar
A beloved Pinecrest institution since 1984, Azucar has been serving generations of South Florida families delicious hand-dipped ice cream in a classic parlor setting. Located conveniently at The Falls shopping area, this family-owned gem offers a nostalgic ice cream experience with generous portions, creative sundaes, and thick milkshakes that will make kids (and parents!) smile.