Kids Empire Miami Dolphin Mall

If you have kids between 1 and 10 and you're in Miami, Kids Empire at Dolphin Mall should be on your short list. With a 4.8-star rating from over 4,500 reviews, this is one of the most-loved children's activity spots in the entire metro area — and after one visit, you'll understand why.

The facility spans a large footprint inside Dolphin Mall in Doral-area Miami. The main attraction is a towering multi-level climbing structure that winds through tunnels, bridges, and slides. Kids disappear into it for stretches of 30-45 minutes at a time, which parents tend to appreciate.

The structure is designed so parents can see children from multiple vantage points, but it's big enough that kids feel genuinely free.

The dedicated toddler zone is a highlight for families with younger children. It's fully gated, scaled to little bodies, and filled with soft structures, interactive panels, and small slides. Parents of 1-3 year olds consistently call this section a relief — your toddler isn't getting bowled over by 8-year-olds running full speed.

Being inside a mall means this is a completely air-conditioned experience. In Miami's summer heat and hurricane-season humidity, that matters more than you might think. Rainy day? Doesn't matter. 95 degrees outside? Doesn't matter. You're comfortable.

The admission model is time-based, so plan your visit accordingly. Weekday mornings are the sweet spot — lighter crowds, easier parking, and the same price as a packed Saturday afternoon. If you do go on a weekend, aim for opening time (10AM) and you'll get at least an hour of lower-density play before it picks up.

Dolphin Mall's food court is immediately adjacent, so post-play refueling is easy. Bring socks — grip socks are required for the climbing structures. Most families find 2-3 hours is the right amount of time before energy starts to flag.