Amelia Earhart Park

Amelia Earhart Park in Hialeah is one of Miami-Dade County's crown jewels of family recreation — a massive 515-acre park packed with so many activities that families routinely spend an entire day and still don't see everything. This is the kind of park that turns a regular weekend outing into a genuine adventure.

The park's highlights for families include pony rides (a consistent crowd-pleaser for ages 3–10), a petting zoo with farm animals, a BMX bicycle track, disc golf course, multiple stocked fishing lakes, bike trails, and several full-sized playgrounds serving different age groups. Few parks in South Florida — and few parks in the country — offer this breadth of family activities in a single free or near-free venue.

The pony ride operation is a standout feature that sets Amelia Earhart apart from standard county parks. Children queue for short guided pony rides through a dedicated track — bring cash as the operation typically runs on a ticket system. The farm area adjacent to the pony rides features chickens, goats, and other farm animals that young children can observe and interact with.

For families with active older kids, the BMX track allows free riding for anyone with a bike, and rentals are available on site. The stocked fishing lakes are suitable for beginner anglers, with bass and bluegill commonly caught — no license required for children under 16 in Florida.

Weekday entry is free; weekends have a $5 vehicle entrance fee. The park includes restroom facilities, pavilion areas with picnic tables, and ample parking. Pack a full picnic to make the most of the covered pavilion areas and avoid the limited food vendor options.