Time Out Miami contributors

No matter the season, it’s always a great time for getting outside in Miami. Even in the summer, you usually only have to wait around 30 minutes tops for a storm to pass, and then it’s all sunshine and fresh air in Miami’s beautiful and abundant green spaces. Our parks are as diverse as our city, offering a range of ecosystems and environments to choose from, whether it’s oceanfront dunes, hammock-enclosed trails or thick mangroves you can paddle right up to. At the best parks in Miami, we have access to tropical flora and fauna, fitness trails, party pavilions and all sorts of water-based activities. A day in the park is not only one of the best free things to do in Miami, but is also one of the best things to do in Miami with kids.  RECOMMENDED: 13 things you didn't know you could do at a park in Miami

We’ve visited every place on the Time Out EAT List in person (in the case of some of them, several times). We go incognito, and book, pay and tip like everyone else. We get treated like regular diners – sometimes we get the table by the restrooms. Some of these places are established icons of Miami’s dining scene, some are instant classics, some are future stars. We like to let places bed in, revisit them and explore the menu. For a restaurant, café, gastropub or whatever to get on the EAT List, the food has to be amazing, that’s a given. But we’re after more than that. We’re looking for a combination of cooking, atmosphere and experience that makes a place truly memorable: somewhere you’d tell your friends about. Somewhere you can’t wait to go back to. We won’t include a place just because it’s innovative, or expensive, or hard to book: it always has to deliver flavor and value. We rate out of five stars: One star: avoid! Two stars: not that great. Three stars: good. Four stars: really good. Five stars: unmissable. We also give you an idea of how expensive places are. Prices are based on two people, three courses, drinks and service. Dollar-sign designations go as follows: $ for meals $10 or less$$ if you’re spending $10 to $25$$$ for prices between $25 and $50$$$$ when entrées set you back more than $50. The EAT LIST is updated regularly, so you can be sure that it is always a picture of the very best of Miami’s current food scene.

What exactly is a Miami rite of passage? They are the things—both big and small—that we must endure in order to call this city home. You probably underwent a couple on your way to work this morning. You might be powering through one right now. We face them each time we set out for one of the best Miami beaches or decide to spend the night dancing away at one of the best South Beach clubs. They can be good. They are often bad. But if what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, than these 305 rites of passage can only make us more Miami. So, how Miami are you? Fill out the checklist and then do the most Miami thing possible—brag about the results on social media. // function showScore() { $('#seencount').html($(":checkbox:checked").length); $("a[id='shareme']").attr('href', 'http://www.facebook.com/dialog/stream.publish?app_id=110523762296825&client_id=110523762296825&redirect_uri=http://timeout.com/miami&display=page&link=http://www.timeout.com/miami/things-to-do/miami-rites-of-passage/&picture=https://media.timeout.com/images/101853855/image.jpg4&description=Are you a true Miamian?&name=I%27ve completed ' + $(":checkbox:checked").length + ' Miami rites of passage. How about you?'); $("a[id='tweetme']").attr('

Listings and reviews (7)

Thievery Corporation

This genre-spanning band has incorporated dub, bossa nova, Indian classical music and all sorts of worldly styles into their brand of downtempo electronica since they formed in the 90s. They’re also no strangers to crooked politics, having been participants in Washington D.C.’s nightlife scene since they started out, both on the business and artistic sides. Catch them live as they make a two-night tour stop in Miami Beach on Friday, June 20th and Saturday, June 21st at the intimate, open-air venue, the Miami Beach Bandshell.

Free Family Fun Day at HistoryMiami Museum

Ever wondered what the magic city looked like hundreds of years ago? HistoryMiami has you covered—literally. Enjoy a free visit to the museum every second Saturday of the month. Spend the day time-traveling and discovering hidden nuggets of the 305’s past. The museum is free to explore from 10am to 5pm, with family-friendly activities hosted from 11am to 4pm. On May 10, participate in an interactive tour of the special exhibition, Waves of Style: Swimwear through the Decades, which chronicles the evolution of swimwear design and its cultural significance through history. There will also be games and a swimsuit design workshop out of the plaza.

Stitch Lab Club Privé

Your closet is in for a colorful treat this week: the Stitch Lab pop-up returns to the Miami Design District for an eighth season, this time positioning itself as a luxury-driven retail event. The locally-based fashion incubator is known for curating a stellar shopping experience, with over 40 of Latin America's top fashion designers and emerging brands. Expect high-quality pieces that tell a story, including one-of-a-kind apparel, accessories, shoes, swim and resort wear, plus new wellness and beauty offerings, all spread out across the third floor of the expansive Paradise Plaza. It's the perfect excuse for a wardrobe refresh ahead of the summer season. 

Haulover Kite Festival

Come out to Haulover Park’s 32nd annual Kite Day celebration, where hundreds of colored kites–from a 100-foot squid and stingray to a 50-foot astronaut—fly through the air all afternoon. Bring your own kite to fly, buy one on-site or make one at a workshop. The state's biggest kiting event also features food and refreshments for purchase, and visitors are encouraged to fly kites inspired by their cultural heritage.

Dragons and Mythical Creatures

The lush botanical gardens of Fairchild make for the perfect backdrop to this summertime activation geared toward families. Impressive mythical beasts perched throughout the grounds will breathe smoke, roar and share their legendary stories as the kiddos partake in scavenger hunts and dragon quests to become knights and dragon royalty.

PAMM Free Second Saturday: Wordplay

In celebration of Haitian Heritage Month, stop by the PAMM for a day of free art and all-ages entertainment. On the museum's waterfront terrace, explore Haiti’s deep roots in South Florida along with its beautiful language, people and culture. Create your own art while enjoying local Haitian drumming groups, a celebration of Kreyòl poetry and Haitian music.

Florida Keys Outlet Marketplace

3 out of 5 stars

There are malls you go to discover new trends and brands and the malls you visit when you simply need something cheap and reasonable to wear. The Florida Keys Outlet Marketplace falls in the latter category, thanks, in part, to an unremarkable lineup of discount stores, including Levi’s, Converse and Aeropostale. Stuff here isn’t unlike what you’d find at your local mall, though prices are generally below regular retail. Its most winning quality: it’s outdoors, so you won’t miss out on good weather spending the day here.