There’s an addictive rush of adrenaline that courses through my body when I spot a sale sign in a store window. Maybe it’s the thrill of scoring a designer-brand ivory parka I will probably never use (this is Miami, after all) simply because of the ridiculously rock-bottom price. Besides, there’s nothing retail therapy can’t handle. Tough day? Stressed? The mall’s got your back. Landed a promotion with a solid raise? Just found out that “Alf” is making a comeback on Netflix? Snagging some shopping deals is a fantastic way to celebrate, if I do say so myself—especially if we’re talking outlet malls.
While Orlando is widely considered Florida’s outlet shopping mecca, there’s no need to drive over four hours to get your fix. Miami (and South Florida, in general) has some great outlet malls that cater to everyone in the family, with kid-friendly play zones, creative dining options, movie theaters, and, for the adrenaline junkies in the crowd, rock climbing walls and bungee jumping pods. But listen, not all kids may be into the outlet itself. So I’ve highlighted a few child-friendly activities in the surrounding areas so your kiddies —shopaholic or not—can be happy without having to leave them at home with a sitter.
Cue up a Lil Jon beat, because we’re about to shop, shop, shop, shop, shop, shop … everybody! Here are five outlet malls in South Florida that fit the bill.
Dolphin Mall
Address: 11401 NW 12th St., Miami, FL 33172
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Sunday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Phone: 305-365-7446
Right off the Florida Turnpike lies an oasis of over 240 bargain shops divided into three zones: Playa, Moda, and Ramblas. Each area specializes in a different shopping theme. Playa features South Beach–style shopping, with casual apparel and accessories; Moda is the trendier of the three, boasting chic designer shops; and Ramblas houses dining and entertainment venues. At Dolphin Mall, you can dip into stores like Neiman Marcus Last Call, Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store, and Michael Kors before winding down the day with dinner and drinks at Kona Grill or Cabo Flats.
Kids are also well accommodated here, with a spacious play area that takes its cue from your favorite breakfast plate. Plastic replicas of fried eggs, bacon, sausage links, and bananas serve as makeshift tunnels, slides, and balancing pads on a carpeted expanse next to the food court. The mall also features the popular indoor playground Cool de Sac; parents can enjoy a glass of wine here while kids keep busy with blocks, an arts and crafts center, and a performance stage. Bowlero offers a glow-in-the-dark bowling, laser tag and arcade games for kids of all ages.
Sawgrass Mills
Address: 12801 W. Sunrise Blvd., Sunrise, FL 33323
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Sunday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Phone: 954-846-2300
Have a full day to kill? Great. You’re going to need it (and your trusty pair of sneakers) at Sawgrass Mills—and that won’t guarantee you’re going to see everything here! There are over 350 shops, like Coach, Chico’s, and Club Monaco, vying for your attention. If you’ve got a few extra bills in the savings account, save your splurge for Sawgrass Mills’ neighboring annex, The Colonnade. It’s luxury brands all the way here, with 70 outlet shops that include designer favs like Jimmy Choo, Diane von Furstenberg, Tory Burch, and Kate Spade.
Offering a spate of adventurous amenities, the mall is ready to take on your rambunctious kiddos. A rock climbing wall, a carnival carousel and a trampoline-propelled bungee jump (fully supported, of course) are all fair game here, while the Rainforest Cafe houses a cool playground area with tunnels and swirly slides galore.
Florida Keys Outlet Marketplace
Address: 250 E. Palm Drive, Florida City, FL 33034
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Sunday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Phone: 305-248-4727
Though she be but little, she is fierce—that pretty much sums up the Florida Keys Outlet Marketplace. While it’s technically a few miles north of the Florida Keys, this cozy shopping sprawl sits at the gateway to paradise and features 50 different shops, including Nine West, Converse, Coach, and kids’ faves Carter’s and Gymboree.
Roaming around the open-air mall with its Spanish-style architecture, you’ll find a handful of eateries, but I’d suggest taking advantage of your time down south and driving two miles into the neighboring city of Homestead. Kids will get a kick out of Robert Is Here, with its creamy, dreamy tropical milkshakes and eclectic petting zoo. You can also fill up on some of the best barbecue in South Florida at Shiver’s.
Palm Beach Outlets
Address: 1751 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Sunday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Phone: 561-515-4400
This 444,000-square-foot property about an hour and a half north of Miami attracts a pretty lively crowd on weekends. The palm tree–lined outdoor space is great on a sunny day, but don’t worry—there are canopies overhead to shield you from too much sun or rain. It opened a little over three years ago with more than 140 shops and eateries spanning from luxury outlets like Saks’ Off 5th to more affordable brands like Aldo, Puma, and Torrid.
For the kiddos, there’s a Toys “R” Us outlet (you’ve been warned!), coin-operated rides, and the kid-friendly BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse with an expansive children’s menu and a boisterous atmosphere that the rowdiest of the bunch will feel right at home in. While you’re there, stock up on snacks or knock out the week’s grocery shopping list with a stop at the Whole Foods Market.
Vero Beach Outlets
Address: 1824 94th Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32966
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Sunday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: 772-770-6097
If you’re in the mood for a scenic drive with the fam, book it to the Vero Beach Outlets, situated about two and a half hours from Miami. Take in the family-friendly, quiet expanse of beach in Vero and then wind down the day with some shopping at this outdoor mall.
There are over 60 different shops to explore—Dooney & Bourke, Adidas, J. Crew, and Carter’s all have outlet outposts here. And while the dining options in the mall are a bit sparse, it’s a good opportunity to get to know Vero Beach a bit better. Drop into one of the neighboring bistros or cafes—the Kilted Mermaid and Mrs. Mac’s Fillin’ Station are good options—for a taste of the local flavor.
