Amelia Earhart Aquatic Park

For residents and visitors throughout Florida, particularly in the vibrant Miami-Dade County area, finding a spacious and diverse outdoor destination for recreation is key to enjoying the Sunshine State's natural beauty. Amelia Earhart Park, nestled in Opa-locka, stands as a sprawling urban oasis, offering an unparalleled variety of activities that cater to every age and interest. This 515-acre park, featuring five expansive lakes, is far more than just a green space; it's a dynamic hub for watersports, agricultural education, active pursuits, and serene relaxation.

While one recent customer review highlights a mixed experience with a particular water activity vendor within the park, the overwhelming sentiment emphasizes the park's overall value and the abundance of "other things to do." From serene bike trails with scenic views to a lively petting zoo and dedicated spaces for athletic endeavors, Amelia Earhart Park provides a well-rounded outdoor experience. Its ability to accommodate a range of activities, from high-energy sports to tranquil family picnics, makes it a cherished local gem.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive and factual overview of Amelia Earhart Park, guiding local Floridians through its vast offerings. We'll explore its convenient location, the extensive list of services and attractions, and the unique features that make it an indispensable part of the South Florida recreational landscape. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, an animal lover, a watersports aficionado, or simply seeking a great spot for a family cookout, Amelia Earhart Park promises a full day of adventure and relaxation.

Amelia Earhart Park is prominently located at 4701 NW 119th St, Opa-locka, FL 33054, USA. Its position just north of Hialeah, within unincorporated Miami-Dade County, makes it highly accessible for residents throughout the greater Miami area. Major roadways provide straightforward access, ensuring that families from various parts of the county can easily reach this expansive park.

The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, offering ample opportunity for visitors to enjoy its facilities. Parking is generally free on weekdays, with a modest fee of $8 per vehicle on weekends and holidays (or $7 depending on the source). This fee helps in the maintenance and continued enhancement of the park's extensive amenities. Its large size accommodates plenty of parking, even on busy weekends, though it's noted that the park "does get pretty full on the weekends."

The vastness of the park means that even on crowded days, there is "plenty of space and activities going on," allowing visitors to find their preferred area for recreation. The accessibility is further enhanced by its inclusion in Miami-Dade County's transportation information, indicating options for walking, biking, or public transit to reach the park. This thoughtful positioning makes Amelia Earhart Park a convenient and appealing destination for diverse visitors.

Amelia Earhart Park is renowned for its incredibly diverse range of services and recreational opportunities, truly offering something for everyone. Its size allows for distinct zones, each providing unique experiences.

• Miami Watersports Complex (MWC): Situated on the park's 90-acre freshwater lake, MWC is a premier destination for watersports. It features two full-size cable wakeboarding systems, a two-tower system for beginners, and offers boat wakeboarding, wakesurfing, waterskiing, kneeboarding, and paddleboarding. All necessary equipment is available for rent, and certified coaches provide instruction. They also have an Aquapark, an inflatable floating obstacle course (ages 6+).
• Bill Graham Farm Village: A charming farm replica designed to educate visitors about Miami-Dade's agricultural past. It includes a demonstration barn with horseshoeing, cow-milking, and sheep-shearing demonstrations, a petting zoo with horses, cows, and sheep, a pony ring with pony rides (for a small charge on weekends), a country store, and an insect museum. As one review noted, "the goat area was so fun."
• Mountain Biking Trails: Eight miles of free-to-use bike trails cater to all skill levels – beginners, intermediate, and advanced – featuring single tracks, fire roads, climbs, downhills, and banked corners. Bike rentals are available on weekends from Genesis Mountain Bike Rentals.
• Disc Golf Course: An 18-hole disc golf course offers a fun and challenging activity for disc golf enthusiasts.
• Soccer 5 Mini-Soccer Complex: Provides state-of-the-art 4G turf fields for small-sided soccer games, with options for leagues, tournaments, and field rentals for youth and adults.
• Bark Park: A five-acre fenced dog park with separate sections for large and small dogs, complete with washing and grooming areas, doggy swimming pools, and an obstacle course, making it a paradise for furry friends.
• Fishing Pier: Visitors can enjoy fishing from the pier on one of the park's five lakes, provided they bring their own rod, bait, and tackle.
• Picnic Areas & Shelters: Numerous picnic tables and grills are scattered throughout the park, with picnic shelters available for gatherings and cookouts.
• Playgrounds: Multiple playgrounds, including Tom Sawyer's Play Island (a fort-style treehouse fully accessible for ages 2-12), offer safe and engaging spaces for children to climb, slide, and explore.
• Fitness Zone: An outdoor area with exercise machines that use body weight for various workouts.
• Paved Walkways & Jogging Trails: Ideal for leisurely strolls, power walks, or runs through the park's scenic landscapes.

Amelia Earhart Park stands out as a top recreational destination in South Florida due to several key features and highlights that enhance the visitor experience.

• Vast and Diverse Landscape: At 515 acres with five lakes, the park offers an immense and varied environment for activities, from serene waters to wooded trails and open fields. This scale ensures that even when busy, there's always space to enjoy.
• Unique Bill Graham Farm Village: This feature provides a distinct educational and interactive experience not commonly found in urban parks, allowing children to connect with agriculture and animals in a hands-on way, including a "petting zoo" and "pony rides."
• Comprehensive Watersports Facilities: The Miami Watersports Complex is a major draw, offering a high-quality venue for wakeboarding, waterskiing, and other lake activities, catering to both beginners and advanced riders with professional coaching and equipment. The Aquapark adds an exciting inflatable obstacle course element.
• Extensive Trail System: The 8 miles of mountain bike trails are a significant highlight for cycling enthusiasts, providing varying terrains and challenges. The general "bike trail on the back part of the park" is also appreciated by locals for casual rides.
• Inclusive Dog Park: The large, well-equipped Bark Park is a major asset for dog owners, offering a dedicated and safe space for pets to socialize and exercise.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Despite the negative experience mentioned in one review regarding a specific water activity vendor (and importantly, the review stated it was a specific vendor, not the entire park's aquatic offerings), the park is widely recognized as a "great park" for families, offering "plenty of space and activities going on" and being suitable for "cook outs." The availability of multiple playgrounds and picnic areas reinforces its family-friendly nature.
• Excellent Staff (in some areas): The review highlights "the man that greeted us was very kind," indicating that excellent customer service is present in certain areas of the park, enhancing visitors' initial interactions.

For more information about Amelia Earhart Park, including inquiries about specific activities or facility rentals, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 4701 NW 119th St, Opa-locka, FL 33054, USA

Phone: (305) 685-8389

Mobile Phone: +1 305-685-8389

It is always advisable to check the Miami-Dade County Parks website or call directly for the most current information on hours, activity availability (especially for specific vendors like Miami Watersports Complex), and any special event schedules, as these can vary seasonally or due to unforeseen circumstances.

For residents of Florida, particularly those in the bustling Miami-Dade County area, Amelia Earhart Park is an exceptionally suitable and indispensable local resource for outdoor recreation and family enjoyment. Its vastness and unparalleled diversity of attractions ensure that there is literally something for everyone, making it a perfect destination for any day out.

Firstly, the sheer scale of the park means that even on crowded weekends, there is ample room for various activities without feeling overly congested. Whether you're seeking a challenging mountain bike ride, a relaxed picnic, an educational farm visit, or thrilling watersports, the park's expansive layout accommodates it all. This versatility is crucial for families with diverse interests and energy levels.

Secondly, the combination of recreational activities with educational elements, such as the Bill Graham Farm Village, provides a unique value. It allows children to learn about agriculture and interact with animals, adding an enriching dimension to their play time. The dedicated spaces like the Bark Park also highlight the park's thoughtful inclusion of all family members, including furry ones.

While isolated incidents with specific third-party vendors might occur, the overall consensus from locals underscores the park's quality and the multitude of positive experiences it offers. As one local noted, "Overall is a great park," suitable for everything from working out to having a cookout. Amelia Earhart Park is truly a cornerstone of outdoor life in South Florida, consistently providing enriching and enjoyable experiences for the community.

Amelia Earhart Aquatic Park

4701 NW 119th St, Opa-locka, FL 33054, USA