Fabulous park with a good amount of green space and lots of benches and tables to chill at. Went for a walk around this park and appreciate all the trails with nice views and lots of shade. There's even a cute little free library at the nature center. Lots of things to do here so I hope to come again and try some different activities! read more

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Lovely park to hangout with family or friends, walk around and enjoy the freshness of the nature. It has enough picnic tables and spots to have some beverages and food. Also enough parking for visitors. Totally recommended to visit. read more

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Total gem. Couldn't believe this is in the middle of the city . The nature center area is totally worth going too as it's mostly shaded. Extremely peaceful to just be and breath. There are benches and water fountains scattered on the trail, as well as helpful signs talking about the flora or fauna found in the trail . They have their own bathrooms (which close earlier than the park's) and an office. I can't wait to return and explore some more. The park is great for cycling and picnics from the drive we took. read more

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This is a pretty big park. I love that bathrooms are easily accessible and that the trails are fun and entertaining for the kids and then they do have a little park. That is also fun. We went for the nature center, which looked like a cute little experience, but unfortunately we went while it was closed so I definitely plan on coming back just to check it out while it's open. read more

Miami has some really great parks and this is one of them. Opened in 1977, this 65 acre park was named A.D. "Doug" Barnes, the first Director of the Parks and Recreation Department. Mr. Barnes strongly supported that idea that recreation was essential for the citizens of Miami-Dade County. This park has offered programs for people in the community with disabilities since is opening. Park amenities include a pool (closed) that normally offers swim classes for children and exercise programs for seniors., a lake for fishing, covered pavilions, tables, grills, nature trail, nature center, and open grassy area. The park also contains a 15 acre of Pine Rockland habitat. The hard rocky ground is made of limestone and there are pine trees. The trail in this portion of the park is part of the Florida Birding Trail and the Audubon lists it as one of the best places to birdwatch in Miami. It is also a great place to see zebra long-wing butterflies. White tail deer have even been spotted here. How wonderful it is that nature has a place to thrive in urban Miami. Thanks to the work of A.D. Barnes generations of Miamians have a place to exercise and play promoting health and well being of mind. This is a very nice place to catch the sunset too. read more

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A.D. Barnes Parks is a good place for family picnics and afternoon and morning walks. The park has a walking path around a big lake and a facility to do some exercise. There are a couple of nicely maintained areas. Kids can play in the playground. Overall, this is a well-maintained family-friendly park to spend quality time. read more

Nice place to do outdoor activities. Great spot to play to sports like soccer and tennis. So good nature spot. Pleasant and feels relaxing there. The place was huge. Good scenery. Its good to stopped there to take a break. read more

Finally at this park for the first time!! We went because we were invited for a baby shower and let me tell you how impress I am with the nice areas of this park. Restrooms were so clean, the cabin were we had the baby shower was also clean and ample. Different garbages can all over the park and right before we went home in our way to the car, we saw how they have a section with some machines for people to do exercise. read more

A.D. Barnes Park - Parks Near Me - Miami, Florida

Great class. Learned about Archery introductory lesson and the instructors were patient and made it fun! Would def like to take more classes in the future. read more

A.D. Barnes Park - Archery class - Parks Near Me - Miami, Florida

Great park for an after work walk. I brought my puppy here after a hot day and it was the Perfect private not crowded little park. There were families walking and other people about and it was a nice place to be read more

A.D. Barnes Park - Parks Near Me - Miami, Florida

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Horrible. Este parque .. lo digo por mi experiencia.. nos rompieron el cristal para robar, a dos carros de nuestro invitados de un cumpleaños. Ha pero ya es costumbre del lugar dicho por el security. Awful. This park... I say it from my experience... they broke the glass to rob two cars of our birthday guests. Ha, but it is customary of the place said by the security. read more

A.D. Barnes ranks high for having plenty of space and sufficient amenities. They offer a public pool, walking trails, and plenty of picnic and seating areas. You can rent space for parties and several events often take place here. One thing to note is that this park suffers from high auto thefts and break-ins. When visiting this park, make sure to lock your cars and remove any valuable belongings. We've been to several parties in which attendees have have their cars broken into. The park also needs some more updates and upkeep as it definitely shows its age. read more

We've been to AD Barnes many times for birthday parties and baby showers but we've only recently discovered all of its walking/biking trails and Nature Center. Due to the COVID pandemic, Miami Dade County opened up its parks before the City of Miami so we headed over as soon as we could. AD Barnes is very family friendly and the staff is on top of everyone wearing masks as they drive around the park in their vehicles. You can bring a few snacks to enjoy a little picnic or a soccer ball to play with the kids on a field. After now visiting a few times, I'm so happy we have such a great park to enjoy as a family. read more

I haven't been to A.D. Barnes Park in a long time. I went there today and loved it. Not as crowded as the other parks, which was refreshing. I walked through the nature trail and really enjoyed it. The trees provided a lot shade and fresh air. I was not happy to see that the observation deck was close off. Hopefully it's a temporary thing. read more

A.D. Barnes Park - Yellow flower - Parks Near Me - Miami, Florida

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I love this park although I am not sure why they don't allow dogs with the many cats and other animals that call this park home. Love walking in the wooded back area although they have made it really hard to get to. Not sure why they have done this other than the elevated walk that is falling apart. But that should not make it almost imperceptible to get to this beautiful area were you can see so many birds and butterflies too. Hopeful they will stop blocking this area. read more

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This park is one of the best public parks in miami due to its extensive amenities and convenient location. There's plenty of nature trails and common areas available for rent along with so much mire. It's got a little bit for everyone and there's even a pool which is cleanly maintained. It's quieter than Tropical Park and the open layout really allows for the perfect disconnect. The lake is nice to take a stroll around and the bike paths are a great way to explore the grounds for yourself. I think the wooden deck areas are a great way to take a stroll and offer a soothing and scenic view of tranquility. Picnics are popular here because of the lush and green areas surrounding this slice of nature amidst our busy city. It's the perfect getaway for a quiet afternoon. read more

Really good park, with shelters for parties, walk lanes and bike lanes. Also, it has a little nature trail. Basketball courts and kids playground are clean, and the bathrooms are open and clean also. Besides the bike lanes and walk lanes, and the nature trail (I needed to emphasize), there is a public pool where they teach kids to swim. I have taken my children to private lessons at more expensive clubs and colleges, and they didn't learn to swim. But here at AD Barnes, they learned, so I recommend it. The pool may get crowded on the weekend though, they offer scuba and it is open to the public. But they have a diving board, so... The size of this park is pretty nice. Because of this, you sometimes see really exotic birds. I have been amazed by the beauty of these birds flying free in the Miami sky. One of the reasons why I love this city. This park is great. Enough said. Ride your bike. read more

I love exploring new parks with my son, and being that he is quite the agile climber, it allows me to keep giving him a new experience while not having to spend much money on entertainment. While in South Miami, we tend to favor Tropical Park, as it has a beautiful shaded playground right next to a big hill and a gymnastics course. But today, we decided to explore A.D. Barnes Park, which is only about a mile away from Tropical Park, right off Bird Road and 72 Avenue. I'm so glad we ventured off our beaten path, as we found this playground to be twice the size of the one we usually frequent at Tropical. It was complete with three different monkey bar type activities, a climbing wall and bridge, plenty of swings and slides as well as several shaded bench seating areas for parents. We actually went at noon so you can imagine: it was a ghost town. My son had this gem of a playground all to himself. With the ample trees surrounding this park, the heat was bearable and we also got to see an iguana and chipmunk right next to the playground climbing the trees. When you get to see a live iguana, you know it's gonna be a good day. That was the cherry on top to a beautiful park experience. South Miami is full of treasures and never disappoints. Check out AD Barnes Park of you haven't. There are also a few trails if you are feeling adventurous--perfect for a nature walk in gorgeous South Florida read more

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One of the reasons I love bicycling, besides the fact that one gets to enjoy nature, get some healthy exercise and maybe lose a few pounds, is the fact that I've discovered lots of very cool places like this park that I would never have found otherwise. I was out on a bike ride to nowhere on a recent Saturday afternoon when I rode past the sign for A. D. "Doug" Barnes Park. I saw a neat sculpture which was basically a utility pole sticking sideways out of a hill, with cables running into the ground around it, and I could see a lake in the background. I decided to ride in and check it out. When one first enters this park from the entrance at Bird Rd. and SW 72nd Ave., the first thing you see is a fairly large lake, encircled by a paved bike/walking path with several benches, shaded seating, and 2 picnic shelters right on the water (both are currently being reconstructed). A bit further in, one comes to the swimming pool, playground and basketball court which are surrounded by several shelters, picnic benches and lots of open, shady spaces. There is also a baseball/softball field and a tennis court nearby as well. What I found to be the most outstanding feature of this park, however, is one that I'd never have expected to find. I saw signage pointing towards a "nature center". Intrigued, I rode back to that area and what I found was very cool! There was a nature area, open from 9 - 5, 7 days a week which featured a few miles of paved and unpaved bike/walking trails through an old growth, undisturbed forest. As I rode through, I heard lots of critters scurrying away from the paths, and saw tons of birds, squirrels and other wildlife. Behind the nature center is a large fire pit with bench seating in a wide circle around it, and a man made waterfall. Once you head down the trail area, you'll see several benches and a small shelter which are placed along the trail, allowing people to sit, talk, check out the surroundings and simply enjoy nature. A bit farther in there is an elevated, wooden observation deck. On the other side of the nature center, there are paved trails that take you back to park offices and 2 cabins which are used for groups or organizations who wish to camp or hold programs here, and there's also a butterfly garden. I was very impressed by the nature trails, as the forest was truly untouched by man or by weather from all appearances, and it was completely secluded, quiet and peaceful, aside from the distant sound of the music being played by the ice cream truck over by the swimming pool (and the ice cream truck was playing Christmas carols in April, to add to the annoyance). In all, I'm happy I found this place. This is definitely a park to keep in mind to bring a date or spouse when you simply want to get away from the city, forget about the rat race, and walk or bike through and enjoy nature in its unspoiled, undisturbed splendor. read more

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I used to work nearby AD Barnes Park and quickly found solace in its picnic tables, walking paths and open spaces during my strict one hour lunch breaks (oh, corporate America). It's definitely not an expected find while driving down Bird Road but once you pull in, you quickly realize its scale. The picnic tables out in the sun by the river were usually my go-to to soak in some Vitamin D and spot lots of iguanas. There are also a number of huts for bigger groups where you'll find lots of kids in summer camps during that season, along with a pool and playground area which also gets busy when school isn't in session. One of my favorite parts of the park is definitely the outer perimeter. You can take a nice long walk around the green space and into the more shaded forest where there is "The Leisure Access Camp" with cottages and other facilities housed in back. Overall, definitely a space worth checking out that is a lot more manageable than Tropical Park. Especially when you only got an hour to spare! read more

In the hustle and bustle of Miami's interior, especially along the clogged Bird Road (SW 40 St), an often-thought of place of reprieve would be Tropical Park, thanks to its immense size, huge sign, and popularity. A.D. "Doug" Barnes Park, on the other side of the Palmetto Expressway seems to be Tropical Park's little and forgotten sister. But in my opinion, the little sister is prettier and cuter. Maybe it's just those goddarn baby cheeks! What master-planned Tropical Park lacks, the little A.D. Barnes make up for - there's trails and a greater sense of nature in the environment as there's more of a natural setting at this park. In short, while people may go to Tropical Park to play tennis, soccer, racquetball and basketball, A.D. Barnes is there for me to have a simple and quiet stroll among nature's wonders in an uncompetitive environment - because it is here that nature is undisputedly "king." read more

You'd be hard-pressed to dislike a place like a park, especially in the concrete jungle that Miami has become, and this park is no exception, with its busy roads and commercial establishments nearby. Everyone knows that if anything, Miami doesn't have enough parks. It was nice to find this park, so close to the traffic-heavy Bird Road. It is quite large, at 65 acres, and well spread out. A few people were having a picnic near the lake, while others had a bouncy house and enjoyed a birthday party. It was rather pleasant to see, as I don't usually see many people having picnics anymore! There is a swimming pool here, a splash playground, some bicycle/jogging/walking trails, a waterfall close to some benches surrounding a pit, a nature center, and cabins that are equipped with showers, 10 beds, air conditioning, a kitchen and dining hall. Swimming lessons are provided at the pool, and the great thing about this park is that they have focused on integrating activities for the disabled. An example of this is their camp, which focuses on disabled kids and is managed by certified therapeutic recreation specialists who can patiently care for the kids. In addition to these amenities is a fishing pier, playground, and basketball courts. There are shelters and an observation deck which is easily accessible via the walking trails. One of the most interesting things is the abandoned railroad bridge, on which trains used to pass. This is definitely unique, I am unaware of any parks that have something like this. I read that it has been featured in photo shoots! Although I did not observe any wildlife other than squirrels and members of the large feral cat population that inhabit the park, I would not be surprised to find some. I came as the sun was going down, so I was probably too late for the wildlife to still be present. If you arrive before 5 to the nature center, you can take part in one of their tours, though I do not know if there is a fee. read more

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It's a beautiful day in Miami, the sun is shining brightly, a nice blue sky peeking at you through your window and suddenly you just want to spend some time amongst some trees and little critters. Wanting to just get away from all the hustle and bustle that is every day life and just find some peace with what Mother Nature has to offer, I was off! Living in Miami, there's a very limited option of where one can go to fulfill such a simple, but yet rewarding experience. However, if one is willing to look they can very well find those hidden gems. Mostly being overlooked for the more bigger Tropical Park just down the street, AD Barnes Park I found to be a nice bout of fresh air! It might be small but it is pretty mighty. Being a park, it has its usual park stuff, i.e., a playground for the kids, a few shelters for some BBQ and a decent size lake where you could just sit along and enjoy a nice picnic. ***Sidenote*** Picnics are highly underrated in my opinion, just relaxing by a beautiful scenic view with some decent company is a pretty great day to me! :) I mainly decided to check out this park for the nature trail that it has. Although it is not very big- I think I spent about an hour doing it only because I was really just taking my time and wanting to enjoy it- I found it to be some much needed reflection time, As I leisurely made my way down the trail, you could hear all the little critters that where hiding amongst the foliage. Creepily looking at me but I couldn't see them. Not to fret though, I kept my eyes peeled and actually managed to see a raccoon. He was quick though, disappeared among the bushes before I could snap his pic...dammit! The park had this nice little lookout point where you climb a few steps to get a higher view of the area around the trail. I'm sure if you hung out there long enough you might have seen something interesting and it wound around a few feet into the trees to where the trail didn't lead to. ***WARNING***** Make sure, I repeat make sure you are paying attention to where you are going because there are some big ole spiders just hanging about on the trail. One literally had its web strung up in the middle of the trail and I almost didn't see it. After managing to avoid that not so great experience, I side stepped to what looked to be a better place to go and..... Yeah, there was an even more camouflaged web hanging out over there and I walked right into it! Yay me! =D That's how you become one with nature people. Don't knock it out of the way, just go right through it like a savage!! :P Bug repellent is highly suggested! Even though they are not constantly attacking you, for a few good points there, the moment I stopped to just enjoy the view, those suckers were on me! read more

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Never again. I didn't know about this park as it's overshadowed by nearby Tropical Park and rightly so. I went with boyfriend and a friend last Saturday and this park was simply a mission. Parking was downright impossible. When we finding found a parking space, we got out and tried to find somewhere to take decent photos. Everything was just bounce house after bounce house. It is quite obvious that this park caters to kids and kids only. I find that to be a bit of a mess because while we were trying to be open-minded and attempting to find a place to take photos, we were stopped by a woman. Apparently, she pointed us to cops and to her car. Someone had broken in and stolen stuff. I don't need to tell you that my boyfriend and his friend were relieved they had their expensive cameras on them. Still, we gave this place a chance. That was all pretty much ruined after I fell on a pinecone... yes, definitely, I didn't like this place at all; we were much happier when we left and went to Tropical Park. read more

I very nice little big park that I think gets over-shadowed by nearby Tropical. I for one find the space and tranquility of this park to be more my style as opposed to it's larger, stinkier friend to the west. Copy and Paste read more

The park is really big and feels really spread out like people aren't on top of each other. I usually meet with my group at the Nature Center and have a nice bonfire. recently I spent some time in one of the shelters and it was by the water had a ramp for wheelchairs and was a good size. I'd like to come back and ride my bike sometime.... read more

I come for the VACC Camp annual Luah . The Ventilation Assisted Children's Center camp is a great camp they have every year. Its very humbling as a mother to see children in wheelchairs who may never be able to live without help. This camp really gives them great experiences. Aloha read more

We didn't come across any nature trails besides the walk ways inside. It's good for some close by rental. I did like how there are things for recreational activities such as pretty big monkey bars, pool and basket ball. Needs some maintenance though in the biggest rental one where people are more inclined to be (the big one by the front) being that it's a park that holds creatures, especially ducks, could be dangerous for them. read more

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Lots of parking, there are tables where you can sit down and eat. I have gone to birthday parties here. My favorite parts are the walking trails in between the trees. There's even a cute fountain that looks like a water fall read more

I had my son's 3rd birthday party recently in their smaller shelter next to the playground. Everyone loved the location and the size of the shelter was perfect for a small intimate party. The kids had easy access to the playground and spent most of their time their so you do not need to spend money on additional entertainment such as bounce houses. The playground is enormous and has activities from smaller kids to bigger kids. The bathrooms were close by and so was the parking. The only thing I wish this shelter would have had is electricity like their bigger shelters do. AD Barnes is great for kids birthday party and does not disappoint. read more

NOT SAFE!! $1,000 REWARD We attended a birthday party here on Valentine's Day 2016 at pavilion 4. We had our car broken into. They smashed the back window and stole my Louis Vuitton purse out of the back seat. A few cars away they broke into another couples car and stole her purse and the bag of baby bottles out of their car. If you have information leading to the arrest of these people please call Miami-Dade Police 305-471-2800 (PSA S Marquez 8600) Case# PD160214059968. Picture of Purse: http://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/products/artsy-mm-monogram-000392 read more

I am changing my review because the program director reached out to me and has adjusted the classes to limit the amount of people attending and to add additional bows and targets. Also I did finally receive the refund check. It is good to see that the parks and recs department of Miami-Dade are on top of social media and care about the quality of their programs. I hope that they continue to improve. Original Review from Summer 2013 below. ========================================= Poorly run. I wouldn't suggest booking any of their Interpretive classes or events. Very poorly run. The Archery had so many people that were booked, that it took us over an hour to shoot 3 arrows. The Canoe Trip just didn't show up. And it's a hassle to get a refund. read more

This park is very relaxing and beautiful. I had a great experience here today. I got to see the different activities going on in the park, I find it admirable that they have a center for those with disabilities. Not to mention, the scenery is breathtaking. If you ever want to bring a special someone with you, you totally should! read more

A.D. Barnes Park - We found a wire sculpture while exploring! - Parks Near Me - Miami, Florida

This is my favorite hidden gem! Beautiful park with so much to do. Swimming pool with a kid's mini water park, playground, baseball field, hills, shelters, etc. but I would have to say what makes this park better than any other park in Miami is the hidden nature trail many people don't even know exists. There is a bonfire area with logs and benches, a waterfall, beautiful trees, birds, and sometimes raccoons, the trail takes you to a secluded area with a 2 floor deck where you can have a private party with another bonfire area. You can't visit this park without visiting the nature trail. read more

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This is a wonderful park and it also serves as a wild life refuge for migrating birds. There's a lot of room in this park for whatever activity you would like to do. There's excellent tree cover for the summer. My top three preferred activities in this park are: 1) walk/run 2) photography 3) sight see. read more

I am especially fond of the activities they post on Miami-Dade park's website. I tried the Archery for $6. It the first weekend of the month. It was fun although it was a "for kids" event. They did not tell me this so I participated anyways. read more

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Correct me if I'm wrong but shouldn't a gorgeous day be spent frolicking outside in a park with friends, cameras in hand? Well, that's my idea of a great day. So I'm happy to announce, a great day was had! This hidden park holds a lot of little unexpected treasures (i.e. a dilapidated bridge, a river and hills). Great spots for photo-shoots and definitely secluded enough for picnics or rambunctious playing of games and throwing food. Note to self: Since I always forget how much fun parks can be, make a point to come back and play every once in a while. I think it should also be noted that this is a Miami style park. You want something with more foliage and wild life, go somewhere else. read more

Great park!! Had a walking trail,play ground area for the kids, barbeque area, table for family picnic. some area surrounded by trees which make you feel like you not even in the city. Park has a fishing area. read more

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This place is perfect place to celebrate or gather with family and friends! The only reason is not getting 5 stars is because the parking area has no security and cars are getting vandalized while you are away and unaware... no one told me or warned me about it..... park has no staff after 4:00 pm everyone disappears! And police takes forever when you call ( another victim... another crime that goes unpunished!) shame shame shame!!!! read more

I love this park! It's in the heart of hustle and bustle yet it is tranquil and a beautiful escape! Every weekend the park is filled with families having events from Birthday parties to BBQs! Great pathways to go for a run or stroll! read more