Family-Friendly Activities in Everglades National Park

With critters basking in the sun, boats whizzing by, and educational opportunities aplenty, Everglades National Park is a kid’s paradise. Its marshy landscape beckons for exploration, featuring mangrove islands, carved-out canoe paths, and modern visitor centers offering interactive exhibits.

The beauty of Everglades National Park lies in its accessibility; families can traverse the landscape via various modes of transportation including airboats, hiking, kayaking, driving, and even taking a tram. Therefore, when you or your little ones need a breather, it’s seamless to switch gears while continuing to experience the park’s splendor. Be sure that everyone is equipped with sunscreen, insect repellent, and sun-protective gear like hats and sunglasses. Once prepared, here are the six best things to do with kids in Everglades National Park.

1. Zip Around on an Airboat

Airboat rides offer a quintessential Everglades experience, allowing you to glide over the marsh landscape on a flat boat powered by a giant fan-like propeller. It’s refreshing and scenic for both kids and adults.

Everglades National Park has three authorized airboat operators, each offering unique experiences: Coopertown Airboats, Everglades Safari Park, and Gator Park. Most of these operators offer children’s discounts, making it an affordable family outing.

For families with young children who may be eager to interact with wildlife, it’s advisable to seat them towards the middle of the boat. Additionally, airboats typically have coverings, helping protect passengers from the often-intense Florida sun.

2. Hike the Gumbo Limbo or Anhinga Trails

For those seeking non-strenuous hikes, the flat terrain of Everglades National Park is ideal. Despite encompassing 1.5 million acres, the park features only 30 designated hiking trails, with much of the land consisting of freshwater and saltwater habitats.

For family-friendly hikes, head to the Royal Palm Visitor Center in Homestead. The Gumbo Limbo Trail is a paved path perfect for strollers and guides you through beautiful ferns and royal palms. Alternatively, the Anhinga Trail, often teeming with wildlife, is approximately 0.8 miles long and offers a chance to observe sunbathing alligators, herons, and turtles.

3. Bike or Tram the Shark Valley Tram Road

The Shark Valley Tram Road features a 15-mile-long paved circular trail surrounded by stunning natural landscapes and wildlife. Families can choose to hike, bike, or take a tram along the route. Bring plenty of sunscreen and plan to stop at the observation tower, which provides breathtaking views of the surrounding waterways.

For parents looking for low-energy options, ranger-led tram tours run hourly during peak season, enriching the experience with guided commentary on local wildlife and ecosystems.

4. Embark on a Ranger-led Journey

The park offers several ranger-led adventures, perfect for educational engagement. Many of these programs are available between November and April, focusing on various themes such as wildlife observation or the park’s history.

Kids can participate in the junior ranger program, which allows them to complete activities within the park to earn a badge, encouraging curiosity about the local environment.

5. Canoe or Kayak and Gawk at Over 350 Bird Species

For adventurous families, renting canoes or kayaks in the Everglades presents a unique opportunity for exploration. The Flamingo Visitor Center features a marina where families can embark on guided boat tours or rent watercraft to explore nearby ponds and waterways.

One popular kayaking destination is the Nine Mile Pond loop, perfect for enjoying the scenic beauty and diverse wildlife of the area.

6. Learn About Everglades’ History at Local Museums

Each of the Everglades’ visitor centers is akin to a small museum, rich with exhibits that illustrate the park’s wildlife and history. For families interested in culture, the Miccosukee Indian Village offers insights into the tribe’s long-standing relationship with the Everglades.

The Museum of the Everglades in Everglades City provides extensive educational materials, including activities that offer fun for kids while they learn about the area’s rich history.