When we were planning to visit the everglades in southern Florida, we wondered if there would be things that would interest young children, and if it was safe.
Babies and toddlers will find plenty of things to enjoy in the everglades. If you visit in the winter, you are likely to see alligators, turtles, and other reptiles which will fascinate your child, and there are exciting activities such as air boat rides. Nearby cities provide places to stay and eat.
Our kids had a fabulous time in southern Florida, enjoying the wilderness and exotic wildlife. Here are some of the best things to do with toddlers and young kids in the everglades area.
See Wildlife
No trip to the Everglades is complete without taking in the abundant wildlife. Unlike in many national parks, national forests, and state parks, the wildlife in the Everglades is usually easy to see and wildly appealing to toddlers. Alligators, strange birds, fish, lizards and turtles are common. You may also spot deer and other mammals, although these aren’t usually as interesting as the reptiles.
Take an Airboat Ride
An airboat ride is a fun and adventurous way to see the everglades. This speedy and noisy rise is sure to appeal to most toddlers (earmuffs are worn to protect the hearing.) If you have an especially sensitive or easily scared child they may find the noise troubling, and you might have to skip the ride, but most children will be thrilled. Your guide will stop occasionally to see animals and give educational talks. From the ride, you will be likely to spot alligators, birds, and fish.
Take a Tram Ride
A tram ride is a great way to see the Everglades with a toddler or baby. They travel through the Shark Valley area of the park, and you will listen to educational information from the naturalist guides while you ride. There is an observation tower along the route. The tours are given in open-air trams, and are 2 hours long, so they may not be appropriate for very active toddlers. However, since they don’t’ have to sit in car seats and the tram is open, it is not at all like a car ride, so many toddlers will enjoy the experience.
Go on the Anhinga Trail
The Anhinga Trail is probably the best place in the wild to see alligators, turtles, and birds up close. The alligators often sit along the banks or even on the edges of the trails to bask. Keep your toddler close at hand on this hike, but since most of the trail is along a boardwalk and wide open, you won’t have to be nervous. This is also a very popular trail, so the rangers keep a close eye on the gators- if there is one basking on the trail, there will probably be a ranger nearby, as well. The Anhinga trail is short and accessible so most toddlers can walk the distance or visit in a stroller.
Go Paddling
Paddling through the mangrove tunnels is a one-of-a-kind experience in southern Florida. We have seen manatees, rays, and dolphins while kayaking in the mangroves, as well as numerous fish and birds. For toddlers, it doesn’t matter if you see animals or not- riding in a boat is a fun, new adventure! Just take reasonable precautions-you can learn more about safely paddling with toddlers in this article.
The mangroves are interesting trees and a vital part of the ecosystem in this area. Not only do they protect the land from storm surges and hurricane damage, but they also serve as nurseries for many different ocean animals, including sharks and baby fish. This makes the mangroves a great place to watch for animals in the water (sometimes the water is clear, but it is always tinted brown from the tannins in the leaves that fall into it).
Visit the Visitor’s Centers
There are five entrances into Everglades National Park, but the information stations and visitor centers are not always operating or accessible. two main visitor centers, one at Shark Valley and the other at the Homestead entrance, are usually open. Visit these visitor centers for educational exhibits, movies, and information. Toddlers especially love looking at the animal dioramas. You can also find bookstores and gift shop items in these locations and find out information about current conditions and closures.
There are also two visitor centers in Big Cypress National Preserve along Tamiami Trail, (highway 41) which are convenient stops if you are coming from the west or driving out to Shark Valley.
Go Camping
Camping is a fun activity for kids. They can get dirty, spend time outside, and (of course!) roast marshmallows. Camping in the Everglades is a winter activity for most people. Winter is the dry season, so there will be fewer mosquitoes and less chance of rain. It will also be cooler and less muggy. There are several campgrounds in the National Park, as well as in nearby towns and Big Cypress Preserve. When camping in the Everglades, even in the winter, bring plenty of bug spray! If the mosquitoes don’t get you, the no-see-ums will!
Attend an Alligator Demonstration
While you won’t find anything like this inside the National Park itself, you can find trained alligator demonstrations in private venues, many of which also offer airboat rides. Usually, you can attend both as a package deal. Some places will also allow your children to hold or pet a baby alligator (with its mouth safely taped). Watching an alligator demonstration is a great way to learn more about these animals.
See Dolphins
Off the coast of the Everglades, you can access the Thousand Islands region, as well as the Gulf of Florida. These are excellent places to book dolphin cruises. If you are flying or staying in the Miami-Homestead area, you can also find dolphin tours on the Atlantic side of Florida. Toddlers will be delighted with the novelty of the boat ride and watching dolphins (and maybe other animals, as well!) playing in the water. Bring sea sickness medication if you are worried that the water will be rough. Also, be prepared with an extra sweater if you are heading out in the cooler months-even warm days feel much cooler with the ocean spray and at high speeds.
