How to Enjoy Everglades National Park With the Kids

This is not your typical national park, but you'll find plenty of activities to keep kids busy here. In addition to biking, boating, camping and hiking, show the kids a couple of alligators and some stunning water birds - they'll think they've died and gone to heaven.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Hats
• Long-sleeved Shirts
• Sporty Hats
• Sunglasses
• Weather Radios
• Hydrocortisone Creams
• Insect Repellents
• Sunscreen
• National Park Passes
• Cameras
• Film
• Camping Gear

1. See "How to Enjoy a Vacation in Everglades National Park" in the Related eHows for general information on the park and the recreational opportunities available there. Many of these attractions are appropriate for kids.
2. Arrange an airboat or swamp buggy tour. The kids will ride in style while observing manatees, alligators, birds and old Seminole canoe trails. They might even get to sample some alligator meat. How cool is that?
3. Take them to Wooten's (wootenseverglades.com). Here they can see alligator wrestling, hold baby alligators and learn to tell the difference between an alligator and a croc. You'll also find an animal sanctuary here and a lot of photo ops.
4. Teach kids about conservation. The Everglades are a national treasure that's endangered by human activities. Help kids learn how people can protect manatees, alligators, tropical birds and the unique Everglades environment.
5. Get kids involved in ranger-led activities. These include walks and talks focused on the park's ecology, history and wildlife, as well as natural history exhibits in the visitor centers.
6. Take the long drive up the coast to Walt Disney World if the kids have had enough of Mother Nature. Despite the glories of the Everglades, Disney World will probably be the highlight of their trip.

Tips & Warnings

• Taking kids to the Everglades in winter, when temperatures are mild and bugs are not as bothersome, will make them happy campers. Take them in late spring and summer, with temperatures in the 90s, 90 percent humidity and biting bugs, and they'll probably be cranky.
• Mosquitoes can be brutal - especially in late spring and summer. Be sure your kids are protected against insect bites and bring over-the-counter medications to treat bites.
• Be sure children understand how to handle encounters with local wildlife. This information is available at visitor centers.
• Taking coral, sponges, sea horses, starfish, driftwood or other plants and animals from the park is prohibited. Since these items are generally attractive to kids, instruct them on the rules.