Itineraries for Your Trip to Everglades National Park
3 Days in Everglades National Park for Families
I’ve lived in Florida since 2003, but I still feel a mix of excitement and fear when I see an alligator. These longtime locals are all over the Sunshine State, but Everglades National Park offers a hyper-unique way to see these astounding creatures in the wild. Of course, gators are not the only residents in these tropical wetlands. Reptiles, birds, and mammals—endemic and invasive—fill these waters, creating an ecosystem unlike any other in the world.
A visit to the Everglades is so much more than a chance to check another national park off of your to-do list; it’s an opportunity to experience the real and wild side of Florida. Here’s how to explore the park in family-friendly ways on a 3-day trip.
Prepare for both brutal heat and sudden downpours, especially during hurricane season.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a kayaking tour through the mangroves for maximum wildlife viewing.
Find a warm welcome the minute you arrive in the Everglades by spending day one under the sun and topside on a boat cruise. The animals along the tip of Florida are supremely diverse, so taking a boat tour that highlights dolphins, birds, and other wildlife is one of the best ways to see as many species as possible. With an experienced captain at the helm, you can focus on getting the perfect photograph.
While yesterday was about being on top of the water, day two is all about getting a closer look at what lurks beneath the surface. If you’ve never kayaked through mangrove tunnels, then you’re missing out on a memorable experience that is both fun and relaxing. Wind your way through the waters while keeping an eye out for the many endangered species—like the American crocodile and the Florida panther—that live where the mangroves meet the water’s surface.
Some of the magnificent wildlife in Everglades National Park may be a little bit scary if you encounter it on your own, but you don’t need to be brave to have fun exploring the area on two feet. Many of the creatures that live here will respect your personal space if you do the same for them, which is all the more reason to take a walking tour as your last activity. Some eco-tours allow you to hike along the beaches, where you can splash in the tide and snap the last photos you need to fill your scrapbook.
