Fun Things to Do in the Everglades National Park with Kids - Board walks, alligators and tram rides

If you’re planning a South Florida trip, you might be wondering:
what are the best fun things to do in the Everglades National Park with kids — and is it actually worth visiting as a family?

The Everglades offers a completely different experience from Florida’s theme parks. Instead of rides and attractions, it’s all about wildlife, nature, and being outdoors — which can either be a highlight of your trip or a bit of a surprise, depending on what your kids enjoy.

This guide is for families with school‑aged children who want a clear, honest view of what to do in the Everglades with kids — based on real experience, not just a list of activities.

Quick Answer: Is the Everglades Worth Visiting With Kids?

Yes → one of the most unique and memorable experiences in Florida
But → best suited to kids who enjoy animals, boats, and being outdoors

We found the Everglades worked really well as a day trip or as part of a wider Florida road trip. It added something completely different — breaking up the beaches and cities with a proper outdoor experience.

That said, it’s not built around structured entertainment. The days that worked best were the ones where we focused on a couple of key activities (like an airboat ride) and didn’t try to overfill the itinerary.

In this guide, we’ll show you the fun things to do in the Everglades with kids, what’s actually worth your time, and how to plan your visit so it feels easy rather than overwhelming. Where relevant, we’ve included tours and activity options we used or considered. These may be affiliate links, but we only recommend experiences we’ve tried or would confidently book again — with the aim of helping you plan a smoother, more enjoyable day.

What are fun activities for kids in the Everglades?

Airboat Rides

Airboat rides are one of the most popular ways to experience the Everglades.

• Fast, fun, and quite noisy

• A high chance of spotting alligators

• A memorable, slightly adventurous experience

They are particularly well suited to school-aged children, who tend to enjoy both the speed and the wildlife aspect.

For parents considering safety and suitability, see: Everglades Airboat Tours: Are They Safe for Kids?

If you’re planning to include an airboat ride in your itinerary, it’s worth comparing the options available — especially with kids:

→ Compare Everglades airboat tours (family-friendly options & timings)

Anhinga Trail – Best Easy Walk with Wildlife

The Anhinga Trail is one of the easiest and most rewarding activities in the Everglades.

• A short, flat boardwalk trail

• Very high chance of seeing alligators up close

• Easy to manage with children

• Doesn’t take long, making it ideal to combine with other stops

This is one of the most reliable ways to see wildlife without needing a tour.

Shark Valley Tram Tour or Bike Ride

Shark Valley offers a different perspective of the Everglades and works well for families depending on energy levels.

• The tram tour is the easiest option and requires minimal effort

• A bike ride suits more active families

• There is an observation tower at the halfway point

• It’s common to see alligators along the path

This is a good option for families wanting a slightly longer, structured experience without too much planning. Note there is now a $100 per person additional fee to enter the Everglades park for non US visitors, in order to access to Tram you will need to pay this fee to enter the park.

Visitor Centres and Ranger Programs

Visitor centres are useful stops, particularly with children.

• Educational displays and information about the ecosystem

• Junior Ranger programs, which add engagement for kids

• Air-conditioned spaces, offering relief from the heat

These stops help break up the day and add context to what children are seeing outdoors.

How Long Should You Spend in the Everglades with Kids?

For most families, one full day is enough to experience the highlights of the Everglades.

You can fit in an airboat ride, a short wildlife trail like the Anhinga Trail, and a visit to a visitor centre or ranger program. A day trip from works well, especially for school-aged children, and provides a taste of Florida’s unique wildlife without feeling rushed or overwhelming.

Not sure how long to spend in South Florida? Our 5 days South Florida: Everglades, Florida Keys and Miami itinerary for families covers the highlights

Tips for Visiting the Everglades with Kids

• Go early to avoid heat and crowds

• Take bug spray — it is essential

• Bring plenty of water

• Wear trainers suitable for walking

• Be prepared for extreme heat, especially in summer

• Set expectations — this is not a full theme park-style day

Non-US Residents Need to Know

Since January 2026, there is a $100 fee per non-US adult entering the park. This can quickly add up for families and may influence whether the Everglades fits into your overall Florida itinerary.

If you still want a similar experience, it is possible to see wildlife, walk boardwalks, and take airboat rides without entering the national park. Many families choose to visit Big Cypress National Preserve instead which is free to enter.

For a full comparison, see: Big Cyprus Vs The Everglades National Park: Which is better with kids?

Final Verdict – Is the Everglades Good for School-Aged Kids?

• Yes, particularly for children who like animals and boats

• Works well as a half-day or full-day experience

• Fits naturally into a wider Florida road trip

For families travelling from outside the US, it is worth considering whether the additional entry cost is justified, or whether Big Cypress National Preserve offers a better-value alternative.

plan your south florida trip

If you’re planning a South Florida family trip, these guides will help you pull everything together:

About Plan Family Escapes

We’re a UK-based family sharing real, experience-led travel guides based on trips we’ve taken with our school-age son Joshua across destinations like Lapland, Turkey and India.

Everything we share is based on what we’ve personally experienced — with honest advice on what actually works when travelling with kids, focusing on making family travel easier, more comfortable and genuinely enjoyable.