Looking for a nature experience this trip (? Everglades)

[eeyoresmom]

Has anyone done any nature tours while in the Orlando area? My DS (13) loves animals and I think he'd like to see a swamp and learn about an environment so different than the one he lives in. The Everglades National Park is 4 1/2 hours away. We may drive it this next trip, but if there is something good nearby, that would be better. TIA

 

[Brian Noble]

There are a couple "swamp boat tours" closer in to Orlando that might be just the ticket. I've never done one personally, but remember looking into it last year and thinking that it could be fun.

 

[isla bonita]

We walked this a few years back. My kids liked the walk and looking at the birds. Me not so much. I do not want to come in contact with wildlife. It was interesting enough to keep them busy.

http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/florida/preserves/art5523.html

 

[amylcollins]

My family and I just got back from a trip to the Keys and the Everglades! IT is TOTALLY worth the 4 hour drive! do it, i promise. Do an airboat ride. We all loved it. The air boat was one of the most exciting things i have ever done (i'm 30) lol we also did a manatee eco-cruise that was amazing. as you are driving into the Everglades there are alligators laying everywhere! my kids (4 and 6) counted 100 alligators in about 10 minutes....then they got tired of counting.

 

[cbg1027]

There are tons of places around central Florida you could go to. I would check out the list of State Parks. Or if you're going when it's hot, a place with a natural spring could be really fun. You can go swimming and a lot of places will have boat tours down the river. It's a great way to experience Florida wildlife. A lot of them are manatee habitats, so if you're there are the right time of year it's possible to see some up close!

These are all pretty close to Disney:

Blue Spring - http://www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring/default.cfm

DeLeon Springs - http://www.floridastateparks.org/deleonsprings/default.cfm

Wekiwa Springs - http://www.floridastateparks.org/wekiwasprings/default.cfm

 

[HeatherC]

We've never done it, but I know of Boggy Creek Airboat Tours that is very near Disney and gets really good reviews.

 

[clarabelle]

Do you listen to the disunplugged podcast? Several months back they did a segment on Forever Florida (google it)
It was ecotours/horseback riding/ zip lines

 

[eeyoresmom]

Thanks everyone. I'm going to research and prepare for a local trip and the Everglades and see which one fits our schedule while there.

 

[mbsquirrel1198]

If you are willing to take the drive (it is so worth it) try Billie Swamp Safari in the Everglades. Airboat rides and monster swamp buggies, plus reptile shows, mammal show, trail hikes, and more. You won't be sorry. The place is beautiful, too. It is run by the Seminoles if I remember correctly. My boys are 9 and 11 and they loved the entire day.

 

[TrustedTraveler]

We had looked at a trip to the Everglades for our trip a few weeks ago but it was too far for this time. Instead we went to Blue Springs State Park and absolutely loved it. We were there just after the very cold weather and the manatees were huddling in the warm springs there, so we saw more than 40 of them close up.
We HIGHLY RECOMMEND the St John River Cruise as a great trip to see plenty of wildlife close up.
Nice and quiet, not like those airboats, we got within 3 feet of MANY alligators from babies to monsters and all kinds of birds.
I just checked the web site and there were over 200 manatees in the spring today!
Bring your cameras!

 

[keishashadow]

If you are willing to take the drive (it is so worth it) try Billie Swamp Safari in the Everglades. Airboat rides and monster swamp buggies, plus reptile shows, mammal show, trail hikes, and more. You won't be sorry. The place is beautiful, too. It is run by the Seminoles if I remember correctly. My boys are 9 and 11 and they loved the entire day.

I was looking into this (im told an hour or so from ft lauderdale) when we visit 2 days precruise

ive been reading most airboats shut down for the summer, not sure whether it because of bugs or heat?

anybody know if the everglades are somewhere to really avoid in late June?