Family Eco-Adventure Itinerary For Naples, Marco Island And The Everglades

Welcome to the ultimate family eco-adventurer guide to Florida's Paradise Coast! From helping scientists spot dolphins aboard the Dolphin Explorer to hiking through Big Cypress National Preserve with park rangers, you’ll find endless opportunities to connect with both nature and your loved ones here.

Get ready to explore the best family-friendly eco-tours and outdoor activities in Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades. With so much to do, we've suggested multiple options in this three-day itinerary so you can choose the experiences most likely to spark your little ones’ interests. Let’s get started!

DAY 1: ROOKERY BAY NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE

Kick off your family eco-adventure at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, where educational fun and natural beauty come together. Begin at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, where you can observe ongoing research and explore the 2,300-gallon mangrove aquarium. Kids will love interacting with more than a dozen marine animals in the touch tank, such as sea stars, spider crabs, and lightning whelks.

From there, take a stroll on the Snail Trail, a half-mile accessible nature trail perfect for strollers, or challenge yourselves on the two more rugged half-mile trails for a bit more adventure. If your family is looking for an even more immersive experience, join one of the reserve’s guided eco-tours with their partner, Rising Tide Explorers.

These three-hour boat or kayak tours, led by local biologists, will take you through serene mangrove bays, islands, and creeks, revealing the estuary's intricate ecosystem and diverse wildlife. Remember to wear closed-toed shoes and bring essentials like hats, sunscreen, bug spray, and water!

DAY 2: DOLPHINS OR ALLIGATORS?

On your second day exploring the ecosystem of Florida’s Paradise Coast, get ready for a difficult decision: dolphins or alligators! Choose between helping scientists research dolphins aboard the Dolphin Explorer or taking a heart-pounding airboat ride through the Everglades, keeping your eyes peeled for alligators.

THE DOLPHIN EXPLORER

The Dolphin Explorer is a can’t-miss experience for kids who love animals! This 47-ft. catamaran cruises the waters of the Marco River and the 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge in search of–you guessed it–dolphins! Enjoy shaded seating as you try to spot your favorite sea creatures in their natural habitat.

On this tour, you’re not just along for the ride–you’re a citizen scientist helping the 10,000 Island Dolphin Study Team monitor local bottlenose dolphins. Learn fascinating facts about their social lives, travel habits, and family histories.

And here's an exciting twist: if you discover a new dolphin during your trip, your kids can actually help name it! This exciting three-hour tour departs from Rose Marina on Marco Island twice daily, at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

AIRBOAT TOURS THROUGH THE EVERGLADES

Experience the thrill of riding an airboat through the Everglades, a must-do eco-adventure your kids will love. Companies like Wooten’s and Jungle Erv’s offer 30 to 60-minute rides, whisking you through the vast grasslands. Choose between exploring Everglades City’s winding mangrove tunnels or escaping into 259 acres of private grasslands.

Knowledgeable captains provide fascinating insights into the local wildlife, plants, and the area's rich history. Get ready to spot alligators, dolphins, raccoons, and maybe even a black bear along the way! After your airboat ride comes to an end, enjoy an alligator show put on by professional handlers. If you’d like to delve even further into this intriguing ecosystem, opt for a combo tour that features both an airboat ride and a swamp buggy tour, allowing you to explore marshes and a lush cypress forest.

DAY 3: CHOOSE YOUR SWAMP

On your family’s third day in Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades, we recommend focusing on a particular type of wetland ecosystem: the swamp! Choose between taking the kids to explore Big Cypress National Preserve in Ochopee or Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples.

BIG CYPRESS NATIONAL PRESERVE

Big Cypress National Preserve offers an unforgettable family eco-adventure with its ranger-led activities. Starting in late November each year, rangers here begin to host Discovery Hikes, taking you on a two-hour journey through the preserve's diverse landscapes.

These hikes, available a few days per week during the winter tourist season, are free but require reservations. Prepare for a bit of mud and wear hiking boots as you explore the rich flora and fauna guided by knowledgeable rangers. It’s an experience your kids will remember for years to come!

In addition to daytime hikes, the preserve hosts night sky programs during the winter as well. These events, held once monthly in December, January, February, and March, provide a unique opportunity to witness one of the darkest night skies in the eastern United States. Park rangers will lead you on constellation tours and offer telescope viewings of stars, star clusters, planets, nebulae, and galaxies.

CORKSCREW SWAMP SANCTUARY

Visiting Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is an essential part of a family eco-adventure on Florida’s Paradise Coast. Located about 30 minutes northeast of Naples, explore North America's largest old-growth bald cypress forest, offering stunning views and abundant wildlife sightings. Download the reserve’s scavenger hunt and let your kids check off sightings of alligators, otters, deer, turtles, and various birds as they discover these fantastic creatures in their natural habitat!

The Blair Visitor Center provides interactive exhibits and bird-friendly gardens, making it a perfect starting point for your visit. To make the most of your time, we highly suggest joining guided programs like the Family Sunset Stroll and Family Night Tour. These tours are led by naturalists and filled with educational activities, wildlife spotting, and opportunities to learn about nocturnal creatures.

With so many incredible eco-adventures to choose from, your family is sure to have an unforgettable – and wild – time in Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades. When it comes to connecting with both nature and your kids, Only Paradise will do.