Boynton Beach, FL
Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
The last intact northern Everglades, with two short boardwalks over cypress swamp and sawgrass marsh and alligators on the levee at dawn.
- Nature
- Ages 3+
- ~3h
- Paid
Nature Centers and Wildlife for Kids
25 family-friendly spots across Florida, Hawaii, New York, Puerto Rico, & Texas, with costs, best ages, parking tips, and what to bring.
25 adventures found
Guanica, PR
Bosque Estatal de Guanica
A UN biosphere reserve of subtropical dry forest - cactus, thorn scrub and rare birds - with hot coastal trails leading down to empty beaches.
- Hiking
- Ages 6+
- ~4h
- Free
Sanibel, FL
J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
A four-mile drive through mangrove estuary where roseate spoonbills, ibis and alligators feed at close range on a falling tide.
- Nature
- Ages 3+
- ~3h
- Paid
Sarasota, FL
Myakka River State Park
A canopy walkway suspended in the treetops, an airboat across an alligator lake, and one of Florida's oldest and largest state parks.
- Nature
- Ages 3+
- ~5h
- Paid
Homestead, FL
Royal Palm and the Anhinga Trail
A half-mile boardwalk over a gator hole where alligators, anhingas, herons and turtles sit within a few feet of the rail.
- Hiking
- Ages 2+
- ~2h
- Paid
Miami, FL
Shark Valley, Everglades National Park
A fifteen-mile paved loop through sawgrass prairie where alligators lie on the path, ridden by bike or tram, ending at an observation tower.
- Biking
- Ages 4+
- ~4h
- Paid
Wailea, HI
Ahihi-Kina'u Natural Area Reserve
Snorkel over lava reef in a protected marine reserve with abundant sea life. Free. Better for ages 6 and up. About two hours.
- Swimming
- Ages 6+
- ~2h
- Free
Kilauea, HI
Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge
Historic cliff-top lighthouse with nesting seabirds and winter whale watching. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. About an hour.
- Nature
- Ages 2+
- ~1h
- Paid
Fort Ann, NY
Pilot Knob Preserve
Gentle nature trails with lake views above southern Lake George. Free. Best from about age 4. About an hour. Dogs welcome.
- Hiking
- Ages 4+
- ~1h
- Free
Bertram, TX
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
Free federal refuge with birding trails and Junior Rangers. Free. Best from about age 3. About two hours. Stroller-friendly.
- Hiking
- Ages 3+
- ~2h
- Free
Austwell, TX
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
Endangered whooping crane habitat with auto loop and observation tower. Free. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Stroller-friendly.
- Nature
- Ages 3+
- ~3h
- Free
Angleton, TX
Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge
44,000-acre birding refuge with auto tour loop and alligator sightings. Free. Best from about age 3. About two hours. Easy going.
- Nature
- Ages 3+
- ~2h
- Free
Colleyville, TX
Colleyville Nature Center
Nature trails and playscape perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Free. Works from toddler age. About an hour. Stroller-friendly.
- Nature
- Ages 2+
- ~1h
- Free
Humble, TX
Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center
Boardwalk trails through cypress swamp with free guided canoe trips. Free. Works from toddler age. About two hours. Stroller-friendly.
- Nature
- Ages 2+
- ~2h
- Free
Seagoville, TX
John Bunker Sands Wetland Center
Boardwalk trails over marshes with interactive nature center. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. About two hours. Stroller-friendly.
- Nature
- Ages 3+
- ~2h
- Paid
Arlington, TX
Southwest Nature Preserve
Quiet urban preserve with scenic lake overlook in Arlington. Free. Best from about age 3. About an hour. Easy going.
- Hiking
- Ages 3+
- ~1h
- Free
Southlake, TX
Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve
Short easy trails through rare Cross Timbers forest in Southlake. Free. Works from toddler age. About an hour. Stroller-friendly.
- Nature
- Ages 2+
- ~1h
- Free
Dallas, TX
Cedar Ridge Preserve
600 acres of rugged trails and scenic overlooks in Dallas. Free. Best from about age 4. About two hours. Dogs welcome. Moderate effort.
- Hiking
- Ages 4+
- ~2h
- Free
Cedar Hill, TX
Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center
Shaded canyon trails with a nature play area for kids. Free. Best from about age 3. About two hours. Moderate effort.
- Hiking
- Ages 3+
- ~2h
- Free
Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
25 miles of trails with bison and prairie dogs in Fort Worth. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.
- Nature
- Ages 3+
- ~3h
- Paid
Sherman, TX
Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge
12,000-acre wildlife refuge with kids programs on Lake Texoma. Free. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Easy going.
- Nature
- Ages 3+
- ~3h
- Free
Plano, TX
Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve
800-acre park with boardwalks and kayaking in Plano. Free. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip. Stroller-friendly. Dogs welcome.
- Hiking
- Ages 2+
- ~3h
- Free
Garland, TX
Spring Creek Forest Preserve
Old-growth forest with guided nature hikes near Dallas. Free. Best from about age 3. About two hours. Stroller-friendly.
- Hiking
- Ages 3+
- ~2h
- Free
Dallas, TX
Trinity River Audubon Center
Trails through the largest urban hardwood forest in the US. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. About two hours. Stroller-friendly.
- Nature
- Ages 3+
- ~2h
- Paid
Plano, TX
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
Family-friendly trails and an observation tower in Plano. Free. Works from toddler age. About two hours. Stroller-friendly.
- Hiking
- Ages 2+
- ~2h
- Free