South Florida is home to many fine county parks, state parks, and two National Parks! There is no excuse for keeping the family indoors. We will list parks outdoor activities here for kids and families, as we hear about them.
Biscayne National Park
Mostly underwater, the park has The Dante Fascell Visitor Center which is located at 9700 SW 328 Street, nine miles east of Homestead, Florida. Call 305-230-7275, extension 000 for more information, or visit their website at www.nps.gov/bisc
Everglades National Park
The park has four visitor centers. The Flamingo Visitor center is in Everglades City, Fl. Phone: 239-695-3101. There is also the Ernest Coe Visitor Center, 40001 State Rd. 9336, Homestead Fl 33034-6733. Phone: 305-242-7700. Visit their website at www.nps.gov/ever
Shark Valley Tram Tours
About an hour west of Miami, lies a unique spot for viewing the Everglades. There are two hour, naturalist led tours through this northern region of Everglades National Park. Visitors on board the open air tour are introduced to the "River of Grass" and the wildlife inhabiting it. At the midway point of the trip, explorers have the opportunity to stroll up the spiral rampway and platform of the Shark Valley observation tower, allowing a panoramic view of the heart of the Everglades.
Cycle the Shark Valley Loop.
Bicycling the 15 mile loop is an excellent way to view the area at your own pace. A great alternative for those who prefer to explore "on their own." The small elevation changes in South Florida make this an ideal place to bike.
Enjoy a day at John Pennekamp State Park, Key Largo.
Just one hour south of Coral Gables, the park has plenty of room and picnic areas. There are two main beaches. Far Beach is lined with palm trees (an imperative in summer). Cannon Beach is the snorkeling spot. The lagoon waters are good for children. More experienced snorkelers can take the park boat out to the reefs.
About the National Park Service
More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 397 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov
“America’s national parks have something for everyone,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “Take a break and experience something new, enjoy some fresh air, get some exercise, and see where history happened.”
Miami-Dade County Bike Trails
Here is a list of 13 bike trails (source: miamionthecheap.com)
1. Oleta River State Park
Oleta River Park - miles of trails for all levels of experience. Park has entrance fee
2. Snake Trail
Three miles of paved roads on Snake Trail - begins in a shopping area on 19th Avenue in North Miami Beach. Parking available at North Miami Beach Public Library, 1601 NE 164th St., and Schreiber Promenade, Northeast 172nd Street and South Glades Drive. Free.
3. Rickenbacker Trail
Rickenbacker Trail - located in Key Biscayne. Parking at Crandon Park, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and Virginia Key. Free (Bill Baggs has entrance fee)
4. Virginia Key
Virginia Key is great for mountain biking. Entrance fee for bicycles and cars
5. Crandon Park
Several miles of paved sidewalks in Crandon Park on Key Biscayne. Free for bicycles, fee for cars
6. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
One and a half miles of trail at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park - Entry fee for bicycles, cars
7. Commodore Trail
Five miles of paved trail on Commodore Trail - takes you along from South Miami Ave to Main Highway and Douglas Road - Free
8. Old Cutler Trail
11 miles of paved trail on the Old Cutler Trail - Free
9. Biscayne Trail
Three miles of paved trail on Biscayne Trail - south of Old Cutler on 87th Avenue down to Black Point Park and Marina - Free
10. Black Creek Trail
Nine miles of paved trail on Black Creek Trail, from near MiamiZoo to Black Point Marina - Free
11. Southern Glades Trail
13 miles of unpaved gravel Southern Glades Trail south of Homestead - Free
12. Shark Valley
See information above (Cycle the Shark Valley Loop.)
13. Amelia Earhart Park
Eight miles of unpaved trails in Amelia Earhart Park - for beginners, intermediate and advanced riders. Park is free for bicycles, fee for cars
Sierra Club Family Fun Days
If you are interested in helping the Miami Sierra Club have family activities please email miami-outings@florida.sierraclub.org