One of Florida's most famous attractions is the Everglades National Park. The Everglades National Park is nearly 2400 square miles and is a fun place to explore. Be prepared though - it is a giant swamp which can mean a lot of mosquitos and hot humid weather.

Royal Palms Visitor Center is one of three visitor centers and is a good place to start. It has a helpful little museum with a movie. Kids can also get their Junior Ranger activities here.

Despite the swampy land of the Everglades, there are actually a lot of things to do. You can take ranger guided hikes, canoe tours, boat tours, and car caravans. Three campgrounds are available and biking, canoeing, and hiking can be done without a ranger.

Many birds live here, making the Everglades a birdwatcher's paradise. There are over 360 species recorded but some of the most notable birds are Wood Storks, White and Glossy Ibises, Roseate Spoonbills, Great White Tricolored Herons, and Great Egrets.

Alligators can be found in abundance in the Everglades. They are identified as black reptilians with a wide long snout. One of the best ways to see alligators is to walk the Anhinga Trail, a 1/2 mile loop located near Royal Palm Visitor Center. If you want something a little more adventurous, take a canoe on the Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trail.

American crocodiles also inhabit the Everglades. This is the only place in the world that alligators and crocodiles live together. Crocodiles are identified by a long narrow snout and light grey skin. They are commonly seen lounging in the sun near the marina at the Flamingo Visitor Center.

Visiting the Everglades is an opportunity you don’t want to miss. Just don’t forget your bug spray!

Nathanael Nims is a member of the Youth Travel Blogging Mentorship Program

Photo courtesy and copyright Nathanael Nims