Getting out into nature does a body — and mind — a world of good. Studies back it up. They’re “forest bathing” in Japan. But you don’t need that to tell you spending time in nature is good for you. Just take your kids to one of these trails, let them run around, breathe in the fresh air and have fun. Then see how quickly they fall asleep on the way home.
Many of these recommendations come from photographer Amanda Inscore, who set out to see how many trails she and her boys, ages 3 and 6, could explore in Southwest Florida. We also solicited the help of journalist Amy Bennett Williams, an environmental reporter and storyteller for The News-Press. Bonus: She’s a mom, too.
Here are 10 fun trails to take your family into the great outdoors and benefit from Mother Nature’s medicine.
GET THE MAP: Find the trailheads for 10 great hikes for kids mapped out for your convenience.
Old Datsun Trail & Eagle Point Trail
Both trails are part of a larger trail system within the Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park. They’re considered “primitive” trails — there is no boardwalk, no paved paths, just bare earth winding through the wilderness. But these trails are completely doable for kids. And much of the journey is shaded. Amanda’s boys loved looking for the trail markers and counting them along the way. On the Eagle Point Trail, there’s a bird blind with one-way glass where you can watch various birds at feeders. Identification guides help you figure out what’s what.
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Amanda Inscore
Old Datsun Trail and Eagle Point Trail in Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park on Burnt Store Road in Punta Gorda.
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The Old Datsun Trail is on Burnt Store Road in Charlotte County and is a part of Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park. The trail is a 1.7-mile loop.
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Amanda Inscore
The Old Datsun Trail is on Burnt Store Road in Charlotte County and is a part of Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park. The trail is a 1.7-mile loop.
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Amanda Inscore
The Old Datsun Trail is on Burnt Store Road in Charlotte County and is a part of Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park. The trail is a 1.7-mile loop.
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The Eagle Point Trail crosses a bridge near a canoe and kayak launch at the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center at Alligator Creek Preserve in Punta Gorda.
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The Eagle Point Trail is the shortest of the trails at the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center at Alligator Creek Preserve in Punta Gorda.
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Several species of butterflies can be seen at the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center at Alligator Creek Preserve in Punta Gorda.
- Where: Both trailheads are near each other on the west side of Burnt Store Road just south of U.S. 41 in Punta Gorda. Old Datsun is the one farthest south at 12001 Burnt Store Road. Eagle Point is near the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, 12301 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda.
- Length: Old Datsun is 1.75 miles and Eagle Point about 1 mile.
- Type: Loop
- Cost: Free
- What you might see: Massive oak trees, sabal palms, wetlands; possible wildlife includes butterflies, eagles, hawks, wild boar.
- Caution: There are no restrooms here (though there is one at the nature center near the Eagle Point Trail, hours 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Saturday). Also, the trail often floods after big rainstorms and during the summer rainy season.And we highly recommend taking a map with you and plenty of water.
- Tips: Follow the arrow markers to stay on trail (Eagle Point markers are red).
- Online: checflorida.org and stateparks.com/charlotte_harbor_state_park_in_florida.html
- Park phone: 941-575-5816
Pond Apple Park Trail
Just across the Sanibel Causeway, near the entrance to the island, is a hidden gem. The Pond Apple Park Trail takes visitors into a shady, serene escape that lets you see the island as it used to be. Walk through tropical hardwood forest, pine flatwoods, wetland forest and open water habitats. The trail connects to the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s Shipley Trail and one of Sanibel’s earliest houses, the Bailey Homestead.
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Amanda Inscore
After meandering through a forest of palm trees and sea grapes, the Pond Apple Trail circles a complex of ponds, where a variety of birds can be seen. Herons, egrets, anhinga and cormorants are frequent visitors.
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The Pond Apple Trail, which begins at the parking lot for the Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce, connects with the new Shipley Trail, which passes by the Bailey Homestead Preserve.
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The Pond Apple Trail, which begins at the parking lot for the Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce, connects with the new Shipley Trail, which passes by the Bailey Homestead Preserve.
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A spider sits waiting for prey in its web along the Pond Apple Trail on Sanibel Island.
- Where: The trail begins at the parking lot of the Sanibel Island & Captiva Island Chamber of Commerce, 1159 Causeway Road, Sanibel.
- Length: 1.6 miles
- Type: Linear with small loop at the end
- Cost: Free
- What you might see: Sea grape trees, eagles, wood storks, alligators, otters, maybe even a bobcat.
- Caution: There are no restrooms at the park or along the trails. However, restrooms and water are available at the Chamber building during operating hours.
- Tips: The Bailey Homestead Preserve is home to the SCCF’s Native Landscape & Garden Center, 1300 Periwinkle Way, where you can learn how to make your own yard Florida-friendly.
- Online: mysanibel.com for Pond Apple Park and sccf.org for the Baily Homestead Preserve
CREW Marsh Trails
Take a hike in panther territory. The Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed is where The News-Press photographer Andrew West has captured amazing images of Florida panthers via camera trap. While technically, you could run into a panther, too, it’s highly unlikely; they’re very shy. But you might see tracks or scat. The best bet for a family-friendly trail is the CREW Marsh Trails, several interconnecting loop trails that total 5.5 miles. You can take just one small loop or walk every inch. To go straight from the parking lot to the observation tower and back is 1.34 miles. Most trails are wide and flat, but some farther east get narrow and may have exposed roots (which only add to the wild experience). There’s also a sizeable pavilion for picnic lunches about a half mile from the parking lot. Looking for longer hikes? The CREW Land and Water Trust has several options, and they provide great detailed information on their website.
Pamela Hayford
CREW Marsh Trails
- Where: 4600 CR 850 (Corkscrew Road), Immokalee (enter the full address or it will take you to Koreshan State Park)
- Length: Up to 5.5 miles
- Type: Loop
- Cost: A donation of a few dollars is requested via the honor system at the trailhead.
- What you might see: Pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, pop ash slough and 5,000-acre sawgrass marsh; wildlife include swallow tailed kites, woodpeckers, hawks and owls. While this is panther territory, you’re unlikely to see these shy, elusive animals.
- Caution: Be aware of possible wildlife. Bring water and plan to take any trash out with you as there are no trash cans along the trails. Toilet is a port-o-potty type.
- Tips: Free downloadable trail guides and education materials are available on the CREW website. Open sunrise to sunset seven days a week. Dogs allowed on leash. Try geocaching here.
- Online: crewtrust.org/crew-marsh-trails
West Main Tram Trail
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is home to more native orchid species than in any other place in North America, according to the state. Its trails are cleared tram roads created by logging in the 1940s, '50s and '60s, so it’s easy walking. The West Main Tram passes through 2 miles of strand swamp before opening into a marle prairie. Or for a shorter walk, stroll along the 2,500-foot Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk to the alligator pond and observation deck.
- Where: 137 Coastline Drive, Copeland, for West Main Tram; access the boardwalk off U.S. 41, about 7 miles west of State Road 29.
- Length: 2-3 miles for West Main Tram; half mile for the boardwalk.
- Type: Linear
- Cost: $3 per vehicle; pay stations at visitors’ center and East River canoe launch
- What you might see: Orchids, ferns, bromeliads, alligators, deer, black bear, bobcats, red-shouldered hawks, turkeys, barred owls. Maybe even a Florida panther or Everglades mink. The American Crocodile and West Indian Manatee can be found at the southern end.
- Caution: Insect repellent might be necessary.
- Tips: The more adventurous families might consider a guided swamp walk. The less adventurous can drive along Janes Scenic Drive.
- Online: floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/fakahatchee-strand-preserve-state-park
- Phone: 239-695-4593
Hickey Creek Trail
Think Florida is utterly flat? Check out Hickey’s Creek Mitigation Park. Amanda’s kids loved the “ups and downs” along the trail. There are also two bridges that go over Hickey’s Creek, part of The Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail. Hickey Creek Trail is the shortest hike at 1.8 miles. Two additional trails branch off this one.
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A reflection of clouds and trees can be seen from the Live Oak Bridge crossing Hickey's Creek at Hickey's Creek Mitigation Park.
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Part of the 1.8-mile Hickey’s Creek Trail at Hickey's Creek Mitigation Park meanders along Hickey Creek, and small hills make the trail more interesting. The park also has two other trails.
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Hickey's Creek Mitigation Park in Alva
- Where: 17980 Palm Beach Blvd., Alva
- Length: 1.8 miles
- Type: Loop
- Cost: Parking is $1 per hour or $5 per day; Lee County annual parking stickers accepted
- What you might see: Gopher tortoises, Florida panthers (again, probably not; they’re super shy), bobcats, eastern indigo snakes, alligators, otters and a variety of birds.
- Caution: Beware wildlife; although rare, panthers have been documented in the area.
- Tips: There’s a canoe/kayak launch and fishing pier. Plus, there are restrooms, picnic areas and an amphitheater.
- Online: leegov.com/conservation2020/preserves
- Phone: 239-694-0398
Caloosahatchee Regional Park
Amy Williams, of The News-Press’ Tropicalia Sunday magazine and an expert in outdoor things to do in Southwest Florida, recommends Caloosahatchee Regional Park for a family hike. She says there are good trails on both sides. On the north side, known for mountain biking and equestrian trails, there’s more variation in the geography with hills. On the south side, you’ll find camping and family-friendly trail loops. The park has more than 20 miles of trails total.
- Where: 18500 North River Road, Alva, for the south side and access to the overlook and fishing pier (there are two other entrances, one for the north side and the other for the camping area)
- Length: Oxbow Trail Loop is .85 miles with a .13-mile ADA-accessible trail to the overlook; River Hammock Trail Loop is 1.2 miles; Shoreline Trail, half a mile; Pine Flatwoods Trail Loop (accessible from Oxbow) is .95 miles, and then from there, the Saw Palmetto Trail Loop (shared with equestrians) is .7 miles.
- Type: Loop
- Cost: Parking fee is $1 per hour or $5 per day
- What you might see: Pine flatwoods, scrub oak, cypress swamps, oak hammocks and various wildlife.
- Caution: Foot traffic is not advised on the north side; if you venture there, be aware of cyclists and horses.
- Tips: Kayak rentals and camping available. Restroom available.
- Online: leegov.com/parks/parks/crp
- Phone: 239-694-0398
Gunner's Trail
This trail through Wild Turkey Strand Preserve is where Amanda started the “Find the Trail Markers” game. And the kids loved it. It kept them engaged throughout the hike. They also found lots of snail shells. This preserve is the third largest of the Conservation 20/20 lands in Lee County. There are some very swampy areas with cypress strands and freshwater marshes. It was home to the Buckingham Army Air Field, a U.S. military training base in the 1940s. Some structures remain and there are signs pointing them out.
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The trail at Wild Turkey Strand Preserve is partly ADA-compliant, with part of the trail paved. The loop trail also has boardwalks and sandy sections and includes part of the former Buckingham Army Airfield, a World War II-era training base from 1942-1945. Southwest Florida International Airport is also nearby, so planes can be seen taking off and landing.
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Apple snail shells are scattered along the trail at Wild Turkey Strand Preserve.
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Wild Turkey Strand Preserve south of Lehigh Acres
- Where: 11901 Rod and Gun Club Road, Fort Myers (just south of Lehigh Acres on the west side of State Road 82)
- Length: 1.8 miles (.7 miles handicapped accessible)
- Type: Loop
- Cost: Free
- What you might see: Orchids, water lilies, columned stinkhorn (yes, it stinks), swamps, marshes, abandoned pastures, snail kite, alligators, deer, armadillo, bobcats, tortoises, turtles
- Caution: During the rainy season, some parts of the trail may be underwater. Also, part of the trail is paved, much of the rustic portion is not ADA accessible.
- Tips: Restroom and picnic pavilion available in the parking lot. A schedule of guided walks is available online; next one is Saturday, March 23.
- Online: leegov.com/conservation2020/preserves
- Phone: 239-707-8251
Myakka Trail
Did you see the cover photo of a boy walking across a suspension bridge in the trees? That was taken in Myakka River State Park. While this park is a little farther north than the others on our list, it is worth the drive. Alligators are abundant, there are pontoon boat tours, a place to eat lunch and get ice cream, decent restrooms, a playground, lots of picnic areas, great trails and a walkway up in the trees, massive live oaks dripping in bromeliads and resurrection ferns. You can even rent a cabin here or camp. The Myakka Trail consists of 38.9 miles of loop trails, so you can make your outings very short or super long. The Myakka River Canopy Walk is the first public treetop trail in North America, according to the state. The suspended walkway takes you through the treetops 25 feet off the ground and to a 74-foot observation platform where you can climb higher and look down on it all, including the eagles, hawks and vultures.
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Myakka River State Park in Sarasota County
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On the Myakka River Canopy Walk in Myakka River State Park in Sarasota County.
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Myakka River State Park in Sarasota County
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A look up at the Myakka River Canopy Walk in Myakka River State Park in Sarasota County
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A view from the tower at Myakka River State Park
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Alligators are abundant at Myakka River State Park.
- Where: 13208 State Road 72, Sarasota
- Length: Canopy Walk and adjoining William S. Boylston Nature Trail is .8 miles, according to floridahikes.com; trails total 38.9 miles
- Type: Loop
- Cost: $6 per vehicle for entry into the park; boat tours are $20 for adults, $12 for ages 3-12 and free for the littles.
- What you might see: Alligators (big ones), various birds, large oaks, ferns and cabbage palms.
- Caution: Watch your little ones and don’t let them play by the water’s edge. You’re in gator territory here.
- Tips: The state says ideal hiking times here are late fall, winter and early spring. They also recommend you carry water, a map and compass or GPS and wear sturdy footwear. Maps are available at the ranger station.
- Online: floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/myakka-river-state-park
- Phone: 941-361-6511
Calusa Heritage Trail
This short trail — just under a mile long — packs a lot of awe. The trail at Randell Research Center at Pineland takes families through the mounds, canals and other features of the Pine Island archaeological site. To stand on the top of the tallest shell mound and look out at the sound is inspiring, and the whole family will enjoy learning about the Calusa.
- Where: 13810 Waterfront Drive, Pineland
- Length: 0.9 mile
- Type: Loop
- Cost: Requested donation of $7 for adults, $4 for children
- What you might see: Shell mounds created by the Calusa, artifacts and interpretive signs.
- Caution: Gnats can be bothersome in summer. Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent and water recommended.
- Tips: Public restrooms and picnic facilities available. Plus, there’s a gift shop.
- Online: floridamuseum.ufl.edu/rrc/visit/trail
- Phone: 239-283-2062
Corkscrew Boardwalk
The Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary has a 2.25-mile boardwalk that meanders through Florida environments, and then it takes you into the largest old growth bald cypress forest in North America, where the trees tower 130 feet and have a girth of some 25 feet. The size of these enormous, 600--year-old trees may just make even your chattiest child go silent.
- Where: 375 Sanctuary Road W., Naples
- Length: 2.25 miles (short cut available)• Type: Loop
- Cost: $14 for adults, $10 for members, $6 for college students with ID, $4 for ages 6-18, free for children younger than 6
- What you might see: 600-year-old cypress trees, maybe even the rare super ghost orchid, alligators, wood storks and numerous other species of birds. It’s also home to the Florida panther and Florida black bear.
- Caution: Last admission to the boardwalk is at 4:30 p.m.
- Tips: Admission is good for two back-to-back days. Guided walks are included with admission. Water, bug spray and binoculars recommended (binocular rentals available in the visitor center).Strollers and wheelchairs also available.
- Online: corkscrew.audubon.org
- Phone: 239-348-9151