SHARK VALLEY WITH KIDS

Shark Valley is a 15 mile loop in the heart of Everglades National Park about an hour west of Miami.  It’s a great place to get outside, let the kids explore, and learn about the Everyglades and it’s wildlife. 

Things To Do:

There are 4 ways to enjoy Shark Valley:

  • Walk 
  • Tram
  • Bike
  • Ranger Guided tour

Walking

We decided to enjoy our time at Shark Valley walking.  We arrived at 12:30 pm in the think of Miami heat.   It was HOT and there is no shade.  Insider tip:  arrive early so you don’t get caught in the heat.  Bring sunblock and a hat.  Even on an overcast day (like our day started) the clouds will part and you will be left in the hot sun.  

We walked around the visitor center first. They have information about the park, a sculpture of an alligator with information, a small shop with snacks and souvenirs, and restrooms.  You will also be able to buy tram tickets there or rent bikes.  Insider tip: If you are travelling with small children they do rent bikes with the seat attachment for children up to 40lbs.  We did not find this out until after our walk but we will be returning to take advantage of this.

We walked a bit of the West Scenic Trail along the water. It is the west side of Tram Road. Tram Road is a 15 mile paved loop so stroller friendly if you have kids.  While we walked we saw turtles, large fish, and 4 alligators!

Bobcat Boardwalk

There are 2 smaller trails off the West Scenic trail.  The first is right when you start.  Bobcat Boardwalk is a self guided boardwalk trail that takes you through the tropical hardwood forests and ends on the East scenic trail.  

We ended up walking back through it to the West scenic trail to walk along the water. This trail is very pretty.  Trees on both sides.  There are places to sit and admire nature along the trail.

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Otter Cave Hammock trail

About 1/2 mile ahead along Tram road is Otter Cave Hammock trail.  This trail is not stroller friendly so my husband and I took turns walking through it with our toddler.  He loved it!  In fact he carried the GoPro and took video footage of different parts of this trail.

On Otter Cave Hammock trail you will be walking through the hardwood forest on rough limestone.  There are 3 wooden foot bridges you will cross.  There is also a section where you will climb over a large rock and over small fallen tree trunks. It is fairly easy to get across for adults and children but if you have mobility issues, it might be more of a challenge.  We were not able to complete the trail with our stroller.

The limestone portion of the trail is riddled with holes. This can be a trip hazard so just be mindful.  My toddler wanted to step into the holes but don’t.  If you look into the holes you will see a network of passageways, looking like swiss cheese! This trail can get flooded throughout the year so make sure to check the visitor center for any warnings.

The end of the trail takes you back to Tram Road.  You can either continue to the observation tower which is at the halfway point of the loop or head back to the visitor center.  We opted to head back to the visitor center and head home.  

Tram

Other ways to explore the trail are taking the tram.  It’s a 2 hour tour and the tour operator gives you lots of info about the everglades, about the animals, the history of the observation tower, etc.  It costs $27 per adult, $21 for seniors, and $14 for children 3-12 years old.  If you are not the athletic type, the tram tour is the way to go.  Tours depart at 9:30am, 11am, 2pm, and 4pm.  Schedules are subject to change so check the website for current schedule.

Bike

You can also enjoy the trail on bike.  You can bring your own or rent a bike from Shark Valley Tram Tours.  They cost $20 to rent beginning at 8:30am.  Bikes must be returned by 5pm.  Last rental can be made at 4pm.  You can reserve online or in person on a first come first served basis. Tram Road is flat and paved so it’s the ideal for any type of bike or any biking skill level.  

Important things to know before you bike: 

  1. Under Florida law, any bicyclist under age 16 must wear a helmet. The importance of Helmets
  2. It is important to maintain a safe distance from all wildlife. Try to stay 10-15 feet away and do not feed or bother any animals. This is their natural home, and if you respect them, they will respect you.
  3. Florida is the lightning capital of the United States, and South Florida summers deliver some impressive weather shows. Most of the thunderstorms occur during the mid to late afternoon hours, so the best riding times are in the morning, when it’s still a little cooler.
  4. If you choose to rent a bike from Shark Valley Tram Tours you will be asked to sign the Bike Risk Acknowledgement Form before departing the facilities.

*The information above was taken directly from the website.

Ranger Guided tour

If you are looking for a more informative experience, you can take a Ranger Tour.  There are different tour options throughout the year but they are ranger-led so you will get a more in-depth explanation of the ecosystems, the animals, etc.

Important Info

Physical Address:

36000 SW 8th Street Miami, Florida 33194

Located 30 miles west of Miami off the Tamiami Trail (U.S. Highway 41)

Hours of Operation

  • Visitor Center: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
  • Entrance Gate: 8:30AM – 6:00PM

Peak visitor season 

December – April 

Rates

  • Private vehicle or Vessel: $30.00
  • Motorcycle: $25.00
  • Pedestrian / Cyclist / Paddle-craft: $15.00

Good for 7 consecutive days at all park entrances. 

  • Annual Pass $55
  • National Parks Annual Pass $80

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