Here at Mountains and Motherhood, we love our hiking boots and high-altitude views, but that doesn’t stop us from adventuring on all terrains. Last week, while hosting friends visiting Orlando, we decided to swap the theme park crowds for a unique, exhilarating Florida day trip: an Orlando airboat ride with no age restriction.
If you’ve never been on one, let me tell you—it’s a blast! It’s loud, fast, and an absolutely incredible way to get up close and personal with Florida’s natural wetlands. But as any parent knows, finding a great adventure that truly works for the whole family (from toddlers to teens to grandparents!) can be a challenge. We were thrilled to discover this one fit the bill perfectly.
The Day Trip Itinerary: What We Saw & Loved
We scheduled our ride for the afternoon due to timing constraints. That being said, if you have flexibility in your schedule we recommend going in the morning for better wildlife viewing (and slightly cooler temperatures!). The instant we took off, the kids’ faces lit up—the speed and the wind are part of the fun!
The real magic, however, happens when the captain cuts the engine and you glide silently into the secluded coves. This is where the wildlife viewing begins!
Gator Land: We spotted the American Alligator, basking in the sun. As Floridians, gators are basically the equivalent of squirrels, but for anyone visiting, the fact that you are safely gliding past them makes the experience exciting, not scary!
Feathered Friends: My camera roll is now full of beautiful wading birds. We saw various species of cranes and herons—it’s truly a bird-watcher’s paradise.
Tiny Treasures: Look closely at the cypress knees and logs! We spotted dozens of sunbathing turtles and other small creatures zipping through the water.
The Parental Win: No Age Restriction!
One of the biggest hurdles when planning activities is the inevitable age or height limit. The best part about choosing an Orlando airboat ride with no age restriction was the pure, inclusive fun.
We didn’t have to worry about splitting the group or leaving anyone behind. Everyone was able to experience the thrilling sights and sounds together, which turned a good activity into a fantastic shared memory for both our immediate family and our visiting friends.
From Orlando to the Everglades: A Florida Must-Do
As seasoned adventurers, this wasn’t our first airboat rodeo! We’ve taken several tours through the famous Everglades in South Florida, and I can attest: these rides never disappoint. Whether you’re in the central part of the state near Orlando or deep in the Everglades, an airboat ride is the most authentic way to explore the “real Florida” beyond the beaches and parks.
It’s an educational, exciting, and highly memorable experience that connects your family with nature.
Practical Tips for Your Airboat Adventure
Planning your trip? Here are a few must-know tips:
Sun Protection: You are outside for the entire duration. Consider wearing hats and sunglasses.
Ear Protection: Most tours provide noise-canceling headsets, especially for children, bring your own earplugs if you have particularly sensitive ears, as the engine is loud when running.
Book Ahead: Especially for tours advertising no age restriction (which are popular with families), booking your tickets online in advance is essential to secure your spot.
Have fun!
If your family is visiting Orlando or just looking for a fantastic, easy day trip that offers a huge payoff in adventure, look no further than an airboat ride. It’s an easy-to-plan, high-thrill activity that truly unites the whole family in a shared memory. Happy exploring!
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