When most people think of visiting Florida with kids, they usually think about beaches and theme parks, but the Sunshine State is also great for hiking!
Florida offers unique hiking experiences with sand, lakes, springs, sinkholes, underwater caves, and wildlife. There are even waterfalls, caverns, rocky coastlines, rapids, and coral reefs to explore! With low elevation and many smooth, paved trails, it’s perfect for kids of all ages and abilities.
I’ve been hiking Florida trails with my family for 13 years. We started with baby carriers and strollers, but now we can all strap on our hiking boots and go. We’ve experienced hot, sweaty walks, cool, windy ones, and even a few rainy hikes. I want to share what I’ve learned so you can enjoy the trails and stay safe with kids, regardless of their age or mobility.
Keep reading to learn about hiking in Florida, the best times to go, and the essential clothes and gear for a fun and safe adventure on the trails.
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Table of Contents
- Florida Fun Facts
- All-Weather Gear
- How to Avoid Bug Bites
- Florida’s Wildlife
- Hiking vs. Nature Walks
- Sandy and Muddy Paths are the Norm
- Impacts of Hurricanes on Florida Hiking Areas
- Florida Summer Afternoons Mean Thunderstorms
- What are the Best Months to Explore Florida Trails?
- A Note on Hiking Gear for Kids
- Why You Should Get a Hiking Baby Carrier
- What Kind of Footwear & Socks Do Kids Need to Hike in Florida?
- What are Basic Kids’ Hiking Clothes?
- Fun Gear for Hiking With Kids
- Happy Family Hiking!
Florida Fun Facts
- Florida stretches nearly 450 miles from top to bottom – that’s a lot of ground to cover!
- We’ve got two time zones and two climates – talk about variety!
- With the longest coastline in the contiguous US, you’re always close to the beach.
- You’re never more than 60 miles from saltwater – ocean vibes all the time!
- Explore 175 state parks and 9,200 miles of trails – adventure awaits!
- Water lovers, rejoice! We’ve got 700 freshwater springs and 4,000 miles of paddling routes.
- Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the US – wild and wonderful!
All-Weather Gear
Carry water for the whole family. Staying hydrated is critical for hotter days and high exertion.
Consider a portable water filter. If you run out of water on your trek, you can always filter the water you find. I tested one and wrote about it here.
Florida is sunny 230 days out of the year. Wear sunscreen or protective clothing to prevent sun damage to your family’s skin.
Lip balm with SPF protects lips and keeps them nice and healthy all year, including crack-free on cold days.
A brimmed hat and sunglasses can also help protect little faces and eyes from the sun.
It’s also a good idea to have a first aid kit. We have had several over the years. The trickiest thing about a kit is remembering to check the contents for expiration dates.
How to Avoid Bug Bites
If you hike during peak mosquito season, which runs from July to October, you’ll want to protect yourself with repellent. My favorite natural mosquito repellent is made locally, smells great, and actually works!
Don’t forget about the “famous” no-see-ums; they also bite!!
Remember that mosquitos and no-see-ums can be present throughout the year in the woods and near the water.
In addition to flying biting bugs, Florida has plenty of ticks. We use Off! Deep Woods Tick Repellent. It’s gross, but not as gross as searching for ticks all over your body and your family.
You can get a complete list of biting bugs on the Wander Wisdom site.
Florida’s Wildlife
Florida is also home to 269 wildlife species only found here, such as the Florida scrub jay, the Key deer, and the Florida wild turkey.
The state also has plenty of cute squirrels, deer, majestic herons, and large predators such as black bears and alligators.
In general, if there are woods, there are black bears; if there is water, there are alligators. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), about 4,050 black bears live in Florida. The FWC also estimates there are 1.3 million alligators in Florida.
Wildlife Safety Tips
Please research the wildlife before exploring wooded paths. The National Forests in Florida website has simple wildlife safety tips.
In all our years of hiking in Florida, we have only seen snakes, turtles, tortoises, birds, and, when near water, alligators. All of them preferred to flee rather than come near us.
For their safety, make sure that your children know to react calmly in wildlife encounters. Know what wildlife you might encounter in the area you are wandering so you can prepare yourself and your kids.
Our kids grew up on the trails, but we always have a safety talk before we head out. We’ve had wildlife encounters, and they have handled them well – staying calm, alert, and at a safe distance.
Gear to Protect You on Your Hikes
Whenever my family and I explore the woods, we wear bells and carry walking sticks and bear spray.
Bells
The bells will ensure that wild predators hear you. You don’t want to startle them.
Our bear bells can attach to shoes, backpacks, or clothing with hook-and-loop fasteners. You can also quiet the bells *by using a built-in magnet* so they don’t jingle before you get on the trail.
Sticks and Bear Spray
A walking stick and bear spray are both weapons that can be used on various animals if you find yourself in danger. Be careful with bear spray; you can hurt yourself with it if it blows into your eyes.
We have never had to use them, but they are good to have in case of an encounter with dangerous wildlife.
Hiking vs. Nature Walks
Florida has more than 5,000 hiking trails, so there are plenty to choose from, regardless of age, fitness level, and mobility.
Even though many trails in Florida are more like nature walks, I’m calling them hikes. Some folks might not call them that since none of these treks scale mountains or go along cliffs, and some paths double as logging roads.
Florida’s highest elevation is 345 feet (Britton Hill), and some areas are below sea level.
While routes are primarily flat, they offer a variety of habitats and different vista opportunities.
Sandy and Muddy Paths are the Norm
One thing is certain: many Florida trails are either sandy or muddy.
Sandy Trails
A lot of walking paths in Florida are sandy. Sometimes, it’s hard-packed, but other times, it’s like walking on the beach.
The soft sand often comes with sand spurs that like to stick to shoes, socks, and pant legs. Small kids can get injured (though not seriously) by sand spurs.
Whether the path is soft sand or hard-packed, I recommend closed-toe shoes.
Muddy Trails
Many trails are also muddy. Some never dry up; others can dry up during the dry season or drought. I recently learned that palm fronds can make muddy trails passable and less slippery.
We were hiking at Bulow Creek State Park and came across a portion of the trail that was very muddy and covered in palm fronds. It was very cool, and the kids loved walking along the crunchy fronds without sinking in the mud.
Impacts of Hurricanes on Florida Hiking Areas
In Florida, hurricane season runs from June to November. The state is well-versed in hurricane preparation, warnings, and emergency response.
After a hurricane passes, hiking locations are sometimes closed due to hurricane damage, even when it seems like the storm was long, long ago.
Damage is often due to habitat loss, structural damage, and flooding.
Always check before heading out to hike to make sure the areas you plan to explore are open. The Florida State Parks, the Forest Service, and the National Park Service websites are always very good at posting closures, alerts, and important information. If you can’t find it on a website, call.
Florida Summer Afternoons Mean Thunderstorms
The Sunshine State becomes the Thunderstorm State nearly every summer afternoon. The good news is that storms typically roll through and are gone quickly, a few hours later, sometimes even in less than an hour.
Since summer thunderstorms are relatively predictable, you can plan your hikes for mornings and avoid dangerous thunderstorms later in the day.
Morning hikes in the summer are generally more pleasant since the days start out cooler than later in the day. And, if you hike in the early morning, you can fit in a swim before the storms.
Note: Any time you hear thunder, take cover inside (not under trees!) and stay away from water. Getting struck by lightning is a real danger. My friend’s dad has been hit twice!
What are the Best Months to Explore Florida Trails?
Florida technically experiences all four seasons, although summer lasts longer than elsewhere. The winters are mild and feel more like fall/spring.
The best time to hike depends on what kind of experience you are looking for.
Cool Hikes
By cool, of course, I’m referring to cool temperatures. The most comfortable times for exploring the woods are:
- March (Early Spring)
- November (Late Fall)
- December to February (Winter)
While there can still be some warm mid-days, November to March is your best bet for hiking without scorching temperatures. It’s also the dry season.
Hikes that End in a Swim
Florida has a lot of lakes, beaches, and springs for swimming. If you are hiking between April and October, you can heat up during the walk and cool down in the water.
Not all hikes have swimming areas, but you can plan your day to include hikes in the early morning and swims the rest of the day.
Places with Hiking and Swimming:
- De Leon Springs State Park
- Wekiwa Springs State Park
- North Peninsula State Park
- Blue Spring State Park
- Alexander Springs
Wildflower Hikes
Wildflowers bloom all year long in Florida. However, the specific time of year depends on where you are.
Florida is a very long state with various climates. North Florida can get pretty cold, and South Florida is warm and humid year-round.
So, while something might bloom in winter in a particular region, it might not bloom 200 miles north.
If you’re interested in seeing wildflowers along your walk, I recommend researching where and when to see them through the Florida Wildflower Foundation.
A Note on Hiking Gear for Kids
Before we get into the gear you’ll need to hike with kids, I’d like to address a few things.
Tips for Saving on Kids’ Hiking Gear
As you can imagine, hiking gear is expensive—any specialized gear is.
If you buy kids’ hiking gear, I recommend shopping for discounted items (like REI Outlet or Amazon) or used gear (you can find used at REI or Facebook Marketplace).
Our youngest often got a lot of hand-me-downs from her older brother. And once our youngest outgrew her items, I would hand them down to other outdoor-loving families.
You can also find non-hiking-specific items that can work for hiking as well.
Why You Should Get a Hiking Baby Carrier
Consider a hiking carrier if you love hiking and are expecting or already have a baby.
We used one (almost exactly like this one) for our kids. We were able to sell it when our kids outgrew it. I recommend getting one with the largest weight capacity. Carrying a 30+ pound toddler in your arms will wear you out quickly. Having them on your back is much easier.
Even if you have one who is interested in walking and running, they always get tired on the trails. The backpack carrier lets your toddler nap or rest their legs while you continue your hike.
New baby carriers for hiking typically start in the $80 range and can go up to the $500s. I never had one that was that expensive—my cheaper one worked really well for me. Always do some research on the best ones for your needs.
What Kind of Footwear & Socks Do Kids Need to Hike in Florida?
All you need to hike are closed-toe, sturdy walking shoes and comfortable socks.
Once you and your kids start hiking more, especially in muddy or rough terrain, I recommend getting waterproof hiking boots or hiking shoes. They are made to protect feet and keep them dry (for the most part, at the very least, drier than in regular shoes). They typically have good traction, too, which can be useful on your treks.
You’ll want hiking socks to go with trail shoes and boots. I’ve tried to wear regular socks with my hiking boots and ended up with a callus on my big toe! My foot was sliding around my boot and scraping that toe. When I wear my hiking socks, my foot stays put, and I don’t have any injuries.
I recommend trying your footwear in-store and talking to an expert. You want to make sure they are a good fit, and I always like being able to try out different styles at a store.
Specific Recommendations
| Item | Brand | Comments |
| Hiking Socks | Smartwool | Moisture-wicking Cushioning |
| Hiking Sneakers | Merrell | I wear these kids’ sneakers Protect feet Leave ankles exposed |
| Hiking Boots | Keen | Youngest wears and loves these Technically for boys, but my daughter uses them Buy on sale |
What are Basic Kids’ Hiking Clothes?
In general, my kids wear lightweight tops and bottoms.
When it’s hot, we often wear shorts and short-sleeved tops.
We add a fleece layer on top and long pants during the colder months. Dressing in moisture-wicking layers is a good idea because the morning starts cold but can heat up quickly.
Hiking Pants
Hiking pants are lightweight and have built-in sunblock (UPF 50+), moisture-wicking properties, and good pockets.
Our favorite hiking pants convert into shorts. They aren’t cheap, but they are well worth the investment. They are also water-repellant and have tons of pockets. And yes, they sell these for adults, too.
Here’s a pair of hiking convertible pants that are a bit cheaper. We have not owned these, but the reviews seem pretty good.
Hiking Shirts
Who doesn’t love a good hiking shirt with sunblocking (UPF 50) and moisture-wicking abilities? These shirts are also good for any outdoor activities with your kids. So, if the price seems a little higher, remember they can use them off the trail, too.
Here are some other outdoor kids’ top options.
Base Layers
I recommend wearing base layers when hiking in the winter or during cold weather. They will keep your kids warm, dry, and comfortable.
Kids might already have some things in their closet that may work. If you’re not sure where to start, check out this article: “How to Choose Base Layers” from REI.
Fun Gear for Hiking With Kids
So far, we have kept everything pretty serious, so let’s toss in some fun stuff!
Nature Exploration Kit
Keeping kids engaged on a hike can be one of the hardest things. Over the years, I have found that if you have some exploration gear, it can really make for a delightful hike with happy kids.
I recommend having the following:
- Binoculars
- Magnifying glass
- Compass
- Net
- Bug collector container
Keep everything in a drawstring bag to keep it all together and make it easy to carry. Of course, there are some that you buy pre-packed with a bunch of hiking goodies. Just know that you might want to hide the flashlights and whistles that come with some of these.
Hiking Journal
If your child likes to journal, consider a hiking journal. This way, they can log their hikes and document animal and plant sightings. They can start filling it out before they head out and continue recording if you stop for snacks or lunch or on the way home.
Scavenger Games
When my kids were little, I always made a scavenger hunt sheet for each kid to extend our hikes and just have fun.
There are some premade ones, like this free PDF I made, that you can download or you can buy a scavenger hunt with cards and a carrying bag.
Play I-Spy
Probably the simplest game you can play is I-Spy. This is a good game for older kids.
Our kids are now teens, and we still play this game. Sometimes, the kids get really creative with this one. The best thing is it’s free!
Happy Family Hiking!
Make sure that you set aside plenty of time for the kids to be kids on the hike. Let them stop and inspect flowers and bugs. If they get tired, rest on the trails and make jokes or recap what you’ve seen so far. And let them get dirty. Kids love to get dirty. The clothes are washable, but those smiles are memories in the making.
If you’re looking for family-friendly hiking for your family less than an hour north of Orlando, check out this post.
Florida has such good hiking! I have a lot of friends who are bird watchers and they’re teaching me where to find them.
Yes, there is so much birding here! I’ve done a little bit of it as the kids are getting older. I hope you enjoying your bird watching adventures.
This hike looks so peaceful and relaxing. Definitely have to do some research on the wildlife beforehand. Thank you for sharing!
Glad you found it helpful. Yes, definitely need to know how to handle wildlife here in Florida. Thanks for stopping by.
Thanks for the tips! We were just in Florida in early September, and it felt way too hot to go out for a hike (with the high humidity) except early in the morning. Next trips will have to be during the cooler months as you suggest.
Hi Sonia, yes, winter is the best time to hike here. I’m glad though that we have had some lovely sunrise and sunset hikes in summer that were manageable.