Putting the Wild in Wildlife Preserves

Family vacations are often perfect times for new and exciting discoveries. Sure, there are theme parks aplenty throughout this area, and while those can be loads of fun, there's just something about exploring the great outdoors, learning new things about the plants and animals that inhabit this part of the country, and maybe discovering new things about yourselves along the way.

Everglades National Park

Perhaps one of the most wild and exotic places in the country is the area that is home to the Florida Everglades, an area of unspoiled beauty and unique flora and fauna. The Everglades National Park, at more than one million acres, is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. More than one million visitors come here each year, hoping to catch a glimpse of the extraordinary - and dangerous - wildlife that call this area home.

Most of the time, when the federal government creates a national park, they do so to preserve a certain geographical feature of the country. However, in the case of the Everglades, the government acted to protect the fragile ecosystem of slow-moving rivers that compose the Everglades. Thirty-six species of threatened and endangered wildlife live here, like the American crocodile and Florida panther, who coexist with tons more diverse animal and plant life.

Hiking is a popular activity here; you can walk for miles through the marsh and swampland, observing alligators, turtles, and birds.

Stop by the park's visitors centers for educational tips about the Everglades and learn about protecting the threatened ecosystem. Kids can even participate in the Everglades National Park Junior Ranger Programs, with fun, hands-on activities to help educate children on the National Park experience.

The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

This 111,000-acre forested wetland refuge stretches from southeastern Virginia to northeastern North Carolina and boasts great opportunities for hiking, biking, wildlife observation, and water activities like boating and fishing on the 3,100-acre Lake Drummond, the largest natural lake in Virginia, which is the lifeblood of the swamp.

Take the family for a hike or rent some bikes and head down the Washington Ditch Trail, which leads to the lake or meander along the boardwalk through the swamp and view animals like otters, raccoons, bats, and foxes, and birds like warblers, robins, and ducks.

When night falls, head across the water and set up camp in the designated areas. Relax by the campfire and share stories before heading off to sleep under the stars.

The refuge comprises a unique ecosystem, and the wildlife that inhabit it remain protected and managed through various projects and educational services. Guided activities are available, during which teachers will help you better understand the wildlife and their habitat and what it takes to protect all of it.