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The best spots in South Florida to Adventure + some tips
Kid-Friendly Adventures & Campgrounds in South Florida
From Palm Beach to the Keys: Where to Sleep Under the Stars, Splash in Springs, and Make Outdoor Memories with Your Crew
South Florida might be famous for its beaches and nightlife, but for outdoorsy families? It’s a hidden treasure chest of wild adventures. From breezy campsites to mangrove hikes, freshwater swimming holes to stargazing hammocks, there's plenty of nature to explore (even without mountains).
Here's a guide to the best kid-friendly outdoor adventures and campgrounds, plus what to pack and how to keep it stress-free(ish).
Top Kid-Friendly Campgrounds & Adventures in South Florida
Palm Beach County
1. Jonathan Dickinson State Park – Hobe Sound
This is one of our favorite places to ease into camping with kids. There are shady tent sites, clean bathrooms, and even cabin rentals. Hike the Kitching Creek trail, paddle the Loxahatchee River, or climb the Hobe Mountain Observation Tower.
2. Peanut Island Camping – Riviera Beach
Yes, you can camp on an island here. Take a boat or water taxi and pitch a tent right near the water. Bonus: snorkeling, tide pooling, and fire pits under the stars.
Broward County
3. Markham Park – Sunrise
This campground is RV- and tent-friendly and connected to a full-blown outdoor playground: a model airplane field, mountain bike trails, a target range (far enough from the campgrounds), and a huge playground.
4. Quiet Waters Park – Deerfield Beach
Quiet Waters has walk-in tent sites around a quiet lake. It’s mellow, great for beginners, and has a splash park, bike trails, and a cable wakeboarding park for older kids.
5. Tree Tops Park (Day Adventure Only) – Davie
While not a campground, this one’s a gem for day adventures. Shaded trails, tree canopy walkways, and boardwalks through marshes that feel almost like the Everglades.
Miami-Dade County
6. Oleta River State Park – North Miami
One of the most family-friendly campgrounds near the city. Cabin rentals and tent spots right along the mangroves. Perfect for kayaking, biking, and introducing your kids to urban wilderness.
7. Larry and Penny Thompson Park – Homestead
Affordable, peaceful, and close to Zoo Miami. RV and tent sites, bike paths, a freshwater lake, and lots of wildlife. Great for beginner campers or weekenders.
8. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park – Key Biscayne (Day Adventure)
You can’t camp here, but it’s worth a day trip. Climb the lighthouse, paddle the calm waters, and enjoy one of Florida’s most beautiful beaches. We love bringing bikes and doing a full loop.
Everglades & South Miami
9. Long Pine Key Campground – Everglades National Park
This one’s for families ready to rough it a little more (no electricity at sites). But the trails, wildlife, and starry skies are unforgettable. Go during winter or early spring to avoid the mosquito cloud.
10. Flamingo Campground – Everglades National Park
Drive a little deeper into the park for this waterfront campground. You’ll likely see manatees or gators. The breeze keeps bugs away, and there are covered chickee huts for shade and hammock lounging.
Florida Keys
11. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – Key Largo
The Keys' crown jewel for kid-friendly camping. You’ve got snorkeling tours, glass-bottom boat rides, and mangrove kayaking—all walking distance from your site. Showers, ranger programs, and short nature trails round it out.
12. Bahia Honda State Park – Big Pine Key
Shallow, clear water beaches, sandy trails, and campsites just steps from the ocean. It books up fast, so reserve early—but it's one of the best nature sleepovers in Florida.
13. Curry Hammock State Park – Marathon
Fewer crowds, ocean views, and big open skies. Bring kites, paddleboards, and a sense of calm—this one is peaceful and perfect for slow days outdoors.
Tips for Making It Fun (and Not Minimize Meltdown)
- Keep your first trip short. One or two nights is plenty for younger kids.
- Set roles and routines. Let kids help set up, gather sticks, or wash dishes. It makes them feel like part of the adventure.
- Make space for free play. Nature doesn’t need to be scheduled. Let them climb, wander, and just be.
- Start a tradition. We started an Adventure Club in our neighborhood. Some weekends we hike, other weekends we bike or beach... but a few times a year, we camp together. It makes it easier to stick with and way more fun with friends.