We're taking the 8 and 6 yr old grandkids to Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island in a few weeks. I thing they would love a swamp tour on a boat or swamp buggy, but the everglade tours are a 2 1/2 hour drive to Naples or Everglade City. Is there anything closer that I could take them to, say within an hour or an hour and a half. Thanks, Paul

Paul,
Don't know about a swamp buggy type option close to you, but you could take them up to Myakka State Park in Sarasota and do the boat trip. The grandkids will most certainly see numerous alligators on that trip and birds, maybe turtles.

I live in Englewood. I'll try to think what else might be fun for those ages. My son is 16 now, so it's been awhile.

I second the trip to Myakka River State Park - it's wonderful. They've got a great boat ride, a tram ride, a canopy walkway, and more. Here's a good link for you: http://www.myakkariver.org/

Thank you, everyone. Can hardly wait. They will love it.
Paul

Babcock Ranch offers swamp buggy tour. It is located in Punta Gorda. Check out their website:

www.babcockwilderness.com

Babcock Ranch is being sold soon for a major housing development. It's one of the last chances to see old Florida.

We go to Boca Grande every year or so, and our kids have done lots of island activities. It's a special place.

Our kids (currently 10 and 7) have taken Captain Marian's eco-tours several times, and really enjoyed them. Her dock is pretty much right across the street from the bridge to the Island. This tour is on a regular boat, and goes out in Charlotte Bay, near some islands. She takes the boat out, anchors it, then the captain, kids and you wade through the water with nets to collect marine life. Adults like it too. There are also canoes and kayaks to rent to take through the swampy canals by her dock; it should be pleasant and not too humid for the time of year they'll be there. The website is: http://www.grandetours.com/cruise.htm

There are also dolphin tours from Uncle Henry's Marina, which is the first marina on the left as you drive onto the island (about 1 mile after the bridge). We've never gone with this company, but have gone with other boats/captains, and we've always seen dolphins. Unfortunately, when we were there over Thanksgiving, the marina folks told us that the manatees have already headed for warmer waters, so you probably won't have a chance to see those.

We've also taken the kids for motorboat rides to nearby islands; I can't remember any of the names, but one has a small restaurant on it, and good shell beaches (though the shelling is good on Gasparilla too).

We've never gone much further from Boca Grande than that for fun; the kids would rather be on the island than driving that far away.