Named as one of the three most important wetlands in the world, the Everglades of Florida covers a large portion of the southern tip of the state and holds a window into Miami's past. Although you can walk through the glades on wooden bridges that crisscross between trees for miles, teens would have a thrill riding an airboat. These flat bottom boats sport enormous fans that propel them between rivers of grass through water trails made specifically for them. This allows the guide to bring riders up close to animals that call the Everglades home.
For a tour that encompasses the land and the wetlands of this ecosystem, teens can experience swamp buggies in an all encompassing eco-tour. These specially made buggies are elevated so that its riders can travel through the marshes and wetlands without the fear of getting wet, and in a moment's notice, travel on land around the wetlands to experience life around the Everglades.
A few experiences become tales that a teen can tell for years to come. Coming face to face with a dolphin in its environment is definitely one of them. Teens can head to Miami's Seaquarium to experience any one of three dolphin interactions, each with an educational prelude.
Dolphin Odyssey, one of Sequarium's encounters, has participants strap on a wet suit and climb into the water with dolphins. A trainer allows participants to hug, kiss and scratch a dolphin. The icing on this cake of this experience is being propelled through the water by a dolphin. Dolphin Encounter allows wetsuit-clad participants to wade in the shallow end of the water while they feed, interact, and learn training moves from skilled trainers. Trainer for a Day, allows teens to experience what it is like to be a Seaquarium trainer for a day. A teen can help feed and train dolphins and may even participate in a real show during the day.
Located about 220 miles from Havana, Cuba, Miami is heavily influenced by Cuban culture. Nowhere can you feel this more than in Little Havana. With a vibrant culture of music, dance, art and cuisine, Little Havana is an epicenter of life. Teens can walk among its many stores to get souvenirs inspired by the island off the coast, eat Cuban food from Little Havana's many restaurants, and move to live music.
Famously portrayed in just about every TV show or movie, Miami's beaches stretch for miles. Teens, and for that matter anyone, head to Miami to check out its world famous beaches and beach culture. Teens can swim, play beach games or just get a tan on the beach at Bal Harbor, South Beach or Crandon Beach, to name a few.
