Gulf Coast Family's primary purpose is to encourage families along the Gulf Coast by providing worthwhile information that deals with family life right here in the Tampa Bay area.
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Billie Swamp Safari and Big Cypress RV Resort
This month, our “Trip on a Tank” took us to the Big Cypress Indian Reservation, which sits right on the edge of the Florida Everglades, just about twenty miles north of “Alligator Alley.” Depending on the size of your vehicle’s gas tank, this trip might actually take slightly more than a tank of gas. But even if you do have to stop and fill up on the way home, it is still an adventure you won’t want to miss.
Our adventure began with a thrilling ride through the swamp waterways on an airboat. Our smallest adventurers had to sit this one out though – children must be at least four years old to ride the airboat. As we sometimes raced, sometimes meandered through the airboat trail, we watched deer, water buffalo, bison, raccoons, hogs, turtles, dozens of fish, hundreds of birds, and about a dozen alligators. Our guide, Raymond, was experienced and knowledgeable about all of the wildlife we encountered, and we learned a lot during our twenty minutes with him. David (age 13) and Daniel (age 9) both thought that the airboat ride was the best part of the whole trip. They especially liked getting almost within touching distance of a 14-foot long alligator! The highlight for the rest of the family came next as we boarded a swamp buggy for the hour long eco-tour above the untamed Everglades. Here, our driver Janet took us through the 2,200 acres of beautiful swampland, again pointing out the abundant animal and plant life, and giving us a lesson on the history of the Seminole tribe as well. Our young adventurers, Hanna (age 6) and Haylee (age 3) loved meeting Rosie the raccoon who loves to beg for treats whenever Janet drives by. Other highlights of the journey included seeing some tiny newborn wild hogs, watching water buffalo chew their cud, and visiting with an ostrich who came right up to our buggy to hang out for several minutes. He even tried to take a bite out of Janet’s leg! Lunch at the Swamp Water Café was also a treat. Here, guests can enjoy traditional Seminole fry bread, other Seminole delicacies such as catfish, frog legs, and gator tail, or American dishes like burgers, chicken fingers, and fries.
Other activities at the Billie Swamp Safari include a Swamp Critter Show, multiple animal exhibits, an authentic Seminole village, campfire storytelling, and a gift shop with Native American arts, crafts, clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs. Those who are truly adventurous also have the opportunity to spend the night in an authentic Seminole house, called a “chickee.” Overnight guests also have the opportunity to take a Swamp Buggy Eco-Tour at night! Billie Swamp Safari offers fun for all ages. Whether you spend a few hours, a full day, or even two days exploring, it promises to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Seminole Village & Gift Shop
Everglades Airboat Rides
Animal & Reptile Shows & Exhibits
Seminole Camping Village
Swamp Buggy Eco-Tours
Swamp Water Café
One of the fun activities that we’ve recently attempted to help inspire our children, is a “photo safari” -- and our kids loved it!! Our children love to point and click, so instead of fighting over the family camera, we provided them each with their own camera that they could take on family trips. We then challenged them to a photo safari and frankly, we were amazed at some of the shots they came back with. So for your next family adventure, try letting your children loose with a camera. Not only will your little ones have fun, but you might also find it fun to look at the world through a child’s eye view. Big Cypress RV Resort
Even with all of the amenities, the resort still has a quiet and tranquil atmosphere. The RV and tent sites, as well as the cabins are all spread out throughout the facility, and the resort is nicely landscaped and surrounded by lots of trees. So if you enjoy spending time outdoors, but still like modern conveniences, you will find that the Big Cypress RV resort meets both needs perfectly! Gulf Coast Family Publications - Encouraging families along the Gulf Coast in Pinellas County |
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The 2,200 acre preserve at Billie Swamp Safari is filled with exotic animals and plants, most living in their natural environment. Visitors have the opportunity to observe wildlife up close through airboat rides and swamp buggy eco-tours.
Our final activity of the day was the Snake and Alligator show where Colin educated and entertained us with snakes, both venomous and harmless, and a baby alligator. Thankfully, the show is held indoors, so we were sheltered from the brief afternoon thunderstorm that is quite common this time of year!
Nestled on the edge of the Everglades, this rustic camping village includes native-style chickees (“house” or “home” in Seminole language) for overnight stays.
Experience a swamp buggy eco-tour where you can see native and exotic wildlife up-close. You’ll discover a fascinating natural world see an authentic Seminole encampment. Tours operate daily, with exclusive VIP tours also available.
Feast on a variety of American dishes or Seminole delicacies such as catfish, frog legs, gator tail and traditional Seminole fry bread.
If staying in an authentic Seminole chickee sounds just a little bit too rustic for you, you only need to head about three miles down the road to the Big Cypress RV resort, where you can enjoy almost all of the comforts of home, including private bathrooms, cable TV, internet access, and most importantly, air conditioning, in one of the resort’s fully-equipped cabins.
Basic cabins that sleep two people contain either two twin beds or one king size bed and include a private bath, small refrigerator, microwave oven, toaster, and coffee maker. Deluxe cabins sleep up to six people, and also include a full kitchen. Finally, the two-bedroom VIP suite, which also sleeps up to six people, has a full kitchen and living room. As the name suggests, the resort also has spacious RV and tent sites with common bathroom and coin laundry facilities available.
The large, heated pool is a great place to cool off at the end of a hot south-Florida day. And between miniature golf, badminton, shuffle board, horseshoes, and a fully-equipped playground, family members of all ages are sure to find plenty of entertainment.
