Sub-Tropical Play
Want to raise a nature-loving child? We hear you. Toys, books, and activities inspired by the vibrant ecosystems around the cities of the Florida Subtropics - Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Naples, and the Florida Keys.
Introduce the animals and plants from Biscayne Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, the Everglades, and more, with these picks that bring crocodiles, egrets, sea turtles, manatees, and many more species to your little one's world. Our picks focus on native species you can actually find within a few hours' drive, sustainable materials and nice designs that look great in your home, and books with compelling stories that make learning irresistible. When possible, we link to small businesses and nature center shops. Your support through affiliate purchases with Bookshop.org, Amazon, and other partners helps us continue curating amazing local products for families.
Our Toddler Treks Place Kit! We're so happy to share this with you and your toddlers (1.5-3 years). Explore the plants and animals living in the sub-tropical habitats, like corals, manatees, parrotfish, turtles, and so many more! Plus, a Species Guide for parents that introduce the creatures within the kit, and where you can drive around the major cities in South Florida to go see them IRL!
Buy from Little Locals
We are big fans of Wild Miami, a guide to the flora and fauna around Miami. We are truly in the sub-tropics down here, and this guide oriented and educated us about the creatures that live here (including a guide to differentiate the natives from the invasives) and how to access all of this wildlife through the many parks across the metro area.
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5" Great Egret stuffed animal. Not only is it cute, this little plush plays a scientifically accurate bird call too. Great Egrets are year-round residents in the south Florida wetlands. Look - or listen! - for one next time you find yourself in the Everglades.
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Buy from Wild Republic
Save the Sea Turtles lovey by Emerson and Friends. A lovey is a cute term for a sort of blanket, stuffed animal, teether, drool cloth, and on-to-go companion all in one. This one features a cute little sea turtle plush, and a soft and cozy security blanket adorned with turtles, sea stars, and sea grass. Perfect for newborns, babies, and young toddlers.
Buy from Emerson and Friends
A super informative guide to the ocopus filled with gorgeous photos and illustrations. Had me saying, "What! I didn't know that!" at every page. In South Florida, the common octopus is the most... common... octopus that you might encounter, but we are also home to the grass octopus, and the Caribbean reef octopus. Good for 7+.
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We spotted this in an Everglades swamp sanctuary gift store, and appreciate the realistic and detailed illustrations of the swamp and its creatures. Get close to the wildlife without getting too close. Less than $5.Buy from Amazon
Buy from Dover Publishing
Adorn your little one's nursery with this mobile featuring scallops, sea turtles, sea horses, whales, dolphins, and stingrays, all crafted by hand with felt wool by Nepali artists. Based in Jupiter, Florida. Buy from Ganapati Crafts Co.
We thought this was very fun, a Playmobil "Boat Trip to the Manatees" set. Great for playtime or bathtime (the manatees float!). Not for the very littles though, as there are small pieces. Ages 4+.
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A Schleich delight - especially when you realize you can open the jaw of this alligator fugurine. Spiky and ready to strike, this alligator is the perfect way to introduce this swamp predator to your little one. Happy chomping.Buy from Amazon
Buy from Schleich
No, this isn't a duplicate! It's a saltwater crocodile figurine (also with a movable jaw). Can you tell the difference? Crocodiles have V-shaped snouths, while gators have more rounded snouts. American Crocodiles are also federally protected as an endangered species, while alligators are more abundant throughout the southeast and out west to Texas. Buy from Amazon
Buy from Schleich
I really was moved by this book! A Voice for the Everglades tells the story of Marjory Stoneman Douglas, the woman behind the creation of Everglades National Park, in such an accessible way. The gorgeous illustrations introduce the quiet beauty of the Everglades and should honestly be read by all adults living around South Florida! My 4 year old was also a fan ;).
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This 300-piece wetlands scene puzzle will need some parental involvement. We love the unique sea turtle shape and the nicely detailed illustrations of our favorite wetland critters - panthers, turtles, roseate spoonbills, to name a few! Buy from MudPuppy
Buy from Amazon
We appreciate children's books that teach us something about a local species, but that are still primarily stories, not just factbooks! Jenny's First Catch fits this category well, following a young and eager roseate spoonbill who is learning to fish on her own. You'll learn quite a bit about different wading birds and how and how they catch their food. Also, a bonus list of where you can go in South & Southwest Florida to see roseate spoonbills. Good for ages 4+. Buy from Amazon
Bottlenose dolphin figurine from schleich. Dolphins are year-round residents in the sub-tropics, and you might spot them on beaches or boats. This little figurine will be a great pretend play or bathtime friend for your little one. Buy from Amazon
Buy from Schleich
This picture book, Hurricane, is set on a North Carolina barrier island, but should be required reading for all families that live in hurricane-prone areas! Jason Chin tells the story, beautifully illustrated of course, of how a small community prepares for a hurricane, including how the hurricane begins and grows, where forecasts come from and how they are reached, and how communities can respond if impacted. Informative and surprisingly hopeful. Best for 5+.
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This 24 oz. stainless steel parrotfish-patterned water bottle by Waterlust is more grown up-sized, but we couldn't help but include it here. This and other fun ocean-themed prints are by Waterlust, a company making clothing and other useful items - like waterbottles - inspired by marine species and ecosystems.Buy from Waterlust.com
While some birds featured in this extensive guide may not live in the sub-tropics, we still love this travel-sized field guide for budding birders in south Florida. The Kids' Guide to Birds of Florida features beautiful photos and lots of useful information and identifiers. Recommended for ages 5+. Buy from Amazon
Buy from Florida National Parks Association
The story of a sea turtle hatchling making its way to the ocean, and growing into a mother sea turtle who lays her own eggs on a dark beach. Some scenes remind me of the drama of David Attenborough's "Planet Earth" series! Beautifully illustrated. Good for 4+.
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Hammerhead shark figurine from schleich. These predators have eyes on the sides of their hammer-shaped heads for improved vision. A fun one for playtime. Buy from Amazon
Buy from schleich
We were introduced to Uncle Goose blocks through their language blocks, and love that they also have these swamp blocks. The 6 block-scene introduces an alligator, frogs, dragonflies, measurements, and counting. Made in the US from sustainable wood. Recommended for ages 2+. Buy from Amazon
Buy from Uncle Goose
Sweet story of a manatee named Sam. "Sam the Sea Cow" introduces many aspects of the life of a manatee - environment, diet, threats, childhood - but maintains a nice narrative, and definitely does not talk down to its young readers. Based on the story of a real South Florida manatee. Good for 4+.
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Become a seashell investigator with this wonderfully informative guide to deciphering the characteristics - color, pattern, shape, and more - of seashells to learn more about the shell and its surroundings. Bring this on your next visit to the beach. Good for ages 4+. Buy from Bookshop.org
Buy from Amazon
Nurse shark plush by Petting Zoo. A whopping 20 inches - great for bedtime cuddles. These ocean creatures are actually pretty docile, and they prefer warm waters around coral reefs, mangroves, and sandy flats. They rest on the ocean floor, and are a bit sluggish (at least compared to other shark species).
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Buy from Florida National Parks Association
Incredibly detailed fur pattern. Did you know cougars, panthers, mountain lions, and pumas all refer to the same species? We call them different names depending on where they are location. In South Florida they're called Florida panthers are are, unfortunately, quite endangered. Very rarely seen in or around the Everglades, usually at night. Buy from Amazon
Buy from schleich
We love the Young Zoologist series, and this Green Sea Turtle "first field guide" is an excellent, easy-to-digest, well-illusrtated introduction to green sea turtles. One of seven sea turtle species on Earth, green sea turtles love the warm waters of South Florida and the Caribbean. Good for 6+.
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Follow the Moon Home introduces a group of young middle-school students who realize that baby loggerhead turtles need to get to the ocean after hatching by following the moon (hence the title). However, the bright lights from the houses along the beach are disorienting the turtles. Informative, inspiring, and with lovely illustrations, this this book, while set in South Carolina, is great for South Florida beach-goers because loggerheads can be found from the the Carolinas down to Florida. Best for ages 5+.
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We love Sarah's Silks' wonderful open-ended silks. This ocean earth playsilk can be anything, but we love it especially as a setting for your little one's beachwalk finds, figurines, and stuffies. Buy from Sarah's Silks
This is an enchanting and informative book written and illustrated by the famed Jason Chin. A little girl finds a library book (this book, actually) about coral reefs, and as she reads about the reefs and the creatures that live among them, she is transported into a coral city. It's fun for parent and child alike. Good for 5+.
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Adorable manatee-themed pajamas from Emerson and Friends. Made of soft bamboo fabric. Pajamas for newborns, toddlers, and mom also available in the same print.
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Another beautiful dive into coral reefs, this time by a local marine biologist, Dr. Erin Spencer. In addition to facts about coral reefs, this book also introduces how humans interact with coral reefs, in both helpful and not-so-helpful ways. Informative, hopeful, and vibrantly illustrated. Good for 5+.
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This is from a cute series called Baby Rangers, and offers a solid introduction to the birds you might see in the Everglades. We appreciate that you learn a few facts about the animals, in addition to the nice illustrations. Good for 1+.
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Buy from FL National Parks Association
Adorable - and quite large at 12" tall - Florida panther plush made of recycled materials. Florida panthers are some of the most endangered animals in North America, and there are only an estimated ~200 in the state. If you're curious about where these have been spotted, the FL Fish and Wildlife Commission has a map of sightings with verified photos - pretty cool to explore.
Buy from Amazon
Buy from FL National Parks Association
