The Everglades, stretching 100 miles south from Lake Okeechobee, has one of the most unusual ecosystems in the world. The lifeblood of “the Glades,” as the locals call the area, is water. Not only do its plants and animals need it to survive, but it's also what gives the Glades their unique character. Over 400 species of birds, 26 types of snakes, and 40 species of four-legged animals call the Glades home. A family vacation here is not only a fun adventure but educational as well.