Planning a family trip to Southwest Florida? There are so many activities for kids in Southwest Florida. We keep busy! From museums to airboat tours, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a rundown of the best things to do with your family in Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, and Fort Myers.
Naples
1. Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (C’mon)
This place is a kid’s paradise! It’s a great choice when you’ve spent a bit too much time on the beach and want an air conditioned indoor activity. With interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, C’mon is designed to inspire and educate children of all ages. From the dinosaur exhibit to the water play area, your kids will be entertained for hours. My kids like building cars to race down a track, folding the perfect paper airplane and shooting it off an air cannon, and dressing up as a vet to take care of stuffed animals. The cafe and grocery store will keep them busy while there are chairs for parents to take a break. Don’t miss the treehouse!
Location: 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples, FL 34109
Website: C’mon
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
2. Naples Zoo
Naples Zoo is a hit with kids and adults alike. We like to start and end with the playground. When we first moved here and my little guy was only 3 I liked that the small size of this zoo meant that I didn’t need to bring a stroller. Don’t miss the Primate Expedition Cruise, or the monkey boat as we call it. You’ll board a pontoon and cruise on Lake Victoria to different islands to see monkeys, apes, and lemurs.
Location: 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples, FL 34102
Website: Naples Zoo
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Bonita Springs
3. Everglades Wonder Gardens
Everglades Wonder Gardens offers a unique experience with botanical gardens, wildlife exhibits, and a reptile house. They’re building an otter exhibit that will be so fun once it is done. You can also get up close to flamingos. It’s a great way to get a taste of the Everglades without venturing too far from the city. Plus, I just love downtown Bonita Springs. Grab an iced coffee at Downtown Coffee and Wine, and ask for a chocolate milk or lemonade for your kiddos before or after your visit. And if you’re out early in the morning, my favorite donut shop, Trackside Donuts, is nearby too.
Location: 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Website: Everglades Wonder Gardens
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Estero
4. Koreshan State Park
Explore the historic settlement of the Koreshan Unity with guided tours, hiking trails, and camping. It’s a fun and educational experience that the whole family can enjoy. The grounds are large and the kids can run. It truly feels like old Florida here.
Location: 3800 Corkscrew Rd, Estero, FL 33928
Website: Koreshan State Park
Social Media: Facebook
5. 810 Billiards & Bowling at Miromar Outlets
For a fun indoor activity, head to 810 Billiards & Bowling at Miromar Outlets. It just opened! With bowling lanes, billiards, arcade games, and great food, it’s a perfect spot for a family outing. Plus they have some pretty crazy milkshakes and ice cream to cool down with.
Location: 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Suite 190, Estero, FL 33928
Website: 810 Billiards & Bowling
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Fort Myers
6. IMAG History & Science Center
The IMAG History & Science Center is a great activity. With interactive exhibits, a 3D theater, and live animal encounters, there’s something for everyone. My kids like building forts out of the soft sided blocks, and using the ramps and loops to make a daredevil speed track for toy cars. The kids can even experience a hurricane in the hurricane simulator or pet sting rays in a tank. There are both indoor and outdoor activities. Outside you’ll find picnic tables if you’d like to bring a lunch.
Location: 2000 Cranford Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33916
Website: IMAG
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
7. Lakes Regional Park
This park in Fort Myers is a fantastic spot for outdoor activities. It features playgrounds, bike paths, paddleboat rentals, and even a miniature train ride. There’s also a library for a inside option, and nearby mini- golf options.
Location: 7330 Gladiolus Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33908
Website: Lakes Regional Park
Social Media: Facebook
Everglades Airboat Tours
8. Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Tours
For an unforgettable adventure, take an airboat tour through the Everglades. Wooten’s offers thrilling rides where you can see alligators, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Don’t forget to try the gator bites at their restaurant and stay for the alligator show.
Location: 32330 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL 34141
Website: Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Tours
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Wrapping Up
Southwest Florida is packed with family-friendly activities that promise fun and adventure. From the interactive exhibits at C’mon and IMAG to the thrilling airboat tours in the Everglades, there’s something for everyone.
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