As seen in Life in Naples Magazine Summer 2025 issue
Summer is the perfect time for families to make lasting memories, and Southwest Florida offers an abundance of kid-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained. From beachside adventures to interactive museums and nature explorations, there’s something for every family to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to beat the heat, get outdoors, or explore something new, these top summer activities will keep kids engaged and active all season long.
1.Explore the Best Beaches for Families
Southwest Florida is known for its stunning beaches, and summer is the perfect time for a seaside adventure.
Lovers Key State Park (Fort Myers Beach) – Calm waters, white sand, and plenty of space for kids to run and play.
Clam Pass Park (Naples) – A fun tram ride to the beach, plus shallow, calm waters perfect for little ones.
Bowman’s Beach (Sanibel Island) – A great spot for shelling and nature walks.
Caspersen Beach (Venice) – An excellent spot to find prehistoric sharks’ teeth, plus nature trails traveling through freshwater and saltwater marshes, mangrove areas, and tidal flats.
2. Discover Florida’s Wildlife
Kids love animals, and Southwest Florida has plenty of places to get up close and personal with fascinating creatures.
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens – A family favorite, with giraffe feedings, boat rides, and a fun playground.
Gatorama (Palmdale) – An exciting place to see (and even feed!) alligators and crocodiles.
Manatee Park (Fort Myers) – A great spot for viewing manatees in winter, but still fun for a picnic and butterfly garden exploration in summer.
Shy Wolf Sanctuary (Naples) – Offers a chance to learn about rescued wolves, foxes, and exotic animals.
For an extra adventure, take a dolphin-watching tour or go on a mangrove kayaking trip to spot birds, crabs, and manatees in their natural habitat.
3. Visit Hands-On Museums and Science Centers
When the summer heat is too much, indoor attractions provide a cool and educational escape.
Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (C’mon!) – A two-story wonderland filled with interactive exhibits, a treehouse, and an imagination play area.
IMAG History & Science Center (Fort Myers) – Features a living lab with sea creatures, a dinosaur exhibit, and fun science experiments.
Edison and Ford Winter Estates (Fort Myers) – A blend of history and science, where kids can explore inventions and beautiful gardens.
The Wonder Gardens (Bonita Springs) – A mix of history, wildlife, and botanical gardens that kids will love.
These locations make learning fun and engaging while providing a break from the Florida sun. And don’t forget about your local library to maintain and enhance their literacy skills, prevent “summer slide,” and foster a lifelong love of reading!
4. Cool Off at Water Parks and Splash Pads
Nothing beats the summer heat like a water park or splash pad!
Sun Splash Family Waterpark (Cape Coral) – Featuring thrilling slides, a lazy river, and a toddler-friendly splash area.
Sunsplash Waterpark (Naples) – A fantastic place for young kids, with water slides, fountains, and shallow pools.
Centennial Park Splash Pad (Fort Myers) – A free and fun splash pad located near the Caloosahatchee River.
Eagle Lakes Aquatic Park (Naples) – A great community pool with slides and water play areas.
Pack sunscreen, towels, and plenty of water to make the most of these water-filled adventures!
5. Go on a Family Friendly Hike or Nature Walk
Exploring the natural beauty of Southwest Florida is a wonderful way to teach kids about wildlife and conservation.
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve (Fort Myers) – A shaded boardwalk trail filled with turtles, birds, and occasional alligator sightings.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (Naples) – A unique wooden boardwalk through a breathtaking cypress forest.
CREW Bird Rookery Swamp (Naples) – An easy trail with tons of wildlife viewing opportunities.
Myakka River State Park (Sarasota) – Features a canopy walk, airboat tours, and plenty of picnic areas.
These trails offer shaded walks and the chance to see Florida’s incredible wildlife up close, but an evening walk with the kids (wearing reflective clothing or vests and carrying flashlights) requires little pre-planning.
6. Enjoy a Day at a Family Friendly Farm
Many farms in Southwest Florida offer fun, hands-on experiences for kids.
Farmer Mike’s U-Pick (Bonita Springs) – Seasonal fruit and vegetable picking, plus fun farm activities.
Southern Fresh Farms (Fort Myers) – A great place to feed animals, play on the playground, and shop for fresh produce.
Hunsader Farms (Bradenton) – Features a petting zoo, pony rides, and seasonal fruit picking.
Visiting a farm is an excellent way to teach kids about agriculture while enjoying fresh, local produce.
7. Have a Movie or Bowling Night
Sometimes, an air-conditioned escape is the perfect way to wind down after an active day.
Top Family Entertainment Centers:
Regal Hollywood 20 (Naples) and AMC Merchants Crossing (Cape Coral) – Both offer summer movie programs with discounted family-friendly films.
HeadPinz Entertainment Center (Fort Myers & Naples) – A mix of bowling, laser tag, and arcade games. Check out www.KidsBowlFree.com.
Bowland Centers (Multiple Locations) – Affordable bowling fun with special family rates.
Many of these locations have special summer deals and promotions for kids.
8. Plan a DIY Backyard Adventure
For days when you don’t want to go far, turn your backyard into an adventure zone!
Obstacle Course – Climbing wall, ropes, tire flip, hula hoop, objects to climb over, through or under. Encourage the kids to come up with some ideas too.
DIY Water Park – Sprinklers, inflatable pools, and water balloons make for hours of fun.
Outdoor Movie Night – Set up a projector and watch family-friendly movies under the stars.
Scavenger Hunts – Create a fun nature or treasure hunt for the kids to enjoy.
With some creativity, you can come up with lots of ways to keep your kids’ brains and bodies active this summer and limit hearing the dreaded, “Mom, I’m bored!”
