Day Trip To Sanibel Island Fl
Its $6 to get over the bridge from Ft. Myers to Sanibel, but once you are there its like a beautiful tropical oasis. Lighthouse beach is super kid-friendly with a gentle shore. A kid-friendly restaurant we loved was the Island Cow, which has parrots in the back and bean bag toss lawn games while you wait for a table. They also bring every table free sprinkle muffins before you place your order! Sanibel has 25 miles of bike trails, and you can have a bike delivered to your hotel from Billys Bike Rentals.
The 5 Best Kid Friendly Activities To Do In Fort Myers
Fort Myers has a reputation as a hotspot for seniors.
While its true that the area is home to one of the largest retirement-age populations in the country, its far from the only group of people in town.
In fact, Fort Myers is teeming with families and has plenty of kid-friendly activities to entertain and educate people of all ages. Read on to find out some of our favorite things to do with the family in Fort Myers.
Cool Off At Sun Splash Waterpark
Hosting fourteen acres of thrilling water slides and relaxing pools, sunbeds, and cabanas, Floridas biggest waterpark in Cape Coral should sit high atop any Fort Myers bucket list.
With 15 noteworthy attractions like Main Stream River Tube Ride, Cape Fear, Fun-L-Tunnel, Zoom Flame, and the 457-foot Electric Slide & Power, among others, theres something for every level of adrenaline.
While the youngsters are running amok, the Calypso Café is the perfect spot for adults to chill out and grab a drink.
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Sanibel Thriller Boat Tours
Take a thrill ride on a 55 motor yacht with the Sanibel Thriller on your Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel or Captiva Island vacation. Guests zip along the Gulf of Mexico and Pine Island Sound while learning about Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Keep an eye out for dolphins playing and feeding in the area during a smooth, fun, and exciting ride thats kid-approved.
Imag History & Science Center
Take a break from the beach and explore IMAG History & Science Center. With exhibits like Be the Astronaut and Shaping SWFL Watersheds, families can have a blast learning more about the earth, history, science and beyond along with a hands-on-hall for a touchable, interactive experience. Theres even an on-site 3D movie theater featuring family-friendly flicks like Tiny Giants and Hidden Pacific!
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Best Things To Do With Kids In Fort Myers
BY Gina BirchFort Myers Local Expert
Does the term family vacation produce feelings of excitement or anxiety, or perhaps something in between? The logistics of these getaways can require a bit of effort, from where to stay and eat, to what to do. 10Best has the what to do question covered.
The beautiful beaches are an easy choice to accommodate any age range in your family. But if you want something other than saltwater for cooling off, Sun Splash Family Water Park will do the trick. There are slides with great speed and large drops, as well as a lazy, manmade river to float along.
If you want some learning mixed in with your fun, walk through the preserves at the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, where you’ll interact with reptiles and other native creatures.
There are a number of one-stop shop kind of places too, where families can get up close and personal with animals, participate in educational activities, and also enjoy sports and games. At these places, everyone is a kid, no matter what your ID says.
These 10Best family-friendly activities are sure to entertain the little guys while still pleasing the big ones too.
Embrace The Magic Of The Butterfly Estates
Located in the Downtown Fort Myers River District, this education-focused attraction houses nearly a dozen species of butterflies within its 3,600-square-foot glass conservatory.
Its enchanting, it offers daily educational tours, and it makes for a remarkable photo opportunity.
Best of all, Butterfly Estates is a non-profit organization, so the price of tickets goes toward aiding the protection and preservation of Floridas native butterflies.
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Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf
Play 18 holes of fun, adventurous, and challenging mini-golf in a lush tropical setting amid waterfalls, caves, pirate shipsand live alligators! You can even feed the alligators using a fishing pole. Its no wonder Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf has been voted best Fort Myers mini golf course for years. Fun for both kids and adults with snacks, beer, and wine available
Railroad Museum Of South Florida
The Railroad Museum of South Florida is located inside Lakes Regional Park, which we discussed above. In addition to the one-mile miniature train ride, they have several restored trains, including a fully restored 1905 locomotive and tender and a fully restored 1953 Seaboard Airline Railroad Caboose.
The museum also houses an interpretive center where your family can learn about the importance of railroads to South Florida and the United States as a whole.
Many of the exhibits are outdoors, so plan your visit accordingly and come prepared for some sunshine. Their hours are limited, especially during the off-season, so be sure to check their website before visiting.
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Beaches And State Parks
There are so many beautiful and diverse beaches in the Southwest Florida region. I covered Sanibel and Captiva Islands in a previous post on the area, so I wont deep dive into those see this post for most on that.
But Sanibel and Captiva arent the only shell-filled, dolphin-friendly beaches in the area. Bonita Beach is impressive and quiet, a family favorite for us. Consider Lovers Key State Park for perfect beaches and seclusion. For those that are interested in water features away from the ocean, try Lakes Regional Park in Lee County.
See Gators And Pet Stingrays
At the Imaginarium Hands-On Museum and Aquarium, families can get their science fix, thanks to an array of interactive exhibits that offer opportunities to dig for dinosaur fossils or feel what it’s like to be caught in a hurricane. The Animal Lab gives you an up-close look at critters such as alligators, iguanas, pythons, prairie dogs, and tree frogs, while the aquarium includes not only tanks of fish and eels but a Sea-to-See Touch Tank that lets kids pet stingrays, urchins, and starfish.
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Rev That Engine At The Muscle Car City Museum
Listen up, petrolheads: if you appreciate cars, this place is for you.
Filled with different vintage cars spanning the entire 20th and 21st century, the locally-adored Muscle Car City Museum showcases a range of cars as impressive and as diverse as any.
The collection spans from the 1902 Oldsmobile to the Hugger Orange 1969 COPO Camaro, 2020 Chevrolet Corvette coupe, and 1970 Oldsmobile 442, with plenty of memorabilia and souvenirs on offer too.
Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall
Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall
The Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall is named after the legendary Barbara B. Mann herself, an icon of the performing arts and a woman who worked tirelessly to bring culture and the arts of world-class quality to the local area.
She succeeded, and today, the hall is a testament to her legacy and is one of the best places to visit in the city for that genre of recreation.
The Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall boasts the biggest proscenium stage in the states southwest, allowing it to host huge Broadway tours of the likes of The Lion King and Phantom of the Opera.
The main auditorium boasts space for 1,900 seats and is famous for professional performance art.
If youre in town tonight, its worth checking their schedule to see what is in store!
Address: 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33919, United States
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Take A Seat At The Florida Repertory Theatre
Dubbed One of Americas Top Repertory Companies! by none other than the Wall Street Journal, this award-winning theatre produces various comedies, dramas, and musicals, with a constantly updated selection of performances on offer.
From musicals like West Side Story to cabaret events like Lets Fall In Love, theres something to suit every taste.
Check the website before visiting and be sure to lock in your tickets in advance!
Top Activities For Kids At Our Family Beach Resort
Let the memories soak in and the worries melt away on your next family vacation. If youre searching for a family resort that parents, teens and little ones will enjoy, then look no further than Pink Shell Resort. Our family-friendly beach resort in Fort Myers offers so many things to do with kids that the only difficult choice youll have is choosing what to do next! For a spring break trip to Florida, weekend getaway or summer vacation, check out our kid-friendly activities in Fort Myers Beach.
Ways to Play For Kids Under 5
For the littlest ones in the family, you cant go wrong with a splash in the surf or the pool. We recommend checking out the popular kid-friendly splash pad near the Octopool which also makes for great vacation photossee some of our guest photos below! Let the kids safely play in the water and cool off at the same time. And when its time for a nap, well set up your spot on our private beach with loungers and an umbrella. While the kids are sleeping, order one of Bongos signature frozen cocktails from a beach server and soak up that South Florida sunshine.
Beachy Activities For Kids Ages 5-12
Pink Shell guests ages 5-12 are brimming with energy, and we have plenty of beach activities to keep them entertained all week long.
Beginner Kids’ Fishing Trip
Daily Games, Crafts & Treats
Sunny Adventures For Teens
From thrilling WaveRunner rides to complimentary kayak and SUP rentals, there are plenty of ways teens can adventure on their own at Pink Shell.
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Go Down To The Ballpark At Hammond Field
Home to the Fort Myers Miracle the minor league baseball affiliate of the MLBs Minnesota Twins Hammond Field offers visitors the chance to see high-quality baseball without enormous crowds or exorbitant ticket prices.
The CenturyLink Sports Complex, which houses the Hammond Stadium, also boasts five playing fields and the Twins Player Development Academy, so theres always something happening.
Keep in mind that the baseball season typically only runs from April to September.
Escape Room Fort Myers
If youve always wanted to do an Escape Room but didnt have a baby sitter Escape Room Ft. Myers is the place for you. Not only do they allow kids to participate in the escape room, kids 5 and under are free. The rooms are not scary at all and our kids were able to contribute to helping us escape the room! The costumes they have on are from the room so you can see its great for kids and us adults had a great time.
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Bounce As High As The Ceiling At Defy Fort Myers
If youre on the hunt for a fun-filled day thats sure to tire out the kids , the trampoline park at DEFY Fort Myers ought to do the trick.
The beloved indoor amusement park boasts trampolines, battle beams, aerial silks, slacklines, foam pits, ninja obstacle courses, warped walls, and plenty more!
On those rare rainy days, theres no better place to be.
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Golisano Childrens Museum Of Naples
The Golisano Childrens Museum of Naples, or CMon for short, is one of the most fantastic childrens museums in the country and absolutely perfect for a cloudy or rainy day.
They have so many exhibits that theres no possible way your kiddos could do it all in a single day, and theres something for every type of kid.
Some of their current exhibits include a veterinary clinic adopt-a-pet, the Inventioneers Lab, Journey Through the Everglades, Race to Space, World Cafe, and many more. They also have regular special events and offer camps for kids. Be sure to take a peek at their calendar to plan your visit for the perfect day.
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Visit The Imag History & Science Center
With over 60 interactive exhibits, children can have a hands on educational experience . Admission is $15 for adults and $12 for students over the age of 2. Visit the IMAG website for hours and more information.
**IMAG is part of the Association of Science and Technology Centers which means if you already have a membership at one of their science centers or museums you may be able to get in for free! See their website for a full list of included locations and admittance policies.
Spot A Manatee At Manatee Park
If youre visiting between December and February you should definitely make a point to visit this non-captive warm water refuge for Florida Manatees. You can view the manatees from walkways surrounding the water or from canoes or kayaks. And even if you are visiting during the warmer months when manatee are less likely to be seeking warmer waters at Manatee Park, you can still enjoy the picnic ground, playground, and the large butterfly population.
Entrance to the park is free and parking is $2 per hour or $5 per day. Kayak rentals are available onsite as well as a playground and gift shop.
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All Aboard The Railroad Museum Of South Florida
While The Railroad Museum has an Interpretive Center, and a wonderfully restored version of the 1953 Seaboard Airline Railroad Caboose, its undisputed focal point is its train ride.
The one-mile journey takes visitors on a 15-minute tour, winding through miniature villages that depict Southwest Florida communities circa 1950 making it a surefire hit for both kids and adults alike.
Keep an eye out for local wildlife along the way too!
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Family Things To Do In Fort Myers Fl
Fort Myers has become somewhat of a second home for us. Ever since my parents moved their several years ago we seem to make it to southwest Florida about 2 or 3 times a year. And because my parents have lived there since we started having kids, we have tackled quite a few of the family friendly attractions in the Fort Myers area. If you have a visit planned in the near future, youll be happy to know that there are plenty of things to do in Fort Myers with kids, regardless of their ages!
This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may receive a small commission . Please see my full disclosure policy for details.
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Pet A Stingray At The Ostego Bay Marine Science Center
The Otsego Bay Marine Science Center is the perfect place to spend a rainy afternoon. Interactive educational exhibits answer your kids questions about the natural environment in the Fort Myers Beach area. Watch live marine life in the aquarium exhibits, and spend some time at the touching pool to find out just what a starfish feels like. The exhibits change from time to time, but theres always something fun to see and do. Ask at the desk about feeding times to get a better look at some of the more reclusive creatures housed at the center.
Dolphin And Sunset Cruises
Once you visit Ft. Myers Beach, the family-friendly dolphin cruises are truly one of the best Fort Myers Beach activities to try out first. Many trips are accompanied by a certified ecologist who provides insight along the way. This is the best chance to learn about our diverse ecosystem and local sea life in a fun engaging format.
Visitors also have the opportunity to see manatees and variety of wildlife. The cruises are insightful, relaxing and enjoyable for all ages. The sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico are also breathtaking the perfect time to head out on the open sea.
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Discover Nature At Cypress Slough Preserve
Spot a wild Florida gator from the safety of the beautiful boardwalk at the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve.
Native wildlife, including otters, turtles, alligators, and birds, call this wetland ecosystem their year-round home. Seasonally, migrating birds and butterflies stop by to make this incredible sanctuary even more vibrant.
Best Time To Visit Fort Myers
Theres a lot to see and do in southwest Florida any time of year, but if youd rather avoid the hot, hot, hot summers, plan your visit for the winter months or shoulder seasons. Winter is high season is SWFL and Fort Myers gets crowded with tourists lots of long lines at restaurants and heavier traffic. If youre planning on visiting nearby Cape Coral or Sanibel and Captiva Islands, you should be prepared for extremely long longs going over bridges and causeways during certain time of the day.
If you dont like heavy crowds and dont mind a little heat, summer isnt all that bad. Honestly. Many people stay inside or under shade during the hottest part of the day, but getting around the city is much easier lighter traffic, less crowded beaches, no reservations required at restaurants, and super easy on and off the many bridges and causeways to get to Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, Cape Coral, just about anywhere.
The Thomas Edison Estate is one of the must-see Fort Myers attractions
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