Lovers Key State Park
Lovers Key State Park is one of the best places to visit for quiet recreation in the city, especially if youd like a breather from the more intense, crowded, and lively Fort Myers Beach this weekend.
Its a great draw for all sorts of activities, such as paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, and more.
One of the draws of Lovers Key State Park is its stretch of beach, which can be accessed with only a short walk.
Along the way, you may spot marine or aquatic wildlife, as well as alligators, and youll stroll across scenic bridges, too.
There are lots of shells that wash up on the sand, too, which makes it great for beachcombing.
Theres even a dog beach at the parks southern end for your furry friends!
Address: 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931, United States
Looking for more thrill outside Fort Myers? Why not visit Destin, Jacksonville, and Key Largo? If you do plan the trip, here are some of the best things to do in Destin, FL, some fun things to do in Jacksonville, and some fun things to do in Key Largo!
Ride A Mini Train At Lakes Park
This park is a local favorite and a spot we visit almost every time we are looking for things to do in Fort Myers with kids. My kids love the splash pads and the playground and especially the train ride! Guests can take a mile long train ride on a 1/8 scale train around the park. And families can rent surrey bikes, pedal boats and kayaks on site.
Tour The Back Bay Or Gulf On A Dolphin Cruise
There are several different cruises available, some departing from downtown near Nervous Nellies, some over the bridge and some at the south end of the island near Santini Marin. This is something that you can usually find a Living Social deal for to save a significant amount of money. Weve done a couple over the years and it always fills the kids with delight to get up close to see manatee and dolphin while going for a boat ride.
Recommended Reading: Things To Do In Baytown Tx For Free
Catch A Ball Game At Fenway South
During Florida’s Cactus League spring training season, head to JetBlue Park , the spring home of the Boston Red Sox, where you can see the boys of summer play pre-season ball. A number of the characteristics of the ballpark are taken from Fenway Park, including a “Green Monster” and a manual scoreboard.
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.
You May Like: Mystic Ct Things To Do This Weekend
Edison & Ford Winter Estates Edison Park
In the late 1800s, both Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, two of Americas most prominent inventors, chose to winter in Florida setting the stage for over a century of tourism to this little corner of the Sunshine State. Edison built Seminole Lodge along the Caloosahatchee River, and often invited friends from the north to visit. Among those was automobile magnate, Henry Ford. By 1916, Ford had purchased the house next door, which he named The Mangoes. Guests are encouraged to visit the historic homes, gardens, Edison laboratory, and the 15,000-square-foot Edison Ford Museum. The museum presents the lives and legacies of both men.
2350 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL, Phone: 239-334-7419
You are reading “Fun Things to Do in Fort Myers, Florida this Weekend with Friends” Back to Top or More places to see near me today, what to do, weekend trips
Nearest romantic getaways today at night, places near me, local wedding venues, best small beach town, restaurants, outside, things to do with kids near me, staycation, beaches, resorts near me, how do I plan: Cincinnati, MD, OR Beaches, HI, Indoor Amusement Parks, Things to Do in Gatlinburg, WI, Orlando, Texas Beaches
Grab Fresh Treats At The Farmers Market
This market is set up in the parking lot of the Santini shopping plaza two days a week from fall to spring. Here you can score fresh produce, baked goods, honey, arts, crafts and more. Its a fun little walk through the stands and a good place to grab a quick and healthy snack while out and about. The trolley even stops right out in front of this plaza making it easy to get to.
Read Also: Things To Do In Syracuse
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
Try The Southern Style Dishes
The long, exciting tour is sure to leave your stomach grumbling. Stop by the Gator Shack to enjoy southern style dishes. From gator bites to burgers to ribs, the dishes are sure to satisfy your palette.
Dont forget to look at the dessert menu! From peanut butter pie to the traditional key lime pie, you can indulge your sweet tooth.
Also Check: Things To Do In Canton Ct
Grab A Table At Doc Fords Rum Bar & Grille
A favorite among the Ft. Myers faithful, this bar is located on the back of the beautiful Estero Bay on San Carlos Island home to the most acclaimed waterfront dining experience in the area!
After grabbing a table with an ocean view make sure to treat yourself to an Island Mojito Docs refreshing Caribbean twist on a minty classic.
Smugglers Cove Mini Golf
Mini golf is always a fun activity on a family beach vacation. There are a lot of mini golf places in the Ft. Myers area, but weve been coming to Smugglers Cove for years. You can feed baby alligators and they have a coupon on their website, plus everyone gets a chance to win a free round at the mystery hole.
Don’t Miss: Things To Do In Mystic Ct
Walk Fort Myers Beach
Walk the entire Fort Myers Beach all 7 miles of the gorgeous white sand coastline. If you need a break go for a swim. Fort Myers Beach has been named one of the safest beaches in the world because there is no undertow and the water is shallow. It really is the perfect beach for a family vacation.
Related Article: Miami To Key West- The Best Road Trip in Florida
Activities In Fort Myers With Kids

Posted on – Last updated: 05/13/2020
Fort Myers, located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, offers so many great family attractions.With an airport right in Fort Myers, it can be an easy visit from a number of US cities. We took a recent trip with our three small children to Fort Myers Beach, FL. We stayed with family so were able to save money on hotels and splurge on adventures! Here are the 10 things to do in Fort Myers with kids including things to do in Fort Myers Beach.
Don’t Miss: Things To Do In Germantown
Best Things To Do In Fort Myers Florida
Fort Myers sits along the Gulf Coast and is the gateway to Sanibel Island. This Florida vacation destination is renowned for its gorgeous white sand beaches, deep-sea fishing excursions, and championship golf courses. Youll find trendy bars, innovative restaurants, unique shops, and plenty of art galleries in the citys renovated and stylish downtown. Certain attractions may be temporarily closed or require advance reservations. Some restaurants are currently offering pickup only. Hours/availability may have changed.
Endless Water Activities On Fort Myers Beach
Whether you are looking for thrills or just want to chill the beaches of Ft. Myers has a water activity for you. Get a sky-high view of the city while parasailing 500ft above the ocean. Up to 3 people can go at once! We did our parasailing through Estero Island Parasail but there are plenty of companies to choose from.
If heights arent your thing but speed is, rent some jet skis. You can go on a self-guided tour or join a group dolphin or sunset tour.
Dont like heights or speeding through the ocean? Rent a stand up paddle boards or kayak and explore the beach at a calm pace. While paddle boarding we spotted a dolphin and a few stingrays.
Fort Myers & Sanibel Island is the perfect location for your next family vacation. Regardless of the age of your kids there is something to do for everyone! Looking for a kid friendly hotel in Fort Myers? Check out my review on the Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina. Did you find this post helpful? Please share it!
Read Also: Things To Do In Berkeley Springs Wv
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.
Burroughs Home & Gardens
Boroughs Home and Gardens is the previous home of Nelson and Adeline Burroughs. They entertained such guests as the Fords, Edisons, and Firestones at prestigious events. The Burroughs home is one of the oldest homes in Fort Myers nestled on over two acres with views of the Caloosahatchee River. The home itself is over 6,000 square feet and 2.5 stories with stained glass windows, an expansive veranda, and a widows walk. It was a jewel on a street that one day would come to be called Millionaires Row on First Street. Now this home is the ideal setting for weddings and receptions.
2505 1st Street, First & Fowler, Fort Myers, FL, Phone: 239-337-0706
Romantic places near me this weekend, all inclusive, live music, unique shopping in town, nightlife for tourists, caves, snow, resort, hotel, fishing spots near me, romantic restaurant, trailer park, museums, springs, island, light house, brunch places near me, fish, attractions near me: Florida vacation spots, Melbourne wedding, Malibu venues, Louisville, Things to Do in Melbourne, Ormond Beach, Buffalo wedding, Mystic wedding, Best places to stay in Daytona Beach, Orange County Day Trips
Read Also: Things To Do In Mystic Ct
Get A Little Wild On A Pub Crawl
Sure, you could join a regular pub crawl and have a wild night out, but isnt that a little mainstream?
For something totally wacky and unique, why not join a one-of-a-kind haunted pub crawl?
The swashbuckling bar crawl, unlike others, uses magic to enhance the experience: Tourists must walk from bar to bar to learn about the paranormal history of Fort Myers Beach as the guides perform magic at each location.
With stops at famous watering holes like City Tavern and Cigar Bar Live, the tap will never run dry.
Shop And Dine In The Fort Myers River District
A beacon of the citys nightlife and tourists, the electric Fort Myers River District is full of trendy restaurants, bars, and boutiques.
Grab a quick breakfast from the Green Cup Café enjoy the tea and sandwiches from Wisteria Tea Room, or delve into the huge beer selection at 10 Twenty Five.
After youve eaten or drunk yourself to full capacity, a souvenir-hunting stroll through the local antique shops is a great way to end the day.
Read Also: Kid Things To Do In Syracuse Ny
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
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!
Read Also: Kid Things To Do In Syracuse Ny
Boost Your Brain At Imag History And Science Center
Kid-friendly activities arent only about having fun. You can sneak in some hands-on learning opportunities to help your kids develop a thirst for knowledge.
You can get a double-dip of brain candy at IMAG History and Science Center. Created by a merger between Imaginarium and the Southwest Florida Museum of History, the center is home to more than 60 interactive exhibits about science and local history.
One of the staple exhibits is the virtual reality experience Virtual Fort Myers: The Past Meets the Present. With a VR headset, visitors can instantly visit and interact with Fort Myers as it was when it was in its early days.
Koreshan State Historic Site
Named after a religious group from Chicago that believed in strong community and the abolishment of money, Koreshan State Historic Park includes more than ten original structures, many of them dating back nearly 150 years.
Though the sites history is fascinating, its also a favorite destination for outdoor lovers camping, fishing, and boating are among its most popular activities.
The site consists of nearly 200 acres, and though its not the utopia that its founders envisioned, its a great place to spend a few morning or afternoon hours appreciating nature.
The site also features a Sunday farmers market, and tours guided by rangers are available as well.
You May Like: What To Do Around Mystic Ct
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.
Bike Ride To Sanibel Lighthouse Beach
Who doesnt love a bike ride more than kids? Rent a bike from Billys Rentals and then bike down the trail right in front of their store straight to Sanibel Lighthouse Beach. From their shop its a 2.7-mile ride to the lighthouse and beach. Regardless of the age of your child Billys Rental has the perfect bike for everyone in the family.
This weehoo attachment for my bike was so cool and super affordable to rent.
You May Like: Things To Do In Baytown Tx For Free
Head To Key West By Boat
From Fort Myers Beach, you are about a 5.5 hour drive from Key West. Or just 3.5 hours by the high speed ferry Key West Express.
A few years ago we took my grandmother on the ferry to Key West. At over 90 years old, she had mentioned many times that Ive always wanted to go to Key West. So, my son and I helped her check that trip off her list when we took the ferry for a day trip to the island.
You can use the ferry as a day trip and return the same day, or stay a night or two, whatever you like. Its comfortable travel, you dont need to worry about driving or parking or gas, etc. Just sit back and enjoy the ride with your friends or family. Get up walk around, get a snack, play some cards.
Check out this Ultimate Guide To The Family Friendly Florida Keys for things to do once you arrive there.