Florida’s Gulf Coast is not just a haven for sun-seeking adults—it’s also a fantastic destination for families with kids. Naples, Fort Myers, and Marco Island, with their sandy beaches, wildlife encounters, and family-friendly attractions, promise a memorable vacation for children of all ages. Our family truly enjoys this part of Florida. There is something serene about the area as well as the beaches. Each time that we have visited, it has been a relaxing vacation. Join me on a journey through this tropical paradise as we explore the top things to do in Fort Myers with Kids.
Hotel Stay:
After a day filled with exploration, retreat to the comfort and luxury of the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa. Nestled in the city of Bonita Springs, this family-friendly resort offers spacious rooms, a lazy river, water slides, and a private beach. The on-site Camp Hyatt ensures that young adventurers have their own exciting activities while parents unwind at the spa or savor delectable dining options. The resort in itself could also be a vacation because of the various amneties and onsite activities offered. Hyatt Regency Coconut Point by far has some of the best onsite activities for kids compared to similar resort.
Naples Children’s Museum: Kick off your family adventure at the Naples Children’s Museum. With hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, and educational play zones, this museum is a haven for young minds. From a mini grocery store to a science lab, kids can explore a world designed just for them. This was one of our favorite things to do in Naples with Kids. Having visited many children’s museums in the country, Naples Children’s Museum is at the top of our ranks. They have a great lay out and just so many activities to keep kids occupied.
Airboat Tour through Everglades City Airboat Tours: The highlight of our trip! Embark on an exhilarating airboat tour with Everglades City Airboat Tours. Glide through the mangroves and swamps, spotting alligators, birds, and other wildlife. It’s a thrilling and educational experience for the whole family. You definitely do not want to miss out on this awsome and unique adventure. It is worth it. Your family is in for a wild ride with this attraction. Evergaldes City Airboat was our company of choice and we enjoyed our tour guide who was very knowledge and made pleasant.
Everglades National Park: Immerse your family in the unique ecosystem of the Everglades National Park. Take a ranger-led program, go birdwatching, or embark on a tram tour to learn about this extraordinary wilderness.
Big Cypress National Preserve: Explore the neighboring Big Cypress National Preserve, where kids can discover the beauty of cypress swamps and the diverse flora and fauna that call this preserve home. Don’t miss the scenic drives for wildlife spotting. This was a fun random in the road stop. We were looking to take a break for a snack and noticed this preserve. The best part of it was seeing the alligators in the water by there. The alligators are underneath the boardwalk in the picture, perfect distance from us all.
Dolphin Explorer Marco Island: Set sail with the Dolphin Explorer in Marco Island for a memorable dolphin-watching cruise. Kids will be thrilled to see these playful creatures in their natural habitat while learning about marine life from onboard naturalists. This was such a wonderful tour especially knowing about the program they have and how they take care of these dolphins. Our tour was able to spot several dolphins throughout the boat ride. At the end of the tour, they take you on a small island where you have some time to take a quick family swim. Beautiful white soft sand beach and clear gulf waters.
Kayaking: Paddle through the calm waters of the Gulf with a family-friendly kayak. Whether it’s through mangrove tunnels or along the coastline, kayaking offers a unique perspective of the area’s natural beauty. We took some kayaks by the Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park. We were able to spot some dolphins during our rides.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: Head to Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park for a day of outdoor adventure. The park features pristine beaches, nature trails, and a chance to spot dolphins playing in the Gulf waters. We were able to spot some manatees during our beach visit. The beach is one of the most beautiful and has white sand and clear gulf waters. The temperature of the water felt just right.
Tigertail & Marco Island Beaches: Spend a day at Tigertail Beach on Marco Island, known for its shallow tidal lagoon. Kids can enjoy shelling, building sandcastles, and exploring the sandbar. It’s a serene spot for a family beach day. Marco Island beach was probaly one of our favorite beaches that we visited during this time. Beautiful white soft sand. Our kids had a blast finding and some of the starfish and sand dollars in the water. Tigertail also had beautiful white soft beach sand. Do note that the walk to Tigertail beach from the parkinglot can be a hike.
Marco Island Movie Theater: Unwind after a day of adventures with a family movie night at Marco Island’s movie theater. Enjoy the latest releases in a comfortable and family-friendly setting. The reason why this movie theather made the list is because of it’s sitting style. Different and unique you have to visit to see for yourself!
Naples, Fort Myers, and Marco Island are perfect for families seeking sunshine-filled escapades. Whether your little ones are delving into the wonders of science at the Naples Children’s Museum, riding the airboats through the Everglades, or enjoying a movie night on Marco Island, every moment promises excitement and discovery. Plan your family getaway with this list of things to do in Fort Myers with Kids and create memories that will last a lifetime.