By: Susan Finch
Naples, Florida draws scores of visitors for its tranquil waters, fine dining, gorgeous beaches, and relaxed vibe. But despite its upscale boutique shopping and luxury accommodation options, Naples is also family-friendly and affordable with plenty of opportunities for even the littlest travelers.
Here’s our must-do’s for things to do in Naples, Florida with kids in tow.
Coral Cay Mini Golf
Competitive families can flex their mini golf skills at Coral Cay Mini Golf. The courses are just challenging enough for adults, but not too challenging for little ones who just want to get it on the fun and delight in the whimsical course. Visitors play through an oasis of tropical flowers and flora, bridges, caves, and hills. There’s also a concession stand for slushies, ice creams, and snacks for a tasty ending to the night.
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
Take a walk along a mile-long path past rare and favorite zoo animals, tropical gardens, and a historic setting at the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens. Kids will love the unique looking black-crowded crane and classic blue and gold macaws. Other animals guests may encounter include African lions, honey badgers, and a giant anteater. Before you leave, make time for a ride on the Primate Expedition Cruise, or a show in Safari Canyon.
Sun-N-Fun Lagoon
Take a break from the beach and find more things to do in Naples that still keep you cool and refreshed. Head to Sun-N-Fun Lagoon waterpark, it’s full of rides, slides, and water play for toddlers and thrill seekers alike. A Tadpole Pool and tranquil Family Falls cater to smaller kids while the Dolphin Dive and Lap Pool and Sea Lion water slides for a plunge into the lazy river. Your family could easily spend the whole day at Sun-N-Fun Lagoon and order up tasty treats from the Zaks Snack Shack.
C’MON – Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
C’MON, the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples is Southwest Florida’s first museum devoted to children and families to learn through play. Spend the day building designs, going back in time on the Dinosaur Train, inventing at the Inventioneers Lab, creating masterpieces, and learning about life on the farm. There’s so much to see and do, make C’MON a return visit for families who can’t get enough of the Naples area. And for the littlest travelers demanding their own fun things to do in Naples, there’s also an ABC Toddler Lot with a gated area for babies to three-year-olds who want to play and explore away from the bustle of the big kids.
Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
See what the beauty of Southwest Florida has to offer at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center. Take a guided nature tour to learn more about the local wildlife to learn about the unique ecosystem of Rookery Bay, backwater bays, and mangrove forests. Visitors are also welcome to explore on their own on Rookery Bay nature trails and kayaking and boating launches. There are also plenty of options for birdwatching and shelling to get an up-close look at Naples’ wildlife residents. And if you have a pup looking for things to do in Naples, bring it along and see Keewaydin Island, one of the few beaches in the area that allows dogs to come and explore.
Naples Botanical Garden
See colorful plants and flowers from around the world at the Naples Botanical Garden 170-acre world-class garden with plants from around the world. Check in advance for rotating themes at the W.O.N.D.E.R. in the Garden program. Families gather for imagination, creation, and exploration through play with a monthly theme like “Mother Earth, May I?” or “Solar Power!” Along with a variety of gardens, there is also a Florida Gulf Coast University campus, the Kapnick Research and Education Center, right i the heart of the gardens. Researchers and professors work on projects in the gardens including Everglades restoration efforts.
Dolphin Spotting Cruise
A trip to Naples just isn’t complete without an excursion out on the warm, aquamarine waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Take a dolphin spotting cruise from one of the area’s many boating and charter companies. Pure Florida, Sweet Liberty Catamaran Sailing Cruises, or Cool Bean Cruises are also good places to start your cruising adventure. Ask in advance about the child-friendliness of your kids’ ages and discuss your family’s interests whether relaxing and sipping on fruit juices while looking for dolphins or stopping for shelling. Once you find the perfect cruise, the only thing left to do is sit back, relax, and have your cameras ready for some action shots of dolphins and other sea life.
Snag these ideas to build your own itinerary of fun things to in Naples, or mix and match your own. You’re sure to find someone from everyone whether you’re traveling with toddlers or senior citizens for a blended, family vacation.
The best part about Naples is it’s easy to feel like you’re on vacation the moment you feel the warm Gulf breeze and see the sparkling waters enveloping you for a relaxing getaway.