Top things to do with kids in Southwest Florida in the summer

If you're planning a summer vacation in Southwest Florida with your kiddos, you’re in for a treat.

As a local mom of four, I’ve rounded up the ultimate list of fun, family-friendly activities that will keep your little ones entertained all summer long—whether the sun is shining or the rain clouds roll in (and trust me, we get our fair share of those afternoon storms down here!).

From beach days to science museums, splash pads to indoor trampoline parks, here are the top things to do with kids in Southwest Florida in the summer.

Top things to do with kids in Southwest Florida in the summer

🌊 Water Fun & Beach Adventures

1. Lover's Key State Park (Fort Myers Beach)

Build sandcastles, rent a kayak, or look for dolphins along the shore. Read more about all the fun things you can do at Lover's Key.

2. Sanibel & Captiva Island Shelling

Sanibel & Captiva Islands are world-famous for seashells. Bring a bucket and get ready to treasure hunt!

Here are some of our favorite beaches on the islands:

Allison Hagerup

Blind Pass

Silver Key Preserve

Lighthouse Beach

3. Ride down the Estero River

Rent or bring your own paddleboards, kayaks, or canoes for a peaceful ride down the river. You can launch from the Koreshan State Park or rent one from Estero River Outfitters and launch from their store which is located directly on the river.

4. Laishley Park Splash Pad (Punta Gorda)

Perfect for younger kids to cool off and run around! Get more info about the park here.

5. Dolphin/Shelling Cruise

Take a relaxing, family-friendly boat tour to see dolphins in their natural habitat. We have taken a few trips to Cayo Costa departing from Fort Myers and it was a great time. We collected awesome shells and saw so many dolphins.

We have also done the Naples Princess Sunset cruise and it was also really awesome to see dolphins and the sun set on the gulf.

6. Barefoot Beach (Bonita Springs)

A quiet, kid-friendly beach with calm waters.

7. Sun Splash Family Waterpark (Cape Coral)

Big slides, a lazy river, and toddler splash zones = all-day fun! For tips and everything you should know prior to visiting Sun Splash, check out this article.

8. Lakes Park (Fort Myers)

Paddle boats, splash pad, playgrounds, and scenic walking trails. Lakes Parks has something for everyone. Also great for picnics. Learn more about all the fun things you can do here.

9. Sunset at Bunche Beach

With beautiful views of Fort Myers beach and Sanibel Island, this beach is perfect for watching the sunset. I bring a big insulated water jug like this one with popsicles so the kids can enjoy it while watching the sunset. It's definitely one of our favorite budget friendly activities to do in town.

10. Salty Sam’s Pirate Cruise

A swashbuckling good time for the whole crew! Check out their website for times and booking.

🧪 Educational & Museum Fun

11. IMAG History & Science Center (Fort Myers)

Hands-on STEM exhibits, animal encounters, and even a hurricane simulator! We have taken our kids to IMAG several times and they never have enough of it. It's not only so much fun but very educational as well.

Find out everything you need to know before your visit here.

12. Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (Naples)

Two stories of interactive exhibits perfect for younger kids.

13. Conservancy of Southwest Florida (Naples)

Wildlife conservation center in Naples with nature exhibits, hands-on learning programs for kids & boat tours. Read more about our family's experience at the Conservancy of SWFL.

14. Everglades Wonder Gardens (Naples)

A charming old-Florida attraction with flamingos and rescued animals. Read more about it here.

15. CREW Land & Water Trust

Guided nature tours and educational hikes through wetlands and marshes. https://www.crewtrust.org

16. Southwest Florida Military Museum (Cape Coral)

Great for history buffs and curious kids alike.

17. Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum Aquarium (Sanibel)

Museum and aquarium that delves into the comprehensive study of seashells, encompassing conchology, malacology, and their historical presence in paleontology and archaeology/anthropology.

18. Peace River Fossil Hunting (Arcadia)

Dig for ancient shark teeth and fossils—a real adventure!

19. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium (Fort Myers)

Animal shows and exhibitions, planetarium presentations, and nature trails. Our family loves the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium and are members so this is a place we visit several times during the summer.

20. Naples Depot Museum

A must-do for little train lovers!

🐢 Nature, Zoos, & Wildlife Encounters

21. Naples Zoo

Giraffe feeding, boat rides to monkey islands, and lush tropical paths.

22. Manatee Park (Fort Myers)

Best visited in cooler months, but still beautiful for kayaking and picnicking. Check out this blog article for everything you should know before visiting Manatee Park.

23. Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

Shaded boardwalks and wildlife sightings make for a peaceful nature stroll at the Six Miles Cypress Slough Preserve.

24. Smugglers Cove Mini Golf

With pirate themes and live alligators to feed, Smugglers Cove Mini Gold is golfing on the wild but fun side.

25. ECHO Global Farm Tours

Educational and hands-on farming tours that are surprisingly fun for kids. ECHO global farm is also a great place to purchase rare edible plants like jaboticaba, passion fruit and so many more, so if you're into gardening. I highly recommend checking this place out.

26. Peace River Animal Rescue

From rescued owls to pelicans, Peace River Animal rescue has it all. It’s the perfect spot to bond with your kids over nature’s wonders and maybe even catch a sunset by the water!

27. Everglades Airboat Tours

Speed, nature, and gator sightings all in one. Our family has done the airboat ride in the Everglades a few times and it never gets old. The kids have a blast riding the airboat and seeing gators in their natural habitat is definitely the icing on the cake.

28. J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge (Sanibel)

Nestled amidst the stunning coastal landscapes of Sanibel, this refuge offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature and discover the rich biodiversity of Southwest Florida. J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge in Sanibel Island offers scenic drives, trails, and free education center.

29. Sea Turtle Nesting Walks

Join a guided early morning walk to learn about sea turtle conservation.

30. Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary (Punta Gorda)

A hidden gem where rescued exotic animals live out their lives in peace.

🎨 Creative & Artsy Activities

31. Claymore Ceramics (Fort Myers)

Get the kids to play around with clay and make some awesome pottery that can become keepsakes.

32. Painting with a Twist (Naples & Cape Coral)

Check their schedule for kids' classes and family days.

33. AR Workshop (Cape Coral/Naples)

DIY wood signs and crafts designed with kids in mind.

34. Alliance for the Arts (Fort Myers)

Check their summer lineup for kids' classes, art walks, and hands-on fun.

35. Join a free library craft day (check Lee County Library events)

36. Michaels Kids Club

Craft classes at most locations every weekend—cheap and cheerful!

37. Home Depot & Lowe’s Kids Workshops

Held monthly, and yes, they're free! Check your local store's event calendar.

38. Take a fluid art class at the Hawaii Fluid Art Studio

One of the most amazing art experiences our family has had was at the Hawaii Fluid Art. They have a semi private and safe environment for anyone, regardless of ages. ⁠

Each experience lasts about an hour and involves step by step guidance from a friendly staff.

39.Attend a family-friendly performance at Broadway Palm Theater or Artis

Our family has been to both Broadway Palm Theater and Artis and they are both great for watching shows. Now, if you want dinner and a show, definitely check out Broadway Palm Theater.

I like the dinner option because my kids are huge foodies and food always keeps them calm and focused, funny that it does the same to me.

40.Enjoy an outdoor movie night

You can find free outdoor movie nights all throughout Southwest Florida's park. Our favorite park to watch an outdoor movies is at Jefferson park in Fort Myers.

🎡 Local Gems, Festivals, & Unique Fun

41. Camp overnight at Koreshan State Park

Koreshan State Park offers 60 campsites, including tent-only sites and sites suitable for RVs up to 40 feet long.

42. Island Hopper Song Writer Fest

Ranked top music fest in the 2024 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, the Island Hopper Song writer fest features 80+ free performances in different locations throughout the islands every year in September.

Find exact dates right on their website.

43. River District Art Walk

On the First Friday of the month from 5-9 pm, the streets of Downtown Fort Myers is lined with art and creations by local & regional artists giving you the chance to see their work up and close and support them by buying their art.

44. River District Music Walk

Much like the Art Walk but for local musicians. The Music Walk also happens in Downtown Fort Myers on the third Friday of the month.

45. Backyard Luau or Picnic

Make your own fun at your, home Airbnb or hotel with tropical music and games.

46. 4th of July Parades & Festivals

4th of July is a big event in Southwest Florida with cities such as Cape Coral throwing a huge party, The Red, Blue & White Boom Parade, and Naples with the 4th of July Parade, to celebrate America.

You can also watch fireworks at Fort Myers Beach, Downtown Fort Myers, Naples Pier, as well as many other locations.

47 - Evening on Fifth

Every second Thursday of the month, 5th ave in Naples is closed down for a evening of live music and performance, car show, dining, shopping and more.

48 - Get a resort pass to Hyatt Regency Coconut Point

You don't have to stay at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point to take advantage of their awesome amenities that includes a water park with multiple slides and a lazy river. You can get a daily resort pass and enjoy a more exclusive experience.

49 - Book a deep sea fishing trip

We took a deep sea fishing trip with Captain Casey during the summer for my son's birthday and they simply had a blast! We almost caught a huge snook that ended up wiggling itself out of the hook but we did mange to catch other fish.

Captain Casey was kind enough to skin it for us and we took them home and had some fry fish for dinner. The kids loved the fact that we were eating the fish they caught!

50 - Englewood Beach WaterFest

Think fun, food, music, boat racing, block party and so much more! This event happens in October or November depending on the year. You can find out more about dates right here on their website.

☔ Rainy Day Indoor Fun

51. HeadPinz Entertainment Center

Bowling, arcade, laser tag, and food all in one spot.

52. Sky Zone Trampoline Park (Fort Myers)

Indoor trampoline fun perfect for burning energy.

53. Movie Day

CMX CinéBistro (Coconut Point)

A dine-in movie experience that the whole family can enjoy.

Alamo Drafhouse Cinema

Dine in movie theater serving bites and cocktails.

Regal Summer Movie Express

$2 kids’ movies on weekday mornings or $7.99 for members on Tuesdays

Local community theaters 

Sometimes local theaters offer matinees for families.

54. Bowling at Gator Lanes

Family friendly bowling alley with games and a restaurant on site.

55. VR Lab (Fort Myers)

Virtual reality games that older kids (and grown-ups) will love.

56. King’s Entertainment Center (Naples)

Bowling + laser tag + food

57. Chuck E. Cheese (Naples & Fort Myers)

Classic kid arcade + pizza

58. We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym

Indoor sensory gym for all ages and abilities.

59. Build-a-Bear Workshop

Let your kids create their new favorite stuffed buddy.

60.Board game or card game day 

Uno, Monopoly Jr., or Candyland

There you have it, friends!

Whether you’re dodging raindrops or soaking in the sunshine, Southwest Florida has SO much to offer families in the summer.

I hope this list helps you plan a trip your kids will never forget—full of fun, laughter, and memories made together.