Let's dive into the heart of Fort Myers, where my family, including my better half and two adorable little explorers, found endless joy and adventure last spring break. After exploring Florida's iconic neighborhoods like 30A and Naples, We discovered Fort Myers by chance. This place has quickly risen to the top of our list of favorite family vacation destinations.
We strive to find the perfect family moment, and Fort Myers is full of them. From playing in the sand on the beach to the thrilling Salty Sam's Pirate Cruise to the fascinating IMAG History and Science Center, there are endless things to do with kids in Fort Myers. Join us as we share tips on how to make the most of your trip to Fort Myers, where adventure awaits every day.
Best things to do in Fort Myers with kids
- play on the beach
- Salty Sam's Pirate Cruise
- Smuggler's Cove Mini Golf
- IMAG Historical Science Center
- manatee park
- Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
- lake park
- South Florida Railroad Museum
- Headfinz Arcade
- game time arcade
- Shell Factory and Natural Park
play on the beach
Of course, the first attraction in Fort Myers is the beach!
Why should I go?
Head to Fort Myers Beach! The beach is suitable for children. Whether you want to build a sand castle or go swimming. Fort Myers Beach has over 11.2 kilometers of pristine white sand. The waves here are minimal, making it suitable even for the youngest children.
Families who want to head out to sea can rent a boat or book a parasailing trip.
However, what makes Fort Myers Beach different from other beaches is that it has 'Times Square' where you can enjoy live performances, dining, and shopping. Live entertainment typically runs from the early evening until late into the night. Stop by Dairy Queen for ice cream or go to a local restaurant that features performers.
Sail with Salty Sam
A unique attraction in Fort Myers is sailing with Salty Sam!
Why should I go?
Kids will love this activity as they sail the seas on a pirate ship with Salty Sam! This trip offers dancing, games, and comedy that will have your kids talking about this activity for weeks.
This pirate-themed cruise lasts 90 minutes. Parents must board the ship. While the kids are active, parents can step into the galley and order a drink from the bar!
This attraction has two packages: The difference between the packages is the souvenirs they get. Of course, you can save money by purchasing pirate-themed items before setting sail on the Seven Seas!
If the cruise is a big hit, a pirate sunset cruise will also be offered!
Smuggler's Cove Mini Golf
On your way to or from the beach, stop by Smugglers Cove Mini Golf!
Why should I go?
Whether you're an adult or a child, everyone loves a fun game of mini golf! Smugglers Cove Mini Golf is one of the books. Pirate-themed miniature golf filled with skeletons, treasures, caves, waterfalls and shipwrecks!
This mini golf course consists of 18 holes. This hall is large enough to enjoy a morning picnic or a night picnic.
What's unique about Smuggler's Cove mini golf is that it has an alligator habitat. There are just over 20 Florida alligators. You can even feed them. It made the trip a little sweeter.
IMAG Historical Science Center
The IMAG History and Science Center was created for children. Locals call this a godsend for summer kids activities!
Why should I go?
In the heart of Fort Myers is the IMAG History and Science Center. This beautiful place is filled with exhibits and learning about animals, history, and science for kids!
This is the perfect place to spend a whole day. If it rains one day during your vacation, come here. You could easily spend an entire day exploring the exhibits, but you wouldn't be able to see everything.
One of the exhibits you must do is the Living Lab. This will make your child want to learn about animals like alligators, birds, snakes, and turtles. You can even touch it. This exhibit is so interactive that your kids won't want to leave.
The IMAG History and Science Center is open Tuesday through Sunday. Before booking your trip here, check the website to see if they are running any special events during that period.
manatee park
If you're visiting in the winter, take your family on a trip to Manatee Park.
Why should I go?
Every vacation can add a little learning. On Palm Beach Boulevard in downtown Fort Myers is a unique place called Manatee Park.
The park is operated by the electric company Florida Power & Light (FPL). This is a hot water area. When temperatures drop here in Southwest Florida, manatees want to go to warmer waters.
At the park, you can rent a tandem kayak and take a kayak ride in the water to see these gentle giants up close and personal.
Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
If the weather is nice, head to the Calusa Nature Center and planetarium.
Why should I go?
Perfect for a family outing to learn about nature. It's in the attraction's slogan that it inspires people to get into nature.
Everyone should start their visit to the Natural History Museum. At this museum, guests can learn about the local environment of Southwest Florida. After visiting the museum, head to the planetarium. At the planetarium, children will be immersed in a lot of education and fun.
Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is open Tuesday through Sunday. You should check their website before coming. They offer daily special events, animal shows, and planetarium shows. It's a good idea to make sure you plan your day accordingly.
If you would like to do more of the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, Full Moon Night Hike, Nature Explorers, and other activities can be booked at a separate cost.
lake park
Looking for free family attractions in Fort Myers? Check out Lake Park!
Why should I go?
The park is free and there is a small parking fee but it is worth it. Lake Park is great for sunny, rainy or cloudy days.
Lake Park is home to the Railroad Museum of Southwest Florida, which I will discuss later in this post. However, there are also several gardens maintained by the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation. These gardens include succulents, perfume, community and children's gardens. Lakes Park is filled with many walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and beautiful landscaping.
If you want to rent a boat on the lake or a bike on the trails, you can do so at the Wheel Fun Rentals area of the park.
South Florida Railroad Museum
Lakes Park briefly mentioned the South Florida Railroad Museum.
Why should I go?
The South Florida Railroad Museum is not a free attraction in Lake Park. There is an entrance fee.
This attraction is intended for elementary school students and older. This is a museum that teaches the history of railroads. It has many renovated trails, including a completely renovated 1905 train!
The museum offers a 15-minute miniature train tour that even the youngest children will enjoy.
You should check whether the website is open before visiting. Business hours change significantly during the off-season.
Headpins
Of course, we had to mention the arcade! Kids love arcades, and so do adults.
Why should I go?
Everyone loves a good arcade, regardless of age. HeadPinz is a popular entertainment destination for local families! It offers bowling, ropes course, laser tag, virtual reality, arcade games and more.
Of course, like all traditional arcade venues, we offer a menu full of delicious meals and snacks to keep you fueled while you play! HeadPinz is open daily. We are open late for families with young children!
game time
If one arcade isn't enough for you, another must-have game is GameTime.
Why should I go?
It is located in a 22,000 square foot building. Located in Gulf Coast Town Center. This area is an outdoor mall, so you can take your mom, husband, and kids here to shop! No one needs to know!
Like HeadPinz, GameTime has a variety of activities for kids, such as arcade games, virtual reality, bowling, laser tag, and more. It's also open late every night, making it perfect for teenagers and older children.
They also have a menu full of great options for meals and snacks. GameTime has a full bar for parents who want to take a break while their kids run around and play a variety of games.
Shell Factory and Natural Park
Next on our list is Shell Factory and Nature Park located in North Fort Myers!
Why should I go?
Just beyond the bridge in North Fort Myers is a hidden gem known as the Shell Factory and Nature Park. Not many people stop here, but it's definitely something you should do. This is a real Florida place.
As the name suggests, they sell a lot of seashells, but that's not all. They also have a variety of items for sale, such as crocodile heads, various blown glass figurines, and more.
Shell Factory's main building, which sells merchandise and shells, includes an arcade with several games, a fudge counter, an expansive Christmas Wonderland room, a pirate-themed section, and a room with Army history exhibits. And souvenirs.
Of course it may not be suitable for children, but outside the main building there is a zip line, mini golf, paddle boats, and a nature park! These activities are chargeable. They offer it at a la carte prices.
They also have a seafood and steak restaurant on the small lake where you can dine all day.
Map of kid-friendly attractions in Fort Myers
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Myers
Is Fort Myers a good place for kids?
There are fun family activities to enjoy in Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Sanibel, and Captiva Island, Florida! Families can spend time together exploring and learning about the area's unique wildlife, marine life, rich history, and many educational and recreational activities.
When is the best time to visit Fort Myers?
The best time to visit Fort Myers is between March and May. Summer months are the busiest, the warmest, and the most expensive.
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