The warm sunshine and soft sandy beaches of Naples always appeal to families who want some time away from home. But, there are so many other amazing options available for those times when you need a break from the sand, the sun, and the water. And there’s no need to worry, your children will love it all too!
Here are our family's top fun things to do:
1. Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
This museum is perfect for families on those rainy or cooler days of the year. The Golisano Children’s Museum is filled with hands-on exhibits that will allow children of all ages to explore. From the swamps of the Everglades, climbing to the top of a two-story banyan tree, and wandering through a maze while trying to find its exit are just some of the activities your kids can enjoy. Your children will love pretending that they are a veterinarian or even turning into a firefighter, farmer, or chef. There are eighteen exhibits in all, so everyone in your family will find at least one that they want to spend hours at. If you are in need of a snack or lunch, you will find everything that you want right at the C’mon Garden Café.
2. Fleischmann Park
This beautiful public park can be found in the heart of Naples, just a short drive from Naples beaches and downtown area. The toddler area and children’s playground are perfect for your younger children, and your teenagers will not be bored due to the skate park nearby. The sports fields are perfect for impromptu games or simply to run around on and work off some energy. You are all encouraged to play a round of tennis, try your hand at shuffleboard or bocce, or join in a game that is already taking place in the fields. After enjoying a picnic lunch, you can wander around a little more before heading to the next destination on your Naples visit itinerary.
3. Bounce
This spacious indoor trampoline park is perfect for those rainy days, as your children can work off some energy while there. This twenty-one-thousand-square-foot space offers jump time, trampoline dodge ball, slam dunk basketball, and even foam pits for flipping. Your younger children are even safe, due to the separate bounce junior zone, which is exclusively for those ages six and under. You are welcome to use the complimentary Wi-Fi as you watch your children jump and everyone can enjoy snacks and drinks while catching up on what is showing on the televisions.
4. Naples Zoo
This zoo may not be as large as the one in Washington D.C. or the Bronx in New York City, but there are many unique features that your family will love. In addition to seeing all the animals at the zoo, your family will also be able to meet the keepers with their animals, watch an alligator feeding, wander through the tropical garden, and see a reptile and safari show. A ride on the Primate Expedition Cruise is a must, as this fifteen-minute cruise goes through all the islands where the primates live. This is when you will get to see the apes, monkeys, and lemurs up close. Before leaving the zoo, every family member is encouraged to participate in a giraffe feeding experience, as it is something even the smallest child will remember forever. There is never a bad time to visit the Naples Zoo, as the animals love visitors, even if it is raining. However, you may want to skip the first Saturday of the month, as that is when every Collier resident receives free entrance and the zoo is quite crowded.
These four places are my family’s top favorite things to do in Naples, and I know that you will love them just as much as we do!
The days you want little fun in the sun with water see our post about the Naples Sun and Fun Lagoon waterpark.
