In southwestern Florida, your family can enjoy a beach vacation in the coastal community of Naples. This charming Southern city sits on the Gulf of Mexico. Moreover, there are plenty of Naples vacation rentals situated near the beach, as well as located around the residential neighborhoods. Escape your everyday life and head out to white sand beaches and the warm waters of the Gulf. Enjoy moderate temperatures in the winter months, and perfect sunny weather during the summer. Your kids can play in the surf and build sandcastles while you read the latest paperback from your favorite author. Here’s a quick guide on the top nine things to do in Naples when you’re vacationing with your kids.
1. Naples Zoo
Set on 43 acres that were once botanical gardens, the Naples Zoo offers a day of fun and learning. For some of your time in the park, you’ll tour by boat and see the animals in enclosures along small islands. Throughout the day, the zookeepers offer shows for kids to learn more about the animals and what it takes to run a zoo. You can also watch them feeding the animals. In addition to wildlife exhibits, there are also botanical exhibits.
2. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Grab your snorkel gear and head over to the Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park with some of the clearest water you can imagine. This pristine white beach draws a crowd, so plan to go early to stake out a spot for beach towels. Your kids can play in the water, collect shells, and build sandcastles. Take the family out in the water with the snorkeling gear and take a gander at the world beneath the waves as you watch schools of fish swim by.
3. Naples Botanical Garden
Covering 170 acres, the Naples Botanical Garden has a lot to offer and many things to see. Take a guided tour to find out about the unusual plants, trees, and flowers that grow here. The garden divides into seven distinct natural habitats where your family can explore interesting ecosystems and learn more about conservation efforts. Check the schedule before leaving your vacation rental because the gardens offer frequent family programs with all sorts of activities for young children and family groups.
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4. Collier-Seminole State Park
Spend a day in a mangrove forest and swamp when you visit the Collier-Seminole State Park. In the winter months, park rangers hold presentations on a variety of subjects about the natural world and the park’s environment. There are several trails within the park for hiking and viewing the flora and fauna. Another popular way to navigate the park is by canoe or kayak. Keep your eyes open for the unique wildlife, including bobcats, and the diverse selection of plants and trees.
5. Naples Museum of Art
On a rainy day, take the kids to the Naples Museum of Art. This museum cover three floors, which makes it just about the right size to visit with children. With a nice permanent collection of modern and 20th-century art, this museum offers special exhibits from other museums around the country and the world. Sometimes, the museum has special presentations, ranging from live music and unique art installations to talks from famous and popular artists. Stop by the gift store before living to find souvenirs geared to keep your kids interested in art.
6. Naples Pier
Pack up a cooler and grab your fishing gear and binoculars for a visit to Naples Pier. This is a popular hot spot for fishing, dolphin watching, and catching some rays. This pier is easily accessible from the beach. Make your way down the pier over the water and teach your kids how to bait their hooks and let the fun begin. If you get hot, there are a couple sheltered areas on the pier to cool off. When the kids tire of fishing, whip out the binoculars and see who can spot a dolphin first.
7. Sun-N-Fun Lagoon
Tired of sand in the vacation rental but the kids are begging for water fun? Sun-N-Fun Lagoon is a local water park where you can avoid the sand while the kids pass the day in the water. This park includes several large water slides for the more adventurous people in your family. The lazy river is a great place to relax and cool off at the same time. Take smaller kids to the dedicated children’s area with pint-sized attractions and shallow water.
8. Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
Leave the heat behind with a day spent indoors at the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples. Broken into different sections, the museum provides your kids with the chance to tend to sick stuffed animals in the vet section, explore the Everglades, and get all the groceries they need at the market. After hours of play in all the exhibits, stop by the cafe for a healthy snack or light lunch. In the gift shop, you can pick up a new book or educational toy.
9. Vineyards Community Park
Spend an afternoon and early evening at the Vineyards Community Park. This park offers walking paths for you and older children to walk or use inline skates. Challenge your significant other to a game of tennis while the kids play on the playground. This park also has a water play area where fountains spray the kids with water.
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