Whether your family seeks adventure or a quiet beach getaway, look no further than Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Located on a little barrier island with a subtropical climate, Fort Myers Beach offers fun activities for kids of all ages. Book a stay at one of many incredible Fort Myers Beach vacation rentals today. Choose a location close to the shore for quick access to miles of white-sand beaches and the expansive Gulf of Mexico. Check out the top kid-friendly things to do in Fort Myers Beach.
1. Go Swimming
From the centrally located Lynn Hall Memorial Park to the peaceful quiet of Barefoot Beach Preserve, the Fort Myers Beach area offers many places to get wet. Pack up your beach umbrella and your sand toys, and head towards the water to splash in the waves or bask on the shore.
2. Pet a Stingray at the Ostego Bay Marine Science Center
The Otsego Bay Marine Science Center is the perfect place to spend a rainy afternoon. Interactive educational exhibits answer your kids’ questions about the natural environment in the Fort Myers Beach area. Watch live marine life in the aquarium exhibits, and spend some time at the touching pool to find out just what a starfish feels like. The exhibits change from time to time, but there’s always something fun to see and do. Ask at the desk about feeding times to get a better look at some of the more reclusive creatures housed at the center.
3. Explore the Shoreline From a Kayak
Kayaking is a great way to visit the quieter sections of the coast, giving your kids a chance to see the wonders of nature up close. Keep your eye out for manatees, starfish, and the colorful roseate spoonbill. A bird guide book or app can help you identify the species you see and hear during your paddle. A vacation rental with a garage makes it easy to bring along your kayaks from home, or rent equipment for your adventure from Holiday Water Sports. Kayak rentals typically include life jackets, paddles, and a lesson to get you started.
4. Walk the Pier
Take your family for a walk down the Fort Myers Beach fishing pier, and enjoy a great view whether you like to fish or not. Extending out into the Gulf of Mexico, the pier is a perfect place to watch for dolphins, take great photos, or catch fish. Covered seating provides a place to get out of the sun, and a small gift shop on the pier also offers snacks for hungry children and their parents.
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5. View Wild Manatees at Manatee Park
Manatee Park provides a warm water refuge for wild manatees during the cooler season in December, January, and February. During these months, manatees are typically visible to park visitors from walkways near the park’s waterways or from canoe or kayak. If you visit the park during the warmer months, you may be less likely to see manatees, but you can still enjoy the park’s natural landscape, huge butterfly population, and other wild flora and fauna. Pack a lunch at your vacation rental and enjoy a picnic at the park, then let your kids work off some energy at one of the park’s playgrounds.
6. Take a Dolphin Tour
One of the best things about a vacation at Fort Myers Beach is how easy it is to view the native aquatic wildlife. A dolphin tour is a great way to get your family into the bay for a closer look at playful dolphins and other animals, including manatees, pelicans, ospreys, and roseate spoonbills. A mid-size boat, such as the Estero Bay Express II, offers amenities that include onboard restrooms and ramps for strollers to keep every member of your family comfortable.
7. Ride the Rides at Zoomers Amusement Park
Bring the whole family to Zoomers for a fun-filled day of traditional amusements. With midway rides for everyone from your youngest tot to your teenage thrill seeker, go karts, miniature golf, and a booming arcade, Zoomers brings your family together with entertainment for all.
8. Become a Pirate for a Day
Sign your family up for the Pieces of Eight Pirate Cruise for a swashbuckling adventure. A crew of pirates provides entertainment as you explore the waterways near Fort Myers Beach from the decks of a replica of an old-fashioned Spanish galleon. Your kids are sure to love the pirate-themed comedy and live-action games.
9. Enjoy a Bird’s-Eye View of the Gulf From a Parasail
Book a family-friendly parasail flight with Ranalli Parasail, and experience a gorgeous view of the Gulf of Mexico from the air. Up to three family members can ride together, watching for dolphins and sea turtles down below as you glide along behind the boat.
10. Dine Al Fresco in Times Square
After a long day at the beach, Times Square is the perfect place for an evening stroll. Browse the quaint shops, such as Local Color and Island Jewel, for souvenirs to take home. Take in a delicious seafood feast with a view of the beach at Sunset Beach Tropical Grill, or opt for more casual fare from The Doghouse. Your kids will love finishing their evening with a carry-along dessert from the Royal Scoop.
11. Search for Seashells
A beach vacation is a great time to start a seashell collection. Every day, tide changes bring new opportunities to find unique and interesting shells. Low tide offers the largest area for searching. Avoid picking up any living shelled creatures, as this is illegal in much of the area. Keep your eyes open for lightning whelk, coquinas, and the rare brown-speckled junonia.
12. Watch the Sunset
Vacation time is a great time to stay up late, and Fort Myers Beach sunsets make it worth your while. Watch the sun sink over the horizon as you listen to the waves lapping along the shore.
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