Top 5 Things to do with Kids in/near Naples, Florida

Before beginning this post, I asked my 4 year old what are her favorite things to do in Florida, & her response was, go swimming with Manatees & diving with Sharks... you can see a trend here.

We've travelled to Florida more times than we can count. From Canada, It's a easy winter getaway. Florida is fascinating, it's beautiful & wild, from the ocean to the everglades, from waterfront restaurants to local ice cream shops, there's something for everyone, whether you're a city lover or a nature adventurist. It is the perfect destination for family gatherings, where everyone can find something they love to do.

5: The Beach

This might sound obvious, but do not underestimate the beach,

Naples & Marcos Island beaches are beautiful. Even in colder weather, put on a hoody & your kids will love playing in the sand. In the middle of winter, we have gone swimming in the gulf.

4: Golisano Childrens Museum of Naples

15080 Livingston RD, Naples, Fl, 34109

https://cmon.org/

The best childrens museum we have visited, Its massive, its beautiful, very educational for kids to learn about florida & it's creatures. If you have one rainy day with kids during your stay in florida, its a must!

3: Captain Mitchs Airboat Ride / Redneck owned and operated

https://www.captainmitchs.com/

Amazing for all ages. They bring you into the everglades to see Alligators. Our captain was very knowledgeable on the area. I have a 4 year old who loves APEX predators & my 2 year old fell asleep. It was a great activity with the kids. Its short & sweet at about 45 minutes. It's also about a 30 minutes car ride from Marcos Island & Naples.

2: Rent a Boat

If anyone in your party is comfortable renting a boat, Naples/ Marcos Island has so much to see. Its totally worth it. You can ride along mangroves & bird watch, there are beautiful beaches accessible only by boat, they are great for collecting sea shells, & the best part DOLPHINS! Every single time we have gone out on a boat we have seen wild dolphins, They are such beautiful & graceful mammals, you can also see Manatees, but the sightings are less frequent than dolphins.

1: Florida Shark Diving

https://floridasharkdiving.com/

The best thing we have ever done in Florida, maybe even across the world. It's a long drive, 2 1/2 / 3 hours each way but my kids talk about it everyday & ask to go back all the time. Florida Shark Diving was simply the best, we felt so safe. My 4 year old was incredibly brave & it built onto her self confidence. Even if you have members in your party that don't want to dive, just going out & observing the sharks in their habitat from the boat is worth it. On another note, It's taught my kids a lot about the ocean & sharks. About how essential sharks are to our eco systems. Unlike most who think sharks are mindless killing machines, my kid ( my 2 year old still isn't sold on the idea) wants to jump in & go play with the sharks. Teach kids to love the ocean & they will forever respect it. There is just something so fascinating & humbling about swimming in the middle of the ocean in shark territory. GO FOR IT!

There is much more to see & do in the Naples area, simply lounging around the house, swimming in the pool & fishing in the canals is a great trip. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!