When picking a destination for a family-friendly vacation, be it the Colorado Rockies, the shores of North Carolina, or Florida’s Emerald Coast, finding activities that include everyone is essential for a successful trip.
If you’re planning a family vacation in Fort Myers Beach, the town itself and the nearby city of Fort Myers offer a wide variety of fun activities that every member of your family will enjoy.
Here’s a little something to spark your curiosity:
Fort Myers Beach: Seven miles of soft sand, calm Gulf waters, seashell hunting, dolphin tours, and plenty of space for family picnics or sandcastles.
Edison & Ford Winter Estates: Explore historic homes, lush gardens, and a museum filled with inventions and classic cars.
IMAG History & Science Center: Interactive exhibits with touch tanks, virtual reality, dinosaurs, and hands-on science fun for kids.
Lakes Regional Park: A huge green space with bike rentals, fishing, playgrounds, bird watching, and a miniature train ride.
Sanibel Island: Famous for shelling beaches, biking trails, a wildlife refuge, and the National Shell Museum.
Sun Splash Family Waterpark: Slides, lazy river, splash playgrounds, and pools to beat the Florida heat.
Hammond Stadium: Catch a spring training game or minor league baseball in a lively, family-friendly ballpark.
Southwest Florida Museum of History: Learn local history through Native artifacts, pioneer exhibits, WWII stories, and rail displays.
Manatee Eco-Tours: Family boat rides through mangroves to spot manatees, dolphins, and other coastal wildlife.
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve: A boardwalk through wetlands where you can see alligators, otters, and birds up close.
Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium: Trails, rescued wildlife, butterfly aviary, plus fun planetarium shows for stargazers.
Mound House: Archaeological site and museum set on a 2,000-year-old Calusa shell mound, with kayak tours and programs.
Burroughs Home & Gardens: Step inside a grand riverside mansion from 1901 with gardens, history tours, and family events.
At Sun Palace Vacations, we offer stunning vacation homes in Fort Myers Beach. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront escape or a cozy retreat, we have the perfect place for you. We consider ourselves Fort Myers Beach experts, and from the best shopping spots and top-notch restaurants to a comprehensive guide on fishing and hunting in the area, we’ve got you covered in our blog.
In this post, I’ve rounded up some of the best family-friendly activities in and around Fort Myers Beach to guarantee the ultimate family fun in this Florida gem.
Let’s dive in!
Fort Myers Beach is a paradise for sun-seekers and water enthusiasts. This seven-mile stretch of white sand provides ample space for families to relax, build sandcastles, or take a refreshing dip in the Gulf. The gentle waves make it ideal for young swimmers, while older kids can try their hand at various water sports.
👍 Local tip: Don’t forget to visit Times Square, the lively pedestrian area near the pier, where you’ll find street performers, ice cream shops, and souvenir stores. The area comes alive in the evening with live music and family-friendly entertainment.
Step back in time and learn about two of America’s greatest inventors at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. This 20-acre property showcases the winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, along with stunning gardens and a museum filled with fascinating inventions.
👍 Extra tip: The estates offer guided tours and self-guided audio tours, making it easy for families to explore at their own pace. Kids can participate in the Young Inventors’ Program, which encourages creativity and problem-solving skills.
The IMAG History & Science Center is a fantastic destination for curious minds of all ages. This interactive museum combines history, science, and technology to create an engaging learning experience for the whole family.
👍 Extra tip: The center also hosts special events and workshops throughout the year, so check their calendar before your visit. They offer STEM-focused camps during school breaks, providing extended learning opportunities for kids.
Lakes Regional Park is a 279-acre oasis that offers a perfect blend of nature and recreation. This expansive park features walking trails, playgrounds, and a miniature railroad that’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
👍 Extra tip: The park also hosts seasonal events, including a popular Halloween celebration and a winter holiday light display. The Fragrance Garden offers a sensory experience, while the Community Garden showcases local horticulture. Another great park to visit is Lover’s Key State Park, so be sure to check it out if you have the time.
Just a short drive from Fort Myers, Sanibel Island is renowned for its beautiful beaches and abundant seashells. This charming island offers a more relaxed pace and plenty of family-friendly activities.
👍 Local tip: Consider timing your visit during low tide for the best shelling opportunities. The island’s unique east-west orientation contributes to its reputation as one of the best shelling destinations in the world.
When the Florida heat becomes too much, head to Sun Splash Family Waterpark for a day of aquatic fun. This seasonal waterpark features slides, pools, and attractions suitable for all ages.
Heads up: The park typically operates from March to September, so plan your visit accordingly. They offer various ticket options, including season passes for families planning multiple visits.
If your family loves sports, consider catching a baseball game at Hammond Stadium. This venue is the spring training home of the Minnesota Twins and hosts minor league games throughout the season.
👍 Local tip: Check the schedule in advance to see if there’s a game during your visit. The stadium often hosts special theme nights and giveaways, adding extra excitement to the baseball experience.
For families interested in the region’s past, the Southwest Florida Museum of History offers an insightful look into Fort Myers’ rich heritage. The museum is housed in the former Atlantic Coast Line Railroad depot, adding to its historical charm.
👍 Extra tip: The museum often hosts special events and temporary exhibits, providing new experiences even for repeat visitors. They also offer educational programs for children, including hands-on history workshops.
Fort Myers is an excellent place to spot manatees, especially during the winter months when these gentle giants seek warmer waters. Several tour operators offer eco-friendly boat trips to observe manatees in their natural habitat.
Heads up: Remember to respect these protected animals by observing them from a safe distance. Many tour operators contribute to local conservation efforts, making this activity both fun and educational for families.
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is a hidden natural gem in Fort Myers. This 3,500-acre wetland ecosystem offers a boardwalk trail that allows visitors to experience Florida’s unique environment up close.
👍 Local tip: The preserve is a great place for families to connect with nature and learn about Florida’s diverse ecosystems. It’s particularly beautiful during the early morning or late afternoon when wildlife is most active.
The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium combines nature experiences with astronomical wonder. This 105-acre site features hiking trails, animal exhibits, and a state-of-the-art planetarium.
👍 Extra tip: The center offers a unique blend of outdoor and indoor activities, perfect for families with diverse interests. Their rotating planetarium shows cover topics from basic astronomy to space exploration, catering to various age groups and knowledge levels.
The Mound House, located on Fort Myers Beach, offers a unique look into the area’s ancient Calusa Indian heritage. This archaeological and historical site sits atop a 2,000-year-old Calusa Indian shell mound.
Step back in time at the Burroughs Home & Gardens, a beautifully preserved 1901 Georgian Revival mansion. This historic home offers a glimpse into Fort Myers’ past and the life of its influential residents.
Experience the highest quality in amenities, decor, and cleanliness by booking your stay with Sun Palace Vacations. We guarantee you’ll have the most authentic, enjoyable, and relaxing time ever.
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