Fort Myers on Florida’s Gulf Coast has tons of activities for kids of all ages. Wildlife encounters to interactive museums, beach fun to nature walks, Fort Myers is the perfect destination for families looking for adventure and learning. Whether your family likes outdoor or indoor fun Fort Myers has you covered. Here’s a list of the best family friendly activities in Fort Myers with kid friendly attractions and experiences.
1. Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour
One of the top activities in Fort Myers is the Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour. This tour lets families see dolphins and manatees in their natural habitat. The guided boat tour is educational and provides fun facts about marine life, conservation and the local ecosystem while you watch them swim and play in the wild.
Why it’s great for kids:
- Watching dolphins jump out of the water is a magic experience that kids and teens will love.
- The tour is educational.
Recommended Ages: All ages from preschool to teens.
2. IMAG History and Science Center
For a more hands on learning experience the IMAG History and Science Center is a must see for families. This interactive museum has over 60 exhibits covering history and science to marine life and Florida’s natural environment. The IMAG is designed to be fun and educational with interactive displays that engage curious young minds.
Why it’s great for kids:
- The Dino Dig exhibit lets kids dig for fossils and learn about dinosaurs.
- Hands on science experiments and touch tanks let kids explore their world through play and discovery.
Recommended Ages: 4-12 but fun for older kids and adults too.
3. Manatee Park
From November to March Manatee Park in Fort Myers is the place to see these gentle giants. The park is a non-captive refuge for manatees so visitors can see them up close as they seek warmer waters. There’s also a visitor center with exhibits on manatees and conservation. Why It’s great for kids:
- See manatees in the wild without disturbing them.
- Educational programs and interactive exhibits about manatees and freshwater ecosystems.
Recommended Ages: 3 and up.
4. Lovers Key State Park
Nature loving families will love Lovers Key State Park. More than 2 miles of beach, hiking, kayaking, picnicking. Wildlife viewing: birds, dolphins, manatees. Lovers Key Guided Eco Tour is a great way for kids to learn about the estuary while having an adventure.
Why Kids Will Love
- Outdoor fun and environmental education.
- Shallow waters make it great for little swimmers.
Recommended Ages: 6 and up, but younger kids can enjoy the beach and easy trails.
5. Sun Splash Family Waterpark
For families looking to beat the heat in Florida, Sun Splash Family Waterpark in Cape Coral (just a short drive from Fort Myers) is the place to go. With 14 acres of water slides, pools and play areas, there’s something for everyone. From the Electric Slide to the Tot Spot for little ones, Sun Splash is fun for hours.
Why Kids Will Love:
- Water slides and lazy rivers for all ages.
- The Tot Spot is a safe and fun place for toddlers and little ones to splash.
Recommended Ages: All ages, from toddlers to teens.
6. Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
If your family loves the outdoors and wildlife, the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is the place to go. This nature center has exhibits on Florida’s native wildlife: alligators, owls, tortoises. Planetarium has interactive shows on the stars and space. Daily animal demonstrations make it an educational experience for kids.
Why Kids Will Love:
- Nature and science combined, live animals and space exploration.
- The planetarium is a one of a kind experience.
Recommended Ages: 4 and up.
7. Edison and Ford Winter Estates
For some history take the family to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates where Thomas Edison and Henry Ford had their winter homes. The estates are now museums and gardens and give you a glimpse into the lives and work of these two famous men. Kids will enjoy the Edison Ford Museum with interactive exhibits and the beautiful gardens.
Why Kids Will Love:
- Hands on science and invention activities, history comes alive.
- Open spaces and gardens for kids to run around.
8. Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
Just a short drive from Fort Myers the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples is an immersive and interactive experience for kids. This museum is all for kids with exhibits focused on creativity, imagination and hands on learning. Whether they’re exploring Wonderville or building in the Construction Zone kids will find lots of opportunities to play and learn.
Why It’s Great for Kids:
- Every exhibit is kid friendly.
- Great for a rainy day or a break from the sun.
Ages: 3-12
9. Captiva Cruises Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure
Another way to get on the water is with Captiva Cruises and their Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure Cruise. Departing from Captiva Island this family friendly cruise takes you through the waters around Fort Myers where you can see dolphins, manatees and various seabirds.
Why It’s Great for Kids:
- Sightseeing and wildlife encounters, kids will be entertained the whole time.
- Educational and fun, learn about marine biology and conservation.
Ages: All
10. Sky Zone Trampoline Park
For active families Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Fort Myers is a day of high energy fun. With wall to wall trampolines, foam pits and obstacle courses kids can burn off energy while jumping and playing. They also have special events like Glow Nights where kids can jump in the dark with glow in the dark accessories.
Why It’s Great for Kids:
- Fun and safe environment for kids to jump and play.
- Great for rainy days or indoor fun.
Ages: 4 and up
End
Fort Myers is a kid friendly destination with lots of activities for kids of all ages. From the wildlife encounters at Manatee Park and Dolphin Adventure Tours to the educational and interactive exhibits at the IMAG History and Science Center Fort Myers has it all. Whether you’re looking for outdoor fun or indoor entertainment your family will make memories in this sun filled coastal city.
