Unleash Family Fun: 10 Must-Try Things to Do in Fort Myers, Florida with Kids!

A Fort Myers Mom's Guide: 10 Kid-Friendly Activities You'll Love.

Fort myers is a beautiful city, filled with activities for a variety of crowds.

People come from everywhere to enjoy the beaches, the historic sites, to witness one of the most fascinating sunsets in the world, to name just a few activities.

I'm a proud Fort Myers local and a mom of four energetic kids who are always on the lookout for fun things to do. Fort Myers is our playground, and I'm excited to share with you some of the fantastic kid-friendly activities this beautiful city has to offer.

10 things to do in Fort Myers, Florida with kids

1 - Have educational fun at Imag Museum

Who enjoys learning while having a ton of fun? I know my kids and I certainly do, and that's why the IMAG (Imaginarium Science Center) in Fort Myers is the ultimate destination for families who crave an educational adventure filled with excitement.

The IMAG, a kid-friendly history and science museum located near Downtown Fort Myers, is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday. For specific hours of operation, you can find more details on this article.

2 - Let the kids run wild at Centennial Park

Tucked away in the heart of Downtown Fort Myers, Centennial Park emerges as a well-kept secret, offering families a haven of relaxation, amusement, and a touch of cultural enrichment.

This urban sanctuary proves to be a paradise for parents keen on bonding with their little ones while immersing in the allure of Southwest Florida. It undeniably ranks high among our kids' preferred local parks.

Amid the diverse array of activities that Centennial Park presents, it unquestionably secures a spot on Fort Myers' must-visit list, catering not only to children but to anyone who revels in the great outdoors and embraces the beauty of nature.

Read more about Centennial Park here.

Also read : Caloosahatchee Regional Park | Things to do in Southwest Florida

3 - Watch a Broadway show

Who said you have to go to New York City to watch a Broadway show?

At Broadway Palm's Theater, both adults and children can enjoy a Broadway show along with lunch or dinner.

I remember when my mother took me for the first time to the " The Beauty and the Beast" show at the theater, and although I was a teen then, I fell in love with the concept of dinner and a show, and now I take my own kids and they love it too!

Each season brings new and exciting shows, such as the ELF during the Holiday season, Madagascar a Musical adventure and so many others.

There are shows for adults as well, and even concerts.

4 - Enjoy a day at the Shell Factory

Looking for a fantastic family-friendly destination? Look no further than The Shell Factory.

With an abundance of activities and attractions to explore, it's the ideal spot for a full-day adventure.

Starting with the Shell Exhibition and Gift Shop, a massive 50,000 square feet shopping haven. Whether you're a shell enthusiast or simply in search of unique souvenirs, there's something to suit every taste.

One of the highlights of the Shell Factory is its Nature Park, a sanctuary for over 400 animals, including some that have been rescued and others found in the wild. It's a wonderful opportunity for both entertainment and education.

To make the most of your visit to the Shell Factory and ensure a fantastic time, you can read our family's 18 essential things you should know before embarking on your family adventure.

5 - Feed the animals at Southern Fresh Farms

Southern Fresh farms is a small local owned farm located right off of Daniels Parkway near I-75.

The farm is a beautiful place to tour and teach kids about the importance of local agriculture but also a super fun place to feed the cows and goats.

Our kids always have a great time here and the farm also hosts fall festivals from September through November, where you will be able to enjoy hay rides, food trucks and even live music.

6 - Have a Picnic at Lakes Park

Lakes Park is an expansive man-made fresh lake park, boasting its status as one of the largest in the entire Southwest Region, encompassing a vast 279 acres, with a substantial 158 acres submerged beneath the glistening waters.

But Lakes Park offers more than just an expanse of water. This haven provides ample land for an array of activities, from invigorating hikes to scenic bike rides, and captivating bird-watching experiences, and the list of attractions goes on.

For a full guide and everything you need to know before embarking on your Lakes Park adventure, as well as what to expect during your visit, read this article.

7 - Explore the Calusa Nature Park and planetarium

Nestled across 105 acres in Fort Myers, the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is a captivating non-profit organization. This diverse gem features a museum, three nature trails, a state-of-the-art planetarium, butterfly and bird aviaries, a charming gift shop, and serene meeting and picnic spots.

The planetarium is your cosmic gateway, offering captivating shows that whisk you away on astronomical journeys through distant galaxies, planets, and celestial wonders. When you leave, you'll carry a sense of awe as if you've touched the very edges of the cosmos.

On the center's lush grounds, you'll encounter rehabilitated birds of prey, local wildlife, and enchanting butterfly gardens, all highlighting their commitment to conservation and education.

Whether you're here for a celestial adventure or to reconnect with Earth's beauty, the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium merges science and wonder, offering an immersive and enlightening experience that reminds us of our place in the grand, intricate universe.

You may also be interested in: Things to do in Fort Myers | Riverside Park

8 - Watch the planes flying in at Page Field airport.

There is something about planes flying in the sky that kids absolutely love!

Maybe it's their innocent heart trying to understand the possibility of flying like a bird or their favorite super hero, but their little cute faces light up when they see one in the sky.

And what's better than watching planes flying in and out while enjoying a sweet treat?

You can grab a cup of delicious ice cream from the Gordillo's Melting Rolls and head over to the Page Field Observation area to watch private planes and jets coming in and out of the private airport.

9 - Go bird watching at Six Miles cypress Slough preserve

Situated across a sprawling 3,500 acres, the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is a mesmerizing wetland ecosystem boasting a meandering boardwalk trail and a captivating Interpretive Center.

This pristine cypress slough serves as a natural reservoir, deftly capturing and gradually filtering rainwater as it journeys towards Estero Bay.

This verdant habitat is home to a plethora of fascinating creatures, including otters, alligators, turtles, and various wading birds, just to name a few, who reside here year-round. Additionally, the Slough plays host to countless migrating birds and delicate butterflies, which rely on it either as a crucial feeding ground or a warm winter sanctuary.

It's a harmonious ecosystem where nature's wonders seamlessly blend, creating a haven for both the inhabitants and the passing travelers of the animal kingdom.

It's so much fun to play animal scavenger hunt and see all the animals you can find at the slough. Check out this blog article to get more information on how you can get the most of your visit with your kiddos.

You might also enjoy: Things to do in Fort Myers | Manuels Branch Neighborhood Park

10 - Go Shelling at Lovers Key

Nestled gracefully between the charming town of Fort Myers Beach and the vibrant City of Bonita Springs, Lovers Key State Park has rightfully earned its place as one of the top 5 most-visited state parks in Florida.

Its immense popularity can be attributed to the abundance of enjoyable and family-friendly activities it offers.

Lovers Key State Park stands as a guardian of some of Southwest Florida's most unspoiled barrier islands. The park is graced by over two miles of pristine sugar-sand beaches, with the backdrop of the magnificent Gulf of Mexico.

It's an idyllic setting for coastal fun, perfect for those who relish beach combing and shelling, all while reveling in the beauty of this breathtaking natural wonder.

See all other activities that our family of six enjoys doing at Lover's Key State Park here in this article.