Looking for a place to spend a kid-friendly summer vacation? Fort Myers, Florida, and the islands just off its shores have something for every member of the family.
Fort Myers
Known as the “City of Palms,” this beach community was once the winter retreat for Thomas Edison, who built here in 1885, and his friend, Henry Ford. You can visit their side-by-side homes at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. Plan to spend at least 2.5 hours on a self-guided tour of the homes, gardens, museum and Edison’s lab. Guided tours are also available.
Animal lovers won’t want to miss Manatee Park, where the park’s namesake aquatic mammal can be easily spotted from designated viewpoints, especially during winter. (The manatees migrate inland toward the park’s water, warmed by a nearby powerplant, when it gets cold outside.) If you don’t see the manatees there, several companies offer guided kayak tours and dolphin cruises throughout the greater Fort Myers area.
Only a portion of southwestern Florida is coastal. Discover what the interior is like with Babcock Ranch Eco Tours. The 90-minute, narrated tour of historic Babcock Ranch travels through four different eco systems, including Telegraph Swamp. Watch for alligators, snakes, birds, wild hogs and deer.
For an option with some local history, try the Railroad Museum of South Florida. Inside, you’ll find model trains and artifacts; outside, an Atlantic Coast Line Locomotive and a train-themed playground will keep kids busy. However, the real attraction is the mini train you can ride through a 100-foot tunnel, over a 20-foot trestle and past to-scale-sized villages.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly museum, try the IMAG History and Science Center with its more than 60 hands-on exhibits. Kids can learn what it was like to live at the city’s namesake fort 150 years ago using virtual reality technology, experiment with science concepts and explore sustainable initiatives in the outdoor exhibits.
Islands
Just off the coast, Sanibel Island is great for families to relax on the beach. Kids can spend hours splashing in the ocean, searching for colorful seashells or building castles with the white sugar sand found there. Sanibel Sea School offers daily and weekly programs for kids, teens and adults who want to learn more about the ocean and conservation at its main Sanibel and Sundial Beach Resort & Spa locations.
Families can also learn more about marine life at Baily-Matthews National Shell Museum on Sanibel Island. Not only will you find shells on display, but its new living gallery, complete with touch tanks.
If you get hooked on shelling while visiting the museum, book a trip to Cayo Costa State Park through Captiva Cruises and spend two hours walking the park’s nine miles of beach searching for colorful specimens. Shelling not your thing? Captiva also offers cruises to Cabbage Key, the inspiration for Jimmy Buffet’s song “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” and a dolphin cruise.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedLuxury
Mar 11, 2024InterContinental New York Barclay Brings Glamping to Penthouse
Take your family travel up a notch at InterContinental New York Barclay, where not only can you enjoy a luxury hotel stay but you can also glamp in the hotel’s penthouse! The set-up is perfect for girls’ nights, bringing warmth to a cold winter weekend, a child’s slumber party and so much more. A glamping package on offer from InterContinental New York Barclay helps bring it all to life.
Sponsored Content
Make the Most of Hamad International Airport When Transferring
Making travel plans can be exciting; did you know planning on how to spend time at the airport the right way can enrich the overall trip experience? As a transfer hub, traveling through Doha's Hamad International Airport is a unique experience, as waiting never feels like waiting at one of the best airports in the world.
Travel Tips
Mar 7, 20245 Tips for a Fun-Filled Staycation Spring Break
Spring break is right around the corner, and that usually means a week of packing in as much fun as possible. But travel isn’t cheap, especially during a peak time like spring break. That leaves family travelers looking for affordable ways to entertain kids and still have an adventure without breaking the bank. Enter the staycation.
Multigenerational
Mar 5, 2024Puro Sound Labs Upgrades PuroQuiet Kids Headphones
Puro Sound Labs, a manufacturer of children’s headphones, recently introduced the new PuroQuiet Plus headphones, following the success of the PuroQuiet, consistently named a top choice for kid’s headphones. The PuroQuiet Plus features a USB-C connector and comes in two new colors — purple and teal. Grab a set for your kiddos before your next round of family travel!
Sponsored Content
Unearth Seoul’s Hidden Gems
Filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, Seoul invites travelers to unearth its many gems, and Seoul Tourism Organization is here to help travelers do just that. Through thoughtfully created initiatives like the Theme Tourism County Competition, Seoul Tourism Organization works closely with local districts to identify and showcase what makes each district unique and charming in all seasons.
Multigenerational
Mar 4, 2024Hilton’s Top Spring Break Resorts for Families
Home to leading kids’ clubs, thrilling waterparks with massive slides and educational workshops, Hilton properties lead the way for immersive, fun-filled resorts this spring break for family travelers. Not sure where to look? These six Hilton resorts promise non-stop excitement for the whole family.
ShareThis