The Best Children's Attractions In Naples, FL

Most people wonder, “What is there to do in Naples, Florida when you have children besides visit the beautiful beaches?” Besides the obvious of taking them to parks and playgrounds, there are multiple fun-filled and even educational places!

Visit the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens to encounter various species of animals all in the span of 43 acres. Located on Goodlette-Frank Road, the Naples Zoo was first opened in September of 1969 in what used to be the gardens for the botanist Dr. Henry Nehrling’s collection of plants. Within the 43 acres of land, there are 70 different specious of animals to look at and learn about. While prices of tickets depend on age, parking is always free and convenient. Purchase an all-day ticket and you will not only get to see all the animal exhibits but you will also be able to do the following: a primate expedition cruise, meet the keepers, a safari canyon show, alligator bay hand-feeing, and visit the historic tropical garden.

Naples Botanical Garden is another great place to take your children that is very education when it comes to the plants of the tropics and subtropics. The Botanical Garden was founded in 1993 and then in 2000 Harvey Kapnick, Jr. donated $5 million and 170 acres where the Garden would soon be. Initial construction of the area would begin in 2008. Over 220,000 people visit the Naples Botanical Garden every year. This beautiful Garden is located just a few miles from downtown Naples on Bayshore Drive. There are countless events held almost daily, from Dogs in the Garden Walk to weddings. Visit during the month of December and witness the beautiful atmosphere off the Night Lights which is an event during the night that shows beautiful Christmas lights decorating the Garden. Weddings and private rentals are also very popular at the Naples Botanical Garden. From a cocktail reception to a meeting, renting out the Garden is a very astonishing setting for celebrating and discussing. They even have their own personal event planning and catering company, Lurcat Catering!

Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (C’MON) and the Sun-N-Fun Lagoon are both located in the North Collier Regional Park. C’MON is a two story, 30,000 square foot museum filled with interactive and educational exhibits. The Museum aspires to help kids learn while they play. Other things that they strive to help with include: using senses to explore, developing social skills, stimulating motor development, using curiosity and imagination, working together, and using physical activity to problem solve. Naples’ only water park, Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, is located just across the way from Golisano Children’s Museum. The water park includes five awesome water slides that vary in length, speed, and design. Sunny’s Lazy River is the most popular attraction at this water park. At 1,250 feet and 8-10 feet wide, the river has two paths to take. One path is a more calming and relaxing route while the other takes you through areas where you’ll get soaked by buckets of water and spray guns! Besides these attractions, there are pools for family, children, and toddlers with atmospheres that pertain to the corresponding ages. On top of these, there is one other area that not only has a lap pool but also has diving boards – one coming in at 3 meters while the other is 1 meter.