For third grader Elsie MacLaughlin, the lesson is simple.

“Even if you are small, you can make a big difference,” Elsie said. “I like that we can help with donations for the animal shelter and for people. It is really nice because we can help people that need help.”

What Is RotaKids in Fort Myers?

RotaKids is a service club sponsored by Rotary. The program works with schools to motivate children to help others in their community.

The Three Oaks Elementary School club is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Estero. Rotarian Carmelita Singh-Mayer said the goal is to build a habit of service early.

“It is training them from a young age to give back to the community,” Singh-Mayer said.

At Three Oaks Elementary, that mission has become part of the school culture. Principal Candace Allevato said she is proud of the 63 students who chose to participate.

“I am so proud of all of the work and leadership this group has done this year,” Allevato said. “It makes me a very proud principal.”

How Are Three Oaks Elementary Students Helping?

Students in the RotaKids in Fort Myers club took on several hands-on service projects during the school year. Each project gave children a clear way to help someone else.

• They packed 2,000 pounds of rice and beans for Interfaith Charities.
• They collected pet food, toys, and bedding for Gulf Coast Humane Society.
• They performed cleanups around Three Oaks Elementary.
• They made cards and ornaments for military members.
• They wrote letters of appreciation to teachers.

For fifth grader Ryleigh-Anne Laine, the club offered something she had been looking for.

“Before RotaKids, I loved helping, but I didn’t really have a way to do that,” Ryleigh-Anne said. “RotaKids helped me have a way to do that and to help my community.”

Can Kids Really Make A Difference?

The students at Three Oaks Elementary say yes. Many of them talked about how small actions add up when children work together.

Fifth grader Maci Fitzsimmons said there is power in children helping as a group.

“Kids have the power to make a difference right now, not just when we grow up,” Maci stressed. “Picking up trash might seem small, but [it] can help.”

Fourth grader Ethan Schafe said helping others leaves him with a good feeling.

“It makes me feel like I did a good thing when I helped the community and other people,” Ethan said.

That is the message Lori Wallace, the school guidance counselor, wants students to understand.

“I want them to know that no act of kindness is too small to make a difference in someone’s life,” Wallace said.

Sarah Gonzalez, a kindergarten teacher who oversees the club, said she wants children to notice needs around them instead of walking past them.

“Don’t just walk by the garbage, don’t just walk by the child crying,” Gonzalez said. “One kid could not do the rice and beans project, but together they can make an impact. I hope that other schools read about this and want to start something like this.”

What Are Students Learning About Kindness?

The students were eager to explain how helping makes them feel. Their answers were direct, thoughtful, and full of pride.

“I like all the activities we do to help people,” said fourth grader Emma Gonzalez. “It makes me feel happy.”

Fifth grader Quinn Holy said, “I enjoy helping people that don’t have a lot of stuff.”

Fifth grader Myla Albert said helping the planet matters, too.

“It makes me feel happy because we are helping the earth,” Myla said.

Classmate Peter Hage said the food projects helped him think about people who need support.

“You get to help unfortunate people that can’t buy food,” Peter said.

Fifth grader Mateus Mussalem summed up the club’s purpose in one sentence: “We can make the world even better.”

Does A Child Need Special Skills To Serve?

Students say no. The RotaKids in Fort Myers club is built on kindness, teamwork, and a willingness to help.

Fifth grader Payton Kuhn said children do not have to be athletic or strong to take part.

“You can just help each other, and you can have fun,” Payton said. “Everyone can take a part in helping. It is just incredible how you can help so much in such a little bit of time.”

Fifth grader Ava Diaz agreed.

“It is a great club and a great experience knowing you are helping others without being recognized,” Ava said. “You don’t need any special ability; you just need a kind heart.”

How Can Collier and Lee County Families Encourage Service?

Families in Collier and Lee Counties can use the example from Three Oaks Elementary to start simple conversations about kindness. Children often understand service best when they can see, touch, and do the work themselves.

• Let your child help choose items for a food or pet supply donation.
• Write thank-you notes together for teachers, neighbors, first responders, or military members.
• Pick up litter during a family walk.
• Look for family events in Collier and Lee Counties that include volunteer opportunities.
• Encourage your child to invite friends or classmates to help, too.

RotaKids in Fort Myers shows that service does not have to be complicated. A kind heart, a willing group, and one small project can help children see that they already have the power to make their community better.

The post RotaKids in Fort Myers Helps Kids Lead With Kindness appeared first on SWFL Family.

Why did Chloe want to raise money for Make-A-Wish?

Chloe’s motivation came directly from her own experience. “I got a Make-A-Wish for myself, so I want to give back to the Make-A-Wish program,” she said.

That simple reason carried real weight. Chloe knows firsthand how meaningful it is when people show up for a child facing ongoing challenges. Her fundraiser was not just about collecting money. It was about paying forward something that changed her life.

How did this Naples student turn an idea into a schoolwide fundraiser?

Chloe began by presenting her idea to school administrators, who supported the plan. She then brought it to the National Junior Honor Society and secured volunteers to help collect donations in the courtyard each morning before school.

The fundraiser itself was designed to be fun and competitive. Chloe wanted something that would engage her classmates, and after considering several options, her assistant principal suggested Penny Wars.

That idea gave the school an easy way to participate while keeping the energy high.

How did Penny Wars work at Oakridge Middle School?

Students in grades six through eight competed for a dress-down day and a sweet treat. Pennies added positive points to a grade’s total, while higher-value coins and bills counted against that grade. A quarter, for example, was worth negative 25 points.

That meant students could help their own grade by adding pennies or sabotage another grade by dropping silver coins or dollar bills into a competitor’s box. The format made the fundraiser lively, strategic, and easy to understand.

• Pennies counted as positive points
• Silver coins and bills counted as negative points
• Students could boost their own grade or hurt another grade’s score
• The winning grade earned a dress-down day and a sweet treat

The campaign raised $1,086.13, with the eighth grade finishing on top.

What makes Chloe’s story so personal?

Her desire to help others is rooted in her own medical journey. Chloe had a stroke while still in utero, leaving the left side of her body weaker and smaller. She lives with pain and faces daily obstacles, including difficulty climbing stairs. She cannot compete in sports and has other limitations.

Even so, her mother, Megan Seyer, says Chloe meets life with unusual strength and kindness. “We are so blessed,” she said. “Is she in pain all the time? Yes. Is she a fighter and is she strong? Yes. I have the most kind-hearted, beautiful girl that I could not be more proud of.”

That combination of resilience and compassion is what gives Chloe’s fundraiser its heart.

What did Make-A-Wish mean to Chloe and her family?

The Make-A-Wish experience left a lasting impression on the entire Seyer family. Chloe was granted a wish to be a princess for a day at Disney World, and the family stayed at the organization’s village in Orlando, where they were surrounded by entertainment, gifts, and thoughtful touches.

For Chloe’s mother, the experience offered something every parent hopes for: joy and relief in the middle of something hard. “Her life is so challenging — you just want some sense of normalcy, some happiness,” Seyer said. “It was a blessing to see her smile and feel accepted.”

Chloe still remembers specific details. “The thing I really remember was the Make-A-Wish Village,” she said. “One of my favorite parts was the carousel. There is a lunchroom. There is a salon there. There is also an ice cream store. There is a place to put your wishes. I can see my wish. It is still there.”

How did leading the fundraiser change Chloe?

Beyond the money raised, Chloe said organizing the campaign helped her grow. Leading a schoolwide effort meant speaking to administrators, recruiting volunteers, and stepping into visible leadership roles that felt intimidating at first.

She said it was nerve-racking to present the idea to the National Junior Honor Society and even more daunting to appear on the school news and address the student body. Still, she did it.

“I had to figure out what to do, and use my resources and learn how to be a leader,” Chloe explained. “It was really a boost in confidence.”

What can other parents and students learn from Chloe’s example?

For families in Collier and Lee Counties, Chloe’s story is a reminder that kids do not have to wait until adulthood to make a meaningful difference. A school fundraiser, a service project, or one well-supported idea can teach leadership, empathy, and courage all at once.

It also shows what can happen when adults take a young person’s idea seriously. Chloe had the vision, but school administrators, faculty, and student volunteers helped turn that vision into something real.

• Listen when your child wants to help others
• Encourage projects that connect service with personal meaning
• Support opportunities for students to speak, lead, and organize
• Show kids that even small donations can add up to real impact

What happens when a wish becomes a purpose?

In March, Chloe presented the funds she raised at a local Make-A-Wish gala, where she also gave a speech. There, she shared more of her story and explained what the organization has meant to her life.

“I explained my whole life experience with having my stroke. At the end I said how much Make-A-Wish helps my life and how I feel more special in a good way. It is hard when you have a disability, but when you see people that have your back and make you feel like you belong, it makes you feel really good.”

That is what makes Chloe more than a fundraiser organizer or a middle school student with a good idea. She is a young person who received kindness, remembered it, and decided to pass it on. That is a princess with a purpose.

Why does this story matter for Naples families?

Stories like Chloe’s matter because they show the best of a community. They remind us that children can lead, schools can rally, and personal hardship can be transformed into generosity.

For parents raising children with disabilities or medical challenges, Chloe’s story may also feel especially meaningful. Her experience reflects both the daily reality of living with limitations and the deep importance of being seen, celebrated, and included. Families looking for local support can explore special needs resources for Collier and Lee families and more special needs articles for Southwest Florida families.

And for families hoping to raise kids who give back, Neapolitan Family offers more ideas through stories about teen volunteerism and charity events in Collier County, and tips on how to choose the best volunteer activities for your family..

The post Naples Girl’s Make-A-Wish Fundraiser Pays Her Wish Forward appeared first on SWFL Family.

From Naples to Fort Myers, Cape Coral to Sanibel, camp programs are blending STEM, nature study, art, teamwork, and real-world exploration. The result is a summer experience where kids stay engaged, active, and excited to discover what they can do.

What makes an educational summer camp worth it?

The best educational camps do more than fill the day. They keep kids asking questions, solving problems, and trying new skills in a setting that feels playful and low-pressure. Look for camps that make learning active, hands-on, and age-appropriate.

• Projects kids can build, test, or explore themselves
• Themes that match your child’s interests, from coding to wildlife
• A balance of indoor learning and outdoor movement
• Staff who connect lessons to real experiences
• Options for different ages, schedules, and attention spans

That hands-on approach is what makes many Southwest Florida camps so effective. Campers are not just hearing about science or nature. They are seeing it, touching it, and putting it into practice.

Which STEM camps help kids learn through play?

For families seeking science-focused programs, Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead remains one of the most popular educational camp options in Southwest Florida. Weekly themes include Rocket Science, Lego Engineers, Robotics, Chemistry, and more, with locations in Naples, Fort Myers, and Cape Coral. Choose a theme that lines up with what already excites your child.

The camp was created by local teachers who wanted children to learn in a more creative, hands-on environment. One activity, for example, has campers making a solar oven while learning about light, heat, environmental science, and molecular science. Campers also connect science concepts to technology by using coding and Minecraft-based design projects.

As owner Hilary Shore explained, “We use all these things to teach the different concepts and then reinforce it through coding.”

Super Science and Amazing Art camps also make learning feel like fun. Owner Glen Beitmen, known to many families as “Mr. Glen,” partners with the cities of Naples and Cape Coral to offer camps in a range of local locations. He emphasizes that the lessons are rooted in educational standards, but the experience stays playful and engaging.

Kitchen Chemistry is one of the biggest hits. Kids love the slime, the mess, and the edible experiments, but they are also learning about chemical reactions, color changes, and mixtures. Build It Engineering brings abstract ideas to life through balloon experiments, hydraulics, and even hovercraft rides powered by a leaf blower.

Spy Camp adds another layer by sharpening observation and problem-solving skills. “Each day there is a mystery they have to solve,” Beitmen said. “They solve puzzles by putting all the information together.” That blend of logic, teamwork, and creativity helps kids practice the scientific method in a way that feels exciting.

Are there nature camps in Collier and Lee Counties?

Yes, and they are some of the strongest educational summer camps in Collier and Lee Counties. Nature-based programs give children the chance to learn outdoors in places they already love, including beaches, back bays, trails, wetlands, and preserves. Nature camps are a great fit for kids who learn best by moving, observing, and exploring.

At Lover’s Key State Park, children explore the beach, canals, back bays, and coastal trails while learning about marine life, mangroves, and conservation. Campers use seine nets to bring up underwater creatures, then look more closely with microscopes and interactive science projects. The indoor Discovery Center gives kids a place to cool off while continuing the lesson.

Park manager Katie Moses summed up the appeal this way: “They are learning, but they are having fun, so they don’t think they are learning.” She added, “It’s the kind of summer experience that inspires a lifelong love of nature.”

Camps are divided by age, serving children ages 6 to 16. The older groups tend to lean further into science, and many campers begin imagining future paths in fields like marine biology.

Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary also offers themed weeks that help kids connect with the natural world. In Feathered Friends, campers learn about birds, migration, and bird sounds. In Masters of Disguise, they discover how animals use camouflage to survive. Fungus Among Us introduces children to the strange and fascinating world of fungi.

Audubon adds variety with art, music, and sports, plus a special backcountry road trip into parts of the sanctuary families do not usually see from the boardwalk. Teen camp options focus on first aid, leadership, nature identification, and working with younger children, while also giving teens a chance to earn volunteer hours.

What are the best marine science camps in Southwest Florida?

If your child is fascinated by the ocean, several local camps offer deep, memorable marine science experiences. These programs are especially strong in Southwest Florida because they teach directly in the environments children are studying. Marine science camps work best for kids who want to learn by doing, not just by listening.

Rookery Bay offers Friday camp sessions with different themes, allowing families to choose topics that fit their child’s interests. Sleuthing in the Lagoon takes campers to Tigertail Beach to study the ecosystem and observe creatures below the water’s surface. Invertebrate Investigation introduces animals such as sea stars and sea urchins. Biology on a Bike explores uplands and teaches kids how to identify plants and animals while collecting field data.

Older students can take part in the Student Institute for Marine Science, where they spend time in Rookery Bay labs and may even take part in activities such as shark dissection. Scholarships are also available, which can help more families access specialized science experiences.

“Camp is à la carte, so campers can pick their favorite topic,” said TJ Snopkowski, executive director of Friends of Rookery Bay. “It’s like a day in the life of a scientist — whether that’s a panther biologist, shark researcher, or environmental scientist.” He said the goal is to spark excitement about the world and show students the many paths available to them.

Sanibel Sea School also gives children an immersive marine science experience in and around the water. Weekly themes change each year, so returning campers find something new each year. Campers use seine nets to catch and observe aquatic critters before releasing them. They snorkel, explore beaches and wetlands, and collect phytoplankton and zooplankton to study under microscopes.

As youth education director Shannon Rivard explained, “All of our programs focus on marine science. Everything is hands-on and field-based.” She added, “We have lots of things that campers can hold, see, touch, feel, and learn about.”

Can camps build life skills too?

Absolutely. Many educational camps in Collier and Lee Counties are teaching more than science facts. They also help children strengthen communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and leadership. If your child needs confidence as much as enrichment, these programs can do both.

Veritas Study Lounge is one example. Its program blends science, entrepreneurship, and faith-based learning with project-based activities. Mornings may include STEM lessons, podcast creation, or developing and pitching business ideas. Afternoons shift into enrichment activities such as photography, automotive projects, and gardening. Campers also complete a community service activity.

Founder and director Deborah Paul said, “We want the camp to be more than just babysitting. We want the kids to be immersed in a project-based environment where they can think critically, improve their social skills, and grow in their faith.” She also emphasized leadership, executive functioning, character development, and collaboration.

• Critical thinking through open-ended projects
• Teamwork through group-based challenges
• Communication through presentations and podcasts
• Leadership through service and responsibility
• Confidence through trying new skills in a safe setting

These benefits can matter just as much as academic growth. A child who leaves camp more willing to ask questions, speak up, or try again has gained something that lasts long after summer.

How should parents choose the right camp?

Start with your child, not the brochure. Think about what holds your child’s attention, how they learn best, and whether they thrive in structured settings, outdoor environments, or creative group projects. Pick the camp that fits your child’s personality and curiosity.

• Ask whether your child prefers STEM, animals, art, water, or outdoor adventure
• Check age ranges and whether older kids get more advanced content
• Look at half-day versus full-day options
• Consider location if you need a camp in Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, or nearby
• Find out whether the camp includes showcases, field work, or take-home projects
• Ask about scholarships or volunteer-hour opportunities for older students

Many families also build a summer by mixing formats. A child might do one week of STEM, one week outdoors, and one week focused on marine life. That variety keeps summer fresh while helping kids discover new interests.

Where can families find more summer camp options in Southwest Florida?

For more local resources, explore Neapolitan Family’s 2026 Camp Guide, browse the camp archives, and check the family events calendar for seasonal programs. Parents of older kids can also read Summer Camps for Teens and Tweens in SWFL.

From mixing slime and building hovercrafts to snorkeling in back bays and exploring hidden swamp trails, Southwest Florida camps show that summer learning can be joyful, active, and memorable. Whether your child dreams of becoming a scientist or simply wants to dig into the natural world, educational summer camps in Collier and Lee Counties can spark the kind of wonder that keeps growing long after summer ends.

The post Find Educational (But Fun) Summer Camps in Collier and Lee Counties appeared first on SWFL Family.

His regular chair works for getting around school, home, and the community, but it’s not ideal for sports. He has  dreamed of owning a sports wheelchair with angled wheels for easier turns and faster speeds, and a lower back to allow him to recline further, giving him a better angle to shoot the ball. But those specialty chairs are expensive. His mother, Kristina Thomas, said they had been saving for years, but could not afford one. Then this fall, the staff at Manatee Elementary School in Naples decided to dedicate all the money raised during their annual Turkey Trot fundraiser to buy Justin the sports wheelchair. Usually, the event raises about $3,000, but the students and community rallied behind the cause and raised more than $9,100. 

“Yes, I was surprised,” Justin said. “I will be able to roll in it faster and play basketball. The wheels are slanted sideways so it is easier to turn and faster. I can move around better.”

Justin recently went to Clearwater to be fitted for the custom chair. He chose his favorite colors, blue and orange (University of Florida colors), for his new wheels. He added a bit of green to the chair’s name and chose colored spokes for the wheels.

He had another surprise waiting for him at Top End Sports in Clearwater. While he was there having his chair fitted, he met Paul Shulte, a co-captain of U.S. Paralympic basketball team who will also be in the 2028 Paralympics Games.

Schulte “even invited Justin to come to one of his clinics in the St. Pete area,” Kristina Thomas said.

Laurie Mearsheimer, principal at Manatee Elementary, was amazed at how much money was raised for Justin’s chair. 

“Absolutely, we were surprised, but we knew it would happen because we saw how everyone rallied around him,” Mearsheimer said.

The sports wheelchair costs $6,700. Since the school raised more than $9,100, there was money left over to make life easier for Justin and other students with disabilities at school. Manatee Elementary has a courtyard where students enjoy eating lunch, but the tables there are not accessible for all students.

“It is very limiting,” Mearsheimer said. “So now we are upgrading to new furniture that is handicap accessible.”

Mearsheimer said the community’s kindness has done more than get Justin new wheels; it has given him a new outlook. She described Justin as a very shy child in the past, but the recent support has changed that.

“This whole experience has made him come out of his shell,” she described. “He is a little more talkative. He got the attention and saw it was not so scary. He just couldn’t believe it was finally happening.” 

Justin was a cover kid on the March 2018 issue of Neapolitan Family Magazine.

The post Manatee Elementary Students Rally to Buy Justin a Sports Wheelchair appeared first on SWFL Family.

How are teachers blending tech and traditional lessons?

Walk into a classroom in Collier or Lee County and you are likely to see both laptops and lined paper on desks. Students may answer a question on a shared screen and then switch to a notebook to show their work.

Collier County Public Schools is finishing a project to place interactive flat panel (IFP) boards in all 3,000 classrooms. These large touch-screen boards act like smart whiteboards but allow full interactivity.

“Students can collaboratively solve problems or write,” said Tom Petry, executive director of technology services. “Instead of using individual devices it focuses as a group on the lesson. That is a great teaching tool because it literally engages the students in a way that is very different.”

Teachers use the boards to project a problem, diagram, or text, then invite students up to circle, drag, or write on the screen. The class talks through each step together, keeping technology at the center of the shared lesson instead of on separate devices.

Even with these tools, you still see plenty of paper notebooks, workbooks, and hands-on activities. In many Collier and Lee classrooms, blending technology and traditional learning is about choosing the right tool for each part of the lesson.

How does technology support—but not replace—reading?

Parents often worry that screens might push out real books. Local educators say technology can actually support reading when it is used thoughtfully alongside traditional literacy practices.

At Sabal Palm Elementary, media specialist Shawn Maas builds early literacy around both picture books and digital tools. “I do read alouds,” he said. “That is one of the most important things for early literacy.”

With only a print book, students in the back could not always see the pictures or words. Now Maas projects the book on a large screen so every child can clearly see each page. He can circle words or images to highlight vocabulary and important details.

Maas can choose from 56 languages to add subtitles or give some students headsets so they can hear the story translated into their native language while they follow along in English.

“I like to show the kids that this is what technology can do to enhance learning,” Maas stressed. “It should never replace [teacher instruction], but it should enhance learning.”

Digital library books add another layer. Using a program called Sora, students can check out ebooks from the school library anytime. For some reluctant readers, tapping to turn a page or zooming in on a picture makes reading feel more fun.

“I love my print books, but if they are not reading we have to try something else,” Maas said.

In these classrooms, blending technology and traditional learning means using screens to support, not replace, the experience of reading real books with a trusted adult.

How does technology help English language learners keep up?

One of the most powerful examples of blending technology and traditional learning in Collier and Lee Counties is in classrooms for English language learners.

At Golden Gate Middle School, science teacher Kristin Payne teaches students who know very little English. During a lesson on heat and cooling, her students put on headsets while she teaches at the front of the room. As she speaks, her words are translated into each student’s language and displayed on their computer screens.

“We are so blessed to have” the translation system, said Golden Gate Middle School Principal Jennifer Knutowski. “It increases accessibility for our English language learners (ELL). It is giving them equal opportunities.”

Students say the difference is huge. “It is perfect because I know what the teacher is saying,” said eighth grader Yeskenny Ramos Pena. “It is helping me learn.”

“It is awesome,” added her classmate Emilly Castillo Ulloa. “It is important to understand the teacher. I don’t feel like we are so far behind.”

The program translates the teacher’s speech into more than 80 languages. Christy Kutz, Collier County Public Schools’ executive director of secondary education, says this is especially helpful for students who are not Spanish speaking and may have no one else to translate.

“It is a great tool for students that are just arriving,” Kutz stressed. “Some of them are speaking languages that we are not used to getting, like Russian or Mandarin, and we don’t have any staff to help them.”

Students still participate in general education classes and hear plenty of English. The translation system is one more way schools are blending technology and traditional learning so new arrivals can follow complex lessons from day one.

Why are some schools limiting screens on purpose?

Even as classroom technology grows, many Collier and Lee schools are careful not to let screens take over the day. Laptops and tablets are tools, not the main event.

Every Collier County Public Schools student receives a laptop, but leaders stress that devices do not drive instruction. “It is not a big part of their day,” said Alyssa Ledbetter, CCPS senior director of teaching and learning. “They still have workbooks. We try to utilize the technology to enhance their learning, not necessarily as a mode for their learning.”

Kutz added, “We try to get actual text in front of our kids all day long, so they can touch and feel and mark up their textbooks, because we know it is the best way to learn. Our teachers are still the best way for students to learn.”

Some schools lean even more traditional. Mason Classical Academy in Naples was founded on limiting technology, especially for younger students. When the school first opened, elementary students had no computer access. Technology was added mainly when state testing moved to computers.

No student at Mason Classical Academy gets their own computer and cell phones are banned from campus.

“I just felt there was this push toward technology,” said Kelly Mason, one of the school’s founders. “Here, people don’t want their kids in front of [screens], especially in the elementary years. A lot of families that chose Mason are in that same mindset in using limited technology.”

In Lee County, the district also is trying to prevent overuse of screens. “Our push this year is to use less technology,” said district spokesman Rob Spicker. “We go tech-free on the tenth day of every month.”

Bayshore School in North Fort Myers takes a similar approach. “We have made it our goal to use technology only as a tool,” said Principal Ben Ausman. “There are so many other practices and strategies and techniques that our teachers have been using that are far better than putting kids on Chromebooks all day long.”

Teachers at Bayshore might project a question and ask students to answer on computers to quickly see who understands the concept. The rest of the day, lessons are taught by the teacher and reinforced through group work and discussion.

“The computer won’t argue back and give you the other sides of things,” Ausman said. “We need to prepare kids to work with others. More and more you hear about critical thinking. That is what employers are looking for.”

Where does AI fit into this balance?

Blending technology and traditional learning in Collier and Lee Counties also includes newer tools like artificial intelligence, especially for older students.

The Freedom Institute in Naples used a $1 million grant from the Dekko Foundation to create Freedom AI, a program that teaches students to use AI responsibly. Teens there use AI to revise résumés and college applications and to get feedback on interview skills. They also explore the ethics and security issues behind these tools.

“We have to get into the game and teach them to use AI,” said Chris Marker, chief learning officer, CEO, and co-founder of The Freedom Institute. “This is the tractor, this is the telephone, this is the PC of our generation. We will be better if we know how to use it. The United States must be on the forefront of AI. If another country with nefarious goals becomes the frontrunner, we are all in trouble. I want this tool to be mastered and controlled. My students are going to graduate knowing things that most kids are not going to know.”

In programs like this, AI is introduced as one more tool students can learn to handle wisely, alongside strong writing skills, face-to-face conversations, and traditional coursework.

What can parents ask about classroom tech use?

For families in Collier and Lee Counties, it can be hard to picture what blending technology and traditional learning really looks like day to day. Start by asking how technology fits into your child’s typical lesson, not just how many devices the school has.

• Ask how often devices are used and whether they are mainly for practice, testing, or creating projects.
• Look for plenty of books, paper, and pencils alongside laptops and tablets in your child’s classroom.
• Notice whether your child describes group work and discussions as well as individual screen time.
• Check that technology is helping your child access learning, especially if they are learning English or need visual supports.
• Talk with teachers if you worry about too much screen time. Ask how they balance tech with hands-on and face-to-face learning.

Local schools are still refining how they are blending technology and traditional learning in Collier and Lee Counties. As you stay involved and ask questions, you can help your child get the benefits of both strong teaching and smart tools.

The post How Schools Blend Technology and Traditional Learning in Collier and Lee Counties appeared first on SWFL Family.

What makes the Wonder Gardens’ 90th anniversary special for families?

Turning 90 is rare for any attraction, especially for a small, privately started roadside stop. From the beginning, the Wonder Gardens has been rooted in family — both the Piper family who created it and the generations of local families who have visited.

For parents, this anniversary is a chance to share a beloved piece of Southwest Florida history with your children while seeing how it’s evolving into a modern, humane, and educational animal experience.

• One of the few remaining historic roadside attractions in Florida.
• A 90-year story of rescuing, caring for, and showcasing animals.
• A walkable, shady garden that works for toddlers, big kids, and grandparents.

How did Wonder Gardens begin 90 years ago?

On February 22, 1936, brothers Lester and Bill Piper opened the Everglades Reptile Gardens in their backyard. They collected alligators, crocodiles, and snakes from the surrounding area and created simple enclosures so visitors could see animals they might never encounter otherwise.

Local children would bring snakes to the Pipers and earn a dollar. Teenagers caught sharks to sell as alligator food. The Pipers planted trees and tropical plants to create a wilderness feel, and soon they added panthers, bears, and otters. Admission was just 25 cents.

For decades, what is now the Wonder Gardens looked like a traditional mid-century zoo. Panthers and bears paced on concrete floors behind black bars in small cages. Alligators and turtles crowded into concrete pits. Yet even in that setting, there was a deep care for animals. Lester Piper, who left school after the fifth grade, taught himself how to care for and even heal local creatures. He began breeding panthers and released some back into the wild.

There was no I-75 or even a completed US 41 when the Wonder Gardens began. Old 41 was the main road through town, and both locals and tourists would stop to see the creatures the Pipers collected. Families came to meet Tom, the black bear who starred in the film The Yearling, and to gawk at Big Joe, a 1,200-pound North American crocodile believed to be the largest in captivity.

Over time, Lester’s children and grandchildren all worked at the attraction. When Lester died in 1992, his grandson David Piper Jr. took the helm. The Wonder Gardens remained a familiar stop for road-tripping families and a point of pride for Bonita Springs.

How did the Wonder Gardens survive when other attractions closed?

From the 1930s through the 1980s, roadside attractions dotted Florida highways. Southwest Florida had its share, including Waltzing Waters in Cape Coral and the Shell Factory, which started in Bonita Springs and later moved to North Fort Myers. There was even a Sugar Cane Museum in Fort Myers. Around the state, families stopped to see animals, pearls, driftwood, and lime rock formations.

Most of those attractions are gone.

In 2013, it looked like the Wonder Gardens might follow. When David Piper Jr. moved to Georgia for health reasons, the attraction went up for sale. A commercial buyer could easily have replaced the gardens with new development.

Instead, a nonprofit group stepped in to save the Wonder Gardens. It secured a loan from the city, took over the property, and began the long work of honoring its history while bringing it up to modern standards.

• Mammals such as panthers and bears were placed in new homes.
• The focus shifted to birds and reptiles that could thrive in the gardens.
• Local photographer and conservationist John Brady cleared overgrown greenery and created winding pathways.
• Directors added educational programs and new species over time, including free-roaming peacocks and colorful parrots.

Current leader Neil Anderson calls this balance the key to the Wonder Gardens’ survival. “The biggest key is to have a vision and a plan,” he said. That vision pairs new experiences that today’s families will love with a commitment to preserving the historic character of the place.

What new experiences mark the 90th year of Wonder Gardens?

As the Wonder Gardens marks its 90th anniversary, families will notice that the fences, bars, and blank concrete walls of the past are disappearing. In their place are more natural habitats and viewing areas designed with children in mind.

Anderson recently opened a new otter attraction, one of the biggest hits with young visitors. He also raised money to build a night house for the flamingos so they can be safely sheltered when needed.

“Especially now with the new otter exhibit, kids can really connect with some of our favorite animal residents,” Anderson said. “There is no place else where you can put your hands up and the otters are putting their paws up. The wonder is having those types of experiences. Ultimately, we want to get the children connected with nature. The moments of wonder are what we are trying to recreate.”

Future improvements are planned to carry Wonder Gardens into its next decades:

• A new animal care center to support the growing collection.
• An event center overlooking the Imperial River.
• A new home for the alligators with underwater viewing.
• A discovery zone and play area with a dino dig.
• A natural history museum with hands-on activities.
• A treetop canopy walk and treehouse where guests can walk above the foliage alongside tamarins.

For families, these changes mean more ways to experience animals up close, more play spaces, and more reasons to come back year after year.

How are kids connecting with Wonder Gardens today?

With the redesign, the Wonder Gardens is once again a busy hub for local and visiting families. Attendance is growing, and the attraction recently broke its daily record with almost 1,000 guests.

“We are designing new habitats with visitor experiences that go along with that,” Anderson said. “Before, everything was designed to lift your kid up over the walls to see things, so we are taking away the cement walls and replacing them with viewing panels, so the youngest visitors can have an opportunity to connect.”

Kids are already forming their own favorite memories.

“Zulu is my favorite,” said 7-year-old Rose Seiger, as she interacted with a violet turaco. “I want to be a zookeeper when I grow up so I can work at the Wonder Gardens.”

“The otters are my favorite,” said 6-year-old William Rusk.

For the Piper family, seeing these new connections during the 90th anniversary year is especially meaningful.

“The place is lovely and we are very proud of it,” said Buck Piper, Lester Piper’s grandson.

“I am thankful to everyone and to the community that they preserved … the legacy of the Wonder Gardens,” said Ashley Piper, Buck’s daughter.

Share the story with your kids as you walk: how a backyard reptile garden survived almost a century, changed with the times, and still feels like a place out of a storybook.

How does Wonder Gardens balance history and the future?

Preserving history is at the heart of the 90th anniversary. As donors help fund new habitats and family spaces, the Wonder Gardens team is careful to keep the original character intact.

Donations paid for the flamingo night house and the new event center. Money is now being raised to build the treetop walkway. At the same time, an original cottage on the property will serve as the new museum, giving families a place to learn about the early days of the attraction.

“We want to keep that historical perspective,” Anderson stressed. “We want to take you back to the beginnings of the Wonder Gardens. It is really keeping trust in the true Wonder Gardens; what it used to be and bringing it up to modern standards with the historic feel. There is something special here. Part of that is the history.”

As you visit during the 90th anniversary year, point out the old and the new: the vintage feel of the paths and buildings, and the modern, animal-friendly habitats and educational exhibits.

If you go: Wonder Gardens 90th anniversary details

The Wonder Gardens 90th anniversary Bonita Springs is the perfect excuse to plan a family outing, revisit an old favorite, or bring visiting relatives to one of the area’s most enduring attractions. Families in Collier and Lee Counties can easily pair a visit with other Bonita Springs stops or make it the main event.

• Name: Wonder Gardens
• Address: 7180 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs
• Phone: 239-992-2591
• Website: www.wondergardens.org
• Hours: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. daily (last admission at 3 p.m.)
• Admission: $17 for adults and $12 for children
• Bonita Springs Days: First Sunday of the month, admission is $12 for Bonita residents.
• Events and programs: Check our family events calendar for Collier & Lee Counties for Wonder Gardens happenings and other Bonita Springs family events.

Make a plan to visit during this milestone year. Whether your child falls in love with the otters, the flamingos, or the shady garden paths, you’ll be part of the Wonder Gardens story as it steps into its next 90 years.

The post Wonder Gardens 90th Anniversary: A Roadside Treasure for Families in SWFL appeared first on SWFL Family.

Stuffed Animal Drive Brings Smiles

Little Cubs is a preschool where high school students in child care classes help teach and care for young children. “We thought it would be really cool to give the kids a comfort animal,” Jayden said. “I know they are starting to grow up, and sometimes it can be hard. It just helps kids smile and makes them happy.”

From Idea to Action in Naples

Inspired at a student council leadership conference, Gabe and Jayden began collecting stuffed animals before Thanksgiving. Within weeks, they had gathered about 50 donations, with more still coming. Their next goal is to donate additional toys to Pathways Early Education Center of Immokalee.

While some donations came from students, most were contributed by generous Naples businesses like State Farm and the Pop Toy Co.

Fostering a Culture of Giving

“It is great that they are making a difference at this age, and they can continue to grow from that,” said Justin Rodriguez, student government advisor at PRHS. “It is rewarding that they are sharing what they learned at the leadership conference.”

PRHS Principal Tobin Walcott added that Gabe and Jayden are helping shift the school culture toward generosity and community engagement. “These two young men are what Palmetto Ridge is about. They support their community. They support their fellow students.”

Expanding Impact Across Collier County

The students also led a project to support a local child at Christmas, collecting donations like clothes, games, and a bicycle. In another initiative, they gathered supplies for a women’s shelter.

Their leadership helped grow the PRHS student government from 20 to 110 members in just one year. “We promoted it a lot,” said Gabe. “I told people we would change everything: the games and the spirit of the school.”

Gabe, a senior president, and Jayden, a junior vice president, also play sports like baseball and pickleball, but giving back remains their top priority.

“Putting a smile on other people’s faces, that is what drives all of us,” Gabe said. “We have spirit within ourselves to help people who need it.”

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Why is holiday baking with kids worth the mess?

Local chefs agree that holiday baking with kids is one of the easiest ways to bond as a family and introduce children to the kitchen.

“It is a great bonding thing. It gets the kids introduced to the kitchen,” said Charlie Ragle, owner of the Kitchen Social in Naples. “It is kind of paint-by-numbers for cooking, where they learn it is not that difficult to make some really delicious food at home that is a lot healthier.”

Chef Uffe Mikkelsen of Sur La Table in Naples loves seeing kids cook with their parents. “Cooking is such a nice activity. It is not just watching a movie,” he said. “You get to be with the family. With cooking, you learn the foundation of where we come from.”

Beyond the warm memories, baking with kids teaches:

• Kitchen confidence – measuring, stirring, and following steps.
• Math skills – fractions, counting, and time.
• Healthy habits – seeing what goes into their favorite treats.
• Responsibility – cleaning up and working as a team.

Most important, your child gets to enjoy something they made with their own hands, which makes them proud and more willing to try new foods.

What easy holiday recipes can kids help make?

When you’re cooking with kids, start with foods they already love. That keeps them interested and makes success more likely.

Ragle recommends simple holiday appetizers. “Holiday appetizers are fun to make as they are very simple and can be very delicious,” he said. “A really popular appetizer for kids to make is Beef Wellington bites. It is an elegant food that is easy for kids to do.”

Kids at Kitchen Social also enjoy more unusual recipes, like bacon jam, because they feel special and “grown up” when they serve them.

In Cape Coral, young cooks at Chef’s in Progress have made everything from double-crust apple pie to hot chocolate bars with all the toppings. Some of their favorite traditions include:

• Cookie marathons – one family baked hundreds of cookies to share with neighbors and friends.
• Gingerbread projects – gingerbread men and even gingerbread Christmas trees.
• Helping with the main meal – teens pitching in to cook ham or sides for Christmas dinner.

To make holiday baking with kids easier, try:

• Prepping ingredients before you invite kids into the kitchen.
• Assigning age-appropriate jobs like stirring, sprinkling, rolling dough, or cutting simple shapes.
• Choosing one “star” recipe instead of trying to do everything in one day.
• Building in cleanup time so kids learn that part of cooking, too.

How can we make healthier holiday treats?

Holiday baking with kids doesn’t have to mean a sugar overload. Local chefs suggest balancing the sweets with lighter, more nutritious options.

Ashley Okerstrom, owner of Cooking Queens Creations, which provides in-home meal prep in Collier, Lee, and Charlotte counties, loves to make protein balls with kids. “They are one of the easiest holiday treats to make with kids,” she said. “They are healthy and totally customizable. You can use nuts, different butters; you can make them gluten-free. There are lots of different festive flavors to use like peppermint or chocolate chips. You can put whatever you want in them, and they are done in 10 minutes. Kids love to roll them out.”

Chef Shabo Emara of Shabo’s Bistro in Naples also encourages families to think about healthier options. “They can make cookies, but we have to do it in a healthy way,” he said. “With this new generation, they are not eating healthy foods, and we need to convince them to cook in healthy ways.”

He loves making cinnamon rolls and apple pie with his son. “The most important things are things that can bring the family together,” he added.

Simple ways to make your holiday baking with kids a little healthier include:

• Swapping some white flour for whole wheat or oat flour.
• Reducing sugar slightly in cookies and bars.
• Adding fruit or nuts for fiber and healthy fats.
• Offering a “healthy tray” with protein balls, cut fruit, and cheese alongside cookies.

During a season full of treats, having a few better-for-you options can help your child enjoy the holidays without overdoing it.

Where can families bake and cook together locally?

Families in Collier and Lee Counties have many options for cooking with kids, whether at home or around town.

In Naples, Kitchen Social and Sur La Table both offer hands-on classes where kids and parents can cook side by side, especially around the holidays. In Cape Coral, Chef’s in Progress runs year-round cooking classes for children, giving them a chance to practice skills they can bring back to their own kitchens.

If you’d rather stay home, you can still create a “class” feel in your own kitchen:

• Pick a theme night like “cookie lab,” “pie day,” or “appetizer party.”
• Set up stations for rolling, decorating, and packaging treats.
• Invite grandparents or neighbors to taste-test and share stories about their holiday recipes.

For more local inspiration, look for kid-friendly cooking events on the Southwest Florida family events calendar.

How does holiday cooking connect kids to culture and tradition?

Holiday baking with kids is also a powerful way to share your family’s culture and values.

Rabbi Ariel Boxman in Naples loves to make traditional Hanukkah treats with her two young sons. “It is one way for them to connect with Judaism,” she said.

“Jelly donuts are a big one,” she explained. “We like making the mini ones. You make a batter and drop it in the oil, and then we use a syringe to fill them with jelly. The reason we eat those is that Hanukkah is the Festival of Lights, and we remember the oil. So, we eat a lot of oily food.”

Her boys also enjoy shredding potatoes, adding egg, and frying latkes. Sometimes they make a healthier version with zucchini or sweet potato. “I find it to be very educational in a fun way,” Boxman said. “My boys learned fractions just by cooking with me. And I love that it is hands-on. I don’t care how messy they get. It is tactile. They get their hands in it, and then they are so proud of what they make. We make our traditional foods and share them with our neighbors.”

You can create similar traditions in your home by:

• Choosing one or two “must-make” recipes every year that belong to your family story.
• Telling the history of each dish while you cook together.
• Writing down recipes with your child so they can pass them on one day.
• Sharing extra treats with neighbors, teachers, or friends.

Whether you’re frying latkes, rolling protein balls, or decorating dozens of cookies, holiday baking with kids in SWFL can become one of your family’s favorite traditions—full of memories, skills, and delicious bites you’ll all look forward to year after year.

Holiday Recipes to Try From Local Chefs

Beef Wellington Bites

From Charlie Ragle, owner of The Kitchen Social in Naples

Ingredients

For the Bites

• 4 ounces white button mushrooms, stem ends trimmed, long stems separated from caps
• 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
• ½ shallot, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon sherry or white wine
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• All-purpose flour, for dusting
• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, cut into 20 squares
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 4 thin slices prosciutto, cut into 5 pieces crosswise (20 pieces total)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Beef tenderloin, cut into 20 (1-inch) cubes
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives (for garnish)

Creamy Horseradish Sauce

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1–2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven.
   Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Make the mushroom mixture.
   Add the mushrooms, garlic, shallot, and thyme to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
   In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the mushroom mixture and sherry and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid released from the mushrooms has mostly evaporated, about 7–8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the puff pastry.
   On a lightly floured surface, cut the puff pastry into 20 squares if not already cut. Place the squares on the prepared baking sheet.
   In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon water. Using a pastry brush, brush the top of each pastry square with the egg wash.
4. Assemble and bake the pastry bases.
   To each pastry square, add one piece of prosciutto. Gently press about 1 teaspoon of the mushroom mixture into the center of each square.
   Bake until the puff pastry is golden brown, about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.
5. Cook the beef.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a medium skillet over high heat.
   Sprinkle the beef cubes with a generous pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper, then toss with the Dijon mustard to coat.
   Add the beef to the hot skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 4–5 minutes. Remove from heat.
6. Make the Creamy Horseradish Sauce.
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, horseradish, honey, and Dijon mustard. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
7. Assemble the Beef Wellington Bites.
   Transfer the baked pastries to a serving platter. Add one piece of beef to the center of each pastry, gently pressing down to nestle the beef into the pastry.
   Drizzle each bite with the Creamy Horseradish Sauce and garnish with the chopped chives. Serve immediately.

Potato Latkes

Recipe by Rabbi Ariel Boxman

Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded potato
• ¼ cup grated onion
• 6 saltine crackers, or as needed, crushed
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ½ teaspoon salt, or more to taste
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ cup vegetable oil, or as needed

Instructions

1. Mix the latke batter.
   In a large bowl, combine the shredded potato, grated onion, crushed saltine crackers, beaten eggs, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Heat the oil.
   In a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, pour in enough vegetable oil to reach about ¼ inch up the sides of the pan. Heat until shimmering.
3. Form the latkes.
   Working in batches, scoop spoonfuls of the potato mixture, first pressing the mixture against the side of the bowl to remove excess liquid. Carefully drop the mounds into the hot oil and slightly flatten each latke with the back of a spoon to create an even thickness.
4. Fry until golden and crisp.
   Cook the latkes in batches until browned and crisp, about 3 to 5 minutes per side. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.
5. Drain and serve.
   Transfer cooked latkes to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil. Season with additional salt if desired and serve warm.

The post Holiday Baking With Kids: Simple Ways SWFL Families Can Make Memories in the Kitchen appeared first on SWFL Family.

The following year, she created Lizie’s Trees 4 Needs and gave away 10 trees. Now, Lizie is a senior at Naples High School and has a goal of distributing 50 trees to local families.

“I have a Christmas tree. I want everybody else to have a Christmas tree,” Lizie said. 

“I remember we were putting up our tree and she said, ‘Why can’t we just get trees for people who need them’ and I said, ‘This is expensive’,” explained Lizie’s mother, Lizette Froloff. “So, she asked people to donate money. She had the whole idea and ran with it.” 

Lizie not only buys a pre-lit 6’5” tree, but also shatterproof ornaments, a lighted star for the top, and a tree skirt. She said each complete set costs about $125.

A big goal

In 2024, Lizie’s Trees 4 Needs became a nonprofit organization, which Lizie hopes will encourage more people to donate to the cause.

“A lot of the people donate each year,” Lizie said. “We are super lucky, but we are hoping to get more donations and develop a partnership with Walmart. I want to see if they will match what I get. I have a big goal.”

Lizie doesn’t usually know who receives the trees.

“We go to the school,” she explained. “We thought it was best to keep it anonymous, so they don’t think we are judging them.”

Last year Lizie gave more than 25 trees to families at Calusa Park Elementary School and Lavern Gaynor Elementary School.

“I wish I could video record when parents come to pick up the tree,” said Stacy Hamburg, school counselor at Calusa Park Elementary. “It is heartwarming to see this
in person.”

Hamburg said there is a real need for this type of giving.

“It is a beautiful program, and it impacts many kids,” she said. “When people move to a new area, I don’t think Christmas trees make the cut for the moving list. It is so nice that they can have a tree.”

Lizie did get to deliver one tree last year after receiving a message from a family in Lehigh Acres that really needed a tree. “It was definitely a blessing” to be able to see the reactions of the family accepting the donation, she said. “The whole idea is to give Christmas magic to kids in elementary school. It is definitely emotional to see someone get something that everyone else has.”

For more info or to donate, visit liziestrees4needs.org. 

The post Local Teen’s Mission Brings Christmas Trees to Families appeared first on SWFL Family.

How the Tradition Began

It’s a holiday tradition that keeps getting bigger and more elaborate every year. Victoria Park has been known for decades as the place to go to see lights and decorations. 

Lindsey Manring grew up in Victoria Park and has seen the explosion of holiday spirit. She lived there as a child in 1988 and moved back with her husband and five kids in 2014.

“There have always been a lot of Christmas lights, but it wasn’t until 1992 that they really started synchronizing everything,” she said.

Martha and Rob Anderson agree.

“We moved here in 1994, and I would say even back then it was a Christmas light destination,” Martha Anderson said. “But not to the extent that it is now.”

Street by Street: Themes & Rivalries

In 2007, a college student from Victoria Park was home for the holidays and, with some buddies, created a few lighted archways over Windsor Way. That soon grew to more than a dozen arches set up over the street each holiday season. Other streets added their own themes. Candy canes sprouted on Sussex Street, followed by Christmas trees on Whitehall Street, organized by the Andersons.

“The candy canes popped up first and we were jealous. We thought, ‘We are a great street; we can do that,’” said Martha Anderson. “One of my kids said ‘How about a tree? That’s just a triangle.’ Rob built one and put it up on our mailbox. He went door-to-door and asked people to look at it, and everybody unanimously said, ‘Yes, do it.’”

The Andersons bought the supplies, and the neighbors worked assembly-line style to make lighted trees to glow from the top of every mailbox on the block. Other streets now decorate mailboxes with snowmen, snowflakes, shooting stars, angels, candles, and more. 

When Dayanna and Blaise Ciabaton and their four children moved to Victoria Park in 2019 they already knew about the decorating tradition from their years of visiting during the holidays. As soon as they moved in, Dayanna started buying holiday decorations. Her favorites are the Santa and sleigh on her roof and all her inflatables. The Elf on the Shelf inflatable is her favorite, because so many children comment on how much they enjoy it. She and her family enjoy sitting by their fire pit in their driveway watching all the people enjoy the lights.

“It’s the coolest thing to give that much joy to so many people,” Ciabaton said.

Michael and Michele Standish moved to Victoria Park in 2000. They like to sit in their driveway by a fire pit and watch all the people drive by. Often traffic backs up all the way onto Airport-Pulling Road.

“During the middle of the week is better,” Michael Standish advised for avoiding crowds. “You can start on Huntington and work your way back up and down.”

Standish said the least crowded times are right after sunset and after 9:30 p.m. Most residents shut their lights off between 10 and 11 p.m. Of course there is no avoiding traffic on Christmas Eve, when almost every home has luminaries lining their lawns and driveways. There is so much traffic that it backs up all the way to Immokalee Road, and deputies have to help direct drivers.

Residents know their glowing community means lots of vehicles. It’s so popular that the Naples Trolley and many gated communities organize tours.

“We do not leave the house the month of December after 5:30 p.m.” Anderson said. “It is an understood thing. We love it. We sit outside most nights. People wave and shout ‘Merry Christmas’. It is just amazing. It is such a fun thing.”

“I feel like it is really special for our kids,” Manring added. “We have made it into a scavenger hunt. People have hot chocolate and Santa hats. My daughter has her birthday in December and she has her friends over to look at the lights. They can’t want to invite their friends over.”

“It’s something that really brings the community together,” Standish added.

Visiting Victoria Park: What to Know

Where It’s Located:
Victoria Park is in North Naples, situated just off Airport-Pulling Road between Vanderbilt Beach Road and Immokalee Road. Look for Nottingham Drive as the main entrance to the neighborhood

When to Visit:
The lights typically turn on at sunset, making early evening a great time to arrive. To avoid crowds, aim to visit on a weekday and either shortly after dusk or later in the evening, around 9:30 p.m. Christmas Eve is the busiest night of the season, with heavy traffic and long lines stretching out to major roads.

Best Route To See Victoria Park Christmas Displays

How to Experience the Lights:
Most people enjoy the displays from their cars as they slowly drive through the neighborhood. It’s a drive-through experience, with streets glowing in synchronized themes, mailbox decorations, inflatables, and holiday music playing from some homes. A few visitors walk, but driving is the primary way to experience the lights.

Tips for a Smooth Visit:

• Lower your headlights when driving through to see the displays better and avoid distracting others.

• Keep a slow, steady pace and avoid honking.

• Bring hot chocolate, snacks, and festive gear, and turn it into a holiday outing.

• Avoid blocking driveways or stopping in the middle of the road for too long.

• If you plan to take photos, look for safe areas to pull over without disrupting traffic.

• Some local trolleys and tour companies include Victoria Park as part of holiday lights tours—these can be a stress-free alternative to navigating traffic on your own.

What Makes It Special:
From lighted arches to themed streets and mailbox displays, Victoria Park goes above and beyond with its holiday cheer. The residents embrace the tradition, often sitting outside by fire pits to greet visitors with waves and holiday wishes. The sense of community and joy keep people coming back year after year.

The post Victoria Park: The Story Behind the Most Lit Neighborhood for the Holidays in Naples appeared first on SWFL Family.