The Florida Panther Festival returns to Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, giving families a morning of wildlife talks, hands-on activities,...
Read ArticleThe Fair at Fenway South returns to JetBlue Park in Fort Myers for three weekends in November, bringing amusement rides, live shows (included with admission),...
Read ArticleFor 75 years, the Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) has built a healthier, stronger, and more resilient community. Since the Lee County...
Read ArticleJurassic Quest North Fort Myers comes to the Lee County Civic Center Aug. 14-16, 2026, with dinosaurs, Ancient Oceans and the new Frozen Frontier exhibit....
Read ArticleBy Anna Snyder Families looking for dinosaur birthday parties in Southwest Florida may be surprised to learn that one of the area's most unique entertainment...
Read ArticleThe countdown to the new school year is on, and the Southwest Florida Family Back to School Expo is the perfect place to start. It...
Read ArticleSAVE THE DATE! The 2026 Southwest Florida Family Back to School Expo at the North Collier Regional Park is coming. Get a head start on your...
Read ArticleThere are hidden gems scattered in towns and cities throughout Southwest Florida for families to explore. Beyond the beaches, zoo, and water parks are lesser-known...
Read ArticleThe school year ends for students in Collier and Lee Counties on Friday, May 29, and they don’t go back until Tuesday, August 11. That’s...
Read ArticlePlanning a day at Brightwater Lagoon with kids? As a Southwest Florida mom with an 11-year-old and an 18-month-old, I can say it can be...
Read ArticleLooking for waterparks near Southwest Florida that work for your child’s age, your budget, and the summer heat? Collier and Lee County families have more...
Read ArticleIf your family includes an active-duty service member, this summer is full of free family adventures right here in Southwest Florida. The Blue Star Museums...
Read ArticleIf you're searching for fun ways to stay cool with kids this summer, check out the top splash pads in Collier and Lee Counties. These...
Read ArticleLooking for where kids eat free (or at a discount) in Collier and Lee Counties? These Southwest Florida restaurant deals can help families save on...
Read ArticleA Captiva family day trip from Naples gave my daughter and me something I had been craving for months: uninterrupted time together. After welcoming a...
Read ArticleSave this date: April 3, 2026! Why? Because one of the most sparkling moments each spring is the “planting” of a magnificent pinwheel garden in...
Read ArticleLooking for the best Southwest Florida Easter events in 2026? From Easter egg hunts and Easter Bunny photos to spring crafts, brunches, and family festivals,...
Read ArticleLooking for horseback riding lessons and camps in Southwest Florida? Families in Collier and Lee Counties can find beginner-friendly lessons, themed summer camps, trail rides,...
Read ArticleSensory-friendly experiences in Naples are growing, thanks to an expanded partnership between Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples and Lee Health’s Golisano Children’s Hospital. Together, they...
Read ArticleSTEM activities for kids inspired by Black innovators are a powerful way to spark curiosity and creativity at home. When families in Collier and Lee...
Read ArticleThe Wonder Gardens' 90th anniversary in Bonita Springs is more than a birthday; it’s a chance for families to rediscover one of Southwest Florida’s last...
Read ArticleEvery Black Friday, LEGOLAND Florida Resort rolls out fantastic annual pass deals for residents—and back in 2020, when our daughter was 6, we took advantage....
Read ArticleWith the weather cooling down and the holiday season fast approaching, outdoor holiday movies Collier Lee are the perfect way to chillax with the family...
Read ArticleHoliday shows and Performances in Collier and Lee Counties bring the region’s vibrant arts and music scene to life each winter, offering something magical for...
Read ArticleIf you’re looking for holiday events in Collier County and Lee County, you don’t have to go far to find parades, menorah lightings, Santa sightings,...
Read ArticleWhen you think of art classes, traditional options like painting or pottery might come to mind. But creativity comes in many forms—some so unexpected, they...
Read ArticleTwo things: you can’t teach an old skeleton new tricks, and Sanibel/Captiva islanders are among the most resilient people you’ll ever meet. There’s no better...
Read ArticleGolisano Children’s Museum of Naples (CMON) has debuted an exciting new farming exhibit for kids in Naples: EFC Farms. Created in partnership with EFC Farms...
Read ArticleAre you ready to start defying gravity? Family-friendly theater performances in Southwest Florida this summer offer a wide range of engaging productions perfect for all...
Read ArticleHear that beat in the air? Southwest Florida's Collier and Lee counties are hosting free live outdoor concerts this summer. Whether you're planning a fun...
Read ArticleLooking to beat the heat in Southwest Florida? Whether you’re in Collier or Lee County—Naples, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, or Marco Island—there’s no sweeter way...
Read ArticleThese day trips are all close enough to get away for a day of fun and adventure with the kids but be home in time to sleep in your own bed.
Read ArticleDiscover exclusive deals and discounts for the season with the Summer Passport, featured in the Summer issue of Southwest Florida Family magazine. Enjoy family-friendly activities...
Read ArticleCelebrate the last day of school and the start of summer with these fun activities
Read ArticleA typical family with parents and their two kids are ready for a typical family outing. The movies, bowling, and mini golf have been long...
Read ArticleLooking for fun and affordable family activities in Collier and Lee counties this month? This guide highlights free and cheap activities for family fun in SWFL.
Read ArticleThere is no better way to beat the hot summer heat than to plunge into a pool or cool off with a spray of water. Find the perfect places in Naples to splash around.
Read ArticleHere are our favorite family-friendly beach parks with a variety of amenities, such as picnic and play areas, restrooms, food concessions, umbrella rentals, wind and water sports, and children’s life jacket loaners.
Read ArticleDiscover the best spots to find fossilized shark teeth in Southwest Florida. Visit Venice, the shark tooth capital of the world, or explore Englewood Beach, Caspersen Beach, and Don Pedro Island State Park. Enjoy amenities and great fossil hunting.
Read ArticleDiscover the best places in Southwest Florida for interactive animal encounters. At these fun locations, you can pet, feed, and hug a variety of mammals, reptiles, and birds. They’re perfect for family adventures and kids’ activities!
Read ArticleTravel editor, Karen T. Bartlett rounded up a huge list of summer water adventures for your family to enjoy all around Southwest Florida.
Read ArticleCuddle up with your child and a good book this summer! We picked out some of the best Southwest Florida kid book authors for you to choose from.
Read ArticleDiscover the coolest playgrounds in the Naples and Fort Myers area From castle-like structures to pirate ships and dino digs, explore inclusive designs with shade canopies & equipment for kids with special needs.
Read ArticleWhen you need an alternative to the beach and pool, head to the great indoors. Here are some places in Collier and Lee Counties to cool off without the cost (or cheap).
Read ArticleDiscover the enchanting blend of history and fun in St. Augustine. Unearth pirate treasures, witness cannon firings and experience the magic of the Fountain of Youth.
Read ArticleDiscover Susan Levine’s captivating educational picture books that engage children and adults alike with nature and wildlife, including her latest book, “Gilbert’s Migration Vacation.”
Read ArticleSchoolhouse Rock’s timeless songs aid learning and memory. Celebrate their 50th anniversary with catchy tunes and educational fun!
Read ArticleTopiaries and fake topiaries called mosaiculture sculptures are all the rage now. Found out the best ones to visit with your family.
Read ArticleOne-night reservations will unlock a 25% discount, and reservations of two nights or more will have a 30% discount. Guests must book this special offer before October 1, 2023 for stays at the resort between October 1, 2024 and January 1, 2025.
Read ArticleTake a day trip to Cabbage Key for the best Key lime pie, nature trails, and cheeseburgers in paradise.
Read ArticleNot that we really need an excuse for ice cream, but the icy treat becomes almost essential in Southwest Florida in summer. Here are some of our favorite frozen dessert spots in the area.
Read ArticleIt’s time for eight crazy nights! Here are some fun ways to celebrate with children from Rabbi Ariel Boxman from Temple Shalom of Naples.
Read ArticleFind out whether it is worth visiting a Florida theme park right now.
Read ArticleOur round up of the 20 best beaches in Southwest Florida.
Read ArticleSpend a day at the beach, and you may meet Trouble, one of 200 gopher tortoises that call the preserve home.
Read ArticleThe key to giving your kids, and yourself, a 1970s summer is to unplug, enjoy, and ease up on the pressures we place on ourselves.
Read ArticleTaking your family anywhere seems to cost a fortune. With that in mind,
we’ve put together a list of the best seven annual memberships worth having
in Naples.
Christina Katz helps any family that wants to start enjoying musicals with a handy list of movie musicals that you can watch at home!
Read ArticleHere’s the thing: an autumn getaway is not like a regular vacation. It’s a sensory experience that’s easy to fit into a long weekend.
Read ArticleIf you’re looking for a family-friendly resort in Orlando, look no further! The newly renovated Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate has everything you could want for your vacation- even the option to bring your pet to enjoy the fun!
Read ArticleThe Top 10 Reasons to Cross the Jolley Bridge and See The Wonders of Marco Island for Yourself.
Read ArticleTravel editor Karen T. Bartlett takes readers along for the drive as she lists her favorite locations along the Blue Ridge Parkway, highlighting attractions like the Biltmore Estate and the Unto These Hills reenactment.
Read ArticleOne tank trips and “staycations” are easy to plan when you live in Southwest Florida.
Read ArticleSummer’s coming and summer is for festivals. As you start mapping out your family vacation, be sure to check your destinations to see what’s going on while you’re in the neighborhood.
Read ArticleCome for a ride on the Stinger
and a heaping plate of fair fare,
but don’t skip milking a cow
at this year’s Collier County Fair and
Exposition, March 16-26. Plus, it’s a
chance to learn a thing or two about
STEAM.
With back to school around the corner, our mind goes to autumn as we yearn for the coolness that begins to drift in during this...
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