Bonita Springs

• Angelina’s Ristorante
  24041 Tamiami Trl., Bonita Springs
  Elegant Italian dining with Mother’s Day brunch and dinner service.
  Website: www.angelinasofbonitasprings.com
• Chops City Grill 8200 Health Center Blvd., Bonita Springs. Voted best steakhouse in Lee and Collier County, with live music and an upscale-casual vibe perfect for a Mother’s Day dinner.
  Website: www.chopsbonita.com
• DeRomo’s Gourmet Market & Restaurant 26811 S. Bay Dr., Bonita Springs Italian-inspired restaurant offering a ticketed “A Toast to Mom” Mother’s Day brunch event.
  Website: www.deromos.com
• Olde Florida Chop House 3401 Bay Commons Dr., Bonita Springs A waterfront steakhouse at the Trianon Bonita Bay Hotel specializing in Floridian seafood, prime steaks, and daily features.
  Website: www.oldefloridachophouse.com
• Naples Coastal Kitchen 25265 Chamber of Commerce Dr., Bonita Springs Hosting a Mother’s Day brunch buffet featuring a prime rib carving station, shrimp & grits, chicken pasta, and a dessert station.
  Website: www.naplescoastalkitchen.com
• Roy’s Restaurant
  26831 S. Bay Dr., #100, Bonita Springs
  Upscale island-inspired dining with brunch and dinner appeal for Mother’s Day weekend.
  Website: www.roysrestaurant.com/locations/bonita-springs
• Tanglewood at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point
  5001 Coconut Rd., Bonita Springs
  Resort dining featuring champagne brunches with seafood, carving stations, and desserts.
  Website: https://www.hyatt.com

Estero

• Ristorante Farfalla
  21301 S. Tamiami Trail, Estero
  Italian restaurant known for special Mother’s Day dinner offerings.
  Website: www.ristorantefarfalla.com
• Rodizio Grill – Coconut Point
  8017 Plaza Del Lago Dr., Estero
  Brazilian steakhouse featuring Mother’s Day weekend dining promotions.
  Website: www.rodiziogrill.com/coconut-point/reservations.aspx
• Ruth’s Chris Steak House
  23151 Village Shops Way, Estero
  Classic steakhouse with Mother’s Day brunch and dinner appeal.
  Website: ruthschris.com/promotions/mothers-day
• California Pizza Kitchen
  23181 Village Shops Way, Estero
  A casual family pick for parents who want a simpler meal out with the kids.
  Website: www.cpk.com

Naples

• Bar Tulia
  Naples and Mercato locations
  A stylish brunch or dinner choice for families who want a lively atmosphere.
  Website: www.bartulia.com/mercato
• The Capital Grille
  9005 Mercato Dr., Naples
  Refined steakhouse offering Mother’s Day brunch along with dinner service.
  Website: www.thecapitalgrille.com/events/mothers-day-brunch
• Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
  8985 Tamiami Trl. N., Naples
  Polished steakhouse with brunch and holiday dining specials.
  Website: www.flemingssteakhouse.com
• Food & Thought 2
  7941 Airport-Pulling Rd., Naples
  Organic market and café with chef-driven brunch specials and handcrafted cocktails.
  Website: www.foodandthought2.com
• Hogfish Harry’s
  600 Neapolitan Way, Naples
  A casual seafood-centered choice to check for Mother’s Day specials.
  Website: www.hogfishharrys.com
• Jane’s Garden Café
  1209 3rd Street South, Naples
  Charming garden setting for a brunch-style Mother’s Day outing.
  Website: www.janesgardencafe.com
• Mercato – Bouquets & Bubbly for Mom
  9110 Strada Place, Naples
  A Mother’s Day weekend event that pairs dining and shopping with festive extras.
  Website: experiencemercato.com/events/bouquets-bubbly-for-mom
• The Local
  5323 Airport Pulling Rd. N., Naples
  Farm-to-table favorite to check for Mother’s Day specials.
  Website: www.thelocalnaples.com
• Ocean Prime
  699 5th Ave. S., Naples
  Upscale seafood and steak restaurant featuring Mother’s Day brunch and dinner options.
  Website: www.ocean-prime.com
• Old Vines at Mercato
  9110 Strada Place, Naples
  Wine-focused restaurant with brunch appeal in a relaxed setting.
  Website: oldvines.net/mercato
• Parmesan Pete’s
  7935 Airport-Pulling Rd., Naples
  A neighborhood Italian spot to check for Mother’s Day promotions.
  Website: www.parmesanpetes.com
• The 239
  9108 Strada Place, Naples
  Mercato dining option known for festive extras and celebratory brunch appeal.
  Website: the239naples.com
• Ritz-Carlton, Naples
  280 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples
  Luxury resort brunch setting with chef stations and a more elevated holiday feel.
  Website: www.ritzcarlton.com/naples
• The Rooster Food + Drink
  600 Goodlette Road N., Suite 101, Naples
  Popular breakfast-and-lunch spot for a more relaxed Mother’s Day meal.
  Website: theroosternaples.com
• Sails Restaurant
  301 5th Ave. S., Naples
  Luxury Fifth Avenue restaurant hosting a special Mother’s Day champagne brunch.
  Website: www.sailsrestaurants.com
• Seasons 52
  8930 Tamiami Trl. N., Naples
  Fresh seasonal grill with brunch and all-day dining options.
  Website: www.seasons52.com
• Taberna
  9108 Strada Place, Naples
  Mercato favorite with Mother’s Day reservations and weekend specials.
  Website: www.mytaberna.com
• Tigress Restaurant & Rooftop Bar
  12155 Tamiami Trl. N., Naples
  Rooftop dining at the Perry Hotel with a special Mother’s Day brunch event.
  Website: www.perryhotelnaples.com
• T-Michaels Steak and Lobster House
  4050 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples
  A longtime Naples favorite for families who want a steak-and-seafood celebration. They offer a Mother’s Day menu.
  Website: tmichaels.com
• Thee City Grill
  3883 Tamiami Trail East, Naples
  A casual local pick with a Sunday brunch.
  Website: theecitysdiner.com
• Waxin’s
  9108 Strada Place, Naples
  Mercato restaurant known for special brunch offerings.
  Website: www.waxins.com
• First Watch
  Multiple Naples-area locations
  A breakfast, brunch, and lunch option that works well for families with younger kids.
  Website: www.firstwatch.com
• California Pizza Kitchen
  5555 Tamiami Trail N., Naples
  A casual option for families who want something easy and kid-friendly.
  Website: www.cpk.com

Marco Island

• Ario & Tesoro at JW Marriott Marco Island
  400 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island
  Resort dining with a polished special-occasion feel for Mother’s Day dinner.
  Website: maiajwmarco.com
• Hilton Marco Island Resort & Spa
  560 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island
  Beach resort option worth checking for Mother’s Day dining details and special menus.
  Website: www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mrkmhhf-hilton-marco-island-beach-resort-and-spa//dining/
• Maia at JW Marriott Marco Island
  400 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island
  Resort brunch or buffet setting for families who want a more relaxed midday celebration.
  Website: maiajwmarco.com
• Sale e Pepe
  480 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island
  Elegant beachfront restaurant with a dedicated Mother’s Day brunch menu.
  Website: sale-e-pepe.com/menu/

Fort Myers

• Burntwood Tavern
  13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers
  Casual tavern hosting a Mother’s Day brunch buffet with daytime seatings.
  Website: burntwoodtavern.com
• Connors Steak & Seafood
  10076 Gulf Center Drive, Fort Myers
  Prime steakhouse and seafood restaurant for families who want a Mother’s Day lunch or dinner option.
  Website: www.connorsrestaurant.com/fort-myers-fl-steakhouse
• Cristof’s on McGregor
  10231 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers
  A buffet-style option that works well for larger family groups.
  Website: cristofsonmcgregor.com/easter-sunday-and-mothers-day-buffet
• Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant
  14301 Port Comfort Rd., Fort Myers
  Waterfront favorite for a scenic Mother’s Day celebration.
  Website: lighthousewaterfrontrestaurant.com
• The Veranda Restaurant
  2122 Second St., Fort Myers
  Historic fine-dining restaurant known for Southern Regional cuisine and special holiday menus.
  Website: www.verandarestaurant.com
• Silver King Coastal Kitchen
  2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers
  Celebrate Mother’s Day in style with a special brunch and a three-course prix fixe experience.
  Website: www.silverkingfortmyers.com/specials

Fort Myers Beach

• Margaritaville Beach Resort
  251 Crescent St., Fort Myers Beach
  Island-style resort offering a Mother’s Day brunch buffet with sweet and savory favorites.
  Website: www.margaritavilleresorts.com
• JWB Grill at Margaritaville
  251 Crescent St., Fort Myers Beach
  Waterfront restaurant serving an elevated à la carte Mother’s Day brunch in a relaxed resort setting.
  Website: www.margaritavilleresorts.com

How to choose the right place for Mother’s Day

The best Mother’s Day dining 2026 plans start with what Mom actually wants. Some families want an elegant champagne brunch. Others want a casual lunch, a steakhouse dinner, or a waterfront table that feels festive without being formal.

Before you go

Mother’s Day menus can change quickly. Call or check the restaurant website before heading out to confirm the latest details.

• Reservation times
• Brunch, lunch, or dinner hours
• Prix fixe, buffet, or à la carte service
• Children’s menu availability
• Dress code and parking
• Holiday pricing and cancellation rules

Looking for more family fun after brunch or dinner? Check the Family Events Calendar for Collier and Lee Counties, browse the Dining & Delivery Directory, and explore more local ideas in Things To Do in Southwest Florida.

The post Mother’s Day Dining 2026 in Collier and Lee Counties appeared first on SWFL Family.

It can feel wrong to say that out loud. Many moms think they should simply be grateful for whatever the day brings. And you can be grateful while still being honest about one thing you would enjoy.

Is Mother’s Day really about what Mom wants?

For many families, Mother’s Day becomes a day of guessing. The kids imagine what Mom might like. A spouse tries to help. Mom smiles, saves the handmade cards, and enjoys the effort.

All of that matters. But sometimes the day becomes more about what your kids want to do for you than what you might actually like.

For years, I didn’t say anything. I simply enjoyed the blessing of the day. Truly. Then one year, a few days before Mother’s Day, I told my family one thing I wanted.

It was not big. I asked for a specific dinner. That night, my husband and kids made exactly what I asked for. It felt great.

Why is it okay to ask for what you want?

Think about how you handle your family’s special days. Do you ask your child what kind of birthday dinner they want? Do you ask your spouse what would make the day feel special?

When they tell you, it helps. You do not have to guess, hope, or pick the “favorite” that might have changed since last year.

The same can be true for Mother’s Day. Telling your family one thing you want may actually make the day easier for them. It gives them a clear way to celebrate you.

This is not about taking over the whole day. It is about making room for one thing that would make you happy.

• A favorite meal or takeout order
• A slow morning without rushing
• A walk, beach visit, or family outing
• Time to read, rest, or be alone
• A small gift you would truly use

Need an easy outing idea? Check the Family Events Calendar for Collier and Lee Counties before Mother’s Day weekend.

How can you plan ahead without planning the whole day?

Before your family can know what you want, you need to know what you want. Take a little time to think about what would make the day feel good to you.

Do not plan every hour. Pick one or two things. This leaves space for your family’s ideas while still giving you something you will enjoy.

• For a simple meal, ask three to five days ahead.
• For a gift, ask one to two weeks ahead.
• For an outing, check schedules and reservations early.
• For quiet time, be clear about when and how long.

If your idea is not something your family can realistically do, save it for yourself. Then choose something they can make happen.

For example, your family may not be able to plan a full weekend away. But they may be able to order your favorite Thai food, take you to brunch, or give you an hour to sit outside with a book.

For local meal ideas, browse Mother’s Day dining options in Collier and Lee Counties.

What should you say to your family?

This is often the most awkward part. Many moms feel uncomfortable saying what they want. They worry it sounds selfish or ungrateful.

You do not have to drop hints and hope they understand. Be direct, warm, and kind.

Try this:

“I’m excited for Mother’s Day. I always love it when you make homemade cards for me.”

“One thing I would love this year is to have Thai takeout for dinner.”

“Can we make that happen?”

You can change the words to fit your family. The important part is to name something they already do that brings you joy, then clearly ask for one thing you would like.

Key action: Ask clearly enough that your family does not have to guess.

What if Mother’s Day still does not go as planned?

Sometimes your family will not do what you asked. They may forget. They may get wrapped up in their own ideas. They may not understand why it mattered to you.

That can feel disappointing. The best response is two-fold.

First, be grateful. Do your best to enjoy the day as it unfolds. Take whatever your family offers as a gift and express your thanks.

Then, do the thing you wanted. It may not happen on Mother’s Day, but that does not mean it cannot happen at all.

• Order the takeout the next night.
• Take an hour to read later in the week.
• Buy the flowers you wanted.
• Plan the walk, beach day, or hike yourself.

If you wanted a bigger family outing, consider a simple local plan from family fun in Collier and Lee Counties or one of these day trips for families in Collier and Lee Counties.

Can Mother’s Day celebrate your family and you?

Mother’s Day for moms does not have to be perfect to be meaningful. You can love the handmade cards, the noisy breakfast, and the kid-planned surprises. You can also ask for something that would make you happy.

The day may not go exactly as you hope. But you can enjoy what your family offers and still make space for what you need.

After all, Mother’s Day is a day for your family to celebrate you. It can also be a day for you to celebrate you.

The post Mother’s Day for Moms: Ask for What You Really Want appeared first on SWFL Family.

There are plenty of simple ways kids can take part, no matter their age. From preschoolers to teenagers, the 30 easy ideas below will help families reduce, reuse, and recycle on Earth Day and all year long. 

Little ones

1. Teach your kids to turn off the water when brushing their teeth.

2. Recycle! Have young ones place items such as paper and tin cans into dedicated recycling bins rather than the trash.

3. Transform trash into treasure. Preschoolers can create beautiful works of art by reusing and repurposing bottles, yogurt cups, leftover fabric scraps, and the like.

4. Demonstrate to little ones how to cool your house on hot days by pulling the drapes closed instead of dialing down the air conditioning.

5. Likewise, bundle up in layers on cooler days rather than turning up the heat.

6. Teach little ones how to turn the lights off when leaving a room.

7. Have your kids play with eco-friendly toys and games, like wooden puzzles dyed with non-toxic stains or balls that are BPA- and phthalate-free. 

8. Make bird feeders out of natural ingredients like pine cones and birdseed.

9. Engage them in planting a garden and growing vegetables that your family can eat.

10. Get a houseplant or two and talk about how plants improve the air we breathe.

School-age kids

11. Elementary school kids can help with shopping for recyclable products. Have them look for labels that say recycled content, pre-consumer, and post-consumer. 

12. Kids can place small recycling bins in each bathroom in the house. Bonus points if you can get them to empty them each week into the curbside recycling bin.

13. Show them how to use reusable rags instead of paper towels to clean up messes.

14. Create a compost pile, whether on the kitchen counter or in your backyard. Kids can throw in egg shells, coffee grounds, and most food scraps and wait for them to turn into rich soil to use with plants outside and in.

15. Encourage them to sign up to pick up trash from community spaces like playgrounds, parks, or beaches.

16. Teach them to turn off the lights when they leave the room (again!).

17. Let the kids make signs in every room of the house that remind family members to turn off the lights. 

18. Use reusable water bottles rather than single-use plastic bottles. 

19. Plant a tree at school or home.

20. Plant milkweed native to your area to help the monarch butterfly population. 

Tweens and teens

21. Bigger kids will enjoy visiting thrift shops to nab pre-owned pieces that otherwise may have ended up in the landfill.

22. Don’t forget to encourage them to use reusable bags when shopping.

23. Have them unplug their electronics and chargers when not in use.

24. They can also turn off their desktop or gaming monitors when they aren’t using them.

25. Ask them to devise ways your household can collect rainwater for use on houseplants or flowers.

26. Turn off the lights when leaving the room. Yes, you’ll probably still be working on this one with teens even though you’ve been preaching it since they were little.

27. Recycle old cell phones responsibly. Before donating or recycling a device, be sure to back up all data and perform a factory reset to erase personal information. Many retailers and manufacturers offer trade-in or recycling programs, and local communities often host certified e-waste collection events to ensure devices and batteries are handled safely.

28. Use a timer to conserve water when taking a shower.

29. Remove makeup with cleanser and a reusable wipe instead of disposable wipes.

30. Host or volunteer at an e-waste collection event. 

The post 30 Easy Earth Day Activities for Kids appeared first on SWFL Family.

Thursday, March 5, 2026

Ukrainian Easter Egg Decorating

Time: 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Location: Golden Gate Branch Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples, FL

Many cultures celebrate Easter with decorated eggs, but few traditions are as intricate and meaningful as the Ukrainian art of pysanky. This hands-on program introduces participants to the traditional art of Ukrainian Easter egg decorating. Ages 13 to adult.

Registration: Required; call (239) 252-4542.
Event website: Collier County Library event page

Saturday, March 14, 2026

Twilight EGGventure Hunt

Time: 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Location: Gateway Soccer Complex, 13260 Griffin Dr., Fort Myers

This unique Easter evening event adds a special twist to traditional egg hunts by taking place under the stars. Children ages 5–10 will be divided into age groups to ensure a safe and fun experience for everyone.

Event Website: https://forms.office.com/r/tuYFHBamtR

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Kids Spring Crafts at South Regional Library

Time: 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Location: South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples

South Regional Library is hosting a spring craft extravaganza with a variety of hands-on, spring-themed projects for all ages. This is a fun option for families looking for creative Easter and spring activities in Naples.

Registration: Required.
Event website: www.collierlibrary.org/

Saturday, March 21, 2026

Easter Egg-stravaganza at Immokalee Community Park

Time: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: Immokalee Community Park, 321 N. 1st St., Immokalee, FL

Bring the whole family for a festive morning of Easter fun, games, and springtime activities. The event includes age-group egg hunts, face painting, crafts, a hayride, and refreshments. The egg hunt begins at 10:30 a.m.

Cost: Free.
Event Website: www.collierparks.com

Easter Ranch Roundup at Immokalee Pioneer Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Location: Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch, 1215 Roberts Ave. W, Immokalee, FL

This family-friendly Easter celebration includes egg hunts for all ages, Easter crafts, sweets, and festive games in a welcoming community setting.

Event Website: www.colliermuseums.com

Wa-Ke Hatchee Easter Egg Hunt

Time: 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Location: Wa-Ke Hatchee Park, 16760 Bass Rd., Fort Myers, FL

This Easter event includes an egg hunt and a photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny. An indoor sensory hour begins at 9:30 a.m. and features low light, reduced sound, and wheelchair accessibility.

Meet the Easter Bunny at Cocoplum Village Shops

Time: 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Location: Cocoplum Village Shops, 7179 S. Tamiami Trl., North Port, FL

Hop over to Cocoplum Village Shops for free photos with the Easter Bunny, refreshments, and springtime fun near the main entrance, across from Five Guys.

Also happening: Saturday, March 28, 2026.

North Port Egg Hunt Egg-travaganza

Time: 6:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
Location: City Center Front Green, 4970 City Hall Blvd., North Port, FL

Families can enjoy egg hunts for ages 3–7 and an adaptive hunt beginning at 6:00 p.m., followed by an after-dark hunt for ages 8–12 at 8:15 p.m. The event also features food trucks, photos with the Easter Bunny, a coloring contest, and yard games. Bags will be provided for the first 100 participants, but bringing a basket is recommended.

Thursday, March 26, 2026

Easter Family Night at Bell Tower

Time: 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Location: Bell Tower, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, FL

Celebrate the season under the Florida sky with the Easter Bunny. Kids can make spring crafts, collect eggs at the “Egg-Hopping Market,” take photos with the Easter Bunny, and visit the petting area.

Cost: Free.

Friday, March 27, 2026

East Naples Community Park Bunny Hopping Easter Event

Time: 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Location: East Naples Community Park, 3500 Thomasson Dr., Naples, FL

Enjoy a festive evening of springtime fun with games, crafts, food trucks, and an Easter egg hunt. Bring your basket and Easter spirit for a fun-filled family event.

Saturday, March 28, 2026

Jungle Doria’s 2nd Annual Easter Fest

Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Jungle Doria’s Wildlife Park, 4192 SW Adventure Way, Arcadia, FL

This festive event includes egg hunts for little kids, big kids, and children needing special accommodations. Admission includes zoo entry and petting zoo feed. Families can also enjoy a bounce house, pop-up animal meet-and-greets, free face painting, and a golden egg prize.

Event website: Jungle Doria’s event link

Easter Egg Hunt at First Congregational Church of Naples

Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: First Congregational Church of Naples, 6630 Immokalee Rd., Naples, FL

The Easter Bunny will be there, so bring your camera for photos.

Cost: Free and open to everyone.

Easter Celebration at Fleamasters Flea Market & Grand Pavilion

Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: Fleamasters Flea Market & Grand Pavilion, 4135 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Fort Myers, FL

Celebrate Easter with family-friendly fun in a festive market setting. Check with the venue for updated activity times and event details.

Easter on the Farm

Time: 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Location: M&M Farms Wedding Venue, 5450 Higginbotham Rd., Fort Myers, FL

Families can feed the animals, enjoy the playground and bounce house, visit baby chicks, take hayrides, shop local vendors, build a bouquet at the flower truck, and join the Easter egg hunt. Bring your own basket.

Tickets: Limited.
Event website: Eventbrite tickets

Naples Doggie Easter Egg Hunt

Time: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: Veterans Community Park, 1895 Veterans Park Dr., Naples, FL

Bring your dog for a tail-wagging Easter egg hunt with prizes and treats. All dogs must be on a leash. Meet at the small pavilion near Rover Run Dog Park.

Cost: Free.
Registration: Call (239) 252-4682 or register online.
Event website: Online registration

Babcock Ranch Easter Eggstravaganza

Time: 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Location: Founders Square, Babcock Ranch, 42850 Crescent Loop, Punta Gorda, FL

This event features three age-specific egg hunts, including a special adaptive hunt. Families can also enjoy bounce houses, photos with the Easter Bunny, food trucks, and market vendors. Bring your own basket; there is a 15-egg limit.

Easter Egg Hunt at Estates Branch Library

Time: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: Estates Branch Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W, Naples, FL

Visit the library to meet the Easter Bunny, create a spring craft, and enjoy an Easter egg hunt on the lawn.

Ages: All ages.
Registration: Not required.

Golden Gate Community Center Spring Fling Celebration 2026

Time: 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Location: Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples, FL

Families can enjoy an Easter egg hunt for ages 2–12, Easter-themed games, inflatables, music, dancing, food trucks, and more. Bring your Easter basket.

Cost: $4 per child; $1 per adult.

Underwater Easter Egg Hunt

Time: 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Location: Eagle Lakes Community Park, 11565 Tamiami Trl. E, Naples, FL

Collier County Parks & Recreation is offering a creative underwater egg hunt for children ages 1–12. Bring a basket and get ready for photos with the Easter Bunny.

Cost: $3 per person.
Event website: Collier Parks calendar

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Parent Toddler Easter Egg Decorating

Time: 10:00 a.m.–10:45 a.m.
Location: Golden Gate Community Park, 3300 Santa Barbara Blvd., Naples, FL

Parents and toddlers can enjoy Easter egg decorating using a variety of techniques and supplies.

Ages: 1½–4.
Cost: $10.
Contact: Call (239) 252-4530 or email AdaptiveInclusiveRec@collierl.gov.

Friday, April 3, 2026

Golden Gate Community Park Easter Fun Day

Time: 7:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Location: Golden Gate Community Park, 3300 Santa Barbara Blvd., Naples, FL

This daytime Easter event was listed with limited details in the original source.

Cost: $15.
Contact: Call (239) 252-4530 or email AdaptiveInclusiveRec@collier.gov.

BCIRP Family Easter Egg Hunt

Time: 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Location: Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park, Naples, FL

Families can enjoy crafts, music, food, games, prizes, and an egg hunt. Online registration closes at 3:00 p.m. the day of the event, and wristbands can be picked up during the week before the event.

Cost: $3 per person.
Event website: Collier Parks event page

Saturday, April 4, 2026

Kiwanis Cape Coral Easter Egg Hunt

Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Lake Kennedy Park, 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral, FL

This community event is limited to the first 300 children and includes age-group egg hunts for ages 0–2, 3–4, 5–6, 7–8, and 9–10. Families can also enjoy photos with the Easter Bunny, games, and visits from local community groups.

Cost: Free.

Estero Easter Eggstravaganza

Time: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: Estero Community Park, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero, FL

Enjoy a morning of Easter fun with the Easter Bunny, a prize egg search, and an art project to take home. An adaptive division for children with special needs is available at 10:00 a.m.

Registration: Pre-registration required.
Event website: Lee County Parks event page

City of Naples Easter Egg Hunt

Time: 10:00 am (up to 4 years old), 10:15 am (ages 5-7), and 10:30 am (ages 8-12)
Location: Fleischmann Park, 1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples, FL

Bring your basket and your best egg-hunting skills for this City of Naples Easter event.

Cost: Free admission.
Event website: City of Naples

Mightly Mussels Easter Egg Hunt

Time: 5 p.m. (Gates open at 4:30 p.m.)
Location: Hammond Stadium, 14100 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers

Families with children 12 and under can enjoy an on-field Easter Egg Hunt before the Mussels vs Clearwater baseball game.

Event website: Mighty Mussels

Four Freedoms Park Glow in the Dark Egg Hunt

Time: 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Location: Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Ct., Cape Coral, FL

This unique nighttime hunt invites younger children to search for glowing eggs with flashlights. Crafts, games, and prizes are also included.

Cost: $20.
Registration: Required.

Sunday, April 5, 2026

Margaritaville Easter Brunch Buffet

Time: 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Location: Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach, 251 Crescent St., Fort Myers Beach, FL

Celebrate Easter in paradise with a festive brunch buffet.

Cost: $65 per adult and $24 per child, plus tax, gratuity, and beverages.
Event website: Margaritaville Fort Myers Beach events

Easter Together Family Fun Day

Time: 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Location: Estero Church, 8088 Lords Way St., Estero, FL

This free family event includes a giant Easter egg hunt, bounce houses, face painting, snow cones, a cake walk, and a hot dog lunch.

Registration: Required for egg hunt participation.
Event website: Estero Church event page

Plan Ahead for Easter Weekend

Many of the biggest Southwest Florida Easter events take place on March 28 and April 4, so it helps to plan ahead. Some events require registration, some have age-group hunt times, and others may have limited capacity. Bringing a basket, arriving early, and checking event details before heading out can help your day go more smoothly.

Go to the Neapolitan Family Calendar of events for other family-friendly events in SWFL.

The post Southwest Florida Easter Events 2026: Egg Hunts, Bunny Visits, and Family Fun appeared first on SWFL Family.

A St. Patrick’s Day Sandwich

In honor of the day when everyone is Irish, welcome family and friends to a traditional St. Patrick’s Day lunch with this Reuben Sandwich recipe.

Find more seasonal recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Reuben Sandwich

Servings: 2

• 2          tablespoons butter, softened
• 4          slices rye and pumpernickel swirl bread
• 4          slices swiss cheese
• 6          ounces corned beef
• 2          tablespoons, plus 2 teaspoons, Thousand Island Dressing, divided
• 4          tablespoons sauerkraut

1. Heat nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Spread 1 tablespoon butter on one side of two bread slices. Place buttered side down in heated skillet. Add two slices cheese to each bread slice. Spread 2 tablespoons dressing over cheese slices. Add 3 ounces corned beef to each bread slice.
3. Spread 2 teaspoons dressing over corned beef. Spread 2 tablespoons sauerkraut over corned beef.
4. Spread remaining butter on one side of remaining bread slices. Place buttered side up on top of sauerkraut.
5. Cook 4-7 minutes each side, flipping once, until golden brown and cheese is melted.

SOURCE:
Culinary.net

Baked Bread to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

From hearty stews to minty pies, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are all about enjoying the flavors of the holiday. Whether you’re cooking up a full meal or simply serving appetizers, this Irish Potato Bread makes for a simple, tasty snack to feed your crowd.

Find more celebratory recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make recipe!

Irish Potato Bread

• 2          medium or large russet potatoes
• 1          egg
• 1          egg white
• 1/3       cup canola oil
• 3/4       cup milk
• 2          tablespoons green onion, minced
• 1/2       teaspoon caraway seeds
• 3 1/4    cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for dusting and kneading
• 1 1/2    tablespoons baking powder
• 1          teaspoon salt

1. Heat oven to 375° F.
2. Peel potatoes. Slice one potato and boil in saucepan 15 minutes, or until tender. Remove potato from saucepan into large bowl. Mash potato then set aside.
3. Grate second potato onto cloth. Wring potato in cloth to remove excess water. Add grated potato to mashed potato in large bowl. Add egg, egg white, oil, milk, onion, caraway seeds, 3 1/4 cups flour, baking powder and salt. Stir with wooden spoon until mixture is soft and sticky.
4. Turn dough onto floured surface. Adding flour as needed, knead dough to form 8-inch round shape with slight dome. Place dough onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cut large “X” on top of dough about 1/2 inch deep.
5. Bake 55 minutes until golden brown. Cool on wire rack 1 hour before serving.

SOURCE:
Culinary.net

Lucky Shamrock Cookies

 It’s your lucky day because you don’t have to search for the pot of gold under the rainbow for this winning recipe. Throw out the old Irish classics and sweeten things up this year with some mint chocolate chip fun.  

If you’re in a crunch for St. Patrick’s Day and need something glowing with green, here is a dessert that is sure to have everyone coming back for seconds (and more).

These Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies are as green as four-leaf clovers and have delicious chocolate chips mixed throughout for some extra sweet flavor. Served beside a big glass of milk, they are perfect treats for any St. Patrick’s Day party or virtual gathering.

To start the recipe, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, add butter, sugar, eggs, green food coloring and peppermint extract for that crisp mint flavor. Beat with a hand mixture and combine the ingredients in both bowls together.

Add chocolate chips to the mixed cookie batter. Scoop onto a baking sheet and bake at 375 F for 11-24 minutes until the edges of the cookies are light brown. Cool on a wire rack before devouring.

With so much mixing and scooping to be done, this is a great recipe for kids to get involved in the kitchen, too. One of the  best parts is the eye-catching color. Watch children’s smiling little faces as the batter turns from light brown to dark green for a priceless reaction.

After being perfectly baked, these cookies are bright, fun and will be the hit of any celebration. Soft in the middle, a little crisp on the edges and as green as can be. You can’t ask for much more on St. Patrick’s Day.

Find more recipes, celebration ideas and dessert favorites for every occasion at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Servings: 24-32

• 2 1/2    cups flour
• 1          teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1          cup butter, softened
• 1 1/4    cups sugar
• 2          eggs
• 30        drops green food coloring
• 1          teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1          package (12 ounces) chocolate chips

1. Heat oven to 375 F.
2. In large bowl, mix flour, baking soda and salt until blended. Set aside.
3. In medium bowl, beat butter and sugar until combined. Add eggs, food coloring and peppermint extract; beat until combined.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients; beat until combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto baking sheet.
5. Bake 11-14 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned.
6. Cool on wire racks.

SOURCE:
Culinary.net

Lucky Mint Brownie Perfection

How lucky you must be to come across this recipe just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. This one is a twisted combination of mint and sweet chocolate that’s sure to have almost anyone’s taste buds screaming “yum.” This dessert might just be the pot of gold at the end of your rainbow this year.

These Mint Brownies have three delicious layers. First, a supreme brownie on bottom. Then a fluffy, green mint layer that’s full of flavor and color. Last, but definitely not least, a chocolate layer on top made with chocolate chips, butter and a little whipping cream.

All of these layers create a smooth, sweet, minty, bite-sized dessert perfect for any occasion but especially St. Patrick’s Day. The green mint color really pops off the plate, giving it some extra flare and an appetizing glow.

To start, create the soft, chocolate filled brownie. Combine brownie mix, vegetable oil, one egg, water and the chocolate syrup pouch. Bake and cool completely.

Then it’s time for some colorful, festive fun. Make the filling with powdered sugar, butter, whipping cream, softened cream cheese, a splash of peppermint extract and a few drops of green food coloring. Beat and pour over the cooled brownie pan.

The last layer is simple. In a saucepan, melt whipping cream, chocolate chips and butter until smooth. When it’s cooled to lukewarm, pour it over the filling for the final layer.

Refrigerate the Mint Brownies for two hours before serving. Cut them into bite-size pieces for small chunks that will melt in your mouth.

Find more seasonal dessert recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Mint Brownies

Servings: 9-12

•             Nonstick cooking spray
• 1          box supreme brownie mix with chocolate syrup pouch
• 3          tablespoons water
• 1/3       cup vegetable oil
• 1          egg

Filling:

• 3 1/2    cups powdered sugar
• 1/4       cup butter, softened
• 1/4       cup whipping cream
• 5          ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2       teaspoon peppermint extract
• 5          drops green food color

Topping:

• 1/2       cup whipping cream
• 1          bag (12 ounces) chocolate chips
• 1/2       cup butter

Heat oven to 350 F.

1. Spray 8-by-8-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In large bowl, mix brownie mix, water, oil and egg until combined. Pour into prepared baking pan. Bake 35 minutes. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
3. To make filling: In large bowl, beat powdered sugar, butter, whipping cream, cream cheese, peppermint extract and food coloring. Spread over cooled brownies. Refrigerate 1 hour, or until set.
4. To make topping: In saucepan, melt whipping cream, chocolate chips and butter until smooth. Cool until lukewarm, about 10 minutes. Pour over filling; spread to cover. Refrigerate 2 hours, or until set.
5. Before serving, let brownies set 10 minutes at room temperature.

Tips: Cut brownies with wet knife for cleaner cuts. Store covered in refrigerator.

SOURCE:
Culinary.net

The post Try Your Luck With These Recipes for St. Patrick’s Day appeared first on SWFL Family.

What St. Patrick’s Day events kick off before March 13?

Saturday, March 7, 2026

• Pre-Paddy’s Party at Four Freedoms Park
  Time: 6–10 p.m.
  Details: Kick off your St. Paddy’s Day celebrations with music, family fun, and plenty of green at the park.
  Location: Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Ct., Cape Coral
  Info: capecoral.gov

Monday, March 9, 2026

• Lucky Caterpillar Make & Take
  Time: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (while supplies last)
  Details: Drop in to create a cheerful shamrock caterpillar craft to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day fun. Registration not required.
  Location: Naples Regional Branch Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples
  Info: collierlibrary.org

Friday, March 13, 2026

• Lucky Paws Celebration Yappy Hour
  Time: 6–8 p.m.
  Details: Celebrate the luck of the paws with Irish-inspired fun for dogs and their humans at this outdoor Yappy Hour.
  Location: Bell Tower, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers
  Info: belltowerfl.com

What St. Patrick’s Day events are happening March 14–15?

Saturday, March 14, 2026

• McGregor’s Kilts & Kilometers
  Time: 5K at 8 a.m.; 1-mile at 8:10 a.m.
  Details: Lace up for a festive St. Patrick’s Day 5K and 1-mile run hosted by McGregor’s Irish Public House at Bell Tower Shops.
  Location: Bell Tower Shops (McGregor’s Irish Public House), 13051 Bell Tower Dr., Fort Myers
  Info: Facebook event page
• 2026 Fort Myers Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade
  Time: 10 a.m.
  Details: The Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club is proud to bring back the Fort Myers Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade, featuring festive floats and plenty of green.
  Location: Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club, 175 Sterling Ave., Fort Myers Beach (parade staging area)
  Info: fortmyersbeach.org
• 50th Annual Naples St. Patrick’s Day Parade
  Time: 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
  Details: This long-running Naples parade is the largest privately funded St. Patrick’s Day parade in Florida, drawing more than 40,000 people to celebrate Irish heritage and Irish culture in America.
  Location: Downtown Naples, 3rd Street S. and 5th Avenue S., Naples
  Info: naplesparade.com
• Shamrock Festival 2026 at Ave Maria
  Time: 12–5 p.m.
  Details: Ave Maria’s second annual Shamrock Festival features live entertainment, Irish-themed activities, and family fun on the town center lawn.
  Location: Ave Maria Town Center, Annunciation Circle, Ave Maria
  Info: Ave Maria Town Center
• St. Patty’s Day Car Show
  Time: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
  Details: Enjoy a St. Patty’s Day car show with entertainment, a 50/50 raffle supporting Special Olympics, and lots of cool cars to check out with the kids.
  Location: American Gold Miner, 4351 Hancock Bridge Pkwy, North Fort Myers
  Info: bidcle.com

Sunday, March 15, 2026

• McGregor’s Kilts & Kilometers Beer’d Mile
  Time: 9 a.m.
  Details: The St. Patrick’s Day fun continues with a Beer Mile-style event at Bell Tower Shops, hosted by McGregor’s Irish Public House.
  Location: Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Dr., Fort Myers
  Info: McGregor’s Kilts & Kilometers
• St. Patrick’s Day Block Party
  Time: 12–8 p.m.
  Details: Get your best green on and enjoy one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day block parties in Southwest Florida on the historic streets of downtown Fort Myers.
  Location: Fort Myers River District, First and Hendry Streets, Fort Myers
  Info: myriverdistrict.com

What kid-friendly St. Patrick’s Day activities are on March 17?

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

• Lucky Little Painters
  Time: 10–10:45 a.m.
  Details: For children ages 18–36 months and their caregivers. Enjoy a magical St. Patrick’s Day art adventure filled with creativity and Irish-themed fun.
  Location: Fort Myers Regional Library, 1651 Lee St., Fort Myers
  Info: leegov.com/library/branches/fm
• And They Call It Ireland
  Time: 2–3 p.m.
  Details: Join Fred and Elsa Katz for a musical St. Patrick’s Day program featuring Irish classics from the Boston Pops, Kate Smith, and more.
  Location: Naples Regional Branch Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples
  Info: collierlibrary.org
• ShamROCK Social at Mercato
  Time: 2–6 p.m.
  Details: Get ready to (sham)rock the afternoon with festive drinks, music, and St. Patrick’s Day fun for adults and older teens.
  Location: Mercato, 9132 Strada Place, Suite 11103, Naples
  Info: ExperienceMercato.com
• Evening Storytime: Seeing Green
  Time: 6:30–7 p.m.
  Details: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and show off your love of green at evening storytime, featuring movement, songs, and stories that promote early literacy.
  Location: North Fort Myers Public Library, 2001 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers
  Info: leelibrary.librarymarket.com

Monday, March 16, 2026

• Lucky Little Leprechauns
  Time: 3–4:30 p.m.
  Details: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with your little leprechauns at this playful program for kids and families.
  Location: Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples
  Info: cmon.org

Are there more St. Patrick’s events after March 17?

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

• Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina St. Paddy’s Bash
  Time: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
  Details: Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina turns into a lucky, green paradise for a day-long St. Paddy’s Bash, with food trucks and family-friendly fun.
  Location: Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina, 1811 Cape Coral Pkwy E., Cape Coral
  Info: slipawaycape.com or call 239-360-8883

For more family-friendly events in Collier and Lee Counties, visit our family events calendar.

The post Family-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Events 2026 in Collier and Lee Counties appeared first on SWFL Family.

St. Patrick’s Day Stew

Recipe adapted from Simply Recipes
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour, 40 minutes

Servings: 6

• 1 1/4    pounds marbled chuck beef stew meat, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
  
• 1          teaspoon salt, plus additional to taste, divided
  
• 1/4       cup extra-virgin olive oil
  
• 6          garlic cloves, minced
  
• 4          cups beef stock
  
• 2          cups water
  
• 1          cup extra stout beer
  
• 1          cup red wine
  
• 2          tablespoons tomato paste
  
• 1          tablespoon sugar
  
• 1          tablespoon dried thyme
  
• 1          tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  
• 2          bay leaves
  
• 2          tablespoons butter
  
• 1          large onion, chopped
  
• 4          carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  
• 3          pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  
• 2          tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1. Sprinkle beef chunks with 1 teaspoon salt. In large pot over medium-high heat, heat olive oil.
2. Pat beef dry with paper towels and add to pot, working in batches to avoid crowding pot. Cook until browned on one side then flip and brown.
3. Add garlic cloves to pot with beef and saute 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add beef stock, water, beer, wine, tomato paste, sugar, thyme, Worcestershire sauce and bay leaves. Stir.
4. Bring mixture to simmer then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
5. In separate pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions and carrots; saute until golden, about 15 minutes.
6. After beef mixture simmers 1 hour, add onions, carrots and potatoes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Simmer uncovered until beef and vegetables are tender, about 40 minutes. Discard bay leaves and spoon excess fat.
7. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

SOURCE:

Culinary.net

To find more recipes that put tradition center stage, visit Culinary.net.

The post A Hearty Stew to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day appeared first on SWFL Family.

How can you plan a meaningful Black history road trip with kids?

A little planning turns these sites into powerful family lessons rather than just another stop on the highway. Start with closer destinations in Fort Myers and Naples, then add longer trips as your kids get older and more curious.

• Check hours and events for each site before you go, and watch for special programs on the Neapolitan Family events calendar.
• Pair a heavy stop with downtime – plan a park, beach, or playground afterwards so kids can process big feelings.
• Talk in the car about what you saw, what felt unfair, and how people worked together for change.

What can your family see at McCollum Hall in Fort Myers?

Fort Myers Mural Society Murals at McCollum Hall
NE corner of Cranford Ave. and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33916

McCollum Hall was once a thriving commercial center in Fort Myers’ historic Dunbar community. On the second floor, a large dance hall with a raised stage hosted legendary performers such as Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong. During World War II, the hall also served as a USO for African American troops stationed at Page and Buckingham Fields, and white residents and soldiers came when big bands played.

Today, the Fort Myers Mural Society has transformed the outside of the building with vibrant murals celebrating famous figures from Black history. Kids can walk around the building and spot musicians, community leaders, and scenes from the Dunbar neighborhood, painted by artists Erik Schlake, J.P. Almonacid, and Roland Ruocco.

Why visit Fort Mose Historic State Park with kids?

Fort Mose Historic State Park – “African-American Community of Freedom”
15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augustine, FL

• Fort Mose was the southern destination of the Underground Railroad to freedom.
• It is the site of the first legally sanctioned free Black community in what is now the United States.
• It served as a safe haven for enslaved people who escaped the English colonies.

The state park includes a museum, visitor center, and interpretive exhibits throughout the grounds. As you explore, your family can learn how people risked everything to reach this community and secure their freedom, long before the Civil War.

What makes the Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center so powerful?

Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center and Lincolnville Historic District
Lincolnville Historic District, St. Augustine, FL

“If you haven’t been to the Lincolnville Museum, then you haven’t been to St. Augustine,” the elderly Black museum guide stated at the door of this impressive collection of artifacts and information about the history of Black Americans.

Located in the heart of the Lincolnville Historic District, which was settled by freedmen after the Civil War, the Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center tells more than 450 years of Black history. Exhibits trace stories from the empires of West Africa and early Black presence in colonial Florida through the Civil Rights era.

Your family will see jars of sediment and soil preserved from beneath sites of lynchings of innocent Black men, an actual Woolworth’s lunch counter where a sit-in took place, and the fingerprints of Martin Luther King Jr. taken after his arrest during a peaceful protest in St. Augustine. The museum is housed in the historic Excelsior School Building, the first public Black high school in St. Johns County, opened in 1925.

• The surrounding Lincolnville Historic District was founded in 1866 by formerly enslaved people.
• It became known for Black-owned businesses created in response to segregation.
• It served as a focal point of the Civil Rights Movement in St. Augustine.

What will kids notice at Kingsley Plantation in Jacksonville?

Kingsley Plantation
12713 Fort Caroline Rd., Jacksonville, FL

Kingsley Plantation, part of the National Park Service, sits on Fort George Island and includes the plantation house, kitchen house, barn, and ruins of 25 original slave cabins. The island’s history stretches back more than 1,000 years to the Timucuan Indians, but the preserved buildings date to the plantation era.

The plantation was named for Zephaniah Kingsley, who operated it from 1813–1839. Kingsley used a “task” system, in which enslaved people were given specific daily tasks and could then work at a craft or tend their own gardens. They often kept the proceeds from selling their produce or handmade items. His wife, Anna Madgigine Jai, was purchased as a slave, freed in 1811, and became a successful businesswoman who owned property and helped manage the plantation.

When Florida became an American territory, new laws discriminated against free Blacks and placed harsh restrictions on enslaved people. Those laws eventually led Kingsley to move his family, including Anna and their children, to Haiti (now the Dominican Republic), where their descendants still live today. Walking among the cabins and buildings gives older kids a concrete sense of how people lived, worked, and resisted on this land.

How does the Wells’ Built Museum share Orlando’s Black history?

Wells’ Built Museum of African American History and Culture
511 W. South St., Orlando, FL

The Wells’ Built Museum is housed in what was once a hotel and entertainment venue for Black visitors who were not allowed in many other establishments because of segregation. It was built by one of Orlando’s first practicing Black physicians.

• Famous performers such as Bo Diddly, Ella Fitzgerald, and B.B. King stayed and performed here.
• Exhibits include Civil Rights memorabilia, art, and artifacts.

This is an especially good stop if your family enjoys music. Kids can imagine the energy of a packed nightclub while learning how Black travelers relied on safe places like this hotel.

What can you explore on DeLand’s Black Heritage Trail?

African American Museum of the Arts and DeLand Black Heritage Trail
325 South Clara Ave., DeLand, FL

The African American Museum of the Arts in DeLand holds more than 150 African-related artifacts and a rotating exhibition space for Black artists. It’s a small museum with a big impact, especially for children seeing familiar and new stories told through art.

Outside the museum, the DeLand Black Heritage Trail offers self-guided cycling or walking routes connecting local Black heritage sites. Highlights include the museum’s own Dr. Noble “Thin Man” Watts amphitheater and the Moses Sun mural celebrating the joy of jazz. The mural was painted by Moses Sun, artist-in-residence with Stetson University’s Creative Arts Department.

• Check ahead before visiting – thanks to a $1 million renovation grant, exhibits and access may change.
• Older teens interested in the arts may want to explore internship opportunities at the museum.

How does the Riley Museum and Smokey Hollow honor a lost community?

John G. Riley Center & Museum for African American History and Smokey Hollow Commemorative Site
419 E. Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301
www.rileymuseum.org

The Riley House was built around 1890 on the edge of a thriving Black neighborhood called Smokey Hollow. Its owner, John Gilmore Riley, was formerly enslaved and later became a respected educator, civic leader, and one of the few African Americans in Tallahassee to own property at the turn of the century.

Riley acquired seven major downtown parcels, including the land where he built his home. Today, the Riley House stands as a legacy of the growing Black middle class of his time. Next door, the Smokey Hollow Commemorative Site tells the story of the surrounding community of Black-owned homes, whose residents were forced to relocate in the 1950s when the Apalachee Parkway was built.

• The park features three “Spirit Homes” – frames of shotgun-style houses typical of Smokey Hollow – each with maps, photos, and history.
• There is a community garden, remembrance fountain, and fruit and vegetable trees.
• Tours of Smokey Hollow are included with Riley Museum admission.

Through tours, events, and history trails across Tallahassee, the Riley Center & Museum guides visitors from the antebellum period through Reconstruction and the Civil Rights era from the often untold perspective of African Americans.

Should families visit Rosewood today?

Rosewood, Florida
Near Cedar Key, less than an hour west of Gainesville, FL

In 1923, Rosewood was the site of a devastating racial massacre. After a white woman accused a Black man of attacking her, white residents and others formed a mob that hunted Black residents, lynched several people, and drove survivors to flee to nearby towns. The town, including all Black-owned homes and businesses, was burned and destroyed.

The land was later unlawfully sold or given to remaining white families. Today, almost nothing remains of Rosewood except a sign marking the historical site, erected more than 70 years after the massacre. This stop is best for older teens who are ready to discuss hard truths and the lasting impact of racial violence.

Can a college visit to FAMU be a history lesson?

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU)
1601 S. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32307
www.famu.edu

FAMU is a public, historically Black university founded on October 3, 1887, and has been rated the #1 HBCU by U.S. News & World Report for four years in a row, out of 103 HBCUs. A campus visit can double as both a history lesson and an early college tour for teens.

What sets FAMU apart is its legacy of providing access to high-quality, affordable education. It is part of the State University System of Florida and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. In addition to the main Tallahassee campus, FAMU has a College of Law in Orlando and pharmacy and public health programs with sites in cities including Crestview, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Miami.

Walking the campus, your family can talk about how education has opened doors for generations of Black students – and how your child’s own goals might fit into that story.

What will the Naples Depot Black History Baggage Car offer local families?

Naples Depot Museum and the Naples Depot Black History Baggage Car
Naples Depot Museum, Collier County Museums
1051 5th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102
www.colliermuseums.com/Locations/Naples-Depot-Museum

The Naples Depot baggage car was built in the 1920s and once carried mail, suitcases, and trunks on southern train routes. It was purchased from the Atlantic Coast Line by Southern Railway and later donated to Southwest Heritage, Inc. After a careful refurbishment, the Depot became a popular local venue and, in 2004, was turned over to Collier County to become part of the museum system. The Naples Depot Museum opened on January 7, 2011, in the restored Seaboard Air Line Railway passenger station.

Today the museum welcomes about 16,000 visitors each year, telling the story of how generations of Southwest Floridians used transportation and technology to build communities in what was once a remote frontier. It is also the perfect home for Collier County’s first space dedicated specifically to its Black history.

The Tenth Street/Goodlette Road corridor near the Depot has traditionally been home to Naples’ early Black communities, and the railroads were a significant employer and source of social mobility for African Americans locally and across the country. The new Black History Baggage Car will share stories of the African Americans whose contributions were essential to the development of Collier County, in the very neighborhood many Black residents have called home for more than a century.

For more background on this project, you can also read our feature on the Naples Depot Black History Baggage Car.

How can Collier and Lee County families keep the conversation going?

These Florida Black history trips are just a starting point. Keep stories alive at home with books, activities, and local experiences that highlight Black leaders and communities year-round, not only in February.

• Choose age-appropriate reads from 25 books for kids that celebrate diversity and Black History Month.
• Try hands-on learning from STEM activities for kids inspired by Black innovators to connect history with science.
• Plan more local adventures using our best day trips for families in Collier and Lee Counties guide.

Whether you start with a quick drive to Fort Myers or a longer journey to St. Augustine, each stop gives your child another piece of Florida’s full story – and a deeper understanding of how Black history shapes the world they live in today.     

The post Florida Black History Trips: 10 Destinations for Collier and Lee County Families appeared first on SWFL Family.

Some reasons resolutions fail are that they are not specific, measurable, or realistic. It is also best if you have a way to keep yourself accountable.

Setting resolutions as a family helps ensure the new year’s goals are achievable. Involving children in setting those group goals helps ensure they will be willing to do the work. 

With each resolution, make sure children understand why achieving the goal will be beneficial. For example, eating fruits and vegetables is good because they make bodies stronger. 

To ensure successful family resolutions, parents should also resolve to set a good example. Seeing parents make positive choices will encourage kids to do the same.

To set up resolutions for success, ask children what they want to achieve and then break them down into smaller, short-term goals. For example, if the overall resolution is to eat more fruits and vegetables, the short-term goal might be to eat fruits or vegetables as an afternoon snack.

Resolutions can be as unique as your family. The bonus? Setting goals and resolutions with children help build confidence, responsibility, teamwork, and habits, as well as excitement about possibilities for a new year.

Here are a few suggested goals for families in the new year.

Connect and learn at the table

Plan at least one family dinner together a week without screens. Eating together is more than just meals. Family meals help create stronger bonds and improve emotional and mental well-being, language skills, and diet quality. Short conversations will make the big, sometimes hard conversations easier. It is a time to share triumphs and challenges of the day and practice gratitude.

If you are already living this healthy practice, focus on home-cooked and healthy meals, and involve the kids in planning, shopping, and preparing meals. The more kids are involved, the more you can teach them about healthy eating. Have the kids think of dishes, look up ingredients, check the cupboards, and make shopping lists. 

When activities have your family away from home for meals, consider taking some time on the weekends together preparing healthy food for meals on the go.

Plan regular family time

Any time together, like family game night, an evening walk to the park, reading a book together, gardening, or other activities helps strengthen families.

Turning off screens on a regular basis to connect benefits everyone.

Plan a family adventure, which can be as simple as exploring the back yard or visiting the nature center or planetarium. Involve the family in suggesting and planning activities, for vacations.

Volunteer as a family, which helps to instill gratitude in children, which in turn increases emotions like joy and contentment while decreasing anxiety and depression.

Intentionally acknowledge one another

With the rise in social media, face-to-face interactions have declined, hindering the ability to read non-verbal cues, communicate, and function in real-life social situations.

Acknowledgment strengthens personal relationships, enhances emotional bonds, fosters trust, and encourages openness and understanding.

Start by resolving to warmly greet and say goodbye to family members. This means doing more than looking up from games, homework, books, and devices when family members come and go. 

Strive to always say “please” and “thank you,” recognize accomplishments, and apologize for mistakes.

Building these habits at home can translate into successful social encounters at school, work, and in the community, while improving the overall atmosphere at home.

The beginning of a new year is a good time to set positive intentions for the family. You can start by asking, “Are there things you want to learn or to change this year?” Then remember that learning means being okay with mistakes, asking for help, and trying again. In time, resolutions can turn into healthy habits. 

The post SWFL Family New Year Resolutions That Actually Stick appeared first on SWFL Family.

Free Christmas Dinners

St. Vincent de Paul

Families looking to get a free Christmas dinner can come to St. Vincent de Paul. 

svdpnaples.org

St. Matthew’s House 

3000 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples

Distributing Christmas dinners for those in need.

stmatthewshouse.org

Link to donate

Café of Life

26724 Nomad Dr., Bonita Springs

Serving hot meals to those who need them. 

cafeoflife.org

Englewood Methodist Church

700 E Dearborn St., Englewood

Thursday, December 25, 11:00 am-2:00 pm

This free Christmas Day dinner is open to the community. 

englewoodmethodist.com

More info

Cheap Christmas Dinners

Mel’s Diner

3650 Tamiami Trl. N., Naples

28601 Trails Edge Blvd, Bonita Springs

4820 S Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers

Explore their budget-friendly specials.

melsdiners.com

Applebee’s

5082 Airport-Pulling Rd N, Naples

Perfect for any occasion or any budget. 

applebees.com

The Fresh Market

Now – Monday, December 22

Order online and choose which holiday meal you’d like to share with your family. 

thefreshmarket.com

Seed to Table

Pick up: Wednesday, December 24, 8:00 am-3:00 pm

4835 Immokalee Rd, Naples

Check out their Christmas catering menu and order for a tasty meal to feed the whole family.

seedtotablemarket.com

Publix

Order by Wednesday, December 24

Holiday meals for as low as $10 per person. 

publix.com

Whole Foods

Now – Monday, December 22

Whatever your holiday gathering might be, Whole Foods has plenty of options for you.

wholefoodsmarket.com

iHOP

Order an iHOP family feast that’s perfect for Christmas for just $30. 

ihop.com

Ways to Help

Meals of Hope Holidays Without Hunger

Saturday, December 20, 8:15-11:00 am

Lee Civic Center, 11831 Bayshore Rd., North Fort Myers

Holiday Without Hunger events are an opportunity for friends, family, churches, teams, neighbors, businesses and other groups to give back this holiday season while having a fun time. 

Link to register

Harry Chapin Food Bank’s 2025 Holiday Matching Challenge

Help families in need get a free meal this holiday season by donating to Harry Chapin Food Bank’s Holiday Matching Challenge. 

Link to donate

Community Cooperative Holiday Outreach 

You can help the Community Cooperative feed families by donating this holiday season.

Link to donate

FK Your Diet Christmas Giving Tree

Help make a foster child or other children feel the magic of Christmas this year.

Link to donate

See local restaurants open for holiday dining

The post Where to Get Free or Budget Christmas Dinners and Ways to Help Those in Need in Southwest Florida appeared first on SWFL Family.