The school year ends for students in Collier and Lee Counties on Friday, May 30, and they don’t go back until Monday, August 11. That’s 72 days—1,728 hours or 103,680 minutes—of freedom from school. While you might plan a vacation or spend time at the beach, pool, or park, there are still plenty of hours to fill. To help you make the most of every minute, we’ve rounded up 72 summer activities for kids in Southwest Florida. From free splash pads and pirate cruises to indoor fun and outdoor adventures, there’s something for every family to enjoy.

Summer Vacation Activities in Southwest Florida From Day 1 to 72

1. Time to celebrate the first day of the long summer holiday with a big splash. And you can do it for free! River Park Aquatic Center is the only free mini waterpark and pool in Collier County. Plus you can enjoy a water slide, interactive water features, and a zero-entry pool. www.naplesgov.com
2. Drive on over to the Revs Institute in Naples where cars become history lessons. This is more than a car museum; it’s a non-profit organization dedicated to the understanding and appreciation of automotive history. It is also a working facility with more than 100 automobiles that were built between 1896 and 1995. museum.revsinstitute.org
3. The Museum of Ice Cream in Miami has 14 interactive areas and immersive rooms each crafted to celebrate ice cream. You can dive into the sprinkle pool and create your own cool inventions. Prices are cheaper on weekdays. www.museumoficecream.com
4. Warm Mineral Springs in North Port is the only natural warm springs in Florida. It has an average year-round temperature of 85 degrees. It is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, and is believed to have one of the highest mineral contents of any natural spring in the United States. www.northportfl.gov
5. If your kids are ninja warrior wannabes, head to the new Ultimate Ninjas Academy in Fort Myers, which has both memberships and daily rates. There is a warp wall, rock climbing wall, ropes and rings to swing on, nets to climb, padded obstacles, and more. ultimateninjas.com
6. Take the kids to the Naples Botanical Garden for free from June through September. There are several nature play areas including the Wonder Circle, Jungle Hollow, and Palm Hop. The W.O.N.D.E.R program for kids is offered every weekday at 10 a.m. (indoors!). www.naplesgarden.org
7. At Brightwater Lagoon, you can spend the day on the water doing everything from zipping down waterslides to challenging yourself on water obstacles. There are also kayaks and paddleboards on the clear, blue water lagoon in North Fort Myers. www.brgmetrolagoons.com
8. Spend an afternoon in Bikini Bottom! Don’t miss the all-singing, all-dancing SpongeBob Musical Youth Edition on stage at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers on several dates from June 12 until June 27. The $25 ticket includes the show and lunch. broadwaypalm.com
9. Get out of the heat and head to the bowling alley where kids bowl for free all summer. All you need to do is register your kids and they can claim two free bowling games each weekday at HeadPinz Naples and HeadPinz Fort Myers. Parents can bowl with their kids all summer by purchasing a Family Pass for $34.95. headpinz.com
10. Try something new at the Children’s Salt Grotto in Naples for a day on a salty beach. The kids’ salt cave room is designed like a beach for children to play on, but it is made of salt. Salt is known as a holistic way to boost immunity, cleanse, and rejuvenate. www.salttherapygrotto.com
11. Head to Southern Fresh Farms for a free visit with Henry the Holstein cow who weighs 2,400 pounds and see some goats, miniature donkeys, baby bison, and a calf. Feed the animals (just $1 buys a cup of feed). Closed Mondays and the last two weeks of July.
    www.southernfreshfarms.com
12. Bamboo-lined trails meander along the Corkscrew River at Koreshan State Park in Estero. There is also a playground and picnic areas. But what makes this place unique are the historic buildings that offer a window into the lives of an eccentric pioneer group that arrived here in 1893.
    www.floridastateparks.org
13. Become a pirate for a day on a Salty Sam’s Pirate cruise. On the Pieces of Eight pirate ship, children battle pirates while searching for treasure. There are pirate games, dancing, face painting, and comedy entertainment. Each child gets a booty bag with coins, a pirate hat, and eye patch. www.floridapiratecruise.com
14. Not many people know about the CREW Flint Pen Strand Trails that are accessed from eastern Bonita Springs so it is the perfect place to get away for a quiet hike. Parking and trail access are free. For those who further north there is the CREW Marsh Trails that are accessed off Corkscrew Road. crewtrust.org/flint-pen-strand-2
15. Usually when you visit a castle, furniture and artwork is roped off. Not so at Coral Castle in Homestead. Everything is made of stone, so you don’t have to worry about your kids destroying any priceless relics. Enjoy over 30 sculptures, including a sundial that shows the time of day to the minute and the seasons and solstices. coralcastle.com
16. Visit Cattyshack in Estero where you can pet and play with multitudes of cats and kittens. They are all rescue, adoptable felines that are ready for some fun. Note: Children must be at least 7 years old to participate, except during certain special events. Reservations required to visit the cat room, but not to eat in the cafe. www.cattyshackcafe.com
17. The 13-acre historic Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch gives visitors a glimpse into the daily working life on a Southwest Florida pioneer homestead and citrus grove in the early 1900s. There are 15 well-preserved original buildings that illustrate the story of cow hunters, ranchers, and their families. colliermuseums.com
18. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and some snacks and head to the lawn at Mercato the third Tuesday of each month for the free movies under the stars. On June 17, enjoy Grease. Food is available for purchase. The movies start at dusk. experiencemercato.com
19. May-Stringer House in Brooksville is known as the most haunted house in Florida. Take the whole family on one of the daily tours, or your older kids on a night ghost tour. Make the most of this day trip by going on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday when you can also visit the Brooksville Train Depot. tampahistorical.org
20. The Great Wolf Lodge’s indoor water park in Naples is open and ready for some fun on hot and stormy days. When kids want to dry off, they can head to the MagiQuest area and use a magic wand on a special quest, challenge themselves on a ropes course, play in the game room, or mine for gems. www.greatwolf.com/naples
21. Get your game on with some very unusual board games. Head over to the G & W’s Depot at Fleamasters Flea Market in Fort Myers where the owners will help you find the perfect board game for your family from their selection of new or older games from all over the world. Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. www.fleamastersfleamarket.com
22. Every month volunteer pilots with Young Eagles take kids ages 8-17 for a free ride above Southwest Florida. The pilots all volunteer their time, gas, and airplanes for the event. In Naples it is the third Saturday of each month. In Fort Myers it is the first Sunday of each month. chapters.eaa.org
23. Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs is one of the only roadside attractions left from the 1930s. Rita the toucan and Dusty the cockatoo are the newest residents that came here after the Shell Factory closed this winter. You will also find peacocks, flamingoes, tortoises, alligators, and more. wondergardens.org
24. Keep your money in your wallet on Mondays when admission to the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota is free. The circus museum features the World’s Largest Miniature Circus. The Bayfront Gardens on the 66-acre campus are the perfect place for a family picnic. www.ringling.org
25. Cool off in an aquatic center in Collier County without paying water park prices. Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park, Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park, and Golden Gate Aquatic Facility all feature a heated pool, children’s activity pool, wading pool, slides, and diving boards. Under 3 free, 3-17 and seniors are $1.50, adults $2. www.collierparks.com
26. Spend a night at the museum for free. On the last Wednesday of each month from 6-9 p.m. The Baker Museum at Artis—Naples offers free admission to all the museum exhibits as part of its Art After Hours monthly celebration of the arts. There is live music by local musicians. Families are welcome. artisnaples.org
27. Collier and Lee County public libraries have a huge menu of summer activities, including reading challenges for kids and adults. Check library schedules for special summer events, including magic and science shows, cartooning, a slime party, bunny yoga, and more. www.collierlibrary.org; www.leegov.com/library
28. Interact with farm animals at the Good Mood Ranch in Naples. This 24-acre ranch has rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, sheep, alpacas, cows, donkeys, and mules. Children can hold, pet, and feed many of the creatures. There is also a train ride and toy tractors to pedal. Check @GoodMoodRanch on Facebook.
29. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium on Sanibel Island offers thousands of shells on display as well as two large interactive touch pools, along with tanks that feature more than 60 species. There are also cold-water species found in the Pacific Northwest and corals and fish from around the world. www.shellmuseum.org http://www.shellmuseum.org
30. Rocket Fizz candy store at Miromar Outlets in Estero has everything from candy popular in the 1950s to candy from around the world, as well as 400 types of soda. Try soda flavors that range from cookie dough to pickle. While you are there visit fountains, rock climbing walls, and playground. rocketfizz.com/locations/rocket-fizz-estero-fl
31. Explore the Picayune Strand State Forest on horseback with M&H Stables, which is the only legal commercial vender to offer riding in Picayune. Trail rides are offered seven days a week. M&H also offers riding lessons and parties. www.mhstables.com/horsebackriding
32. Cool off for free at Babcock Ranch’s Palmetto Park in Charlotte County. It has one of the biggest splash pads around with a plethora of squirting features and an overhead waterfall. The park also has a two-story treehouse-themed playground. babcockranch.com
33. Take a day trip to the best and biggest aquarium in Florida. The Florida Aquarium in Tampa features a wide variety of underwater exhibits from an 80-foot glass dome in the wetlands to the 500,000-gallon coral reef habitat. And it’s not just underwater life. There are plenty of birds and
    sea mammals there too. www.flaquarium.org
34. Get some exercise out of the heat at Spinz Skating and Entertainment in Fort Myers where children 12 years and younger can skate for free twice a week all summer. An annual membership for kids is $4.99 and is good for two kid skate passes each week. Kids also can play arcade games. www.spinzskates.com
35. CMON and spend a day playing at the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples. CMON has interactive play areas for infants, toddlers, and older children. Kids can pretend to be a vet, travel to Italy, and explore the Everglades. There is an art studio, giant banyan tree to climb, a play farm to work in, and much more. www.cmon.org
36. On the first Saturday of every month kids accompanied by a parent can join a free workshop at Home Depot where they build a variety of things such as birdhouses, games, mobiles, holiday items, trucks, and more. Each month has a theme. www.homedepot.com/c/kids-workshop
37. Spend the whole day at Lakes Park in Fort Myers. Attractions include the Railroad Museum of South Florida, the Lakes Park and Gulf Railroad and Train Village, a train you can ride on, a playground, children’s garden, fragrance garden, and lots of walking paths. www.leegov.com
38. Visit mini donkeys, Nigerian dwarf goats, chickens, guinea pigs, rabbits, African spur tortoise, and a pot belly pig at 31 Produce & Mining in Alva. It’s free to visit and $3 for a cup of animal feed. You can also see horses, cows and chickens. For a fee, kids can dig for gems and fossils. www.31produce.com
39. The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium in Fort Myers is home to rescued animals, a butterfly garden, a raptor aviary, two nature trails, and the area’s only large-dome public planetarium theater. Walk the trails and see some of the wildlife, visit the museum, and enjoy the planetarium shows. www.calusanature.org
40. Getting to the beach is part of the experience at Clam Pass. You can walk or take a free tram along a boardwalk made of recycled milk containers. The three-quarter-mile, scenic boardwalk meanders through a unique mangrove forest, eventually ending at the beach. www.collierparks.com
41. Head out early while the animals are active, and see everything from a braying donkey and crowing rooster to horses and reptiles at Kowiachobee Animal Preserve in Naples. There are also lions and tigers. There is no set fee, but donations are recommended. www.kowiachobee.com
42. Head to Baker Park in Naples for a day of fun. Under a shady canopy, there is a playground with some unusual things to explore, including a humongous slide. There is also a splash pad to cool off and there are miles of hiking trails along the Gordon River. Parents will welcome the restrooms and shaded picnic tables. www.naplesgov.com
43. At the Collier Museum at Government Center, kids can see what life used to be like in Collier County. The museum showcases everything from the native Americans to early pioneers. You also can explore a Deuce steam engine, a historic Kokomis boat, and a swamp buggy to explore. All Collier County museums are free. colliermuseums.com
44. Enroll in a day of school. But don’t worry, it is not about reading, writing, and math. This is a clown school in Lake Placid, Florida, where you can either learn the basics of clowning (history, makeup, costume, skits, magic, balloons, and face painting) or just watch the action. www.tobysclownfoundation.org
45. Head to IMAG History & Science Center in Fort Myers for a variety of unique experiences. Visitors build their own creation in the engineering lab, see a variety of creatures in the animal lab, get inside a hurricane simulator, and learn about weather patterns of space. theimag.org
46. The Babcock Ranch Eco-Tours take guests through four different ecosystems including the Telegraph Cypress Swamp. Expert guides share information about the history, wildlife, and ecosystems of the area. Visitors will see alligators and birds, and sometimes deer, wild hogs and turkeys, cranes, and more. babcockranchecotours.com
47. When the sun is searing and it feels like an oven outside, head into the cold at Hertz Arena in Fort Myers. There’s nothing like ice skating when it is 95 degrees outside. There are a variety of deals for public ice skating; some include skate rentals and pizza. hertzarena.com
48. Learn the basics of glass blowing in Bonita Springs at Adventures in Glass Blowing. A 2,500 degree flame melts glass into a gooey blob so it can be molded into just about anything. Owner Glenn Novotny helps guests make a marble, pendant, or lawn ornament. adventuresinglassblowing.com
49. Another unusual adventure awaits in Ona, Florida, at Solomon’s Castle. Howard Solomon, an artist and painter, built this castle from discarded aluminum printing plates. These plates from a local newspaper give the castle its shiny appearance. There are also more than 80 interpretive stained glass windows. solomonscastle.com
50. Just after dusk, thousands of bats emerge from under the Matheson Street Bridge as the sky darkens over Bonita Springs. You can see them from above the bridge or climb down below the bridge for a closer look. This is one of those summer adventures that your kids will be eager to talk about when they return to school. bonitasprings.floridaweekly.com/articles/best-bat-bridge
51. Dive into reading with a trip to Annette’s Beach Book Nook. Shop for both new and used books. This Fort Myers Beach institution was closed for two years after Hurricane Ian destroyed it, but is now open and ready for families to visit. www.facebook.com/annettesbooknook
52. The Shangri-La Springs in Bonita Springs had been shrouded in mystery for years, but it is open now and the public can walk the grounds for free. Explore the natural spring, giant banyan tree, and the Imperial River. Head inside for lunch with many of the ingredients coming from their humongous garden. www.shangrilasprings.com
53. Travel north to Sarasota for the day. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is the closest aquarium to SWFL. Right next door is Save Our Seabirds, a bird sanctuary you can visit for free. End your adventure at Yoders, an Amish restaurant known for its traditional home cooking and homemade pies. mote.org
54. Get up close with the animals one more time by heading to the Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary in Punta Gorda. It provides a forever home for exotic animals that are no longer wanted or have been mistreated. Residents include black bears, cougars, lions, birds, primates, reptiles, tigers, and more. www.octagonwildlife.org
55. At the Rookery Bay Research Reserve a 2,300-gallon mangrove aquarium has a 14-foot sculpted red mangrove tree that soars from below the water up through an open atrium to the second story. Don’t miss the 180-gallon touch tank and half-mile Snail Trail that has a boardwalk viewing platform at the water’s edge. rookerybay.org
56. It might be time for a different type of beach experience. Lake Avalon is a freshwater lake in Naples with a beach. Try a sailing lesson or just enjoy swimming in fresh water. Other features include a playground, picnic areas, and paddle boat rentals. www.collierparks.com
57. The Naples Preserve and Hedges Family Eco-Center is right along busy U.S. 41, but is often overlooked. Walk on the 0.4-mile boardwalk through pine flatwoods and oak-rosemary scrub for free. This is one of the best places in Naples to see gopher tortoises. www.naplesgov.com
58. Madagascar’s most famous inhabitants are just over three hours away in Webster at the Chase Sanctuary, a facility dedicated to the care and conservation of lemurs. Guides will share tales of the resident lemurs’ antics and acrobatic feats along with a plenty of lemur facts. www.chasesanctuary.org
59. Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki means a place to learn and a place to remember. Nestled in the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is the perfect place to explore living history and culture. Learn some native games, experience the rich Seminole culture, and more. www.ahtahthiki.com
60. Just over the Collier County border is Shark Valley, where you won’t see any sharks, but you will find plenty of alligators. Ride the tram, walk, or ride a bicycle along the 14.9-mile loop trail where it is possible to see hundreds of these reptiles lounging in the sun and swimming in the water. www.nps.gov
61. Rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards at Estero River Outfitters as early as 7 a.m. to beat the heat. Explore the Estero River by yourself or join a group lesson or tour. Launch your own kayak there for free during business hours. www.esteroriveroutfitters.com
62. Take a ride on a GoBoat, an inflatable watercraft with a five-speed electric motor that propels the boat at 3-5 miles per hour. You can rent these unusual boats at All Water Excursions in Naples. Guests can take the boats along the Cocohatchee River and to the beach. allwaterexcursionsmarina.com
63. Take your best furry friend to Dog Beach, the only beach in Southwest Florida where dogs can run off-leash. Bring your pup to run and play in the water. A dog rinse-off shower station is provided. Check tide charts and go at low or mid tide. www.leegov.com
64. On the first Saturday of the month, Collier County residents get to visit the Naples Zoo for free. Go there early when the animals are more active, see the Bornean orangutans swinging from their ropes, or listen to the Buff-cheeked gibbons calling out over the lake. See the two new ring-tailed lemurs that were born at the zoo in April. Napleszoo.org
65. This may be somber, but it is educational and eye-opening. The Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center in Naples has more than 1,000 original photos and artifacts related to the Holocaust and World War II. Many of the items were donated by the families of survivors who live in Southwest Florida. hmcec.org
66. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida gives you a chance to enjoy outdoor nature and indoor air-conditioned fun. The Discovery Center is full of interactive exhibits, while outside there are rehabilitated wildlife to observe and a boat trip along the Gordon River. conservancy.org
67.  Large herds of animals roam through natural habitats as people drive through this Lion Country Safari 20 miles west of West Palm Beach. The preserve is divided into seven main habitats with a variety of animals, including huge herds of zebra, rhino and giraffe. The park also features rides, attractions, and animal encounters. www.lioncountrysafari.com
68. Going to an old historic house might not sound kid-friendly, but when you head to the Naples Historical Society’s Palm Cottage, it has everything a kid might want to see. They might giggle at the bedpan, be enthralled by the old typewriter, or amazed by the edible garden.
    www.napleshistoricalsociety.org
69. Your summer won’t be complete without a visit to the Skunk Ape headquarters. Owner Dave Shealy is an Everglades native who has dedicated his life to looking for and learning about the rumored skunk ape, a hairy Sasquatch-like beast that walks on two legs and smells like a skunk. www.skunkape.info
70. Tucked behind the rec center at Vineyard Community Park and next to the traditional playground is a free place to cool off. The water play feature area has things that squirt and dump water. There are adjacent covered pavilions with grills so you can picnic and play. www.collierparks.com
71. Head over to the Neapolitan Family Back to School Expo. Get information and register for after-school activities, clubs, scouting, arts, theater, dance classes, and sports. There are giveaways, rabbits, Too Tall Torrie, mascots, and more. Get a head start on your back-to-school preparations at this popular free event on Aug. 9, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the North Collier Regional Park exhibit hall.
    neafamily.com
72. End the long summer with a day of traditional Florida fun in the sun. Spend part of the day on the water and exploring an island. Pure Florida has a three-hour cruise to Keewaydin Island. Families can find a wealth of shells there. During the journey there and back it is common to see dolphins and lots of birds. www.purefl.com
    

Now it is time to go back to school for 180 days of learning. After fulfilling a long bucket list of summer fun, the kids should have plenty to talk about as they return to the classroom.