Legal Aid Service of Collier County: Legal services provided would include advice and counsel, limited representation, full representation in litigation/court, and negotiations with third parties to resolve claims or disputes. November 20, 2025 is the 1st Annual Impact Awards Luncheon. Register here.

Here is a list of meals and deals for Veteran’s Day 2025 in Southwest Florida, including both local and national restaurants. To find year-round military discounts, benefits, and resources, go to our Veteran and Military Resource page.

Local Southwest Florida Deals:

Burntwood Tavern: Veterans and active-duty military get 50% off their meal on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2025. Valid military ID required.

Pure Florida Sightseeing Cruises: Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free cruise on Veteran’s Day.

Mercato: A variety of stores and restaurants are offering discounts for veterans over Veteran’s Day weekend​.

Naples Botanical Garden: Offering free admission for active-duty military and veterans over Veteran’s Day weekend​.

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens: Active and retired military members receive free admission from November 11-17.

Il Primo Pizza and Wings: Offers a 10% discount to all veterans.

Sundial Beach Resort & Spa: Offering complimentary access to its beach, pool, and recreation amenities for local first responders and their families on November 9-10. 

National Chains:

Applebee’s: Veterans and active-duty military can choose a free meal from a special Veteran’s Day menu​.

Bob Evans: Veterans and active-duty military personnel receive a free meal from a special menu on Veterans Day​.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Offering a free order of 10 boneless wings and fries for veterans and active-duty military. Available for dine-in or at GO locations​.

Chili’s Grill & Bar: Veterans and military personnel can enjoy a free meal on Veteran’s Day. Dine-in only, valid military ID required​.

Dunkin’ Donuts: Many locations across the U.S. offer a free donut on Veteran’s Day to military members, both active-duty and veterans, with a valid military ID.

IHOP: Veterans and active-duty military get free Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes on November 11. Valid military ID required​.

Hooters: Current and former military members will receive a free entrée from a special menu when they dine in on November 11, 2025.

Olive Garden: Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal to veterans and active-duty military on Veteran’s Day.

Red Robin: Offering a free Red’s Tavern Double burger and Bottomless Steak Fries for veterans and active-duty military on Veteran’s Day​.

Texas Roadhouse: Veterans receive free meal vouchers on Veteran’s Day, which can be redeemed for a meal at a later date.

Important Tips:

• Most of these deals require a valid military ID to participate.
• Offers may vary slightly by location, so it’s always a good idea to check ahead to confirm the specific details.

This list includes a blend of local and national favorites, offering plenty of options for veterans and military personnel to enjoy this Veterans Day in Southwest Florida!

The post Veteran’s Day Deals and Meals in Southwest Florida appeared first on SWFL Family.

Bonita Springs

Angelina’s Ristorante

24041 Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs • 239-390-3187
Mother’s Day brunch from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Website: www.angelinasofbonitasprings.com

Artichoke & Company

1920 Saradrienne Lane, Bonita Springs • 239-263-6979
Buffet Brunch with live music.
Website: artichokeandcompany.com

Jimmy P’s Charred

25301 S Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 • (239) 390-9208
Mother’s Day special includes premium #9 Wagyu Filet with grilled asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes, plus a complimentary glass of wine.
Website: www.jimmypsbutchershop.com/charred-bonita-springs/home

Roy’s Restaurant

26831 S Bay Drive #100, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 • (239) 498-7697
Special brunch entrees from 11:00 a.m-3:00 p.m. and full dinner menu until 8:00 PM.
Website: www.roysrestaurant.com/locations/bonita-springs

Tanglewood at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point

5001 Coconut Rd, Bonita Springs • 239-390-4290
Champagne brunch with omelet and pancake stations, chilled seafood platters, carving stations, and a variety of desserts.
Website: hyatt.com

Estero

Ristorante Farfalla

21301 S Tamiami Trail, Estero, FL 33928 • (239) 495-9912
A variety of Mother’s Day specials from 4:30-9:30 p.m.
Website: www.ristorantefarfalla.com​

Rodizio Grill – Coconut Point

8017 Plaza Del Lago Dr, Estero, FL 33928 • (239) 498-0018
Mother’s Day Special plus regular menu.
Website: www.rodiziogrill.com/coconut-point/reservations.aspx​

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

23151 Village Shops Way, Estero, FL 33928 • (239) 948-8888
Serving Mother’s Day brunch
Website: https://m.ruthschris.com/promotions/mothers-day​

Marco Island

Ario & Tesoro at JW Marriott Marco Island

400 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145 • (239) 394-2511
Elevate the evening with Mother’s Day-inspired specials alongside the full à la carte menus from 5:00-4:00 p.m.
Website: https://maiajwmarco.com

Hilton Marco Island Resort & Spa

560 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island • 239-394-5000
Call for Mother’s Day dining options.
Website: www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mrkmhhf-hilton-marco-island-beach-resort-and-spa

Maia at JW Marriott Marco Island

400 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145 • (239) 394-2511
Treat Mom to a lunch buffet from 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Website: https://maiajwmarco.com

Sale e Pepe at Marco Beach Ocean Resort

480 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145 • (239) 393-1600
Elegant family-style terrace brunch from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Website: https://sale-e-pepe.com/menu/

Naples

Bodega Olé

965 4th Avenue North, Naples • 239-304-8108
Call for Mother’s Day specials.
Website: www.bodegaole.com

Bar Tulia – Mercato

462 5th Ave S., Naples • 239-438-1031
Mother’s Day brunch and dinner specials. Reservations recommended.
Website: www.bartulia.com/mercato

Brio Italian Grille – Waterside Shops

5505 Tamiami Trail N, Naples • 239-593-5319
Brunch specials and cocktails or order a Mother’s Day package for home.
Website: www.brioitalian.com

The Capital Grille – Mercato

9005 Mercato Drive, Naples • 239-254-0640
Three-course Mother’s Day brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and full dinner menu available.
Website: www.thecapitalgrille.com/events/mothers-day-brunch

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

8985 Tamiami Trail North, Naples • 239-598-2424
Three-Course Mother’s Day Brunch and Dinner specials on May 10 & 11.
Website: www.flemingssteakhouse.com

Hogfish Harry’s

600 Neapolitan Way, Naples • 239-776-7623
Call for Mother’s Day specials.
Website: www.hogfishharrys.com

The Local

5323 Airport Pulling Rd N, Naples • 239-596-3276
Call for Mother’s Day specials.
Website: www.thelocalnaples.com

Jane’s Garden Café

1209 3rd Street South, Naples • 239-261-2253
Mother’s Day in a garden setting.
Website: www.janesgardencafe.com

Bouquets & Bubbly for Mom at Mercato

9110 Strada Place, Naples
Celebrate Mother’s Day all weekend May 9–11 at Mercato with dining and shopping specials.
Website: www.experiencemercato.com/events/mothers-day-weekend

Old Vines

9110 Strada Place, Naples
Special brunch menu and bottomless bubbles from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Website: https://oldvines.net/mercato

Parmesan Pete’s

7935 Airport-Pulling Road, Naples • 239-992-3633
Call for Mother’s Day promotions.
Website: www.parmesanpetes.com

Seasons 52

8930 Tamiami Trail North, Naples • 239-594-8852
Special Mother’s Day Brunch menu; order a Mother’s Day Green Box to-go.
Website: www.seasons52.com

Taberna Burntwood

9108 Strada Place, Naples • 239-631-6921
A specialty menu from May 9-11 featuring the delicious “Toast To Your Mother” cocktail and more. On Mother’s Day, all guests dining before 3 p.m. receive a complimentary beignet, and mothers will be treated to a complimentary glass of champagne all day.
Website: https://www.mytaberna.com

The 239

9108 Strada Place, Naples • 239-631-1902
Moms can enjoy a complimentary “Mom-osa” or champagne and a long-stemmed rose with her meal.
Website: https://the239naples.com

T-Michaels Steak and Lobster House

4050 Gulf Shore Blvd N, Naples • 239-261-0622
Mother’s Day special menu.
Website: https://tmichaels.com/

Thee City Grill

3883 Tamiami Trail East, Naples • 239-228-5921
Check website for Mother’s Day specials
Website: https://theecitysdiner.com/

Ritz Carlton

280 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Naples
Mother’s Day brunch featuring entrees, salads, soup, breakfast favorites, and chef action stations. Enjoy a welcome beverage, live music, and optional bottomless mimosa package.
Website: ritzcarlton.com/naples

The Rooster Food + Drink

600 Goodlette Road North, Suite 101, Naples • 239-228-5973
Homemade breakfast and lunch specials for mom.
Website: https://theroosternaples.com/

Waxins

9108 Strada Place, Naples
Special Mother’s Day brunch from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Website: https://www.waxins.com/

Fort Myers

Burntwood Tavern

Bell Tower Shops: 13499 S. Cleveland Ave. • Fort Myers
Reserve for Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet. Seatings from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Website: burntwoodtavern.com

Cristof’s on McGregor

10231 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers • (239) 791-8473
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a buffet from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Website: https://cristofsonmcgregor.com/easter-sunday-and-mothers-day-buffet​

Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant

14301 Port Comfort Rd, Fort Myers • (239) 489-0770
Enjoy a scenic waterfront brunch from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Website: https://lighthousewaterfrontrestaurant.com​

Multiple Locations

California Pizza Kitchen

Naples: 5555 Tamiami Trail N • 239-566-1900
Estero: 23181 Village Shops Way • 239-498-7667
Special heart-shaped pizzas from May 10-12
Website: www.cpk.com/MothersDay/MothersDay

First Watch

• 225 Banyan Blvd, Suite 100 • 239-434-0005
• 1000 Immokalee Road • 239-566-7395
• 13030 Livingston Road • 239-213-1709
  Mother’s Day Breakfast, Brunch, and Lunch specials.
  Website: www.firstwatch.com

Skillets Breakfast & Lunch

10 locations in Collier and Lee Counties
Mother’s Day waffle special – a sweet, seasonal favorite made with love.
Website: www.skilletsrestaurants.com

The post Celebrate Mother’s Day 2025 with a Special Brunch or Dinner in Collier and Lee Counties appeared first on SWFL Family.

Kunjani Craft Coffee & Gallery

780 Seagate Dr, Naples, FL 34103

kunjaninaples.com

A blend of coffee excellence and African art, known for organic tea, pastries, and a cozy gallery vibe.

Acopio

5100 Tamiami Trail N #101, Naples, FL 34103

https://acopiocoffee.com/

Enjoy your favorite specialty Coffee and cacao, tea, baked goods, and a wide selection of delicious small bites and real food.

Narrative Coffee Roasters

Mercato Shops, Naples, FL 

https://narrativecoffeeroasters.com/

Foxtail Coffee Co.

2700 Immokalee Rd Ste 1, Naples, FL 34110

https://www.foxtailcoffee.com/

Where coffee meets community.

Coffee Bar

960 Immokalee Rd, Naples, FL 34110

https://naplescoffeebar.com/

 Stop in for a fresh brewed coffee, cappuccino, espresso, latte, hot chocolate, and one of our breakfast and lunch plates.

5th Ave. Coffee Company & 6th St. Diner

Corner of 5th Ave. and 6th St, Downtown Naples

https://www.5thavncoffeeco.com/

​Enjoy your favorite coffee, drinks, baked goods, and a wide selection of delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner items.

Fort Myers

The Grind Coffee House & Roaster

16230 Summerlin Rd #205, Fort Myers, FL 33908

grindcoffeehouse.net

Specializes in craft coffee roasting with a warm atmosphere and delectable hot chocolate options.

Bonita Springs

Survey Cafe

10530 Wilson St, Bonita Springs, FL 34135

surveycafefl.com

A quaint café offering coffee, tea, and hot chocolate alongside hearty breakfast and brunch options.

Estero

Cavo Lounge

23161 Village Shops Way, Estero, FL 33928

cavolounge.com

Known for its relaxing ambiance, with premium coffee and hot drinks perfect for cooler weather.

Marco Island

Wake Up Marco

916 N Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145

wakeupmarco.com

Offers rich coffee blends and specialty hot drinks, great for enjoying island mornings.

Cape Coral

The French Press

5789 Cape Harbour Dr #116, Cape Coral, FL 33914

frenchpressfl.com

A cozy café with an artisanal touch on coffee and tea, ideal for a warm-up on breezy days.

Ave Maria

Bean of Ave Maria

5068 Annunciation Cir #101, Ave Maria, FL 34142

beanofavemaria.com

Known for its community-centric vibe and a wide variety of hot beverages.

Lehigh Acres

For Heaven’s Shakes

25 Homestead Rd N, Lehigh Acres, FL 33936

Offering comforting hot drinks and sweet treats to complement cooler days.

Gateway

The Grind Coffeehouse

Gateway Boulevard (specific address pending confirmation)

A friendly neighborhood spot with locally roasted coffee and a selection of teas and hot chocolate.

Each of these cafes and coffee shops offers a unique experience, blending great drinks with a welcoming atmosphere, making them perfect for Southwest Florida’s cooler months.

The post Best Places for Coffee, Tea, and Hot Chocolate During Cooler Weather in Southwest Florida appeared first on SWFL Family.

Tell us about your family and your background.

Michael Shapiro: My wife and I grew up in Boca Raton, and we lived 5 miles away from each other when we were growing up. When I was in my 30s, I developed a passion for cooking and food. I decided to take a leap of faith – I left a comfortable job, and I gave it my everything to make it into the restaurant industry as a prep cook. An Italian restaurant hired me, and everyone there made a bet that I wouldn’t last three weeks. I worked at that restaurant for ten months before learning of a new Benihana Japanese Steakhouse opening a few miles away from my house. I applied and was hired on the spot for a position as a hibachi chef. 

Describe your journey as a dad and its intersection with Rad Dad Hibachi. 

During my time at Benihana, I worked 60 hours a week. When my son was born, I cut back to 14 hours a week and essentially became a stay-at-home dad. My wife continued working as an air traffic controller, and we eventually decided to move to Ave Maria. I knew work was likely going to be scarce and difficult. We bought a flat top grill and discussed how I could possibly make money on the side by cooking fried rice for the builders. We started dreaming about how I could offer the complete hibachi experience at people’s homes, and that is how Rad Dad was born.  

What makes Rad Dad unique in the catering space?

I bring the complete hibachi experience to the comfort of people’s homes. When the pandemic started, people hesitated to go out to dinner and controlled, in-home dining experiences became even more popular. As a dad of two toddlers, I understand the struggle of going out to dinner with small children. I saw the opportunity in the marketplace of having a chef come to the comfort of families’ homes at an affordable, accessible price point.

How do you envision the future of Rad Dad Hibachi?

I want it to keep growing and expanding; I just want it to be successful. I originally viewed Rad Dad as a side project. To see how far it has come – to see my full calendar and the amount of clients I have – is such an amazing feeling. 

What are some specific ways you balance your life as a dad with the demands of Rad Dad?

My kids and family have always been my number one priority, and my family has always come first. I’ve been a stay-at-home dad for over four years now. My kids demand so much from me; parenting is a nonstop job. Bedtime is a moving target, so I usually get into a business mindset at some point between 8 and 10 p.m. – this is when I help my company grow, when I spend time building and perfecting it. It’s hard. I’m exhausted and burned out at times. I spend lots of time in the kitchen prepping for events. The food is the most important part of any dinner event, but I’m constantly in a mindset of how to prepare myself for the entertainment part of my job as well. Even if I provide an excellent meal, I’m nothing more than just a typical cook in a commercial kitchen without the entertainment hibachi meals offer. As I prepare for each individual party and balance the demands of being a dad and a husband, I try to always have a full charge ready for any moment.

In short, I have a system that I try to stick to with my family in order to accomplish what’s necessary for Rad Dad to work. It can be hard and exhausting at times, but the reward is greater than the challenges at any given moment. 

What do you love most about Rad Dad Hibachi?

The thing I love most about my business is that it’s mine. My wife and I had the idea and created it together. There’s not one thing I don’t love about it, I have a profound passion for food, for cooking, and for serving others. As corny as it sounds, I like to make people happy with my food. 

Tell us about your ideal Father’s Day.

I just want to spend the day without my kids – haha! I know other fathers of really young kids can relate! I love the ocean, and I love scuba diving, and I love any chance to get out on the water. My ideal day also includes cooking dinner at home. 

Speaking of dinner at home, what’s your family’s favorite meal?

My wife and kids love pot roast along with braised vegetables and egg noodles. My wife always seems to be asking for fried rice.

Flat top hibachi-style grills are gaining popularity around the country. What guidance would you give to people looking to improve their skills?

It’s so important to season your food properly, or else it’s just bland with no flavor profile. To be great, food has to have lots of flavor.  

What advice would you give to other dads starting their own businesses?

Just go for it! If you can fail at something you don’t love, why not take risks with things you do love? My journey into the culinary world started by watching Gordon Ramsay and YouTube videos on how to do the most basic things. I started with nothing, learned from YouTube, and now, eight years later, I’m running a successful hibachi catering business. I’ve failed along the way, but I embrace my failures and use the emotions surrounding failures to push forward.  

Is it challenging to enter into people’s homes in such an intimate, personal way?

I cooked at a party a few weeks ago, and the host commented on the deeply personal nature of going into strangers’ homes and both cooking for and entertaining them. I’m an extrovert at heart, and after so much experience as a hibachi chef, it has become easy to engage with strangers in a fun and inviting way. I still get butterflies occasionally.  But, I’ve also had a lot of fun and a lot of laughs – all thanks to every single client who has booked Rad Dad Hibachi!  Without them, Rad Dad Hibachi wouldn’t be what it is today; I am so grateful.

Visit www.raddadhibachi.com. 

The post Neapolitan Family Rad Dads: Meet the original Rad Dad Michael Shapiro! appeared first on SWFL Family.

Child Care of Southwest Florida provides early learning education to more than 350 children across Lee and Hendry counties. The organization accepts children ages 6 weeks through 8 years old, including students enrolled in Florida’s Volunteer Prekindergarten (VPK) program. VPK is a state-funded, high-quality early childhood education program that helps students develop a strong academic, social and behavioral foundation prior to entering school.

“The summer and spring terms are crucial for 4- and 5-year-olds who will be entering kindergarten next fall,” said Chris Hansen, CEO of Child Care of Southwest Florida. “Our centers provide children a safe, nurturing environment to foster development and success in their future learning. VPK can ensure students start school on the right foot, and there is still space available at three of our high-quality learning centers.”

Nutritious meals and snacks are included at no additional charge through Child Care of Southwest Florida’s participation in the USDA’s Child Food Care Program. The three locations accepting new student registrations include:

• P.A. Geraci Child Development Center (3713 Canal St. in Fort Myers): 239-337-4995
• The Children’s Learning Center (37 Barkley Circle in Fort Myers): 239-267-1136
• Joseph H. Messina Children’s Center (4650 Fowler St. in Fort Myers): 239-278-1148

Child Care of Southwest Florida follows the nationally recognized, research-based Creative Curriculum for preschool, which builds a safe, supportive learning environment that develops young minds, strengthens the community and secures the future. Each early learning center is accredited through the National Accreditation Commission for Early Learning Leaders and is a Gold Seal Quality Care Program through the Florida Department of Children and Families. Additionally, centers maintain five-star ratings through the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida.

For more information or to register a child, please visit ccswfl.org.

About Child Care of Southwest Florida

Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc. (CCSWFL) is a nonprofit early childhood education provider with five learning centers in Lee and Hendry counties that serve more than 350 children from 6 weeks to 8 years old. Each center is accredited through the National Accreditation Commission for Early Learning Leaders and is recognized as a Gold Seal Quality Care Program through the Florida Department of Children and Families. All five CCSWFL locations have five-star ratings through the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida. CCSWFL follows the nationally recognized, research-based Creative Curriculum, with a goal of creating safe, nurturing learning environments that develop young minds, support families, strengthen the community and secure the future. Through its participation in the USDA’s Child Food Care Program, each child has access to a healthy, nutritious breakfast, lunch and snacks. Sponsor, volunteer and donation opportunities are available. For more information, please visit ccswfl.org.

The post Child Care of SWFL Registration Open at Three Learning Centers in Lee County appeared first on SWFL Family.

Parents know the tween and teen years won’t be easy. But how many of us anticipated that one of the more difficult tasks associated with parenting our kids through these years would be figuring out how they would spend their summers? Luckily, there are options for families in Southwest Florida, but they do take some investigating to find. So we have done the leg work for you, and tracked down a wide range of volunteer and summer camp opportunities for area teens and tweens. It’s worth nothing that several organizations offer both volunteer positions and summer camp for teens.An added benefit for high schoolers (including rising ninth graders) is that the they can earn volunteer hours that count toward scholarship requirements. Check with your school counselor to confirm.

Artis-Naples. Artis-Naples offers year-round volunteer opportunities for ages 15 and older. This summer, volunteers and counselors are being sought for ArtSmart Summer Camp. Volunteer schedules are more flexible and could vary depending on availability. Artis-Naples also offers music camps for up to age 18. Visit www.artisnaples.org.

Athletic Republic. Youth Sports Performance Summer Camps are available in 2023 for ages 7-14, and provide conditioning for all sports and skill levels. Visit www.naples.athleticrepublic.com.

Avow. Avow accepts volunteers ages 16 and older, and offers a variety of camps for all ages. Camp MendingHeart helps kids who have experienced grief to express their feelings at day and overnight grief camps. Avow also offers several events throughout the summer for all ages. Visit www.avowcares.org.

Bonita Springs YMCA. Teen Leadership and Travel camps are offered by the Bonita Y for ages 13-15 at Three Oaks Middle School in Fort Myers and the Bonita Springs Rec Center. Visit www.ymcaswfl.org.

Boys & Girls Club of Collier County. Two locations, in East Naples and Immokalee, host summer camp for students up to 18 years old. Visit www.bgccc.com.

Camp Able. Students ages 15 and older may apply as volunteer counselors at this day camp for children with special needs at Wesley United Methodist Church in Marco Island. Staff training is scheduled for July 9-10 and camp will run July 11-15. Visit www.campable.org.

Camp Highlander. The five-week training program for rising high school seniors is designed to transition campers into their role as staff at this sleepaway camp in North Carolina. The program consists of a two-week education period, followed by three weeks of on-the-job training as an assistant counselor in a cabin, under the leadership and guidance of two older and more experienced counselors. Visit www.camphighlander.com.

Centers for the Arts of Bonita Springs. CFAB welcomes interns ages 15 and older. Fill out the Volunteer Intern form online or call 239-495-8989 for more information. After completing 30 hours of service, teens receive a free teen or adult multi-week class. CFAB also offers a wide range of camps for up to age 18. Visit www.artcenterbonita.org.

City of Naples Parks & Recreation. Kids up to 15 years old can find camps for sports, the arts, aquatics, and technology at 10 different locations through City of Naples Parks & Rec. Visit ww.naplesgov.com.

Children for the Arts. This theater arts camp is for kids up to age 15, and runs June 19-30, including a performance of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on the final day. CFTA also welcomes ages 15 and older (with or without experience) to join the backstage crew and learn the fundamentals of running a production. Visit www.childrenforthearts.com.

Collier County Parks & Recreation. See article on page 30 for details. Visit www.collierparks.com.

Community School of Naples. CSN provides academic, sports, and specialty camps for students up to grade 12. These camps are open to both CSN and non-CSN students. Visit www.communityschoolnaples.org.

Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples. The Teen Volunteer Program at C’mon is for ages 15-18. Volunteers may assist in a variety of areas during the summer and year round. Visit www.cmon.org.

Gulfshore Playhouse. Two performance camps are offered this summer at Gulfshore Playhouse. For ages 8-13, Finding Nemo Jr., and ages 13-18, The SpongeBob Musical. The camps culminate in performances. Visit www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org.

KidzAct Youth Theatre. There are two summer audition-based shows during summer for ages 9-14: Into the Woods Jr. and Beauty & the Beast Jr. KidzAct will be based at Naples United Church of Christ for summer 2023. Visit www.naplesplayers.org.

Naples Art Institute. High school students ages 14 and older are invited to apply at www.naplesart.org/volunteer. In addition, morning and afternoon summer camps are available for ages 9-12 and 13-17. Visit www.naplesart.org.

Naples Performing Arts Center. NPAC’s Triple Threat Summer Workshops are week-long intensives for ages 11-8. For ages 13-18, auditions for Mean Girls take place on May 23, with rehearsals from 5-9 p.m., Monday-Thursday (plus some bootcamp weekends) from June 5 to the performances on July 7-9. Visit www.naplesperformingartscenter.com.

Naples Zoo. Counselors-in-training (CIT) help guide summer campers ages 5-12 through the zoo, and assist with games, crafts, and activities, and gain valuable experience working with children. CIT and other volunteer opportunities are available for students age 16 and older. Visit www.napleszoo.org.

Naples Therapeutic Riding Center Summer Camp. Teens ages 14-18 can apply to volunteer for at least two weeks from

8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in June or July (as well as during the rest of the year). Volunteers must attend an orientation. Applications are available at www.ntrc.org.

Ocean Kids. This beachfront summer camp that runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. is for kids ages 7-13, and also accepts student volunteers who are at least 14 years old and starting high school in the fall. Volunteer orientation for the summer camp is scheduled for May 17 at 5:30 p.m. at Lowdermilk Park in Naples. Register at www.oceankidscamp.com/volunteers-staff or call camp owner Aaron Weiny at 239-250-6508.

Scuba Outfitters. The PADI Open Water Camp allows kids ages 10-17 to receive their PADI Open Water certification, and then progress to Junior Adventure Diver Camp for ages 12-17. Visit www.scubaoutfittersnaples.com.

Wellfit Adventure Camp. For middle school girls, this camp is focused on leadership, fitness, and empowerment, and culminates in a five-day expedition in Georgia. Visit www.wellfitgirls.org.

YMCA of Collier County, Naples and Marco Island locations. Both YMCA locations – Naples and Marco Island – offer a wide range of specialty camps for kids up to ages 17. Visit www.ymcacollier.org.

Affordable Summer Camps for Teens and Tweens

By Andrea Stetson

Your tween or teen is now old enough to stay home alone. But leaving them at home all day, all summer might not be a great idea. Will they spend every day on their phones or computers? Will they get in trouble because they are so bored? That’s the dilemma facing many parents of older kids.

While there are specialty camps for activities such as sports, dance, music, theater, and nature, many of them are for only a week, or only for the morning, making it hard for working parents to shuttle their kids around. Parents spoke about spending hundreds of dollars a week for a morning program, only to have to leave work to bring their kids home halfway through the day. So we looked for low cost camps that fit a parent’s work schedule, and found the local parks had the best prices and longer hours.

Collier County Parks and Recreation’s summer camps aren’t just for little kids anymore. There is a huge menu of options for teens and tweens.

• Junior Leader Training is aimed at kids ages 13-18 and teaches them leadership traits such as accountability, confidence, dependability, and empathy. Those who complete the program are eligible for a junior leadership internship at the elementary and middle school camps.
• The junior lifeguard program doesn’t offer certification, but teaches the water safety skills needed to advance to lifeguard training.
• The 3D Game Design, Animation, App Design, Gaming, Graphic Design, Video Design, and Movie Makers camps range in price from $150 to $310 a week and teach a variety of technical skills.
• Wheels BMX Summer Camp is taught by a professional BMX rider and costs $125 per week.
• The county also offers half-day water ski and sailing camps.
• The least expensive camp for tweens is the Collier County Middle School Camp, which costs $600 for the entire summer. Campers take nature walks, play games, make arts and crafts, participate in different sports, swim, and take field trips.

Aaron Hopkins, regional manager for Collier Parks, said its programs are a safe place for teens and tweens to spend their summer, and the specialty camps are taught by experts. And he is happy to see the return of such a large menu of activities after the pandemic curtailed the county’s programs.

“COVID-19 put a stop to a lot, but now we are back up, and we want to offer as much as we can fit for the children and teens in Collier County,” he said.

For families who live closer to Lee County, its parks and recreation department also offers inexpensive programs for middle school kids. Camps are just $75 per week and give working parents flexibility with a 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. schedule.

Lee County also offers specialty camps that feature nature themes. Those camps feature activities such as kayaking trips, learning about ecosystems and animal signs, and wildlife walks.

Contact Collier Parks at 239-252-4000 or visit www.collierparks.com. For Lee County, visit www.leeparks.org, call 239-533-7275, or email leeparks@leegov.com.

The post Naples and SWFL Summer Camps for Teens and Tweens appeared first on SWFL Family.