Why does one-on-one time with your tween matter so much?

At this age, girls seem to live in two worlds at once. They are still playful and tender, but already reaching toward independence. Winnie is 11, perched right on the edge of the tween years, and I can feel how much she still needs time with me, even if she doesn’t always say it directly.

Since her baby brother arrived, I have become more aware of how easily everyday demands can crowd out that connection. We do our best to plan little mother-daughter dates: a Target run, a beach fishing trip, takeout in the car. Those small windows of attention matter more than we think.

This day felt like a gift because it gave us hours, not minutes. No dividing my attention. No multitasking. No rushing through errands. Just the two of us, together, for the better part of an afternoon.

What made the drive to Captiva feel like part of the day?

Even getting there felt special. We overpacked, of course, with extra clothes, books, crochet projects, and enough skincare to suggest we were staying a week instead of five hours. That, too, felt true to us.

The drive to Captiva from Naples is lovely in the way Southwest Florida can be lovely when you let it slow you down. We admired houses and water views and became noticers of beauty along the way. Captiva always feels slightly removed from ordinary life in the best possible sense—natural, island-y, and set apart.

At one point, in a very predictable “millennial on a weekend trip” moment, I started imagining a new life for us in one of the beach cottages we passed. Winnie shut that dream down immediately and emphatically. “MOM! NO! We could never.” Her passion made me laugh, and honestly, it was exactly the kind of conversation I had hoped the day might hold: silly, easy, and ours.

What is Captiva Landing at South Seas Resort like for families?

We arrived at South Seas Resort, checked in, got our wristbands, took selfies, and collected fluffy white towels before settling into our cabana. The setup made the whole day feel easy from the start. We tucked away our things, appreciated the resort-style prints and comfortable outdoor furniture, and discovered a generous stash of snacks plus a fridge full of water and soda. We were delighted before we had even stepped into the water.

The water park itself was beautifully designed and felt calm, clean, and well monitored. Lifeguards were visible, which always helps me exhale a little as a parent. The space struck a balance I deeply appreciate: fun for kids, relaxing for adults, and simple enough that the day never felt chaotic.

We loved the three water slides, the giant tipping bucket, and especially the lazy river. Winnie rode the slides what felt like one hundred times. I rode them fewer times, which felt appropriate and honest. Mostly, I watched her from a lounge chair with an ice-cold Diet Coke and a book, looking up often just to see her joy.

The top landing of the slides offers beautiful Gulf views on both sides of the island, which added to that distinct Captiva feeling of being somewhere special. It was the kind of place where you can play hard for a while, then rest in the sun, then do it all over again without ever feeling rushed.

Can a simple resort day become real family connection?

Yes, and that may have been the most surprising part of the day. The fun was real, but the connection was the deeper gift.

At lunch, the slides closed for the daily safety check from noon to 1 p.m., and that natural pause gave us time to settle into our cabana, eat together, and talk. We shared Greek salad, chicken fingers and fries, and vegetable egg rolls—an oddly perfect combination. There was live music and outdoor seating nearby, and even a cool-looking arcade adjacent to the walk-up restaurant, but the calm of the cabana suited us better.

After lunch, we spent more time in the large pool and then circled the lazy river again and again. At some point, we invented games—racing, chasing each other, and looping around the little island of Adirondack chairs sunk into the sand. There is something about a lazy river that lends itself to conversation. You drift, you laugh, you circle back, and nobody is in a hurry.

Connection often happens when there is enough space for it. Not necessarily through deep, dramatic conversations, but through shared silliness, repeated moments, and hours that are not being squeezed between other obligations.

Do you need a big outing to reconnect with your child?

What I came home remembering most is that we never even made it across to the beach. I had warned Winnie ahead of time that I wanted us to take a short walk over at some point, but we lost track of time in the best way. We were too busy playing together and talking.

That felt meaningful to me. The point of the day was not to maximize every amenity or check every box. The point was simply to be with her. We headed back to Naples in the late afternoon, and even the drive home was easier than I expected.

I would absolutely encourage families looking for a getaway that feels a world away from the hustle of Naples to consider Captiva and South Seas. It works well for a day, but I can also imagine it being a lovely place for a few nights. Still, what stayed with me most was not the destination itself. It was the reminder.

You do not need a resort day to build connection with your child. You need intention. You need attentiveness. You need enough margin to say yes when the moment presents itself.

What does connection with a tween actually look like at home?

As summer approaches, I keep thinking about how urgent this feels. Winnie is nearing the years when sports, academics, activities, and friendships will compete more aggressively for her time and attention. Making our home her favorite place to be is part of our work as parents, and so is protecting our relationship while she still wants to spend this kind of easy, playful time with me.

I do not believe connection with my tween girl requires a weekend away at Captiva Island, thankfully. More often, it looks wonderfully ordinary.

• Sitting together on the couch, crocheting and listening to an audiobook
• Running to Publix for butter so we can come home and make homemade biscuits
• Following one of her creative whims when I have the flexibility to do it
• Rolling through the neighborhood after dinner on rollerblades while Dad puts the baby to bed
• Choosing presence over efficiency when a moment to connect appears

Those are the moments that build trust and closeness over time. Those are the moments I want to keep saying yes to this summer, even when no would be easier.

What can parents in Collier and Lee Counties take from a day like this?

For parents in Collier and Lee Counties, especially those raising tweens, this was my takeaway: summer does not have to be packed to be meaningful. It does not have to be expensive, elaborate, or perfectly planned. Sometimes the best family memories come from simply setting aside time and letting the day unfold.

If you are looking for ideas close to home, browse Southwest Florida Family’s family events calendar, explore these day trips for families in Collier and Lee Counties, or cool off with this guide to splash pads for kids in Collier and Lee Counties. If your family loves the water, you may also enjoy our favorite family-friendly beach parks in Southwest Florida.

And if your older child is inching toward the teen years, it is worth thinking ahead about how to protect time together before schedules fill up. Resources like summer camps for teens and tweens in SWFL and educational summer camps in Collier and Lee Counties can help you shape a summer that includes both growth and breathing room.

For me, our Captiva family day trip from Naples was a beautiful reminder that connection is rarely accidental. It asks something of us. Energy. Intention. Enthusiasm. A willingness to pause what feels urgent for what is actually important.

So here is to a summer of saying yes a little more often. Yes to the drive. Yes to the lazy river. Yes to the grocery run, the audiobook, the rollerblades, the small conversations in the car. Yes to all the ordinary and extraordinary moments that tell our children, clearly and repeatedly, I want to be with you.

The post A Captiva Family Day Trip from Naples That Gave Us Real Connection 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.

As the holiday season approaches and kids are on winter break, holiday camps in Southwest Florida are here for your family’s needs. Whether your kids crave arts and crafts, sports, or want to foster friendships, there’s a camp for every preference.

Collier County 

CMON Winter Camp
Naples
Experiential learning through STEAM activities.
cmon.org

Inplay Family Fun Camps
Naples
Themed crafts and free play.
inplayfamilyfun.com

Naples Zoo Winter Camp WILD
Naples
Connect with habitats around the world.
napleszoo.org

Twist Naples Winter Camps
Naples
Get active and creative.
twistnaples.com

NPAC Holiday Camps
Naples
Dancing, singing, acting, and crafts.
naplesperformingartscenter.com

YMCA Collier Holiday Camps
Naples
Swimming, STEM projects, arts & crafts, and more!
ymcacollier.org

Collier Parks Winter Break Camp
Naples
Socialize and celebrate the holidays.
Collierparks.com

Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead Mini Camp
Naples
Learning opportunities and new friendships.
fullsteamaheadfl.com

Naples Element All Stars Christmas Camp
Naples
Christmas break camp.
napleselementallstars.com

Juan Romero Baseball Winter Super Camp
Naples
The basic mechanics of baseball.
juanromerobaseball.com

Gymnastics World Naples Holiday Camp
Naples
An unforgettable adventure. 
gwnaples.com

YMCA Winter Break Camps
Immokalee
Fun, friendship, and adventure. 
camp.fcymca.org

Lee County 

Arts Bonita Winter Camp
Bonita Springs
Visual arts, dance, theatre, and digital media.
artsbonita.org

STARS Winter Camp
Fort Myers
STEM, sports, and arts & crafts.
fortmyers.gov

IMAG History & Science Center Winter Camp
Fort Myers
Discoveries through experiments and challenges. 
theimag.org

Edison & Ford Winter Estates Camps
Fort Myers
Join the “living laboratory!” 
edisonfordwinterestates.org

Fort Myers Theatre Winter Camp
Fort Myers
Broadway Review Extravaganza.
ftmyerstheatre.com

Gymnastics World Fort Myers Winter Camp
Fort Myers
Open gym, arts and crafts, movies.
gymnasticsworldfortmyers.com

Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead Mini Camp
Fort Myers
Learning opportunities and new friendships.
fullsteamaheadfl.com

Fort Myers Skatium Ice Hockey Winter Camp
Fort Myers
Mini winter hockey camp.
facebook.com/fortmyersskatium

Four Freedoms Park Winter Camp
Cape Coral
Festive games, arts & crafts, and outdoor adventures.
flcapecoral.com

The post Winter Break Camps in Collier and Lee Counties appeared first on SWFL Family.

‘Tis the season for Southwest Florida children to make their Christmas lists and state their case on whether they’ve been naughty or nice this year.

Now through Nov. 28, boys and girls across Southwest Florida can write their letters to Santa at any Sunshine Ace Hardware store to be sent to the North Pole. Sunshine Ace Hardware has a designated mailbox at each retail location for letters bound for Santa’s home.

“Through our Letters to Santa program, we’ll be sending messages directly to Santa’s home at the North Pole, and he has promised that he’ll respond to every letter,” said Sunshine Ace Hardware President Michael Wynn. “Santa is already getting busy, but he still has time to look through each letter and decide who’s been naughty or nice and pick out special gifts for a magical Christmas morning.”

Parents can bring their children to the following stores during regular business hours to write and send Letters to Santa:

Collier County

• Downtown Naples (141 Tamiami Trail North)
• East Naples (4433 Tamiami Trail East)
• Marco Island (1720 San Marco Road)
• Golden Gate (11673 Collier Blvd.)
• North Naples (8850 Founders Square Drive)
• Ave Maria (5630 Ave Maria Blvd.)
• Winchester Center (13855 Winchester Trail)
• Pelican Bay (8813 Tamiami Trail North)

Lee County

• Bonita Springs (9100 Bonita Beach Road)
• San Carlos Park (18911 Tamiami Trail South)

Cookies with Santa

Sunshine Ace Hardware will also host Cookies with Santa at select locations. Children can enjoy cookies and take photos with Santa from 9 to 11 a.m. at the following locations:

• Nov. 28 at 9100 Bonita Beach Road in Bonita Springs
• Nov. 29 at 8850 Founders Square Drive in North Naples
• Dec. 6 at 18911 Tamiami Trail South in San Carlos Park
• Dec. 13 at 5630 Ave Maria Blvd. in Ave Maria
• Dec. 20 at 8813 Tamiami Trail North in North Naples (Pelican Bay)

The post Sunshine Ace’s Letters to Santa and Cookies with Santa Programs Open in Southwest Florida Through November 28 appeared first on SWFL Family.

The first phase of the partnership, running now through November 30, 2025, offers exciting perks for both new and renewing CMON members:

· Complimentary One-Night Stay – Anyone who purchases or renews an annual CMON Membership during the promotion period will receive a free one-night stay at Compass Hotel Naples by Margaritaville. The resort, located just minutes from Naples’ pristine beaches, offers guests complimentary breakfast, beach shuttles, and a resort-style pool with backyard games and the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill.

· Grand Prize Drawing – Eligible members will also be entered to win a two-night stay at Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach, a premier Gulf-front destination offering a full tropical escape.

· Please note: Monthly memberships are not eligible for this promotion.

Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples is a brain-building powerhouse and Southwest Florida’s first museum devoted to children and families. CMON is a two-story, 30,000-square-foot cultural institution with hands-on, fully accessible exhibits developed by experts in child psychology, including 8,000 square feet of outdoor play space. With hands-on exhibits, the accessible museum invites children and their caregivers to journey through the Everglades’ swamps, climb a two-story banyan tree, or experiment with the water-play station. Children can become weather forecasters, farmers, chefs, artists, architects, veterinarians or anything else they can imagine. They will experience the whoosh of the wind, the sound of the sea, and the effects of gravity. Throughout the day, special activities encourage our guests to get involved, try something new, and make memories. CMON provides an exciting, inspiring environment where children and their families play, learn, and dream together.

TPI Hospitality will also participate in upcoming CMON community events, including the annual Jingle Bell Bash on Friday, December 5. Guests can look forward to engaging with their representatives and learning about future offerings. Additional promotions in collaboration with TPI Hospitality will be coming in December.

Organizations interested in partnering with CMON are encouraged to contact Kayla Garrison, Development Director, at kgarrison@cmon.org

The post CMON Members Receive Exclusive Compass Hotel Naples Getaway Benefits During Limited-Time Promotion appeared first on SWFL Family.

Every year the invitation comes. This fall, I finally said to my shellfish-loving, beachcombing self, “Why not?” I packed a bag and went.

Chincoteague Island is barely 71/2 miles long and half a mile wide. Across a narrow channel lies Assateague Island, with 37 unbroken miles of dune-fringed beaches and maritime forests rich with wildlife; most remarkably, the ponies.

Horse-lovers worldwide know of the wild ponies of Chincoteague, and the “Saltwater Cowboys” (plus a few cowgirls!) who watch over them. Each year before dawn in late July, the Cowboys, members of the island’s volunteer fire department, begin rounding up the 150 feral ponies that roam free on the Virginia side of Assateague, and herd them along the beach for their swim to Chincoteague for Pony Penning Days. Also called Pony Swim Week, it swells Chincoteague’s regular population of 3,340 to over 50,000. Most of the ponies sold at auction go home with their buyers, but a few with the strongest bloodlines are reserved as “buybacks;” that is, the buyer gets naming rights and donates the pony back to the herd.

This year, the highest selling buyback in history was a pinto filly for $100,000. Proceeds help care for the pony population and support the Chincoteague Fire Company. The week’s most dramatic event is the Return Swim, witnessed by tens of thousands of spectators on boats and on shore.

With its 500-year history of pirates and oystermen, Chincoteague is a place out of time. Reliable maps and the Chamber of Commerce insist that it’s a real place, but for me, it’s nothing short of mystical.

Morning coffee with homemade biscotti from the local farm market taste like heaven from my spot on the screened porch as the sun rises over the creek, where a lone fisherman glides by, his boat barely rippling the mirror-smooth water. Most of the vintage cottages and vintage-styled island homes are understated in weathered tones, many with rooftop widow’s walks and large screened porches.

Misty of Chincoteague

The wild ponies of Chincoteague became legend when a newborn gold and white palomino pinto captured the heart of a visiting writer named Marguerite Henry in 1947. Her first book, Misty of Chincoteague, remains among Amazon’s best-selling children’s horse books. Misty is still with us, in a sense, as her taxidermied figure lives forever in the Museum of Chincoteague. Her heritage dominates the bookstores, gift shops, galleries, public monuments, and her birthplace, the Beebe Ranch, where some of her descendants serve as greeters.

I’m lucky to be here during the quieter fall roundup, when the ponies again cross the channel for wellness checks and vet care. I meet a third-generation Saltwater Cowboy named Hunter, who runs Cowboy Cruises. His pony tour snakes through creeks, bays, and coves where small groups of stallions and their mares graze in the salt marsh and tidal pools. He can recite the name, heritage, and habits of each one. The wild ponies of Chincoteague, he explains, are neither wild nor true ponies. They’re feral, because they receive care from humans. Local legends say they survived a shipwrecked Spanish Galleon, but most likely they’re descendants of standard horses that evolved into a stockier, shorter breed to adapt to harsh seacoast conditions. Horses shorter than 14 hands (56 inches) are called ponies.

Family-friendly happenings, besides the carnival and events of Pony Swim Week, include the Blueberry Festival (July), the Oyster Festival (October), clam digging, fishing, hiking, and kayaking year-round. The Assateague Lighthouse is open for climbing in summer, and there’s clear viewing of rocket launches from NASA’s nearby Wallops Island Flight Facility.

What to bring home?

A knobbed whelk shell, of course! Whelks date back 540 million years — way before dinosaurs! No need to pity the beachcomber (me) who visits during a calm week and finds no whelks: many roadside stands are piled with them for a couple of dollars each. For young horse-lovers in your life, grab the book Misty of Chincoteague, and as many pony replicas as will fit in your carry-on. Sadly, my doggy friend Alba did not fit into mine.

chincoteague.com
cowboycruisecompany.com
nasa.gov/wallops/visitor-center

The post Chincoteague Island: Wild Ponies & Coastal Charm appeared first on SWFL Family.

Details are subject to change so check the event’s website for the latest information. 

Collier and Lee County Halloween Fall Events

Multiple Date Events

Check website for times.

Farmer Mike’s 11th Annual Fall Festival & Corn Mazes

At Farmer Mike’s, you can pick your own sunflowers and pumpkins and lose yourself in the corn maze with this year’s theme “The Lost City of Atlantis.”

• DATES: Sept. 27-Nov. 2
• LOCATION: Farmer Mikes U Pick, 26031 Morton Ave, Bonita Springs.
• INFO: 239-498-4576 or farmermikesupick.com

Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium’s Annual Haunted Walk 

When darkness falls, your only mission is to survive.

• DATES: Every weekend from Oct. 3-26
• LOCATION: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers.
• INFO: 239-275-3435 or calusanature.org

2025 Lakes Park Fall Festival 

Tons of Pumpkins, Incredible Inflatables, Halloween Express Train Ride, Games, Hayrides, Scarecrow Contest Displays, and more.

• DATES: Oct. 10-31
• LOCATION: Lakes Regional Park, 7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers.
• INFO: 239-332-2453 or leegov.com/parks/parks/lakespark

Boo at the Zoo 

Witness the zoo magically transform into a living movie scene, complete with costumed characters and trick-or-treating for kids 12 and under.

• DATES: Oct. 10-12 & 17-19
• LOCATION: Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, 1590 Goodlette Frank Rd. N , Naples.
• INFO: 239-262-5409 or napleszoo.org/boo

40th Annual Cape Coral Oktoberfest

With German music and local bands, German food, and beer, there’s plenty of fun to go around—including a Carnival area for kids.

• DATES: Oct. 17-19 & 24-26
• LOCATION: German American Social Club, 2101 SW Pine Island Rd., Cape Coral.
• INFO: 239-283-1400 or capecoraloktoberfest.com

Mr. Glen’s Exploding Pumpkins

A scientifically spooky spectacular event for all ages. Mr. Glen will bring science to Halloween. Each show runs about 50 minutes. Tickets are required.

• DATES: Oct. 12 & 19
• LOCATION: Riptide Brewing Company, 28120 Hunters Ridge Blvd., Bonita Springs
• INFO: supersciencefl.com

Halloween Make & Take Crafts

A craft extravaganza, including pumpkin painting, Halloween cards, and a variety of paper crafts.

• DATES: Oct. 16-31
• LOCATION: At varying Collier Country Public Library Branches. Check website for more info.
• INFO: 239-252-7350 or collierlibrary.org

Wicked Walk

Step into a one-of-a-kind haunted, interactive theatrical experience where the ghosts of decades past come to life through original art, installations, skits, dances, and musical performances created by over 150 talented student artists.

• DATES: Oct. 23-24
• LOCATION: Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers
• INFO: sbdac.com/wicked

OCTOBER ONE-DAY HALLOWEEN EVENTS

Dias de los Muertos Family Fun Day

Learn how to decorate calaveras (skulls), create offrendas (alters), and learn more about this tradition that is important to many indigenous American cultures.

• DATE: Oct. 4, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• LOCATION: Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S Heathwood Dr., Marco Island
• INFO: colliermuseums.com

Barktober Fest & Pet Costume Contest

Enjoy music, photo ops, and balloon art, plus a chance to strut your pup in our pet costume contest benefiting the Gulf Coast Humane Society.

• DATE: Oct. 4, 6 p.m.
• LOCATION: Gulf Coast Town Center, 9903 Gulf Coast Main St., Fort Myers
• INFO: www.gulfcoasttowncenter.com

Lake Kennedy Center’s Halloween Bingo

A fun-filled afternoon with Halloween-themed bingo, prizes, and a costume contest.

• DATE: Oct. 5, 2 p.m
• LOCATION: Lake Kennedy Center, 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral
• INFO: www.capecoral.gov

Pioneer Pumpkin Palooza 

Pick your pumpkin and head to the decorating station to gussy up your gourd. Then make a scarecrow and husk dolls at the crafts tables. Experience the magic of fall on the hayride as you tour the ranch.

• DATE: Oct. 11, 10:00 am-1:00 pm
• LOCATION: Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch, 1215 Roberts Ave W, Immokalee.
• INFO: colliermuseums.com

Spooky Science

Mr. Glen is back with more wild experiments, crazy reactions, and mind-blowing fun. Get ready for an action-packed science show.

• DATE: Oct. 11, 2-3 p.m.
• LOCATION: Immokalee Branch Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee
• INFO: www.collierlibrary.org

Trunk or Treat

Food and fun for all ages.

• DATE: Oct. 11, 6-8:30 p.m.
• LOCATION: Naples Italian American Foundation, 7035 Airport-Pulling Rd., Naples
• INFO: niafoundation.org

Boo-Tacular 2025

Includes a haunted trail, costume contest, trick or treating, food trucks, DJ, bounce houses, games, crafts, dunk tank, and more!

• DATE: Oct. 17, 6:00-9:00 pm
• LOCATION: North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Rd., Naples.
• INFO: 239-252-4000 or collierparks.com

Mid-Cape Trunk or Treat

Trunk or treat with festively decorated trunks, tasty food, lively music, yard games, photo opportunities, and fang-tastic fun for the whole family.

• DATE: Oct 17, 4-6 pm
• LOCATION: Mercola Market of Cape Coral, 125 SW 3rd Pl, Cape Coral.
• INFO: 239-599-9400 or mercolamarketcc.com

Fall Festival at Edison and Ford Winter Estates

Shop the craft vendor booths, grab refreshments, enjoy the music, pick out a pumpkin, and more. Be one of the few to climb the historic banyan tree.

• DATE: Oct. 18, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
• LOCATION: Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers.
• INFO: 239-334-7419 or edisonfordwinterestates.org

Tamiami Ford Trunk of Treats 

Costume contest, axe throwing contest, dunk tank, carnival games, face painting, musical chairs, and more.

• DATE: Oct. 18, 10:00 am-1:00 pm
• LOCATION: Tamiami Ford, 1471 Airport-Pulling Rd. N, Naples.
• INFO: tamiamiford.com

Halloween Spooktacular CMON 

Come in costume and enjoy not-so-spooky Halloween games, activities, and trick or treating for the whole family. The museum is open at three designated times throughout the day for members and guests holding Halloween Spooktacular event tickets.

• DATE: Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-3 p.m., or 4-6 p.m.
• LOCATION: Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (CMON), 15080 Livingston Road, Naples.
• INFO: cmon.org

Fall Fest

A family-friendly fall event with vendors, bounce houses, games, and more.

• DATE: Oct. 18, 12-4 p.m.
• LOCATION: Nation’s Choice Church, 903 Pondella Rd., North Fort Myers
• INFO: www.nationschoicechurch.org

Spooktacular Night at Estero Park 

A spooky night under the stars. Activities include trunk or treat, food trucks, and a movie in the park.

• DATE: Oct. 18, 5:00-9:00 pm
• LOCATION: Estero Community Park, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero.
• INFO: leegov.com/parks

Trunk or Treat

Decorate a trunk and compete for a chance to win a ghoulish prize and a dazzling trophy. Show off your costume for a chance to win another trophy.

• DATE: Oct. 18, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• LOCATION: Integrity Martial Arts, 2400 Immokalee Rd., #1, Naples
• INFO: integrityata.com/location/north-naples

Haunted Hoedown

Bring the whole family for a night of Halloween fun. Activities include a costume contest, face painting, a pumpkin patch, trick or treating, and a free screening of Hotel Transylvania.

• DATE: Oct. 21, 5:30-700 pm
• LOCATION: Mercato, 9110 Strada Place, Naples.
• INFO: experiencemercato.com

Avowloween

Trunk or treat, costumes, games, and other fun.

• DATE: Oct. 24, 5-7 p.m.
• LOCATION: Aunt Janet’s House on the Avow Campus, 1301 Whippoorwill Ln., Naples
• INFO: www.avowcares.org

Candy Haunted House Creations

Children will have all the candy, frosting, and cookies they need to design their own haunted candy house.

• DATE: Oct. 24, 5:00-6:30 pm
• LOCATION: Vineyards Community Park, 6231 Arbor Boulevard W., Naples.

• INFO: 239-252-4105 or collierparks.com

Trunk or Treat at NABOR 

Dress up and collect candy and prizes at the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® FREE Trunk or Treat.

• DATE: Oct. 24, 5:30-7:30 pm
• LOCATION: Naples Area Board of REALTORS, 1455 Pine Ridge Rd, Naples.
• INFO: 239-597-1666 or facebook.com/nabor

Halloween Monster Family Bash

Come for a fun night of dancing, music, games, and treats! 

• DATE: Oct. 24, 6:00-8:00 pm
• LOCATION: Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples.

• INFO: 239-252-4180 or collierparks.com

VET Monster Mash Bash

Come dressed in your best costume and enjoy a trick-or-treat trail, live music and entertainment, a tent decorating contest, and so much more!

• DATE: Oct. 24, 6:30-9:00 pm
• LOCATION: Veterans Park, 55 Homestead Rd S, Lehigh Acres.
• INFO: 239-533-2111 or leegov.com/parks

Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park “RIP” Trunk or Treat 

Enjoy a fun-filled night of Halloween festivities, including games, costume contests, prizes, bounce houses, food vendors, and more.

• DATE: Oct. 24, 6:00-8:00 pm
• LOCATION: Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park, 810 39th Ave NE, Naples.
• INFO: www.collierparks.com

Family Fall Festival 

Get your costumes and trick-or-treat bags ready for our Annual Family Fall Festival!

• DATE: Oct. 24, 6:00-8:30 pm
• LOCATION: North Fort Myers Park and Recreation, 2000 North Recreation Parkway, North Fort Myers.
• INFO: 239-533-2111 or leegov.com/parks

Ghoulden Gate Estates Trunk or Treat

Enjoy a fun-filled night of Halloween festivities, including games, costume contests, prizes, bounce houses, food vendors, and more.

• DATE: Oct. 24, 6:00-8:00 pm
• LOCATION: Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park, 810 39th Ave. N.E., Naples.
• INFO: www.collierparks.com

Immokalee Trunk or Treat

Trick or treating, music, face painting, bounce houses, food, and a costume contest.

• DATE: Oct. 24, 6-8 p.m.
• LOCATION: Immokalee Community Park, 321 N. First St., Immokalee
• INFO: www.collierparks.com

Trunk or Treat 

Candy giveaways (while supplies last), music, interactive inflatables, a drone show, and skele-fun for all ages. Costumes are encouraged.

• DATE: Oct. 24, 6:00-9:00 pm
• LOCATION: Cape Coral City Hall, 1015 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral.
• INFO: 239-573-3128 or capecoral.gov

25 SATURDAY

YMCA Annual 5k Race, Fun Run & Walk

Ready, Set, Go! Come dressed in your Halloween best at this year’s 5k in Marco Island — all are welcome.

• DATE: Oct. 25, Check-in at 7:45 am, Race begins at 8:30 am
• LOCATION: YMCA of Collier County (South Campus – Marco), 101 Sand Hill Street, Marco Island.
• INFO: www.ymcacollier.org/ymca-5k

Mid-Cape Trunk or Treat

Trunk or treat with festively decorated trunks, tasty food, lively music, yard games, photo opportunities, and fang-tastic fun for the whole family.

• DATE: Oct. 25, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
• LOCATION: Mercola Market of Cape Coral, 125 SW 3rd Pl, Cape Coral
• INFO: mercolamarketcc.com

Hoots & Hisses

Family-friendly day of Halloween fun.

• DATE: Oct. 25, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
• LOCATION: Conservancy of SWFL 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples
• INFO: conservancy.org/hoots-and-hisses

YMCA Boo-tacular 

A mini-carnival with games, prizes, and lots of treats. For children ages up to 5.

• DATE: Oct. 25, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
• LOCATION: YMCA of Collier County (North Campus), 5450 YMCA Road, Naples.
• INFO: 239-394-9622 or ymcacollier.org

Annual Halloween Trick or Treat Spooktacular 

Adult costume contest, decorated car contest, trunk or treat, and more. Children are encouraged to wear costumes.

• DATE: Oct. 25, 10:00 am-3:00 pm
• LOCATION: Bell Tower Shops, Daniels Parkway & US 41, Fort Myers.
• INFO: belltowerfl.com

Halloween Flamingo Fest

Pumpkin decorating, trick or treating, live music, games, food, bounce house, costume contests, and more.

• DATE: Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
• LOCATION: Flamingo Island Flea Market, 11902 Bonita Beach Rd. S.E., Bonita Springs
• INFO: www.facebook.com/flamingoisland

Hogwarts Halloween: Family Concert 

A concert that brings the spellbinding world of Hogwarts to life. The lobby is a haven for young witches, wizards, and Muggles. Trick or treating also.

• DATE: Oct. 25, 1:00 pm
• LOCATION: Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Center, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers.
• INFO: bbmannpah.com

Annual Trunk-or-Treat at Ave Maria Town Center 

Candy, games, costume contest, themed live music, DJ, food and beverages, and more.

• DATE: Oct. 25, 3:00 pm-6:00 pm
• LOCATION: Ave Maria Town Center, 5076 Annunciation Circle, Ave Maria, FL, 34142, Immokalee.
• INFO: avemaria.com

5th Avenue South Halloween Spooktacular and Trunk or Treat

Food, candy, games, costume contests, live music, and child-friendly performances.

• DATE: Oct. 25, 3-8 p.m.
• LOCATION: Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples
• INFO: www.fifthavenuesouth.com/halloween

Halloween Spooktacular

Music, games, treats for the kids, and a costume contest.

• DATE: Oct. 25, 4-6 p.m.
• LOCATION: Fire Station 50, 1280 San Marco Rd., Marco Island
• INFO: www.cityofmarcoisland.com

Ghouls & Ghouls Candy Crawl 

Bring the family for this annual trick or treat and costume contest.

• DATE: Oct. 25, 5:00-8:00 pm
• LOCATION: Gulf Coast Town Center, 9903 Gulf Coast Main Street, Fort Myers.
• INFO: gulfcoasttowncenter.com

City of Naples Trunk or Treat

An event full of scary activities, food trucks, live entertainment, and more.

• DATE: Oct. 25, 6-8 p.m.
• LOCATION: Fleischmann Park, 1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples
• INFO: www.naplesgov.com

GTLC’s Annual Trunk or Treat

Wear your costume, bring a treat bag, and vote on your favorite decorated trunk.

• DATE: Oct. 25, 6 p.m.
• LOCATION: Gateway Trinity Lutheran Church, 11381 Gateway Blvd., Fort Myers
• INFO: gtlc.org

YMCA Trunk or Treat

A family-friendly fall event with cars filled with treats.

• DATE: Oct. 25, 5-7 p.m.
• LOCATION: YMCA North Campus, 5450 YMCA Rd., Naples
• INFO: www.ymcacollier.org

Halloween Trick or Treating

Show off your Halloween spirit with the Children’s Department and get a treat.

• DATE: Oct. 31, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• LOCATION: Headquarters Regional Branch, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples
• INFO: collierlibrary.org

Light the Night

Lighting up the night with fun, hospitality, and hope.

• DATE: Oct. 31
• LOCATION: Various neighborhoods
• INFO: firstnaples.org

Fall Festival

This family-friendly event includes a pumpkin patch, hay rides, games, farm animals, pony rides, and more.

• DATE: Nov. 1, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• LOCATION: Empowerment Farm, 2000 Garland Rd., Naples
• INFO: empowermentfarm.org/events

The post Fall Festivals and Halloween Events In Collier & Lee Counties appeared first on SWFL Family.

In my view, Savannah’s four seasons are Spring (all flowers and romance), Summer Vacation, Holiday, and glorious October, when the humidity and summer crowds disappear, the days are often beachy-warm, and the nights have just the right touch of chill.

Ghostly things

October is perfect for a ghost tour in one of the most haunted cities in the world. The bony fingers of bare tree branches draped in ghostly tangles of Spanish moss make you shiver just a bit more. Two walking tours are designed especially for families with kids. On the Fraidy Cat Ghost Tour, local guides tell the tales and secrets of those who lived and died either tragically or mysteriously hundreds of years ago (and possibly never left?). The perfect amount of spookiness earns all the feels with thousands of five-star reviews (madcattours.com). The Grave Tales Ghost Tour will both spook you out and make you laugh with ghostly tales of goings-on among the gravestones, historic homes, restaurants, and inns.
ghostcitytours.com/savannah/grave-tales-tour

“Where’s Noble’s Bones? A Bone-Chilling Scavenger Hunt” happens each Saturday in October at the beautiful Wormsloe State Historic Site. Kids and grownups follow clues to find lost “bones” of the plantation’s first owner. Prizes are involved. Free with admission to Wormsloe.

Quidditch, anyone?

Each October, the Georgia State Railroad Museum and Savannah Children’s Museum transform into a Harry Potter-style wizarding world. Immersive activities involve potions and spells, wand-making, muggle studies, owls, and other magical creatures. Games include Frogwarts Quidditch and Frogwarts Summon. This year’s event is on Sunday, October 19. For advance tickets to Frogwarts visit https://bit.ly/Frogwarts2025

Both museums are in Tricentennial Park along with Battlefield Memorial Park. Savannah Children’s Museum, designed for kids 18 months to 10 years, is a massive outdoor play-and-explore museum, built into the ruins of the old Central of Georgia Railway repair shops. There’s an exploration maze, puppet theater, art maker space, sensory garden, nature kitchen, and activities that include the museum’s mascots, Tippy the Tortoise and Pogo the Turtle.

The huge Georgia State Railroad Museum includes historic steam and diesel rail cars, with train rides on weekends through November, and a vintage handcar ride on the railroad track (think Wile E. Coyote vs. the Road Runner). Artifacts and exhibits tell a century of stories of railroad history and technology, industrial slavery, and segregation. The complex operates the oldest functioning railroad repair and restoration facility in the U.S.

The “See 3” pass is good for any three of Coastal Heritage Society’s participating museums over a three-day period, including Georgia State Railroad Museum, Savannah Children’s Museum, Savannah History Museum, Revolutionary Battlefield Memorial Park, and Old Fort Jackson. chsgeorgia.org

Old Fort Jackson, 10 minutes from downtown, is one of the oldest standing brick forts in the U.S. With its impressive collection of tools and weaponry, it’s very cool to visit —never mind that it lost to the British in the Revolutionary War and to the Union in the Civil War. Still, historical interpreters proudly offer daily weapons demonstrations and, sometimes, to the delight of passing riverboat passengers, they unleash some awe-inspiring cannon fire.

Wiener dog races

How much do Savannahians love their doggies? The springtime Dog Carnival draws thousands, and there is even a historic tour for dogs and their humans. oliverbentleys.com.

October has two wiener dog events: The Wiener Dog Races and Costume Contest on the Riverfront on Oct. 11, and the more laid-back Wag-O-Ween, Oct. 25-26, which also draws costumed dogs of all varietes and their humans go trick-or-doggie-treating at over 100 businesses throughout downtown. Wiener dogs (dachshunds) are not particularly fond of following directions, so watching their humans try to inspire them to move at all, much less in a straight line, you will laugh your tail off. Fees apply to race contestants only; spectating, costume contests, and other activities are free.

Pirate Shenanigans

Despite Savannah’s sophistication, there’s not an ounce of elegance on nearby Tybee Island. It celebrates the 1950s with sherbet-colored cottages, seafood shacks, and sea oat-covered dunes, plus its circa 1733 lighthouse and crumbling fort dating back to the Spanish-American War. And its festivals. Best for kids is the annual Tybee Island Pirate Festival and Parade, which is Oct. 11 this year. There’s a pirate encampment, face painting, kids costume contest, juggling, puppet shows, sword show, and carnival. The parade starts at 3 p.m.

Inside Tips

There is always plenty to do, eat, and buy along Savannah’s historic Riverfront where the sight of incoming cargo ships and blasts of airhorns are breathtaking. Be sure to score free samples at the candy, fudge, and popcorn shops, hop aboard the free riverboat shuttle for a short trip across the river and back, and enjoy Octoberfest happenings Oct. 4-19. You will need a car to visit Tybee, Wormsloe, or Old Fort Jackson, but for everything else you can walk or grab the DOT, a free off and-on-trolley that makes 20 stops around the Historic District from the river to Forsyth Park connectonthedot.com.

Much more at visitsavannah.com

The post Top Family-Friendly Things to Do in Savannah This October appeared first on SWFL Family.

Decades ago, the Jensen brothers set him up to humorously depict the kind of fisherman who waits too long at the bait shop for shrimp big enough to suit them. He valiantly took wind and weather beatings until he started losing fingers, toes, and then one limb and then another. His replacement didn’t reign long before Hurricane Ian took him. But today, “Mr. Bones the Third” is not giving up. He’s perched in the same spot as his ancestors, in his t-shirt and jaunty cap, hoping for some selfie-takers to pass the time while he waits for decent size bait.It’s been 2 years, 9 months, and 10 days since Hurricane Ian flattened Sanibel and Captiva Islands. As one who’s convinced that her DNA is infused with Sanibel sand and ground-up mollusk shells, it took me every bit of this time to summon the courage to revisit my sacred places there. It was hard but, inspired by Mr. Bones the Third, I went. Here’s what I found.

Octopus Love

Do not, I beg you, miss a chance to meet the Giant Pacific Octopus (GPO) who took up residence at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum and Aquarium last November. Never have I fallen so in love with a creature that was not a puppy or a newborn baby squirrel than this magnificent, brilliant, mischievous creature. The largest species of octopus in the world, a GPO has eight arms, nine brains, and three hearts, and its arms at maturity can reach the height of a two-story building. Oh, and it has blue blood, which may account for its superior and maybe slightly snooty attitude.

How mischievous are these guys? Consider this anecdote about the museum’s first resident Giant Pacific Octopus, shared by the museum’s senior aquarist Carly Hulse with the Sanibel-Captiva Island Reporter in January 2021:

“Her arms are covered with sensorial suckers, (which) are loaded with taste buds. Tactile enrichment is super important because as she gets older and stronger, we want her to feel comfortable with us and our veterinarian, (so that) procedures are less stressful for both her and the staff. With tactile enrichment, I simply allow her to explore and taste my hand and reinforce this with some tasty salmon. Once, when she realized I was out of salmon, she threw her poop at me and retreated into her den. Just like a little kid, she was testing out her boundaries with me.”

The GPO is in the mollusk family. Its only shell-like part is its small, parrot-style beak made of keratin, so even at 90 pounds it can squish its enormous self through a hole smaller than a lemon. Among its other superpowers are its ability to change color and manipulate objects, like unscrewing jars (even from the inside!) and working puzzles.

After the hurricanes, a massive fundraising campaign exceeded all expectations getting the museum not just back up and running but even more spectacular than before, with more living aquariums, the enhanced Hall of Shells from its collection of some 600,000 shells, and thrilling new programs. Do. Not. Miss!

Need More Octopuses?

Well, who doesn’t? Two great options are back. Sanibel Sea School re-started its wonderful half and full-day marine biology-based beach and sea-life experiences for families, adults, and “sea squirts” age 4 and up. Adventures in Paradise offers the 2 1/2-hour Sea Life Encounter boat trip for net-dipping in the shallow grass flats just off the Causeway. The estuary is a breeding ground for tiny crabs, shrimp, seahorses, pufferfish, and even octopus.

Resort Perfect

Sundial Beach Resort is a perennial fave because it has everything: big beachfront pool, cabanas, poolside grill, access to bikes, kayaks, and other beach recreation, and delicious dining overlooking the gulf. Exceptional family activities include arts, crafts and games, tennis, pickleball, a fitness center, and spa. Right now, there are excellent quiet season discounts and Florida resident package deals on one, two, and three-bedroom suites.

Beachy Eats

Among the local businesses that barely missed a beat after the back-to-back hurricanes is Cheeburger Cheeburger, with its 100-plus varieties of milkshakes and sundaes, burgers, and iconic beach fare. Kids love sitting on the famous bright-yellow 1999 Indian Chief motorcycle that was featured in movies and Chiquita Banana commercials, and the perfect meal ends with a trip to the ice cream sundae bar atop a 1959 red Corvette.

Pinocchio’s Original Italian Ice Cream is back with its famous Dirty Sand Dollar, PB&J, and other flavors with an animal cracker cookie on top. A newer place, The Shack, rocks frozen custard and a vast menu of shakes, cakes, and floats, plus hot dogs, barbecue, and chicken sandwiches.

Which beach?

Bowman’s Beach Park is Sanibel’s most popular family beach with ample parking, playground, grill, and picnic areas, a super-wide beach, restrooms, and showers. A picturesque boardwalk to the beach crosses a pretty creek and protected sand dunes. Families with gear can rent a beach wagon at one of several spots on the islands.

RESOURCES

▶ jensensmarina.com
▶ sundialresort.com
▶ cheeburger.net
▶ pinocchiosicecream.com
▶ sanibelshack.com
▶ sanibelseaschool.org
▶ adventureinparadiseinc.com
▶ leegov.com/parks/beaches/bowmansbeach

The post Family Fun at Sanibel & Captiva Islands appeared first on SWFL Family.

Sand dunes but no sea turtles

Those dramatic snow-white dunes at White Sands National Monument near Las Cruces, New Mexico, aren’t sand at all. They actually make up the world’s largest gypsum dune field, dating back to the Ice Age.

Look for roadrunners, coyotes, jackrabbits, foxes, and (my fave) Dipodomys merriami, also known as Merriam’s kangaroo rat. If you see one, try not to frighten the little guy. When startled, it can jump up to 10 feet in the air!

Indiana Dunes is America’s newest national park, just upgraded in February from Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Gorgeous 200-foot sand dunes (of actual sand) stretch for 25 miles along Lake Michigan’s South Shore, about 50 miles from Chicago. Adjoining the lake are stunning prairies, pine forests, oak savannahs, and more than 2,000 species of wildlife. nps.gov

Attention sports fans: check out the brand new Mascot Hall of Fame in Whiting, Indiana, about halfway between Indiana Dunes and Chicago. Among the mascots you’ll meet are Slider (Cleveland Indians) and Mr. Met (New York Mets). mascothalloffame.com

Oh, and who could pass up joining about 250,000 others for Whiting’s annual Pierogi Fest, July 26-28? A pierogi is a yummy Slavic potato dumpling, and the locals celebrate it with a pierogi. pierogifest.net

Lady Liberty’s torch & toes

Wait till you see what’s new on Liberty Island! The Statue of Liberty’s original torch and full-size replicas of Lady Liberty’s face and left foot are among the highlights of the brand new interactive Statue of Liberty Museum, just opened this spring. Tell the kids – it’s perfectly okay to get a selfie while seated on her toes. If you want access to the lady herself, including the actual crown and pedestal, get your tickets ASAP! Liberty Island (home of the Statue of Liberty and the new museum) and Ellis Island (home of the National Museum of Immigration, the American Family Immigration History Center, and more) are accessible only by ferry. Traveler alert: stick to the official ticket site, statuecruises.com.

Boston Tea Party

The four-day Boston Harborfest, one of the country’s largest Fourth of July festivals, features more than 200 family-friendly events (many are free) including reenactments such as the Redcoats Changing of the Guard, performances, strolling musicians, Boston Harbor tours, and, of course, the very tasty Chowderfest! bostonharborfest.com

Just 30 minutes away is the Minute Man National Historical Park in Concord, Massachusetts, site of the opening battle of the American Revolution. All summer long there are living history tours and musket firings. On July 4th visitors can witness the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence. nps.gov

Cannon blasts and plenty of fudge

Fort Mackinac, the site of two years of battles in the War of 1812, is on super-charming Mackinac Island (pronounced Mack-in-awe). Except for the fort’s seriously impressive reenactments involving cannon blasts and soldiers all over the place, the island is a throwback to a bygone era with gardens spilling over with lilacs, the fragrance of fudge, gracious inns, and the clip clop of horse-drawn carriages (no cars!). On July 4th there are fireworks and a world-famous stone-skipping tournament. If you plan to enter (there’s a category for kids 12 and under), I suggest you start practicing with this inside tip from Kurt Steiner, the Guinness World Record stone skipper: “pick a very smooth flat-bottom stone, between 1/4” and 5/16 ” thick, weighing 3 to 8 ounces.”

Mackinac Island’s many fudge shops offer free samples, so the locals call us tourists Fudgies. I don’t care, do you? Fudgie alert: this year’s Mackinac Island Fudge Festival is October 2-4. mackinacisland.org

Giant forest

I’m not a fan of General William Tecumseh Sherman (he torched some perfectly lovely towns), but the General Sherman Tree is a whole ’nother thing. The 2,500 year-old giant sequoia 24 

tree in California’s Sequoia National Park is reportedly the largest living single stem tree on earth, and it doesn’t stand alone, so to speak. The General’s neighbors in the Giant Forest include five of the world’s 10 largest trees. Consider going during the sixth annual Dark Sky Festival in Sequoia and King’s Canyon National Parks, August 23-25. Otherwise, weekdays get the smallest crowds. visitsequoia.com

No mooses, no meese

…But there are plenty of moose (yep, that’s the plural), plus beavers and foxes in Isle Royale National Park, Michigan. Want to skip fireworks this year and share a remote wilderness with about 1,500 of those majestic creatures? As a special bonus, Isle Royale, the largest island in Lake Superior, is a National Park Service wolf restoration location. The wolf pack is still small, though, so sightings are rare. Accessible by boat or seaplane from the town of Houghton, Isle Royale is a dream destination for hiking, camping, canoeing, and kayaking, and even shipwreck diving. Check out the excellent wilderness ranger programs for kids. nps.gov

240th annual Fourth of July parade

No town has a more legitimate claim to the title Most Patriotic Town in America than Bristol, Rhode Island, about 20 miles from Providence. Cases in point: its July 4th parade, started in 1785, is three hours long; the centerline of the main route is painted red, white, and blue; the town is draped in more bunting and flags than anyplace else on earth; and there are enough soldiers, muskets, drums, and bugles to satisfy even the most avid parade freak. Stake your spot early; you’ll be sharing the moment with 200,000 or so of your closest patriots. explorebristolri.com

Free days!

Are you a fourth grader (going into fifth grade this September), or related to one? You and your family get in free at all U.S. national parks, preserves, and lands through the Every Kid in a Park program. Veterans and those 62 or better: check into the free and low-cost lifetime passes.

The National Park Service celebrates its anniversary on August 25 with free passes for everyone. nps.gov.

The post Patriotic National Park Vacations for Families to Explore This Summer appeared first on SWFL Family.