Exploring Hidden Gems Kid-Friendly Attractions in Naples
Family trips can be a balancing act between finding activities that will keep the kids entertained and discovering unique spots that you can enjoy too. If you’re planning a family vacation to Naples, Florida, you’re in luck! This town is brimming with kids-friendly attractions that manage to be both exciting for the little ones and appealing to adults. From hands-on museums and beautiful parks to wildlife reserves teeming with animals, Naples is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best kid-friendly attractions in Naples, many of which fly under the radar but promise an unforgettable experience.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
If your family is a fan of the great outdoors, then Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park should be on your Naples itinerary. This state park is a slice of paradise tucked away in North Naples that offers a host of kid-friendly activities.
Beach Fun and Shelling
Take advantage of the pristine Gulf Coast beach where your kids can build sandcastles, splash in the waters, or search for seashells. Naples is famous for its seashells, and Delnor-Wiggins is one of the best places to find them. Just remember the shell collector’s golden rule: leave live shells where you find them.
Nature Trails
If you need a break from the beach, the park also boasts five nature trails. These trails offer a peaceful escape into the diverse habitats of the park, which include mangrove forests and coastal scrub. They’re also a fantastic way for kids to learn about local flora and fauna, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot some wildlife.
Children’s Museum of Naples (C’MON)
On days when the Florida heat is too much, head indoors to the Children’s Museum of Naples (C’MON). This isn’t your typical museum — everything here is interactive, making learning fun and engaging.
Hands-On Exhibits
From a fully-stocked grocery store where kids can play shopper, to a journey through the Everglades, the exhibits at C’MON are designed to spark curiosity and creativity. There’s also an outdoor play area complete with a water table, so don’t forget to bring a change of clothes!
Educational Programs
In addition to the interactive exhibits, C’MON offers a range of educational programs. Whether your child is interested in science, art, or even cooking, there’s a class for them. These programs are a great way to keep the kids entertained while also sneaking in some learning.
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
When it comes to kid-friendly attractions in Naples, the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens tops the list. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, this oasis of calm and adventure offers a delightful respite for both children and adults. The zoo is home to a wide variety of animals from all over the world from majestic lions, sleek panthers, and playful monkeys, to a fascinating array of reptiles and birds.
The zoo has a unique history. It was initially a botanical garden developed in the early 20th century by Dr. Henry Nehrling. In the 1960s, the gardens were transformed into a zoo by Julius Fleischmann. Today, the zoo is a combination of a nationally accredited animal park, a historic tropical garden, and a conservation center.
Animal Encounters and Shows
The Naples Zoo offers plenty of opportunities for kids to witness and interact with animals. The ‘Meet the Keeper’ program lets kids learn more about the animals from the people who care for them. The ‘Alligator Bay Feeding’ is another crowd-pleaser where you can watch professional zookeepers feed the resident alligators and learn about these fascinating creatures. The ‘Primate Expedition Cruise’ is a must-do as it enables visitors to cruise around islands inhabited by primates.
Conservation Programs
One of the highlights of the Naples Zoo is its commitment to conservation. They support multiple conservation projects worldwide and locally. The zoo also offers educational programs, including Zoo Camps, Family Overnights, and Field Trips. These programs offer wonderful opportunities for children to learn about animal behaviour, wildlife conservation, and more in a fun and engaging environment.
The Children’s Museum of Naples (C’MON)
After an adventurous day at the zoo, your next stop should be The Children’s Museum of Naples, or C’MON as it’s more affectionately known. This 30,000-square-foot museum is a child’s dream come true with interactive exhibits, creative play areas, and numerous learning opportunities. The museum’s intention is to stimulate curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in children.
Interactive Exhibits
The museum boasts 12 different galleries, each focusing on a different theme. The ‘Journey through the Everglades’ exhibit immerses children in a life-like environment where they can learn about the local flora and fauna. Meanwhile, the ‘Build It!’ exhibit lets kids explore their architectural side with hands-on construction activities.
Educational Programs
C’MON also offers educational programs for children of all ages. From camps and after-school programs to workshops and classes, there are numerous opportunities to learn and grow. The museum also hosts special events throughout the year, including fun-filled nights of science experiments, art projects, and storytelling.
Naples Botanical Garden
Another child-friendly attraction that combines fun, education, and nature is the Naples Botanical Garden. Spanning over 170 acres, the garden is home to a myriad of plants from different regions of the world. But beyond the remarkable plant collections, the garden offers a multitude of activities designed specifically for kids.
Kathryn’s Garden
Among the multitude of gardens, Kathryn’s Garden is the kids’ favorite. This garden is designed as a play-and-learn area where kids can engage with nature through play structures, a butterfly house, and a treehouse.
W.O.N.D.E.R in the Garden
W.O.N.D.E.R stands for Walk, Observe, Navigate, Draw, Explore, and Read. This program is designed to encourage families to engage with the garden in various ways. Each month, the program focuses on a different theme related to nature and offers related activities for kids to participate in.
From zoos and museums to botanical gardens, Naples offers a wide variety of kid-friendly attractions that are fun, educational, and engaging. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these hidden gems are sure to provide your kids with an unforgettable experience.
The Magic of the Naples Botanical Garden
The next stop on our journey of kid-friendly hidden gems in Naples is the captivating Naples Botanical Garden. This oasis of calm and invigorating color offers a unique blend of indigenous and exotic flora, making it a place of wonder and exploration for children and adults alike. Covering 170 acres, the garden is a natural paradise that will give your children the opportunity to learn about biodiversity and the importance of taking care of our environment.
Children’s Garden and Butterfly House
A must-visit for families within the Naples Botanical Garden is the Smith Children’s Garden. This special section is designed with interactive and engaging features that cater to the young ones. Among the highlights is the Butterfly House, where your children can observe the life cycle of butterflies in action. There, among the fluttering wings, they will learn about different species of butterflies and their importance in the ecosystem.
Water Play Areas
The Naples Botanical Garden is not all about plants and insects! The designers have thoughtfully incorporated water play areas to provide kids with a fun and energetic outlet. On a hot summer day, children love splashing around in the fountains and waterfalls that are strategically placed around the garden. Remember to pack swimsuits and towels for your children!
Interactive Exhibitions
Throughout the year, the Botanical Garden hosts a variety of themed and interactive exhibitions, which introduce children to an array of botanical concepts in a fun and engaging manner. These interactive experiences can range from scavenger hunts to craft sessions. Check their website for the event calendar before you visit.
Discovering the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
If your kids are animal lovers, then a visit to the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens should be at the top of your itinerary. This magnificent zoo, a historic landmark since the early 20th century, is home to an array of animals from around the world and offers children an opportunity to interact with and learn about a multitude of species.
Primate Expedition Cruise
One of the most popular attractions at the Naples Zoo is the Primate Expedition Cruise. This guided boat tour takes visitors around a series of islands inhabited by monkeys, apes, and lemurs. Children will be fascinated as they watch gibbons swing from branches, see lemurs leaping around, and witness the intelligence of apes up close. Each tour is accompanied by an informative commentary, allowing kids to learn interesting facts about these amazing animals.
Meet the Keeper Program
The Zoo’s ‘Meet the Keeper’ program offers children the unique opportunity to engage with the professionals who care for the animals. With presentations scheduled throughout the day at different animal exhibits, your children can learn about the habits, diets, and conservation efforts associated with these creatures. Answering every curious question, these sessions are both educational and interactive.
Alligator Bay Feeding
For a real thrill, make sure you time your visit to coincide with the feeding of the alligators at Alligator Bay. Being able to watch these powerful creatures chomping down their lunch is a sight your children will not forget. The zoo staff provide a safe viewing distance and a wealth of knowledge about these fascinating reptiles during the feeding sessions.
Science Exploration at the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
When you’re ready for a break from the outdoor activities, the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, or C’MON, is an excellent indoor option. The museum is a haven of educational fun, featuring a host of interactive exhibits designed to enhance children’s understanding of the world around them.
C’MON’s Exhibits
Children can explore everything from dinosaurs to the Everglades in the museum’s ten galleries. Whether they’re piecing together dinosaur bones in the Dinosaur Dig, experiencing hurricane winds in the Eye of the Storm, or navigating a two-story banyan tree, there’s no shortage of engaging learning experiences. The museum’s commitment to hands-on learning makes this an unforgettable visit for children.
Art Studio and Build It!
For the young creators and builders, the Art Studio and Build It! exhibits are a hit. The Art Studio invites children to express their creativity through painting, drawing, and other crafts, while the Build It! zone provides an opportunity to learn about construction and engineering concepts. These interactive exhibits not only entertain but also stimulate children’s cognitive and creative development.
Exploring Naples with children can be a fun and enriching experience. With its stunning gardens, intriguing zoo, and interactive museum, this city offers plenty of kid-friendly attractions away from the usual tourist hustle and bustle. Immerse your family in the magic of nature, the animal kingdom, and the world of science, creating memories that will last a lifetime while sparking your children’s curiosity and love for learning. Discover Naples’ hidden gems and make the most of your visit to this beautiful and surprising city.
Family trips can be a balancing act between finding activities that will keep the kids entertained and discovering unique spots that you can enjoy too. If you’re planning a family vacation to Naples, Florida, you’re in luck! This town is brimming with kids-friendly attractions that manage to be both exciting for the little ones and appealing to adults. From hands-on museums and beautiful parks to wildlife reserves teeming with animals, Naples is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best kid-friendly attractions in Naples, many of which fly under the radar but promise an unforgettable experience.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
If your family is a fan of the great outdoors, then Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park should be on your Naples itinerary. This state park is a slice of paradise tucked away in North Naples that offers a host of kid-friendly activities.
Beach Fun and Shelling
Take advantage of the pristine Gulf Coast beach where your kids can build sandcastles, splash in the waters, or search for seashells. Naples is famous for its seashells, and Delnor-Wiggins is one of the best places to find them. Just remember the shell collector’s golden rule: leave live shells where you find them.
Nature Trails
If you need a break from the beach, the park also boasts five nature trails. These trails offer a peaceful escape into the diverse habitats of the park, which include mangrove forests and coastal scrub. They’re also a fantastic way for kids to learn about local flora and fauna, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot some wildlife.
Children’s Museum of Naples (C’MON)
On days when the Florida heat is too much, head indoors to the Children’s Museum of Naples (C’MON). This isn’t your typical museum — everything here is interactive, making learning fun and engaging.
Hands-On Exhibits
From a fully-stocked grocery store where kids can play shopper, to a journey through the Everglades, the exhibits at C’MON are designed to spark curiosity and creativity. There’s also an outdoor play area complete with a water table, so don’t forget to bring a change of clothes!
Educational Programs
In addition to the interactive exhibits, C’MON offers a range of educational programs. Whether your child is interested in science, art, or even cooking, there’s a class for them. These programs are a great way to keep the kids entertained while also sneaking in some learning.
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
When it comes to kid-friendly attractions in Naples, the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens tops the list. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, this oasis of calm and adventure offers a delightful respite for both children and adults. The zoo is home to a wide variety of animals from all over the world from majestic lions, sleek panthers, and playful monkeys, to a fascinating array of reptiles and birds.
The zoo has a unique history. It was initially a botanical garden developed in the early 20th century by Dr. Henry Nehrling. In the 1960s, the gardens were transformed into a zoo by Julius Fleischmann. Today, the zoo is a combination of a nationally accredited animal park, a historic tropical garden, and a conservation center.
Animal Encounters and Shows
The Naples Zoo offers plenty of opportunities for kids to witness and interact with animals. The ‘Meet the Keeper’ program lets kids learn more about the animals from the people who care for them. The ‘Alligator Bay Feeding’ is another crowd-pleaser where you can watch professional zookeepers feed the resident alligators and learn about these fascinating creatures. The ‘Primate Expedition Cruise’ is a must-do as it enables visitors to cruise around islands inhabited by primates.
Conservation Programs
One of the highlights of the Naples Zoo is its commitment to conservation. They support multiple conservation projects worldwide and locally. The zoo also offers educational programs, including Zoo Camps, Family Overnights, and Field Trips. These programs offer wonderful opportunities for children to learn about animal behaviour, wildlife conservation, and more in a fun and engaging environment.
The Children’s Museum of Naples (C’MON)
After an adventurous day at the zoo, your next stop should be The Children’s Museum of Naples, or C’MON as it’s more affectionately known. This 30,000-square-foot museum is a child’s dream come true with interactive exhibits, creative play areas, and numerous learning opportunities. The museum’s intention is to stimulate curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in children.
Interactive Exhibits
The museum boasts 12 different galleries, each focusing on a different theme. The ‘Journey through the Everglades’ exhibit immerses children in a life-like environment where they can learn about the local flora and fauna. Meanwhile, the ‘Build It!’ exhibit lets kids explore their architectural side with hands-on construction activities.
Educational Programs
C’MON also offers educational programs for children of all ages. From camps and after-school programs to workshops and classes, there are numerous opportunities to learn and grow. The museum also hosts special events throughout the year, including fun-filled nights of science experiments, art projects, and storytelling.
Naples Botanical Garden
Another child-friendly attraction that combines fun, education, and nature is the Naples Botanical Garden. Spanning over 170 acres, the garden is home to a myriad of plants from different regions of the world. But beyond the remarkable plant collections, the garden offers a multitude of activities designed specifically for kids.
Kathryn’s Garden
Among the multitude of gardens, Kathryn’s Garden is the kids’ favorite. This garden is designed as a play-and-learn area where kids can engage with nature through play structures, a butterfly house, and a treehouse.
W.O.N.D.E.R in the Garden
W.O.N.D.E.R stands for Walk, Observe, Navigate, Draw, Explore, and Read. This program is designed to encourage families to engage with the garden in various ways. Each month, the program focuses on a different theme related to nature and offers related activities for kids to participate in.
From zoos and museums to botanical gardens, Naples offers a wide variety of kid-friendly attractions that are fun, educational, and engaging. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these hidden gems are sure to provide your kids with an unforgettable experience.
The Magic of the Naples Botanical Garden
The next stop on our journey of kid-friendly hidden gems in Naples is the captivating Naples Botanical Garden. This oasis of calm and invigorating color offers a unique blend of indigenous and exotic flora, making it a place of wonder and exploration for children and adults alike. Covering 170 acres, the garden is a natural paradise that will give your children the opportunity to learn about biodiversity and the importance of taking care of our environment.
Children’s Garden and Butterfly House
A must-visit for families within the Naples Botanical Garden is the Smith Children’s Garden. This special section is designed with interactive and engaging features that cater to the young ones. Among the highlights is the Butterfly House, where your children can observe the life cycle of butterflies in action. There, among the fluttering wings, they will learn about different species of butterflies and their importance in the ecosystem.
Water Play Areas
The Naples Botanical Garden is not all about plants and insects! The designers have thoughtfully incorporated water play areas to provide kids with a fun and energetic outlet. On a hot summer day, children love splashing around in the fountains and waterfalls that are strategically placed around the garden. Remember to pack swimsuits and towels for your children!
Interactive Exhibitions
Throughout the year, the Botanical Garden hosts a variety of themed and interactive exhibitions, which introduce children to an array of botanical concepts in a fun and engaging manner. These interactive experiences can range from scavenger hunts to craft sessions. Check their website for the event calendar before you visit.
Discovering the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
If your kids are animal lovers, then a visit to the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens should be at the top of your itinerary. This magnificent zoo, a historic landmark since the early 20th century, is home to an array of animals from around the world and offers children an opportunity to interact with and learn about a multitude of species.
Primate Expedition Cruise
One of the most popular attractions at the Naples Zoo is the Primate Expedition Cruise. This guided boat tour takes visitors around a series of islands inhabited by monkeys, apes, and lemurs. Children will be fascinated as they watch gibbons swing from branches, see lemurs leaping around, and witness the intelligence of apes up close. Each tour is accompanied by an informative commentary, allowing kids to learn interesting facts about these amazing animals.
Meet the Keeper Program
The Zoo’s ‘Meet the Keeper’ program offers children the unique opportunity to engage with the professionals who care for the animals. With presentations scheduled throughout the day at different animal exhibits, your children can learn about the habits, diets, and conservation efforts associated with these creatures. Answering every curious question, these sessions are both educational and interactive.
Alligator Bay Feeding
For a real thrill, make sure you time your visit to coincide with the feeding of the alligators at Alligator Bay. Being able to watch these powerful creatures chomping down their lunch is a sight your children will not forget. The zoo staff provide a safe viewing distance and a wealth of knowledge about these fascinating reptiles during the feeding sessions.
Science Exploration at the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
When you’re ready for a break from the outdoor activities, the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, or C’MON, is an excellent indoor option. The museum is a haven of educational fun, featuring a host of interactive exhibits designed to enhance children’s understanding of the world around them.
C’MON’s Exhibits
Children can explore everything from dinosaurs to the Everglades in the museum’s ten galleries. Whether they’re piecing together dinosaur bones in the Dinosaur Dig, experiencing hurricane winds in the Eye of the Storm, or navigating a two-story banyan tree, there’s no shortage of engaging learning experiences. The museum’s commitment to hands-on learning makes this an unforgettable visit for children.
Art Studio and Build It!
For the young creators and builders, the Art Studio and Build It! exhibits are a hit. The Art Studio invites children to express their creativity through painting, drawing, and other crafts, while the Build It! zone provides an opportunity to learn about construction and engineering concepts. These interactive exhibits not only entertain but also stimulate children’s cognitive and creative development.
Exploring Naples with children can be a fun and enriching experience. With its stunning gardens, intriguing zoo, and interactive museum, this city offers plenty of kid-friendly attractions away from the usual tourist hustle and bustle. Immerse your family in the magic of nature, the animal kingdom, and the world of science, creating memories that will last a lifetime while sparking your children’s curiosity and love for learning. Discover Naples’ hidden gems and make the most of your visit to this beautiful and surprising city.