MommyPoppins.com
MAKE YOUR DAY
Get Listed Log In Sign Up My Profile Sign out Contact
New York City
  • Anywhere
  • New York City
  • Atlanta
  • Boston
  • Chicago
  • Houston
  • Miami South Florida
  • Philadelphia
  • Washington DC
  • Orlando
  • Los Angeles
  • San Francisco Bay Area
  • Connecticut
  • Long Island
  • New Jersey
  • Westchester
Get Listed Log In Sign Up My Profile Sign out Contact

HOME - New York City

Activity Calendar

Providers

Calendar  
  • Events

  • Virtual

  • This Week's Picks

  • Activity Providers

  • Submit an Activity

NYC Guide  
  • News & Openings

  • NYC Baby Guide

  • NYC for Preschoolers

  • Tweens & Teens

  • Neighborhood Guides

  • Parks & Playgrounds

  • Free Activities

  • Visitors' Guide to NYC

  • Restaurants

  • NYC Moving Guide

Things To Do  
  • Crafts for Kids

  • Recipes

  • Science for Kids

  • At Home Activities

  • Outdoors

  • Online & Virtual

Camps & Classes  
  • Camps Guide

  • Camp Listings

  • Classes Guide

  • Class Listings

  • Online Classes Fair

  • Preschools

  • Schools

Parties & Holidays  
  • Birthday Parties

  • Party Providers

  • Holidays

  • Best of Spring

  • Best of Summer

  • Best of Fall

  • Best of Winter

Family Travel  
  • Day Trips

  • Family Vacations

  • Theme & Water Parks

  • Resorts & Hotels

  • Adirondacks

  • Hamptons & North Fork

  • Poconos Guide

  • Jersey Shore Guide

Contact

Sign up for our free newsletters.
Luna Park in Coney Island opens Friday, March 31st. Photo courtesy of Luna Park NYC
Luna Park Opening and More Things To Do this Weekend in NYC
TNF hosts an Easter egg hunt in Sakura Park on April 16. Photo courtesy of the event
30+ Easter Egg Hunts in New York City
Step into an 8,000-square-foot wonderland of balloons and inflatables during Balloontopia at City Point. Photo courtesy of the event
26 Best Things To Do in NYC April 2023 with Kids
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
Dress in your Sunday best for an Easter brunch and Easter Bunny pictures at Stella 34. Photo by Jody Mercier
Meet the Easter Bunny at Easter Brunches in New York City Area
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
GUIDE
Easter Activities Guide for NYC Families
Pose for pictures with the Easter Bunny at the Queens County Farm Museum's annual Barnyard Egg Hunt. Photo courtesy of the museum
Where To Take Easter Bunny Pictures in NYC
Chelsea Piers Camps offer a variety of programs from preschool camps to elite training, where children are able to pursue their passions and fuel their athletic potential. Photo courtesy of Chelsea Piers
Best Winter and Spring Break Camps for NYC Kids and Teens
Enjoy a  wild visit to the Philadelphia Zoo during a weekend getaway to the City of Brotherly Love. Photo courtesy of the zoo
13 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Hop the ferry to Governors Island to explore all the island has to offer. Photo by Diana Kim
28 Spring Day Trips from the New York City Metro Area for Families
NYC school kids head back to school on Thursday, September 8, 2022, according to the newly released NYC public school calendar. Photo by Al De Ingeniis
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2022-2023
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
We've got the ideas for the best kids' birthday parties in New York City
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Ravenswood Playground's renovations include a spectacular new play structure fit for royalty.
New NYC Playgrounds We Can't Wait to Visit
DOROT's Manhattan Teen Internship Program pairs teens with older adults in need of companionship and aid.
Teens Can Apply Now for Summer Internships in NYC
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Lola and Tots offers is a drop-in play as well as membership-based childcare with co-working benefits.
19 Top Indoor Play Spaces in New York City
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
GUIDE
Indoor Play Spaces & Fun Zones in NYC
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
22 Free Indoor Places To Play in NYC
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
100 Things To Do in New York State with Kids Before They Grow Up
& Juliet turns Shakespeare's classic tale on its head with plenty of girl power. Photo courtesy of Matthew Murphy
Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
Find the NYC neighborhood that fits your family.
GUIDE
Moving Guide: Top NYC Neighborhoods for Families
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
Introduce your preschooler to art in a laid back way at Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens, which is stunning in any season. Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Things To Do With Preschoolers in NYC Before They Turn 5
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Hunting down pop-up public art displays is one of our favorite free things to do in NYC. Zaq Landsberg's Reclining Liberty is on display in Morningside Park  through April 2022.
100 Free Things To Do in NYC With Kids
The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
100 Things To Do in NYC With Kids Before They Grow Up
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
Top Attractions in NYC: Best Things To See and Do With Kids
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
The internet is full of coding programs for kids, but which are the best? We tested them all. Photo courtesy of Kodable
Best Free Coding for Kids Websites and Apps (And Worth-it Paid Ones)
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting.
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects for Creative At-Home Fun
GUIDE
News & Openings in NYC
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
64 Easy Science Experiments for Kids to Do at Home
GUIDE
Boredom Busters for Kids
GUIDE
Spring Fun Guide for NYC Kids
FIND AND BOOK ACTIVITIES
calendar icon
This Week In
New York City
Nostalgia Train Ride to The Yankees Home Opener
Grand Central Shuttle (S Train) - 11:00 AM Pick
Prospect Park Carousel Opening
Prospect Park Carousel - 12:00 PM Pick
The Water Arch
Seaport District - various times Pick
Small Is Beautiful: Miniature Art Exhibition
Small Is Beautiful - 10:00 AM
Museum of Failure
Industry City - 10:00 AM
Prospect Park Carousel Opening
Prospect Park Carousel - 12:00 PM Pick
Interactive Puppetsburg Show in LIC
Gantry View School - 4:00 PM Pick
Silent Disco
Williamsbridge Oval - 6:00 PM Pick
Zephyr
The New Victory Theater - various times Pick
The Water Arch
Seaport District - various times Pick
Easter Egg Hunt at Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum
Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum - 10:00 AM Pick
Annual Shearing of the Heather Celebration
Heather Garden, Fort Tryon Park - 10:00 AM Pick
April Fools’: NYC Architecture that Never Was! [SOLD OUT]
The Skyscraper Museum - 10:30 AM Pick
Trinity Grace Church Easter Egg Hunt
Prospect Park Bandshell - 10:00 AM Pick
Senator Roxanne J. Persaud SD 19 Easter Egg Hunt
Canarsie Park - 11:00 AM Pick
Easter Brunch at the Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe New York - 10:00 AM Pick
Barnyard Egg Hunt
Queens County Farm Museum - 11:00 AM Pick
Freedom Art Jam at the Jewish Museum Family Day
The Jewish Museum - 11:00 AM Pick
Prehistoric Central Park
Central Park - 11:00 AM Pick
Prospect Park Carousel Opening
Prospect Park Carousel - 12:00 PM Pick
Featured
Monet's Garden
30 Wall Street - various times
Let's Learn Circuits Online Camp
Zoom - Online - 9:30 AM
Online MIT App Making Camp
Young Gates - Kids Online Personalized Classes - 9:30 AM
Artificial Intelligence with Scratch Online Camp
Young Gates - Kids Online Personalized Classes - 9:30 AM
Kids Online Camp - C++ Coding
Young Gates - Kids Online Personalized Classes - 9:00 AM
Featured
Monet's Garden
30 Wall Street - various times
Miller Theater Pop-Up Concert: Olivia de Prato
Miller Theater at Columbia University - 5:30 PM Pick
Stargazing on the High Line
The High Line - 7:30 PM Pick
Small Is Beautiful: Miniature Art Exhibition
Small Is Beautiful - 10:00 AM
Museum of Failure
Industry City - 10:00 AM
Featured
Monet's Garden
30 Wall Street - various times
Interactive Puppetsburg Show at Bar Method
Bar Method - 10:45 AM
Small Is Beautiful: Miniature Art Exhibition
Small Is Beautiful - 10:00 AM
Museum of Failure
Industry City - 10:00 AM
Pictures with the Bunny
Staten Island Mall - 11:00 AM
SEE ALL ACTIVITIES
SUBMIT AN ACTIVITY +
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
DR2 Theatre
NYC Easter Brunch Cruise 2023
Event Cruises NYC
Easter Fun Cruise with Egg Hunt 2023
Event Cruises NYC
FaceBook Instagram Twitter Pinterest YouTube
Sign up for our free newsletters.
Activity Guides
Beaches & Lakes
Best Of Lists
Birthday Parties
Boats
Boredom Busters
Camps
Childcare
Christmas/Hanukkah
City Guides
City Hacks
Classes & Enrichment
Community
Crafts & Recipes
Earth Kids
Easter
Fairs & Festivals
Fall Activities
Family Travel
Farms & U-Pick
Free Activities
GoList
Halloween
Holidays
Hotels & Resorts
Indoor Activities
Museums
News & Openings
Outdoors
Parent Talk
Parks & Playgrounds
Play Gyms & Sports Centers
Pools & Spray Parks
Preschools
Restaurants
Schools
Shows
Skiing & Winter Sports
Special Needs
Special Occasions
Sports
Spring Activities
STEM
Stores & Services
Summer Activities
Theme & Water Parks
Trains, Dinos & Heroes
TV, Film & Movies
Virtual
Visitors Guide
Weekend Events
Weekend Trips
Winter Activities
Zoos & Gardens
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pin It WhatsApp

Naples, Florida with Kids: 25 Things to Do on a Family Beach Vacation

3/1/15 - By Allison Tibaldi

Florida's Gulf Coast offers miles and miles of perfect beaches for family vacations. We love Clearwater, Sanibel Island, and Sarasota. We recently visited Naples and have to add it to our list of favorite Gulf Coast towns.

Naples, Florida offers families miles of sun-drenched Gulf beaches dusted with powdery white sand and gentle surf. In coastal Florida this is no big deal, but Naples stands apart for its many family-friendly activities in addition to its beautiful beaches. It would be a shame to visit Naples and not exploit its proximity to the Everglades. Be sure to schedule some time to explore and learn about this nearby natural wonderland.

Top Attractions in Naples, Florida for Families

1. Naples Botanical Garden

The nine gardens are a floral wonderland. Explore the butterfly house, or just stroll the 170 acres and enjoy the landscape. The Smith Children’s Garden is a dream.

2. Naples Pier

Watch the boats breeze by or fish without a permit off this popular pier. An excellent place to people watch.

3. Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

Hand-feed a giraffe, cruise around an island inhabited by monkeys and watch an alligator munch on lunch at this adorable zoo.

4. Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center

Explore a variety of interactive learning experiences with an emphasis on stewardship of the sea. The 2,300-gallon aquarium has a neat pop-out bubble where kids are surrounded by frolicking fish. The landscaped walking paths are stroller accessible.

5. Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center

Set on 21 acres flush with wildlife, the Dalton Discovery Center’s interactive exhibits on Florida’s ecosystems and sea turtle tank are winners.

6. Cambier Park

A large playground, shuffleboard and tennis courts are just of a few of this park’s amenities. Free concerts on Sunday afternoons and Monday evenings include Dixieland, jazz and big band music.

7. Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples

This spacious facility is fully accessible regardless of physical or learning abilities. Children may enter an igloo and walk inside a seashell. Hands-on play is recognized as serious business here, but fun is key.

8. The Holocaust Museum and Education Center of Southwest Florida

The collection of personal artifacts tells individual stories within the history of the Holocaust. The museum offers educational programming aimed specifically at middle school kids and older.

Fun Outdoor Things To Do in Naples, Florida with Kids

9. Sun-N-Fun Lagoon

This waterp ark presents a variety of wate rslides, multiple pools (including a tiny tot pool), and one million gallons of splashy fun.

10. Rent a Bike

Naples flat bike paths are full of pedaling families. Naples Cyclery rents child-size bikes and helmets.

11. Everglades National Park

The Gulf Coast Visitor Center of Everglades National Park offers ranger-led programs from December-April. Nature talks, guided walks and canoe trips are just a few of the free scheduled events. No admission charged at this entrance.

12. Ride a Segway

A Segway is an amusing way to play tourist if you’re traveling with teens. You stand on the two-wheeled vehicle’s platform and control it by shifting your weight. Segway Tours of Naples offers daily scheduled tours of the historic downtown for those at least 14 years of age.

13. Go Kayaking 

Observe native flora and fauna in an unobtrusive manner. Everglades Kayak Company offers kayak rentals and guided tours. The half-day guided trip is an easy three-hour, three-mile paddle through the flat-water river.

14. Ride in an Airboat

You’ll see lots of wildlife on Wooten’s Airboat Tours 35-minute guided boat ride across private Everglades’ grassland. Some environmentalists fear these noisy crafts may disrupt the fragile web of underwater flora, so consider doing some advance research. After the boat ride, you may cuddle with a baby alligator under the supervision of an animal trainer.

15. Major League Baseball Spring Training

The Minnesota Twins and the Boston Red Sox spring training camps are only minutes from Naples, near the Southwest Florida Airport. Baseball fans can enjoy the more intimate experience of a big league pre-season game in February and March.

16. Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk

Stop here on your drive back to Naples from the Everglades. Located within Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, the flat boardwalk is an easy 1.2-mile hike with a big payoff. You’ll see wildlife, towering cypresses and wild orchids from the comfort of the boardwalk.

More Fun Things To Do in Naples, Florida with Kids

17. Trolley Tours

If you’ve got younger children, the hop-on/hop-off Naples Trolley Tours are a fun way to sightsee.

18. Shopping

The fat-wallet crowd shops on pedestrian-friendly 5th Avenue South, where pricy boutiques rule. Families should enjoy the nostalgic vibe and modest prices at Tin City, a maritime mix of cute shops and waterfront dining spots.

19. Activities in the Everglades

Everglades City is approximately a 35-minute drive from Naples. It’s the western gateway to the Everglades National Park, but the massive Everglades eco-system includes 1.5 million acres of land, making it the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S. It teems with wildlife and is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles cohabitate. The unique vegetation, including mangrove forest and wetlands, is a jackpot for nature lovers.

Family-Friendly Naples, Florida Hotels

20. Edgewater Beach Hotel

Each of the 125 suites at the casually elegant Edgewater Beach Hotel has a kitchen, living room and separate bedroom, so families will have plenty of space and the option of preparing snacks and meals. In addition to the beach, there are two heated swimming pools and a fire pit. The restaurant, Coast, is excellent.

21. La Playa Beach Resort

This beautiful oceanfront resort has lots of activities. You’ll pay extra for the kid’s camp, but the 5-12 year olds we saw seemed to be having a ball. They can arrange babysitting with advance notice. The hotel’s restaurant, Baleen, is a popular spot with guests and locals.

Great Naples, Florida Restaurants for Families

22. Osteria Tulia

You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into an Italian trattoria when you enter Osteria Tulia. Casual furnishings, warm service and peasant-style dishes ooze rustic Italian authenticity. The large children’s menu includes dishes named after Chef Vincenzo Betulia’s own sons. The hand-rolled pasta dishes are outrageous.

23. The Local

This farm-to-table eatery is a locavore’s delight. Chef-owner Jeff Mitchell runs a family affair, with his sister Jacqueline acting as manager. He is the father of two and periodically offers kid’s cooking classes in his spacious kitchen. The menu changes daily based on what’s freshest, but expect healthy salads, flatbread pizzas with colorful toppings, creative soups and numerous vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

24. Sea Salt

This swanky restaurant is the brainchild of Venetian chef/owner Fabrizio Aielli, who seamlessly translates old-world Adriatic traditions to 21st century Florida. Nothing is processed or frozen on the kid’s menu. Adults will salivate over sustainable seafood and a top-notch wine list.

25. City Seafood

Everglades City is known as the Stone Crab Capital of the World, and City Seafood is the place to sample it from mid-October until mid-May. While your meal is being prepared, you’ll spot pelicans, seagulls, manatees, and alligators frolicking in the Barron River. The Key Lime pie is a sweet treat.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Anywhere Naples Miami South Florida Orlando United States South Florida
Anywhere
New York City
Atlanta
Boston
Chicago
Houston
Miami South Florida
Philadelphia
Washington DC
Orlando
Los Angeles
San Francisco Bay Area
Connecticut
Long Island
New Jersey
Westchester
Activities
Providers
Family Travel
Newsletter Subscribe
Contact
About
Submit an Activity
List Your Business
Advertise with Us
© 2023 MommyPoppins. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Terms of Use.
Content property of MommyPoppins unless otherwise specified.
mp-prod4-v4.32.99
X
Sign up for the Mommy Poppins Newsletter today!
Register/Login if you don't want to see this popup.