Kid’s Korner
KID FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES in Southwest Florida
NEVER MISS a Moment
PARKS and SPLASH PADS
BAKER PARK
The families of Naples were ecstatic when Baker Park first opened, as it’s the perfect place to take the kids and hang out as a family. Walking trails, a covered play area, a splash pad and lots of green space for the kids to run around make this an easy activity that will entertain your children for hours. The covered play area and splash pad are perfect even on a hot summer day – don’t forget swimsuits for the kids! You can also pack a lunch to enjoy at one of the many picnic tables or fly a kite through the beautiful and spacious greens and walkways of the park.
North Collier Regional Park – Can U Dig It Playground
The North Collier Regional Playground has it all – a great playground along with a unique digging station that will delight your children from toddlers to elementary age. The covered digging station offers kids the chance to dig for “fossils” in a sandy rock material, that provides an opportunity to dig and learn all at once. Bring a shovel and buckets and any other toys they might have fun burying or driving around in the digging station. When they need a break from digging (although they may never want to leave!) they can head on over to the playground to get some swinging, climbing and sliding in before you head home.
Venetian Village Splash Pad
An easy way to let your kids cool off in the August heat is to take them to a splash pad, and what better setting than Venetian Village. The squeals of delight from your kiddos will make you glad you made the trip, and you can sweeten the deal with an ice cream cone from Ben & Jerry’s at the end of the water fun. Located just outside of Ben & Jerry’s, this easy activity is sure to make any child’s day.
Vineyards Community Park Playground and Splash Pad
The Vineyards Community Park is a part of Collier Parks and Recreation and is another gem that the kids will love. The new and colorful playground is perfect for kids of all ages, and there is a splash pad that will keep the kids entertained and cool. You can also explore the park on walking trails and play on the sports fields and tennis courts. There are activities for the whole family to enjoy.
NAPLES Exclusives
Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (C’MON)
Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples is the perfect activity for a day you’re looking to escape the heat and stay indoors. The museum’s goal is to allow children to play and learn using hands-on activities and exhibits. There is something for every age at this fun and interactive destination. Currently, the museum features the exhibit Argentina’s Niños, which includes five immersive environments allowing children to learn about the culture, language, sports, and so much more of this interesting country.
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
We are lucky in Naples to have such an incredible Zoo at our fingertips! Naples Zoo certainly rivals some of the best zoos around the country, with a giraffe feeding experience, African lions, bears who are often splashing in their water pools, very talkative monkeys and so many other animals to see you will be amazed at the world around you. The zoo was created around a tropical garden that was founded in 1919, providing a gorgeous back drop to the animals that live there. Collier County Appreciation Days take place monthly, and allow residents of Collier County to gain free entry to the zoo.
EDUCATION and ENTERTAINMENT
Collier County Public Library Children’s Section
The Collier County Public Library system has an exceptional children’s department. They of course have a plethora of fabulous books – classics and new favorites alike – but the magic doesn’t stop there. The library offers story time every Tuesday morning in a theatre that makes the event very special, and with librarians who truly love making the stories come alive. Story time is almost always followed by a related craft activity, and the kids will love every minute. The library also offers various children’s events throughout the month, and have even had farm animals involved in the past – visit your local branch to see all they have to offer.
Tumbles
If you haven’t been yet, Tumbles is the perfect indoor activity for the kiddos to get their energy out in a safe environment. The gym is small, which is nice so the kids are contained to a very manageable space, and very clean and bright. Tumbles offers regular classes, open gyms and have even hosted a Kids (parents) Night Out with pizza for the kids while Mom & Dad have a fun night on the town. The staff is very welcoming and easy to work with, so definitely give them a call to schedule a trial class or sign up for open gym. They also have some camps coming up for Thanksgiving and Winter break if you’re looking for activities to sign your kiddos up for. They offer gymnastics camps, superhero camps, and ninja warrior camps.
KID Eats
Bramble’s English Tea Room
The magic begins the moment you see the cozy alleyway that you walk down to enter Brambles English Tea Room. Located off of Fifth Ave South, Brambles is a treat for kids and adults alike. They offer afternoon tea along with delicious lunch options, and make it a special experience for the kids. Along with sandwiches of peanut butter and jam, they also offer cookies, hot chocolate and lemonade in their elegant but inviting space. We enjoyed an afternoon there with two young children and they truly felt special during their visit, while the adults were able to enjoy fabulous tea and sandwiches. Make a reservation, as the cozy space only allows for so many people at once.
Duck Donuts
Of course any kid would be ecstatic for a family field trip for donuts, but Duck Donuts takes the experience an extra mile. Your donuts will be made fresh, and the whole family is able to watch as the donuts are made in front of you. Kids and parents alike will have fun being a part of the process, and the end result is absolutely delicious. With a large variety of flavors, the most difficult part of the trip will be choosing which donut to try.
Scoops Ice Cream & Acai Bowls
Who doesn’t love a cold ice cream cone on a hot summer day? This is an activity you and the kids can enjoy together, while also supporting a local, family owned business. The ice cream at Scoops is indulgent and delicious, everything you would want in a treat, and they have an abundance of flavors that will keep you coming back to try another again and again. The shop has a community feel, from the sign on the front stating their closing time as “ish” to the friendly workers behind the counter, this is somewhere you can go to feel like you’re part of the Naples community. Started by locals, Brandy and Zach Mersch, they say they strive to make everyone feel welcome, and they even have their kids involved – welcoming customers excitedly to the shop! This small business made it through a tough 2020 and we’re excited to keep supporting them.
KIDS Shopping
Twinkle Twinkle Little Store
Whether you’re traveling down to Naples with your own children, or hosting a family coming to visit, we all know that traveling with kids can have its challenges. Twinkle Twinkle Little Store makes your experience so much simpler by offering anything and everything you could imagine needing while traveling with kids. Our own family has often used them for stroller rentals, and you can find high chairs, toys, cribs, car seats and so much more. See their full list of rental options on their website. As we ramp up for our busy season in Naples, definitely pass this information along to those you know who may be heading down with their families!
DID YOU Know?
Naples has a car museum!
Revs Institute is home to over 100 automobiles built between 1896 and 1995 and all a part of the Miles Collier Collection. Automobile enthusiasts and history buffs alike will appreciate perusing the collection and learning more about the history represented as the world transformed during the 20th century. The collection was named the finest sports car collection in America, and includes some of the rarest cars ever created. Next time you’re looking for something new to do, this is the perfect choice – but be sure to buy tickets ahead of time as they’re only open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10:00am-4:00pm. You can reserve your tickets here.
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