15 Fun Things to Do in Naples Florida with Kids

You know how some places just click with families? Things to do in Naples Florida with kids is kinda like that. It’s sunny, calm, and, honestly, a little underrated when it comes to keeping kids entertained. There’s something about the mix of beaches and parks and weirdly fun museums that make it easy to just… roam. No overplanning, just go with it.

So, if you’re thinking about a family trip and wondering what to do — or maybe you’re already unpacking in a rental near Livingston Rd and Googling “things to do in Naples Florida with kids” — here’s what I’d tell a friend. The mix of nature, culture, and the totally unexpected (like a tiny train museum tucked in a park) really does the trick.

Best Family-Friendly Attractions in Naples Florida

Naples offers a surprising mix of nature, creativity, and coastal charm, making it perfect for families looking to mix play with a bit of peace. From lush botanical gardens to splash zones, interactive museums to lazy beach days, there’s no shortage of things to do in Naples Florida with kids that keep everyone — toddlers to teens — entertained. Whether you’re in town for a weekend or longer, these spots are local favorites that blend outdoor adventure with kid-approved fun.

1. Explore Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

This one’s a no-brainer. You’ve got giraffes, monkeys, alligators — the whole gang. What makes it cooler than your average zoo is the boat ride around islands full of primates. Like, you’re floating, they’re swinging — it’s a whole vibe. Also, the zoo sits in a botanical garden setting that makes it feel less like a zoo and more like a stroll through some tropical dream. One of the top things to do in Naples Florida with kids.

• Ride the Primate Expedition Cruise
• See rare animals in natural habitats
• Stroll through tropical gardens

2. Splash Around at Sun-N-Fun Lagoon

Right in North Collier Regional Park, this indoor water park (well, partly outdoor but with some shade options) has a lazy river, Otter Cave Waterworks, and enough splash zones to knock out even the most sugar-charged kid. Pro tip: bring snacks. The café’s fine, but if you’ve got picky eaters… you’ll want backup. No list of things to do in Naples Florida with kids is complete without it.

• Float the lazy river
• Play in Otter Cave Waterworks
• Slide down thrilling water slides

3. Play and Picnic at Cambier Park

It’s right off 5th Avenue South, which means you’re downtown, but it still feels like this tucked-away local favorite. There’s a huge playground and plenty of shade (you’ll be grateful). If you’re lucky, there might be a community event or live music happening.

• Enjoy the large shaded playground
• Catch live community events
• Relax under shaded picnic areas

4. Wander the Naples Botanical Garden

So, not every kid loves flowers. Fair. But this place? It’s different. There are interactive exhibits, splash zones, and a children’s garden where everything is touchable, climbable, and just chaotic enough to be fun. It’s an educational experience without feeling like one and definitely one of the best things to do in Naples Florida with kids.

• Explore the Children’s Garden
• Play in water features and splash zones
• Participate in hands-on exhibits

5. Get Creative at the Naples Train Museum

This one’s small, and kind of hidden — it’s tucked into the same building as the Naples Depot Museum. But the model trains? Next-level. Some of them circle around entire city replicas, and there’s a ride-on train for kids that loops around outside. It’s charming, in that “grandpa’s basement, but cooler” kind of way.

• Watch intricate model train displays
• Ride the outdoor kiddie train
• Explore historic train memorabilia

6. Visit Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

If you’re craving a nature-heavy beach day without the crowds of Naples Beach, this one’s for you. It’s a little more raw — more driftwood, more birds, fewer sun umbrellas. Ideal for nature lovers and shell collectors. Parking can be tight, so come early.

• Collect unique seashells
• Spot birds and sea life
• Swim in clear Gulf waters

7. Take a Boat to Keewaydin Island

Okay, this is where it gets dreamy. No roads, no bridges, just a boat ride to a barrier island with soft sand and the occasional dolphin sighting. Some boat tours leave from Naples Bay or Tin City. If your kids have never experienced a sandbar picnic… this is the moment.

• Ride a family-friendly boat tour
• Picnic on the white sand beach
• Search for dolphins on the way

8. Chill at Baker Park

It’s newish, beautifully designed, and right along the Gordon River Greenway. Perfect for scooters, casual biking, or just lounging. it’s one of the best things to do in Naples Florida with kids. There’s a cool play area and a climbing structure that’s way more fun city adventure than it looks. And for parents: views. Seriously, grab coffee and enjoy the breeze.

• Use the interactive playground
• Bike or scooter along the trails
• Take in views along Gordon River

9. Discover Nature at Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

This isn’t a “quick stop” kind of spot. It’s more like a meditative walk — a 2.25-mile boardwalk through a cypress forest, where you might spot beautiful birds, gators, or just… trees doing tree things. It’s quiet and kinda magical, making it one of the peaceful things to do in Naples Florida with kids. Bring water. And patience.

• Walk the cypress forest boardwalk
• Look for gators and rare birds
• Explore with a nature journal

10. Go Dolphin Watching on a Naples Princess Cruise

This one can go either way — your kid is mesmerized by the water and the dolphin sightings, or they spend the whole ride asking when it’s over. But if it lands, it’s unforgettable. The boat itself is comfy and shaded, and the cruise glides past everything from mangroves to waterfront mansions, making it a top choice among things to do in Naples Florida with kids.

• Cruise through Naples Bay
• Spot dolphins and sea creatures
• View waterfront mansions

11. Let Loose at Coral Cay Adventure Golf

Mini golf is almost a parenting cheat code. And Coral Cay hits the sweet spot — waterfalls, caves, and even some shaded parts for the Florida heat. Bonus: it’s close to Tin City, so you can pair it with ice cream and wandering through little shops.

• Putt around waterfalls and caves
• Play under shaded areas
• Combine with a trip to Tin City

12. Head Indoors at Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (C’MON)

This 60,000-square-foot adventure park is built for hands-on chaos. From the giant banyan tree to the farming area and interactive exhibits that let kids climb, build, and explore — it’s an all-weather winner. Especially good for toddlers and early elementary schoolers.

• Climb the banyan tree exhibit
• Dig and build in the interactive zones
• Visit toddler-friendly play spaces

13. Explore the Boardwalk Trails at Gordon River Greenway

Not flashy, but sometimes that’s the point. It connects several parks, offers birdwatching opportunities, and has wide, stroller-friendly trails. The boardwalk stretches right through the natural habitat of the area, making it one of the underrated things to do in Naples Florida with kids, and depending on your route, you can end up near Baker Park or even Naples Zoo.

• Enjoy stroller-friendly walkways
• See wildlife in their natural habitat
• Access parks like Baker and Zoo

14. Take a Break at Lowdermilk Park

Low-key beach spot. Picnic tables, a little playground, and beach access — nothing fancy, but sometimes all you need is a sandwich, a bucket, and a stretch of sand. Great for families looking for a more relaxed beach experience than the busier Naples Pier area.

• Access family-friendly beach areas
• Use the shaded playground and grills
• Set up under picnic shelters

15. Go All-Out at Everglades National Park

If you’ve got a full day and some bug spray, this 1.5-million-acre national park is worth the drive. Airboat tours, boardwalk trails, and the raw, sprawling beauty of it all. It’s a huge contrast to Naples’ polished vibe — but it gives kids that real wild Florida feel.

• Hop on an airboat adventure
• Explore scenic boardwalks
• Learn from ranger programs

Final Thoughts

Naples isn’t just a beach town. It’s one of those rare places where nature, play, and a little bit of magic all blend into a family trip filled with things to do in Naples Florida with kids you’ll want to remember. Whether you’re hopping on a boat to a quiet island or watching your kid lose their mind over a model train, it’s the mix that sticks with you.

You don’t have to cram it all in — in fact, don’t. Let the days stretch. Let them be messy and fun and unscripted. Because that’s kind of the magic, right?

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