If you're searching for things to do with kids near me in Southwest Florida, Naples delivers year-round. Beaches, interactive museums, festivals, parks, and dining. There's no shortage of ways to fill a weekend with the kids.
This guide covers the best family activities Naples has to offer in 2026, written by people who actually live here.
Here's a quick reference based on what's consistently available in Naples:
| Activity | Location | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Beach day | Vanderbilt or Lowdermilk | All ages |
| Interactive exhibits | Golisano Children's Museum | Kids 2-12 |
| Wildlife viewing | Naples Zoo | All ages |
| Nature walk | Delnor-Wiggins State Park | Active outings |
| Arts and crafts | von Liebig Art Center | Kids and teens |
| Waterfront dining | The Dock at Crayton Cove | All ages |
Here are the year-round anchors worth knowing in Collier County:
Golisano Children's Museum of Naples (C'MON) is one of the top kids activities near me in all of SWFL. Hands-on, interactive exhibits built specifically for children. Easy to spend a full morning here and still have energy left for the afternoon.
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens combines wildlife encounters with beautiful grounds. More engaging than your average zoo and a solid pick for an outing any day of the week.
Naples Botanical Garden offers educational programs and outdoor exploration that work for all ages. The grounds are genuinely beautiful and the programming is thoughtful.
The Naples Players runs youth theater and performance training throughout the year. Great if your kids are into performing arts.
Artis Naples offers workshops in music and visual arts throughout the season. One of the more underrated spots for creative kids. For schedules visit artisnaples.org.
Here are the top family events near me worth putting on your radar in Naples this year:
Naples Artcrafters Shows (January 14, February 11, March 10) at Fleischmann Park. Outdoor art shows with a community atmosphere that works well for all ages.
Spring Fest (April 15) at Cambier Park. Games, live performances, local food, and a crowd of neighbors. One of the most straightforward and enjoyable community gatherings Naples puts on.
Fourth of July Fireworks along the Naples waterfront. A summer staple and one of the most reliably fun nights of the year.
Holiday events and seasonal light displays run throughout November and December across Collier County.
For current listings, check our events page at onlyinnaples239.com/events. It's updated regularly with what's happening locally.
The Naples Morning Briefing covers upcoming events every morning. Subscribe free.
Naples has some of the best outdoor spots in Florida for a family outing and most are free or low cost.
Vanderbilt Beach is the go-to for a classic beach day. Sandy shores, calm Gulf water, and a relaxed atmosphere easy to manage with kids of any age.
Lowdermilk Park has a playground, picnic areas, and beachfront access all in one spot. Pack a lunch, let the kids run, and stay as long as you want.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is the pick for an active outing. Swimming, beachcombing, wildlife viewing, and hiking trails. A full day destination.
Kayaking the mangroves is a memorable outing near me in Naples that kids genuinely love. Several outfitters offer tours through the mangrove tunnels. Beginner-friendly and genuinely impressive.
Bike rides and nature walks are easy to organize around Naples' trail system. The Gordon River Greenway is a local favorite for a relaxed ride or walk with the whole group.
Family activities near me in Naples extend to a solid dining scene that works for kids too. Here are the spots worth knowing:
Gumbo Limbo offers a diverse menu with child-sized portions in a welcoming space.
The Pizza Shop is the casual, no-stress pick. Kids love it and the adults don't mind it either.
The Dock at Crayton Cove is the waterfront option. Scenic views, a kids' menu, and an atmosphere that makes dinner feel like its own outing.
Easy to organize around Naples' trail system. The Gordon River Greenway is a local favorite for a relaxed outing with the whole group. Bike rides and nature walks are easy to organize around Naples' trail system. The Gordon River Greenway is a local favorite for a relaxed, fun afternoon with the whole group.
When putting together a day out in Naples, a little planning goes a long way for the whole family. Here's what works: When putting together a day out in Naples, a little structure goes a long way. Here's what works:
Group activities by area. Old Naples keeps Cambier Park, the waterfront, and Fifth Avenue within a short walk of each other. North Naples clusters Vanderbilt Beach, the zoo, and Mercato in a manageable area.
Mix active and quiet. A morning at Delnor-Wiggins followed by a calm lunch and an afternoon at C'MON is a balanced day that works for most ages. It's easy to continue the day without burning anyone out if you pace it well.
Check onlyinnaples239.com/events before any weekend outing for the most current local listings.
What are the top things to do with kids in Naples FL? The Golisano Children's Museum, Naples Zoo, Vanderbilt Beach, Delnor-Wiggins State Park, and Naples Botanical Garden are the five year-round anchors. Artis Naples and The Naples Players add creative programming options.
What are good spots for kids near me in Naples? C'MON, the Naples Zoo, and the Naples Botanical Garden are the top dedicated spots. For outdoor options, Lowdermilk Park and Delnor-Wiggins are easy half-day trips.
What free things can you do with kids in Naples? Lowdermilk Park, the Naples Pier, beach access points, and the Gordon River Greenway are all free. Many community events at Cambier Park are also free to attend.
Is there a good outdoor spot for lunch with kids in Naples? Lowdermilk Park is the top pick. Playground, shade, and beach access all in one spot. Cambier Park in Old Naples is another solid option with a relaxed atmosphere.
Only in Naples 239 is your local guide to everything happening in Naples and Southwest Florida. Follow @Only.In.Naples.239on Instagram and subscribe to the Naples Morning Briefing at onlyinnaples239.com.