Fun Things to do in SW Florida

Although these are specific places visited on our recent Florida trip, these are the kind of venues you can seek out with your almost-one-year-old when you are looking for fun in warmer weather... home or away!

1. Indoor Play Space at Coconut Point Shopping Center

23106 Fashion Drive, Estero, Florida

U.S. 41 between Corkscrew Road and Coconut Road

This is one of the largest shopping centers I have ever seen. Its an outdoor mall... no a shopping destination! But tucked in the back corner (near Dillard's) there is a 1000 square foot indoor/covered play space geared towards the five and under set. And it's free! A great place for baby C to crawl around on a rainy Florida morning. This space is sponsored by Parents & Child magazine and they also sponsor a similar playspace at the Miromar Outlets on Corkscrew Road. I walked by it, there is a toddler play space as well as a playground for older kids. In general, when traveling (or at home), look for this type of play area in malls and shopping centers. A germ fest, yeah... bring some extra wipes and Purell, but a great, safe place for lil crawlers to explore.

2. Three Oaks Community Park

9200 Corkscrew Plams Boulevard, Estero, FL

As an urban kiddie, baby C loves to hang at the playground. He loves swinging on the bucket swings! So when in a new place, we gravitate towards the park. Another free thing to do. And this park... wow! What a beautiful playground for kids baby C's age and up! I can't wait to continue to take him here, as there will be more and more fun things for him to play on. This park also had fields and picnic areas. Hoping to get a picnic together on our next visit.

3. The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

1590 Goodlette Road, Naples, FL (239) 262 5409

My son loves animals, so knowing we were heading to SW Florida, I had my mom find a zoo we could visit. On a Sunday morning, Grandma, Grandpa, baby C and I hit the Naples Zoo. And what a beautiful, well-maintained zoo it is! The alligators alone were worth the trip. Those suckers are huge! We attended the 11:30 alligator feeding, definitely worth planning to see this. It's not an enormous zoo, but the animals they have look healthy, happy, and well kept. And the greenery, flora, fauna... so lush, exotic and beautiful. Although the zoo offered many shows & demonstrations, we only attended the alligator feeding. For an older child, what an educational trip!

Baby C loves a petting zoo, but unfortunately, there was none. He was in the Bjorn as we walked around the zoo, and since many animals were napping or just basking in the Florida sun, it was hard for him to see them. But we did get close up with a lion... behind the glass of course... and the smile on his little mug lit up my day. The zoo is not free, or cheap, they charge $20 per adult. But you can save $1 off admission if you buy your tickets online. Or look for coupons in the free tourist guide books. We had a coupon for $4 each adult admission, totally worth it!

Family Vacation
Estero