C’MON ― Golisano’s Children’s Museum of Naples | 15080 Livingston Road, Naples; 239-514-0084
The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples invites visitors of all ages to journey through Everglades swamps, weave through a maze, climb a two-story banyan tree, and experiment with hands-on interactive exhibits. Throughout the day, special activities encourage guests to get involved and try something new.
Collier Museum at Government Center | 3331 Tamiami Trail E., Naples; 239-252-8476
Learn about the Calusa, the area’s early settlers, little-known wars in South Florida, and the Seminole Tribe. After a tour, head into the museum’s native gardens to explore restored cottages and Seminole village.
Historic Palm Cottage | 137 12th Ave. S., Naples; 239-261-8164
This quaint cottage at the corner of 12th Avenue South and Gulfshore Boulevard—just one block from Naples Pier—is the oldest house in Naples. The two-story home was built in 1895 by one of Naples’ founding residents and is filled with artwork and antique furniture and surrounded by gardens. It serves as the home of the Naples Historical Society. Ask about home tours and walking tours of the Old Naples Historic District.
Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center | 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd., Naples; 239-263-9200
This museum is dedicated to teaching diversity and tolerance through exhibits featuring artifacts and photographs that tell individual stories from the Holocaust, programs for students at all grade levels, and public programs.
Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Robert’s Ranch | 1215 Roberts Ave. W., Immokalee; 239-252-2611
Travel back in time to the early days of Florida’s cattlemen at this 13-acre National Register of Historic Places site and museum (the longest running ranch in South Florida) in Immokalee. Exhibits explore the colorful mix of Seminole, hunters, trappers, cowmen, missionaries and Indian traders since it was first settled in 1872. Experience daily working life on a pioneer homestead and citrus grove from the early 1900s.
Marco Island Historical Museum | 180 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island; 239-252-1440
Learn about Marco Island’s fascinating history from the time of the ancient Calusa through the pioneer days in the early 20th century through modern times at the Marco Island Historical Museum. The Key Marco Cat sculpture is on display through April 2021. This priceless piece of early American Calusa art was discovered during a Smithsonian archeological expedition on the island in 1896 and has been in the Smithsonian’s possession since.
Museum of the Everglades |105 West Broadway Ave., Everglades City; 239-252-5026
First opened in 1927 as a commercial laundry, today’s Museum of the Everglades dates back to a time when construction of the famous Tamiami Trail was underway, and the tiny settlement of Everglades served as the county seat. The museum’s permanent and rotating exhibits provide an in-depth look at 2,000 years of human history and tell the story of those adventurous enough – and stubborn enough – to settle the remote “River of Grass.”
Naples Depot Museum | 1051 Fifth Ave. S., Naples; 239-252-8419
Set in Naples’ restored Seaboard Air Line Railway passenger station, this National Register of Historic Places site welcomes visitors back to the railroading boom days of the Roaring Twenties and explains how generations of Southwest Floridians used technology and transportation to conquer a vast and seemingly impenetrable frontier. Also located on site is the privately operated Naples Train Museum (naplestrainmuseum.org or 239-262-1776) featuring an interactive model layout and train ride for children.
Naples Botanical Garden | 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples; 239-643-7275
This 170-acre, world-class paradise featuring plants from around the world earned the American Public Gardens Association’s prestigious Award for Garden Excellence. Go along on a themed 45-minute tour, offered daily to learn about rare and endangered plants, water features, or the 90 acres of conserved habitat. Stroll the Asian, Caribbean, Brazilian, South Florida, or children’s gardens, take photos at the Claude Monet-esque water garden, or grab a healthy bite at the Fogg Café.
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens | 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples; 239-262-5409
Naples Zoo is a nationally accredited zoo that promises a full day of fun activities. Its paved path winds past animal exhibits within this historic tropical garden first planted in 1919. Delight at the lions, giraffes, monkeys, pythons, and bears, and discover rarely seen creatures like the fosa of Madagascar or a giant anteater. There are daily wildlife presentations, animal feeding opportunities, and monkey island boat tours.
Naples Pier | West end of 12th Avenue South, downtown Naples
The Naples Pier in downtown Naples is a popular spot for fishing (no Florida saltwater license is required when fishing from the pier), watching pelicans, boogie boarding, and watching holiday fireworks. The most famous landmark of Naples was originally built in 1888 and is a favored place for sunset strolls.
Naples Trolley Tours | 1010 6th Ave S #2, Naples; 239-262-7300
Explore the beauty, history, and charm of Naples aboard a vintage trolley, featuring a fully narrated tour highlighting more than 100 points of interest.
Orange Jeep Tours | 5076 Annunciation Circle, #104, Ave Maria; (239) 434-5337
Narrated, 90-minute Jeep safaris depart daily from Ave Maria Town Center through Old Florida prairies and woods owned by Collier County’s founding family. See native wildlife, such as American alligators and turtles, whitetail deer, Osceola turkey, and a large variety of bird species, and learn local history and folklore.
Seminole Casino Hotel | 506 S. First St., Immokalee; 239-658-1313
In Immokalee, take an airboat ride on Lake Trafford or drop into the Seminole Casino Hotel for dining, entertainment, and gaming. Indulge in traditional Seminole cuisine, dance the night away, or visit the high-energy casino before checking into a deluxe room or suite.
Smallwood Store | 360 Mamie St, Chokoloskee; 239-695-2989
Step back in time at the 1906 Ted Smallwood Store, the oldest National Register of Historic Places site in Collier County preserved as a museum with original goods, fixtures, and exhibits that tell the story of Ten Thousand Islands pioneers.
Tin City Waterfront Shops | 1200 Fifth Ave. S., Naples; 239-262-4200
Tin City is a mix of unique waterfront shops and restaurants where you can spend the day. Find souvenirs at locally owned, one-of-a-kind boutiques and galleries, eat fresh seafood, and take a boat cruise. Free parking is available.
Revs Institute | 2500 S. Horseshoe Drive; 239-687-7387
The Miles Collier Collection showcasing more than 100 rare automobiles that blazed technical pathways, redefined aesthetic standards, and made history is a feast for automobile enthusiasts. Advance tickets are required.
Sun-N-Fun Lagoon at North Collier Regional Park | 15000 Livingston Road, Naples; 239-252-4021
Cool off in pools, water slides, pools, splash playgrounds, and Sunny’s Lazy River. The main attraction is the 38-feet tall water tower with five slides that will take you down to the pool. The water park is closed seasonally, so be sure to check for days and hours.
Swamp Buggy Races | 8520 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples; 239-774-2701
Naples’ original tradition, the world-famous Swamp Buggy Races, take place at Florida Sports Park on three racing weekends in November, January, and March or April. Races have been held for past 71 years, and Florida Sports Park hosts other sporting, racing, cultural and social events.
Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Tours | 32330 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee; 800-282-2781 or 239-695-2781
Tour the Everglades area on an airboat or swamp buggy, get up-close with alligators, and see panther, tigers, lions and other wildlife.
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