Cape Coral Historical Museum | 544 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral; 239-772-7037
Exhibits, activities and displays provide insight into the fascinating and controversial beginnings of Cape Coral, as well as glimpses into Southwest Florida history, from Calusa Indians to present. Lectures and tours are offered. The museum includes a gift shop and reference library.
ECHO | 17391 Durrance Road, North Fort Myers; 239-543-3246
Originally known as Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization, this international organization provides agricultural assistance worldwide to developing nations. Locally, it offers walking tours of its global farm, where visitors can learn about resourceful farming techniques, plants and animals used to help people around the world grow food. A nursery and gift shop let visitors take a taste of the place home with them.
Edison & Ford Winter Estates | 2350 McGregor Blvd.; 239-334-7419
Stroll the grounds and extensive botanical gardens of the historic winter homes of inventor Thomas Alva Edison and his neighbor, auto magnate Henry Ford. The 20-acre site includes the 1928 Edison Botanical Research Laboratory which focused on studying natural alternatives to rubber. This National Register Historic Site is one of the most visited historic home sites in America.
Fort Myers Skatium| 2250 Broadway, Fort Myers; 239-321-7510
This city-operated arena is certified for youth and adult ice and in-line hockey leagues and freestyle skating, and offers public skating lessons. A popular spot for children’s birthday parties, it also includes a fitness center with classes ranging from yoga to Zumba, youth basketball, an arcade, and concessions.
Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park | 35 N.E. Pine Island Road, Cape Coral; 239-574-4386
There is something for everyone here: an all-new zipline and aerial ropes, batting cages, mini-golf, go-karts, arcade games, midway rides, and a bar and grill.
Hertz Arena | 11000 Everblades Pkwy., Estero; 239-948-7825, ext. 1306
The 7,181-seat arena is home to the minor-league Everblades, as well as rock concerts, Disney ice shows, and special events. It also has a robust public and private ice-skating program for youth and adults, and offers lessons and rentals, and league play for children and adults.
IMAG History & Science Center | 2000 Cranford Ave., Fort Myers; 239-243-0043
Live animal programs, a virtual reality tour of the original fort in Fort Myers, interactive exhibits, 3D films, touch tanks and a 3,200-gallon aquarium, a World War II exhibit, educational presentations, and more entice visitors of all ages.
Koreshan State Historic Site | 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero; 239-992-0311
The Koreshan Unity, a Utopian sect, established a village along the banks of the Estero River at the turn of the 20th century to accommodate their earthly, spiritual, and intellectual needs. Take a ranger-led or self-guided tour of the site, camp, launch a boat, picnic, or rent a canoe.
Mound House | 451 Connecticut St, Fort Myers Beach; 239-765-0865
Visit the oldest standing structure on Estero Island— built atop a 2,000-year-old Calusa Indian shell mound—restored with 1921 furnishings and finishes. The house serves as a multi-level museum, showcasing Calusa artifacts, pioneer history, and interactive exhibits. Take an eco-tour on land or on the water, take a guided kayak tour, picnic on the observation pier, or participate in regular programs and demonstrations.
Museum of the Islands | 5728 Sesame Drive, Pine Island; 239-283-1525
Housed in the island’s first (and only) public library, this museum reflects on the long history of Pine Island and its many islets, from the days of the Calusa to pioneer fisherfolk, through artifacts, antiques, photos, and memorabilia.
Randell Research Center | 13810 Waterfront Drive, Pine Island; 239-283-2157
Learn about the environment and the mighty Calusa culture at this Pine Island site, where the region’s first natives thrived for centuries. The Calusa Heritage Trail with interpretive signage takes visitors around the outdoor archaeological site, which also has a book and gift shop. The facility is a research program of the University of Florida Museum of Natural History. Self-guided tours are available from dawn to dusk. Guided tours are offered January through April.
Seminole Gulf Railway Murder Mystery Dinner Train | 2805 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers; 239-275-8487 or 800-736-4853
All aboard for a murder-mystery show and dinner and become part of the mystery as you dine on a five-course meal during a 3.5-hour ride in dining cars for a 40-mile roundtrip. Two different performances are presented Wednesday through Sunday evenings. Holiday-themed rides and events are offered throughout the year.
Southwest Florida Military Museum & Library | 4820 Leonard St., Cape Coral; 239-541-8704
This Cape Coral museum is dedicated to honoring America’s military, preserving and displaying military artifacts and memorabilia to educate visitors about the nation’s military heritage, spanning from the Revolutionary War through the Afghanistan conflict. It is a community hotspot for all veterans.
Sun Splash Family Waterpark | 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral; 239-574-0558
Thrilling water slides like the X-celerator, Thunder Bump and Terror Tube keep adventure-seekers of all ages coming back while gentle currents and pools offer relaxation at this city-owned waterpark, open March through September. With 14 acres of attractions, the park includes a family pool, kiddie area, sand volleyball and concessions.
Zoomers Amusement Park | 17455 Summerlin Road; 239-481 9666
This 18-acre indoor/outdoor amusement park is chockfull of rides and games.
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