Must Do’s for a Family Vacation in Fort Myers, Florida

With top-notch beaches, plentiful fishing, and boutique shopping, Fort Myers, Florida draws scores of visitors every year. There is also no shortage of family-friendly fun from dolphin spotting tours to museum exploration. Here’s what to see and do the next time you pack up the kids and head to the best attractions in Fort Myers, Florida. 

Spot Dolphins on a Cruise

Wildlife is plentiful in the Fort Myers area with friendly, curious dolphins ready to play. Head to nearby Lovers Key State Park to start your dolphin watching journey and soak up the beauty of this 7 1/2-acre Florida State Park. Located on Lover’s Key and three other barrier islands, this popular state park offers a day-long adventure fishing, biking, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and much more. 

Dolphin cruises are a fun way to see local marine life in the Fort Myers area. Take a tour with Sanibel Thriller, Sight Sea-R Cruises, or Adventures in Paradise where knowledgeable captains whisk passengers away for gorgeous views. The staff knows all the great spots where dolphins like to feed and play, and visitors are sure to see these friendly creatures in their natural habitat.

Go Shelling

Fort Myers attractions and favorite pastimes include world renown shelling. Travel & Leisure Magazine even named Sanibel Island the number one shelling destination in North America, beating out some worthy competitors. Start by exploring nearby Sanibel Island at the lighthouse end of the island, or head closer to Captiva for larger shells. The public Gulfside City Park, Tarpon Beach Road, and Blind Pass Beach are also favorite spots for shells ranging from small to large, souvenir worthy finds. Visitors to Fort Myers can also hop on board a tour to find the best shells. Try Good Time Charters or Captiva Cruises to explore Northern or Southern Cayo Costa to find an abundance of sea shells, snorkeling, and hiking along this beautiful barrier island.

Sail Away on a Salty Sam’s Pirate Cruise

Get the kids ready for seaside adventure and join Salty Sam’s Pirate Cruise for one of the best Fort Myers, Florida attractions for kids. Guests climb aboard the 65 ft replica of a Spanish galleon for a 90-minute interactive comedy show cruising along the Gulf of Mexico. This spirited, interactive comedy features treasure chests, face painting, pirate-themed games, cannons, dancing, and more. And if you end up leaving the kids with a grandparent or babysitter, Salty Sam’s also offers adult only cruises with beer, wine, and lots of tasty food.

Make Time for GameTime

With over 120 games to choose from, GameTime Fort Myers features indoor games, simulators, and six lanes of mini bowling. But GameTime isn’t just for gamers at heart. You can also order favorites like chicken and waffles from the varied menu and take your pick of 65 TVs to watch your favorite sports game. After lunch, let the kids hit the arcade and challenge them to a game of family bowling.

Explore IMAG History and Science Center

Budding scientists and curious kids find an educational adventure at IMAG History and Science Center. There’s even an aquarium at this favorite Fort Myers attraction to learn about marine and ocean life. Check the schedule in advance for IMAG Live events including animal encounters, explosive chemistry, wacky engineering shows, and interactive experiences. Animal lovers can feed resident stingrays out of the palm of your hand, and Nano Lab teaches kids about nanotechnology and how it differs from traditional technology.

It feels like there’s family adventure around every corner Southwest Florida. Make a day out of your favorite excursions at Fort Myers’ best attractions from shelling to interactive science. But with so much to see and do, your kids will keep asking to come back to Fort Myers to see more.

Save some money on your vacation with these great Fort Myers deals and coupons!