Rainy Day Fort Myers Kids Activities

By Laurén Ettinger

Have your plans for fun in the Florida sun gone awry? Don’t fret! Use this handy guide to keep your kids entertained for hours until the sun shines again.

Take in a Flick at a Movie Theater

See what is playing at the independent and family owned Beach Theater on Fort Myers Beach for a traditional rainy day activity. Load up on popcorn and snacks, then sit back and enjoy the show!

Explore a Museum or Wildlife Center

Visit one of the many kid-friendly museums in the Fort Myers area for an experience that is both educational and fun for the whole family.

Sea life exhibit IMAG History and Science Center Fort Myers, Florida. | Must Do Visitor Guides, MustDo.com

Photo credit Lauren Ettinger

The IMAG History and Science Center explores the history of Fort Myers from the Calusa Indians to World War II, has over 60 hands-on science exhibits some of which include live animal encounters, and there is also a 3D movie theater.

Kids hands-on learning and discovery at the IMAG History and Science Center Fort Myers, Florida | Must Do Visitor Guides

Photo credit Lauren Ettinger

Prefer to experience Florida history first-hand? Visit the Edison & Ford Winter Estates to see Thomas Edison and friend Henry Ford’s winter homes.

Kids science exhibit Edison and Ford Winter Estates Museum Fort Myers, Florida | Must Do Visitor Guides

Photo credit Lauren Ettinger

On a rainy day, there are nine historic buildings to tour including Edison’s Botanic Research Library. Keep an eye out for costumed historical reenactors!

Hands-on kids exhibit at Edison and Ford Winter Estates Fort Myers, Florida Museum | Must Do Visitor Guides

Photo credit Lauren Ettinger

If you are interested in learning about and meeting some of Florida’s native and migratory inhabitants, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (C.R.O.W.) is the place for you!

CROW Clinic for Rehabilitation of Wildlife museum, exhibits Sanibel Island, FL USA. Must Do Visitor Guides, MustDo.com

Photo credit Lauren Ettinger

A trip to the visitor education center on Sanibel Island features animal ambassadors, interactive displays, and critter cams.

Photo credit Lauren Ettinger

Head over to the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum on Sanibel Island to tour the most comprehensive shell museum in the western hemisphere.

Photo credit Gary Jung

Kids will enjoy the hands-on play in the Children’s learning lab where they can play games and participate in daily arts and crafts.

Live musk tank in the hands-on play area at Bailey Matthews Shell Museum, Sanibel Island, Florida, USA. Photo by Debi Pittman Wilkey | Must Do Visitor Guides

Photo credit Debi Pittman Wilkey

Wherever the day takes you, embrace the rain and enjoy all that the Fort Myers area has to offer.

Written by: Laurén Ettinger | Author Website

Laurén Ettinger runs the travel and vanlife blog Flit Float Fly Away where she shares travel tips and stories from life on the road with her dog. She is the Assistant Editor at Siesta Publications for Must Do Visitor Guides where she manages social media, writes blog articles, and assists in editing print and online copy. Laurén also works as a freelance copy editor and proofreader. She holds a M.S. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University's School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution and a B.A. in Anthropology and a B.A. in Global Studies from Appalachian State University. Follow her adventures on instagram or her blog www.flitfloatflyaway.com