Naples Retreat / Naples guides
Things to do in Naples with kids
Museums, animals, boardwalks and boat rides close to north Naples, with current prices and two closures to know about before you plan.
Naples is easy with kids. Most of the best family stops are 15–20 minutes from north Naples, and many fit into a morning, so everyone's back at the pool by lunch. Prices and hours below were checked in October 2026. Confirm them on each official site before you go.
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center is closed for construction through December 2027; its wildlife hospital stays open. At Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, the slides and lazy river were closed for maintenance, and fall and winter dates weren't posted. Call before you go.
C'mon, Golisano Children's Museum of Naples
A hands-on play museum on Livingston Road, close to north Naples. Under-1s and members are free. Groups of 10 or more save $3 per ticket with advance notice (239-514-0084). Payment is by card only, and adults can't enter without a child.
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
Giraffes, primates and big cats in a historic garden setting on Goodlette-Frank Road. Plan on half a day. Check the zoo's site for current ticket prices and seasonal events like Boo at the Zoo in October.
Naples Botanical Garden
A large garden with a café and plenty of room for kids to roam. It pairs well with lunch downtown.
Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
A 2.25-mile boardwalk through old-growth cypress swamp, with alligators and wading birds. Hours are 8 am–1 pm through December 15, then 8 am–3 pm from December 16 to April 30. Go early for the most wildlife.
Sun-N-Fun Lagoon
A county water park at North Collier Regional Park, with four pools, splash zones, slides and a lazy river. Groups of 20 or more get reduced rates. In past years it ran weekends only in September and October and closed for winter, and the slides were under maintenance in October 2026. Call 239-252-4021 for current dates.
Naples Depot Museum
A restored railroad depot with train cars and local history. It reopened in January 2026 after nearly three years closed following Hurricane Ian. It's a good, free rainy-morning stop.
Naples Princess cruise
Sightseeing, lunch and sunset cruises on Naples Bay and the Gulf, leaving from next to Tin City. Reserve at 239-649-2275.
And the beach, of course
For toddlers, try Clam Pass, where a free tram runs the boardwalk, or Lowdermilk Park, which has a playground by the sand. See our family beach guide for parking and current closures.
Between outings, kids get a pool with a sun shelf, a playground, a sports court and a game room, all on 2.5 private acres in north Naples.
Check dates & priceQuick answers
Is the Conservancy Nature Center in Naples open?
No. The Nature Center is closed for construction through December 2027. Its wildlife hospital remains open.
How much is the Naples children's museum?
Admission to C'mon, Golisano Children's Museum of Naples is $25 per person. Children under 1 are free, and groups of 10 or more save $3 per ticket with advance notice.