Ft Myers Area

[carwesty]

We have family near Ft Myers and will be staying with them for week for a budget vacation in March. We did this last year and some things we did: went to a baseball game in Ft Myers, went to Venice Beach, went to Sanibel Island, went to Siesta Key, and went to huge outlet mall. Then just relaxing other days, hanging out. Any suggestions on other things to do in the area? I would say within 2 hours. Our kids are 13, 11 and 5. We want to do some of the same things again but would also like to do some others. Any other nice beach suggestions? Our favorite was Siesta Key by far! Also, how is Ford/Edison house? Thought of doing that one day. Thanks in advance for any suggestions/recommendations!

 

[Cherlynn25]

I used to live about 30 miles north of ft myers in port charlotte.

I havent been to the Edison/ford home in about 15 years, but liked it when I was younger.

Boca Grande is another nice beach, the shells are great there, eps sharks teeth. be careful though, the undertow can be strong.

lowery park zoo in tampa is great.

Mote marine (i think sarasota) is neat too.

Also there is jungle gardens in sarasota.

There is also a childrens museum in ft myers, imaginarium I think.

Sunsplash waterpark in cape coral is fun too.


you should be able to find info on all of these on the internet.
have fun! I sure do miss the sw florida beaches!!!!

 

[njmom47]

My mom winters in North Ft Myers. When the kids were little, we went to the Imaginarium...from what I remember, they enjoyed it. Didn't know it was still there. We love Fleamasters Flea Market. We also took the kids to Ponce de Leon Park/Peaceriver Wildlfe Center.
http://www.peaceriverwildlifecenter.com/

 

[mousebymarriage]

I used to live about 30 miles north of ft myers in port charlotte.

I havent been to the Edison/ford home in about 15 years, but liked it when I was younger.

Boca Grande is another nice beach, the shells are great there, eps sharks teeth. be careful though, the undertow can be strong.

lowery park zoo in tampa is great.

Mote marine (i think sarasota) is neat too.

Also there is jungle gardens in sarasota.

There is also a childrens museum in ft myers, imaginarium I think.

Sunsplash waterpark in cape coral is fun too.


you should be able to find info on all of these on the internet.
have fun! I sure do miss the sw florida beaches!!!!

My family lives in Port Charlotte and we are heading down to visit them in June.

OP, check out Punta Gorda, they have some great parks (like Gilchrist Park or Laishley Park).
Also check out Fishermen's Village (in Punta Gorda) for great shops, restaurants, etc. they also sometimes have special events/activities.
*visitflorida.com should also have some ideas

 

[scard192]

Ft. Myers Beach is nice as is Barefoot Beach (I think that is in Bonita Beach). A trip to Naples to see how the rich people live is always fun, especially a drive along Gulf Shore Drive. Naples Pier is very nice. I have been to the Edison House and really enjoyed it ( I am a history buff).

I agree with pp - Boca Grande is really beautiful!

 

[Niagara2]

We always rent a pontoon for a day, or even a half day. The boats are easy to pilot and the kids love to watch the dolphins playing in the wake!
We get to see the big houses on the water, dock on an island and swim, again, the dolphin experience etc.
We bring a cooler with snacks and really enjoy the day. If you go further south into Naples to rent, you will get out to the Marco Island area too.
There are coupons in the tourist books that are in all the lobbies.

 

[Cherlynn25]

@mousebymarriage its a small world! =) i lived there from 1979-2009.

 

[libinatorsmom]

We just got back from Naples/Fort Meyers area and had a wonderful time! My DD and I went to esort my grandparents as they stay down there for a few months in the winter... We had a ton of fun.... we chartered a boat to go to the ocean to see dophins (lifelong memory) also wen to the Everglades Wonder Garden in Bonita Beach - kinda cheesey but my Daughter loaved it - got to pet an alligator Have fun

 

[mousebymarriage]

@mousebymarriage its a small world! =) i lived there from 1979-2009.

yes it is!
My mom and step dad (and 2 younger half sisters) moved down there in 1991. Step dad and sisters still live there (mom passed away in March 2009). Step dad is an electrician and owns his own company which is also located in Port Charlotte.