Family-Friendly Outings in Naples

With a 100-foot winding waterslide, white sand beaches, golf and tennis lessons, and much more, kids of all ages will never want to leave one of the best Florida family resorts in Naples. Naples Grande Beach Resort is a destination in itself, but if you want to explore the area further, whether it be downtown Naples or nearby islands, here are a few family-friendly outings parents, teens and kids will enjoy.

Downtown Naples

Naples Grande Beach Resort is conveniently located near family-friendly attractions such as the Naples Botanical Garden and Children’s Museum. When you need a break from one of the three resort pools, beachfront dining or golf lessons, spend the day in Naples. Start off the morning exploring the Naples Botanical Garden where engaging family events are hosted daily. In the W.O.N.D.E.R. program, both kids and adults can learn about a variety of plants in a series of lessons and activities such as drawing and painting.

Afterward, head to the heart of Downtown Naples on Fifth Avenue South. This charming street features numerous local restaurants and shops to explore. Savor a fresh catch cooked to your preference, purchase one-of-a-kind souvenirs or both! Eventually, make your way down to the historic Naples Pier to enjoy the view or play in the sand.

This family-friendly outing is just a 20-minute drive south from Naples Grande.

Matlacha Island & Pine Island

Pine Island is the largest island in Florida and just over an hour’s drive north from Naples Grande. Made up of old fishing communities, Pine Island offers families a relaxing atmosphere to explore eclectic galleries, kayak through mangrove forests and dine at local restaurants.

Before reaching Pine Island, you will pass Matlacha which is located on its own smaller island. Filled with colorful buildings and funky art, Matlacha Island is more than an old fishing town. Stop by the Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens to experience artist Leoma Lovegrove’s colorful studio and headquarters featuring painted palm trees, polka dot walls and more. The vibrant botanical gardens and peaceful views of Matlacha Pass are sure to please every family member.

After exploring unique galleries in Matlacha Island, visit the Museum of the Islands to learn about the fascinating history of Pine Island through various exhibits featuring shell collections and fishing artifacts. Then, spend the rest of the day discovering Pine Island by bike or kayak. The Pine Island Bike Trail spans the width of the island and is an easy trail for families with kids. Bike rentals for kids, teens and adults are available at Pine Island Cycles. For kayak and paddleboard rentals, there are numerous vendors located on Matlacha and Pine Island including Carmen’s Kayaks, Gulf Coast Kayak and Apex Aqua Adventures.

Keewaydin Island

Only accessible by boat and lacking cars, roads and bridges, you’ll want to make Keewaydin Island a part of your Florida beach vacation. From Naples Grande, drive 40 minutes south to Rose Marina in Marco Island. Departing from the marina, the Hemingway Water Shuttle takes passengers to Keewaydin Island where families can enjoy shelling, swimming, dolphin sightings, fishing and more. Don’t forget to pack some snacks and the appropriate beach gear including towels, sunscreen and beach chairs. Food and drinks are also available by boat, with numerous vendors selling ice cream, drinks, hot dogs and more along the shores of Keewaydin Island.

These are just a few options to explore while staying at Naples Grande. For more recommendations or assistance planning your beach vacation to the best Florida family resort, contact our Concierge directly at 239-254-5600.