Your family is happiest when there’s a little excitement in the air. You’re always up for anything, from jet-ski and helicopter rides to exploring remote islands. For you, the best vacation days are the ones packed with laughter, thrilling discoveries and stories you’ll still be telling long after the trip ends.
Here's your list of high-energy family fun.
Rent a jet ski from Nauti Hooker Water Sports for a "no boundaries" rental and go island hopping to explore Cayo Costa, Sanibel, Captiva and Lovers Key.
If you're ready to step out on the town, look no further than downtown Fort Myers’ charming River District. This historic, walkable scene along the Caloosahatchee River is thriving with everything from chic rooftop bars and speakeasies to cozy corner taverns and buzzing sidewalk cafes.
Get the party started at Wicked Dolphin Distillery, named the #1 craft rum distillery in the nation by USA Today's 10BEST readers' poll 2025. Enjoy a free tour - tastings included! - and then indulge in some more fruity libations at their Wicked Garden tiki bar.
Get an amazing bird’s eye view of the shoreline in a helicopter tour with Str8 Up Aviation. You’ll see dolphins, manatees and even sharks. Want to celebrate a special occasion? They can customize a tour just for you.
Fort Myers Beach’s festive atmosphere is the perfect place to catch up while eating, drinking and being merry. A variety of fun restaurants, tiki bars and bars right on the sand offer waterside views and live music.
Spend an afternoon at lovely Bonita Beach then head into charming downtown Bonita Springs for dinner and live music at Sugarshack Downtown. You can even splurge on “The Sugarshack Experience,” a private recording session with a three-course meal and premium craft cocktail open bar.
Explore the natural wonders at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, home to 245+ bird species like the magnificent Roseate Spoonbill. Paved trails and on-site bike rentals make it easy to explore, or drive in your own car or golf cart. You can also enjoy a guided tour via kayak or tram.
Get an incredible look at the underwater world teeming with marine life with Cruise Fish Dive, offering daily dives to 100+ sites for all skill levels. They even offer a discover scuba dive that doesn’t require diving certification.
Visit Lovers Key State Park to see a wealth of wildlife on its pristine beaches, including dolphins, manatees, shore birds, gopher tortoises, crabs and more.
Visit the Wonder Gardens for a fascinating look at wildlife, from peacocks and flamingoes to alligators and otters. Lush botanical gardens are a sight to see as well.
Tee off at Old Corkscrew Golf Club, the only Nicklaus Signature Design in Southwest Florida and a Certified Audubon International Silver Signature Sanctuary. Eighteen holes of world-class championship golf are woven into breathtaking nature.
Hit The Courts in Cape Coral, home to top-tier pickleball facilities, including 32 courts offering open-play hours for drop-ins or matchups organized by skill levels.
Get ready for your most adrenaline-charged fishing trip ever here in the “Tarpon Capital of the World" with Gasparilla Outfitters. Tarpon are mighty fighters that can grow to more than seven feet long and up to 300 pounds - considered a true trophy for seasoned anglers.
Seasoned mountain bikers should check out miles of rugged trails at Caloosahatchee Regional Park, a landscape of pine flatwoods and oak hammocks. It’s an exhilarating way to experience the area and its wildlife.
To explore Cape Coral’s 400+ miles of canals (more than Venice, Italy!), rent a vacation home on the water with a boat slip and boat included from CoralVilla Luxury Villas & Boats or Waterside Villas with Boats. You’ll find many great places to dock and dine, including Gather and Next Door.
Hop aboard the Key West Express and enjoy a day trip to Key West to explore its famous historic sites and watering holes.
Serious kayakers can enjoy a longer trip along the 190-mile Great Calusa Paddling Trail with maps (and an Apple app) that mark GPS headings for where to rent kayaks, launch and stay along the way, as well as must-see sites. It’s sure to provide an incredible look at nature.
Go SUP paddle boarding at Causeway Islands Park to explore the pristine waters along both sides of the Sanibel Causeway bridge. Ace Performer can deliver SUP boards to the causeway beach for your convenience.
Go by car or boat to the Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina for an experience the whole family will enjoy. A variety of food trucks ensure everyone can find something they like, from fresh seafood to kids’ favorites. Riverfront views, a full bar and live music add to the fun.
Arrange an unforgettable outing for your family with Adventures in Paradise. Their fleet includes five catamarans that each seat up to 49 people. Book a "Dine and Cruise Around" tour to enjoy the sunset on the water, dinner at a popular waterside restaurant and the star-lit sky on the way back.
Treat your fur baby to the best dog beach on the planet: Dog Beach Park. At this secluded tropical oasis in Bonita Springs, dogs run leash-free and play in the shallow waters. Then head to Doc’s Beach House and dine with your toes - and paws - in the sand and stunning views of the Gulf.
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