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.
Excitement awaits at Sunsplash Family Waterpark. Rush down multiple waterslides and try to stay standing in the 12,000-square-foot Paradise Cove wave pool. A 16-foot movie screen sets the stage for “dive-in” movie night with the whole family.
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.
For an amazing mini golf adventure, head to Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf featuring waterfalls, caves and dozens of live alligators you can feed.
Enjoy high-speed thrills at FastTrax Fort Myers, Florida’s longest multi-level go-kart track. Multiple tracks offer fun for all ages and skill levels - even a kids track for ages 3-6.
Try parasailing with Paradise Parasail for an adventure you won’t soon forget. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the beach as you drift across the sky.
Visit Revolution Cable Park for a high-speed water skiing adventure via an overhead cable system that pulls riders around a lake, with 10 optional jump rails and slide rails, and rental for all gear needed. In addition to water skiing, you can also enjoy wakeboarding, kneeboarding and wakeskating.
Visit Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve for an incredible look at alligators, turtles, otters and wading birds from the safety of the 1.2-mile elevated boardwalk, which is accessible for strollers.
Enjoy an easy guided paddle along the Great Calusa Blueway perfect for kids with Tarpon Bay Explorers within the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Meander through calm, protected mangrove tunnels and tidal flats and see a wealth of wildlife, from manatees to roseate spoonbills.
Take a day trip to Cayo Costa with Tropic Star Cruises to explore this remote island accessible only by boat. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy pristine beaches perfect for collecting seashells, snorkeling, wandering on nature trails and spotting wildlife.
Treat your kids to a Wild Wonder Animal Encounter at Wonder Gardens, where they’ll meet and feed Sulcata tortoises and Rainbow and Coconut lorikeets. Then stroll the scenic gardens to see everything from flamingoes to river otters.
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.
Enjoy a day of fishing with family-friendly Fort Myers Fishing Adventures out of Salty Sam's Marina in Fort Myers Beach. After working up an appetite reeling in the big one, dine at Captain Joe’s favorite eatery, Parrot Key Caribbean Grill.
Rent a surrey bike at Lakes Park for a biking adventure the whole family can enjoy – even the little ones. Also enjoy the miniature train ride, playgrounds, splash pads, paddle boats and a children’s garden filled with interactive murals perfect for pictures.
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.
Climb aboard the Pieces of Eight, a 65-foot replica Spanish galleon to experience Salty Sam’s Pirate Cruise. Your kids will love this interactive comedy adventure with treasure chests, face painting, pirate games and more. You can “wet yer whistle” at the full-service bar in the galley.
Paddle the Great Calusa Blueway on a guided kayak tour with Estero River Outfitters. Explore the beautiful Estero River while learning about the area’s rich history.
Go paddleboarding at San Carlos Bay - Bunche Beach Preserve; rent boards onsite from Kayak Excursions. The waters are calm and shallow, making this a safe and easy place for your kids to enjoy the sport. Then head to Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grill for their amazing signature Yucatan Shrimp.
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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