Cape Coral, Florida, is a fantastic destination for a family vacation. With its miles of canals, beautiful beaches, and a wealth of outdoor activities, this city on the Gulf Coast offers a little something for everyone. Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, Cape Coral has it all. In this blog, we will explore 20 of the best family-friendly places to visit and activities to enjoy in this tropical paradise!
1. Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve
Nestled in Cape Coral, Florida, the Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve sprawls across 365 acres, making it the city's second-largest green space in the area. This natural gem offers a 1.8-mile loop trail, a great option for a family day trip, known for its ease and suitability for nature lovers and birdwatchers. As you traverse the preserve's boardwalk through the peaceful mangroves, keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife such as eagles, ibis, herons, raccoons, and other migratory birds. With a visitor center, seasonal kayak rentals, picnic areas, and a serene atmosphere, this preserve is a perfect place for a fun and educational day out for the whole family.
2. Rotary Park Environmental Center
Rotary Park Environmental Center is a 97-acre haven for nature enthusiasts. The park boasts a diverse ecosystem with ponds, wetlands, salt flats, and uplands, making it a popular stop for birdwatchers, especially as part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Families can explore the upland area, home to the environmental center, the Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly House, and picnic shelters. The 4,200-square-foot environmental center hosts various programs and activities and is available for gatherings, offering a unique experience with resident snakes, lizards, turtles, and fish. There are also various trails, fitness equipment for adults, and little free libraries throughout the park, perfect for a full day out in nature!
3. Eagle Skate Park
Eagle Skate Park stands as one of the largest skateboarding facilities between Tampa and Miami, boasting a sprawling 27,000 sq. ft. skating surface. The park offers various features, including ramps, rails, half pipes, street obstacles, and a bowl, providing an exciting venue for skateboard, scooter, and bike enthusiasts of all ages. Safety is a priority here, with helmets and parental/legal guardian consent required for entry - helmet rentals are available too. Visitors can also take advantage of the park's amenities, such as picnic tables, video games, a covered pavilion area, and an Eagle Pro Shop, making it a perfect spot for a day of family-friendly outdoor activities and delicious concessions, including soft-serve ice cream, milkshakes, and sundaes.
4. Yacht Club Community Park
Relax by the Caloosahatchee River at Yacht Club Community Park, a beloved public outdoor space that offers a range of amenities, including a beach, fishing pier, community pool, playground, restaurant, boardwalk, and community center, making it the perfect place for a day trip with the family. The park also provides essential facilities like public restrooms and wheelchair-accessible parking. While the park has been closed since September 2022 due to damage caused by Hurricane Ian, extensive renovations and improvements are currently underway, with hopes for a November 2023 reopening. If you plan a future visit to Cape Coral, do not miss the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and leisure of this wonderful community park.
5. Sun Splash Family Waterpark
Sun Splash Family Waterpark, located in Cape Coral, Florida, is a seasonal waterpark that promises a day filled with fun activities for the entire family. As the largest waterpark in Southwest Florida, it spans over 14 acres and features an array of thrilling rides and attractions, including the Drop Slide, Main Stream River Tube Ride, Pirate's Cove, Terror Tube, Thunder Bump, X-cellerator, Electric Slide, and Power Surge. With waterslides, pools, a lazy river, and a dedicated kids' water play area, it is the ideal destination for those seeking a unique experience of water sports and a memorable family vacation.
6. Cape Coral Historical Museum
Founded in 1987, the Cape Coral Historical Museum has been dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Cape Coral, Florida. As the official repository for the city's history, the museum, operated by the Cape Coral Historical Society, showcases a diverse collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs related to the local history and the broader Southwest Florida region. Its three buildings and three garden areas offer a plethora of opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the region's past and provide a unique experience for history lovers and cultural enthusiasts. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, this museum is a great way to delve into the heritage of Cape Coral.
7. Cape Coral Farmers Market
The Cape Coral Farmers Market is a vibrant and year-round community hub open every Saturday from 8 AM to 1 PM. With an impressive array of over 125 vendors, it is a haven for those seeking fresh and locally sourced produce, fruits, and delectable foods. From mouthwatering baked goods to homemade guacamole, salsas, jams, pickles, and cheeses, this market offers a delightful variety of artisanal products. Additionally, visitors can purchase fresh seafood, meats, handcrafted goods, international cuisine, and locally roasted coffee, making it a perfect spot for a Saturday morning visit to indulge in an array of unique and delicious culinary experiences.
8. Coral Oaks Golf Course
Coral Oaks Golf Course is an 18-hole championship course designed by Arthur Hills. The course features TifEagle greens, contoured fairways, eight tranquil lakes, and 37 strategically placed bunkers, providing a challenging yet picturesque golfing experience for all skill levels. In addition to the par 72 course, the facility boasts extensive practice amenities, including a driving range, chipping area, and putting green. Golfers can enhance their skills with lessons from on-site PGA professionals and enjoy a full-service restaurant and bar at Knickers Pub.
9. Cultural Park Theatre
Cultural Park Theatre in Cape Coral, Florida, stands as the largest and most vibrant community theater in Southwest Florida, boasting a welcoming and casual atmosphere that accommodates around 200 people. With a diverse lineup of performances, such as "Fame: The Musical," "The Little Town of Christmas," and "James and the Giant Peach," theatergoers can enjoy a range of entertaining and thought-provoking shows. Performances are typically held on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 PM, with Sunday matinees at 3 PM for plays, while musicals also have Thursday showings. For more information on upcoming shows and details, you can check their website for the latest updates.
10. Fort Myers Beach
Fort Myers Beach, located on Estero Island off the southwest Florida coast, offers visitors a seven-mile stretch of pristine white sand beach with a gentle slope into the Gulf of Mexico. Renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, the beach is a picture-perfect destination for those seeking natural beauty and relaxation. Additionally, the town boasts attractions like the Ostego Bay Marine Science Center, which showcases local marine life, the Matanzas Pass Preserve, a nature sanctuary with scenic trails, and the Mound House, built on an ancient Calusa Indian shell mound with archaeological exhibits. The lively Times Square, featuring shops and restaurants, adds to its vibrant charm. While ongoing rebuilding efforts are in progress after Hurricane Ian, the island still offers its signature sunshine, sugary sand, and the renowned sunrises and sunsets that make it famous. Fort Myers Beach invites you to support its community and enjoy a rejuvenated island experience as it aims to come back even stronger.
11. Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island, situated off the southwest coast of Florida, is a barrier island known for its stunning sandy beaches and remarkable shelling opportunities. Recognized as one of Florida's top beaches, Sanibel is part of a chain of barrier islands that stretches from Fort Myers to Boca Grande, offering a bike-friendly environment with ample paths for exploration. While Sanibel Island faced devastation from Hurricane Ian in September 2022, the community is on the path to recovery, and visitors can support the restoration efforts by exploring the island's open beaches and businesses, making it a meaningful destination for both nature lovers and those seeking to contribute to the island's recovery.
12. Escape the Cape Escape Rooms
Escape the Cape Escape Rooms, the first of its kind in Cape Coral offers an engaging and challenging experience for game enthusiasts! In these escape rooms, groups of 2-10 players are locked in a room and have just 60 minutes to uncover clues, solve puzzles, and collaborate to unravel mysteries before the clock runs out. It is the perfect opportunity for team building and testing your problem-solving skills, with Game Masters available to provide hints to those in need. Challenge your family's problem-solving skills at Cape Escape Rooms, a great option for those who love puzzles and adventure.
13. Cape Coral Festival of the Arts
The Cape Coral Festival of the Arts & Marketplace stands as one of Lee County's premier events, with a record-breaking attendance of over 140,000 in January 2023, and it continues to be a cherished tradition with the 39th Annual Cape Coral Art Festival & Market Place set for the second entire weekend in January 2024. The festival is renowned for its commitment to showcasing high-quality, handmade, and original works from over 300 artists and craftspeople representing talent from around the globe. Each year, the festival promises an even more exciting experience with diverse artwork, live entertainment, delectable cuisine, and much more, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and families alike.
14. Sirenia Vista Park
Sirenia Vista Park, an 8-acre environmental gem in Cape Coral, Florida, is a peaceful haven situated at the southern end of the North Spreader Waterway. The park offers a range of attractions, including dedicated manatee viewing areas and fishing spots. Its phase one development includes a kayak launch area, inviting kayakers to explore the Calusa Blueway through Matlacha. With its pristine natural surroundings and opportunities to observe manatees, particularly during the cooler months, Sirenia Vista Park is a perfect destination for nature lovers, anglers, and water sports enthusiasts.
15. Cape Coral Arts Studio / Center
The Cape Coral Arts Studio, a thriving artist community resource in Southwest Florida since 1977, is a hub for year-round fine arts and fine craft classes suitable for all ages and skill levels. This creative space includes a fine arts gallery and rotating exhibits, offering a diverse range of artistic experiences. Visitors and participants can explore the Art Center's extensive 15,000 square feet of well-equipped studios, browse the specialty art supplies store and gift shop, and immerse themselves in the various art galleries. Whether you are a dedicated artist or simply seeking an enjoyable afternoon of exploration, the Cape Coral Arts Studio has something for everyone, and no memberships are required for participation.
16. Harbour View Gallery
Harbour View Gallery in Cape Coral is a unique, artist-owned cooperative gallery that exhibits juried local art. The gallery's distinctive approach ensures that it is entirely staffed by the exhibiting artists themselves. Visitors can look forward to a dynamic monthly featured artists program, with two artists highlighted each month, and a public reception held from 6 - 8 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month in celebration of their work. Since its opening in 2007, the gallery has provided a platform for over 300 local artists to showcase their talents through various artists' programs. Located in Cape Harbour, this vibrant waterfront destination boasts a working marina, waterfront restaurants, boutique-style businesses, and more - making it an ideal spot for spending quality time with out-of-town guests and enjoying the local art scene.
17. Southwest Florida Military Museum & Library
The Southwest Florida Military Museum & Library is a valuable resource for veterans and the community, housing an extensive collection of military artifacts representing major American wars. It offers discounts to active-duty military members and features live performances, including dance and theater. With wheelchair-accessible facilities for entrance, parking, and restrooms, it ensures inclusivity for all. Operating from Wednesday through Sunday, this engaging museum, with its captivating exhibits and helpful staff, provides an enriching experience for those interested in the region's military history.
18. Cape Coral's Waterfront Dining
End your day with a family dinner at one of Cape Coral's waterfront dining spots, offering good food, stunning views, and a great deal for the whole family. Some highly rated restaurants (not all are waterfront) to visit include Rumrunners, The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill - Cape Coral, and Monarca's Authentic Mexican Cuisine Bar & Grill.
19. Holy Moly Ice Cream
At Holy Moly Ice Cream, you can savor the delightful creation of spaghetti ice cream, a delicious treat with origins in Germany. This imaginative process involves straining ice cream to craft the characteristic appearance of "spaghetti." The dessert is adorned with strawberry sauce, mimicking tomato sauce, and topped with white chocolate shavings to resemble Parmesan cheese. Beyond this whimsical specialty, the ice cream parlor offers a variety of other flavors like banana split, apple crumble, blueberry, and cheesecake, making it a unique and must-try experience for those with a sweet tooth. Holy Moly Ice Cream also caters to dairy-free and gelato enthusiasts, ensuring there is something for everyone to relish.
20. Get in the Water
When visiting Cape Coral, Florida, you will find numerous ways to make a splash and embrace the beautiful aquatic surroundings. Take a dip in the inviting waters at one of the public beaches, such as the seven-mile-long Fort Myers Beach, with its gentle Gulf of Mexico waves and stunning sunsets. For those seeking a more active aquatic adventure, consider renting a kayak or paddleboard to explore the tranquil Gulf Coast and its many mangrove forests. If you are an angler at heart, book a charter boat for an exciting fishing excursion, reeling in a variety of species while enjoying the picturesque coastal views. Whether it is swimming, kayaking, fishing, or simply lounging by the water, Cape Coral provides ample opportunities to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this Florida paradise.
Time to Explore!
Cape Coral, Florida, has plenty to do for a memorable family vacation. From outdoor activities to cultural experiences, there is something for everyone in this tropical paradise. So pack your bags, rent a vacation home, and set off on a family adventure you will treasure forever!
Another great Southwest Florida gem to visit is Bonita Springs! Check out our blog post, Things to Do in and near Downtown Bonita Springs, FL for more details.
Have you visited any of these places in Cape Coral? If so, comment below and tell us which ones you got to enjoy! If you have not gone, is it on your bucket list of places to visit now? Let us know in the comments, and share this article with the person or people you want to go with! Either way, SUBSCRIBE below to learn about other places to add to your "To Visit" List! Ready? Okay, vamos. Time to have fun!
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