Fun Things to do with Children in Marco Island

Teresa Luber Marco Island, Things to do with children in Marco Island, Things to See and Do in Marco Island 10/26/201906/22/2026Airboat Rides, Corey Billy's Airboat Rides, Dolphin Explorer, Everglades National Park, Marco Island Bicycle Tour, Marco Island Dolphins, Marco Island Fishing, Marco Island Princess, Naples Zoo, Rookery Bay, Shelling, Snook Inn

Home » Naples Zoo

Key Takeaways

Marco Island offers many fun activities for children, including a pool and the Dolphin Explorer tour.
Kayaking at Tigertail Beach and visiting Everglades City are great adventures for families.
Kids can enjoy mini-golf, sightseeing cruises, and beach activities like collecting seashells.
Visit the Golisano Children’s Museum and Naples Zoo for interactive and educational experiences.
Don’t miss local treats like ice cream at Sweet Annies and adventurous experiences with Pirates of Marco Island.

Things To Do With Children in Marco Island

Before arrival, many of our guests inquire about things to do with children in Marco Island. We love our young visitors to Sea Mar Condo and wanted to put together a list of the many fun activities for children in Marco and the surrounding areas.

Fun, Fun, Fun…..

Our pool is great! The pool is open from morning until dusk.

2. We highly recommend that you take youngsters on the “Dolphin Explorer” tour. We have done this excursion several times and it is always fun and informative for both adults and children. Their website is www.dolphin-study.com. This tour is an interactive study of the dolphins around Marco Island. They get the kids very involved on the tour and their ongoing dolphin experience. https://dolphin-study.com

See related post Dolphin Explorer: https://seamarcondo.com/the-dolphin-explorer-is-a-great-way-to-see-marcos-most-famous-residents

Fun Adventures!

3. We enjoy kayaking at Tigertail Beach or Rookery Bay. Several places will deliver kayaks and paddleboards to South Seas. Once you leave the pool area and cross the boardwalk to the beach, you will turn right to get to the Tigertail launching area. Rookery Bay is a short 10 minute drive from our condos.
Rising Tide Kayak Rentals https://risingtidefl.com/
Rookery Bay Kayak Tours https://rookerybay.org/
Marco Island Bike and Kayak Rentals https://marcoislandbikerentals.com/

4. Everglades City is located about a 45 minute drive from Marco Island. It is a great place to take the kids to see alligators or go on an airboat ride or swamp buggy ride. The Gulf Coast Visitors Center in Everglades City also offers an awesome Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour.
Everglades City Airboats: https://www.evergladescity-airboattours.com/
Gulf Coast Boat Tour: https://evergladesfloridaadventures.com/

5. Marco Golf and Garden has mini-golf and is located at 971 Winterberry Drive.

Family Fun…....

6. One of the most fun things we have done is a sightseeing cruise or a dinner cruise on the Marco Island Princess. The cruise is beautiful (especially sunset), the food is good, and the prices are very reasonable. Children 4-11 are half price and those under 4 are FREE. We have done this cruise several times – for dinner and sightseeing and it was great each time. (239) 642-5415

7. The Snook Inn has waterfront dining with live music each night. Several other restaurants have live music as well (The Speakeasy and The Boardroom). Many parents love dancing with the kids to the music.

8. A fun FREE adventure is just to walk the beach collecting sea shells or go on a shelling tour. There are many colors and shapes on the beach. We have shelling baskets in the condo and there is a shell washing station around the gated area to the beach.

Fun for Children!

9. Golisano Children’s museum of Naples is a 30 minute drive from Marco Island and is great for young children. The museum offers a lot of interactive experiences. It is located at 15080 Livingston Road, Naples, FL 34109. https://www.cmon.org

And Lots More Fun……

10. Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is in Naples. What child doesn’t enjoy a trip to the zoo? http://www.napleszoo.org

See related post: A Day Trip to Naples Zoo: https://seamarcondo.com/a-day-trip-to-naples-zoo

11. We also have games, puzzles and beach toys in Sea Mar Condo for our young visitors to enjoy. Or make a nice “Dolphin Snack” – the kids will love it! https://seamarcondo.com/dolphin-snacks-for-everyone

12. The Marco movie Theater is located in the Marco Town Center at 599 S Collier Boulevard and is a great place to take the kids on a rainy day or on a day you are taking a break from the beach. They offer at-your-sea-dining options of casual American foods for you to enjoy during the movie.

Island FUN!

13. Rent a bicycle from Marco Bike Rentals and bike around the island.

See related post: A Bike Tour of Marco Island: https://seamarcondo.com/a-bike-tour-of-marco-island

14. See the fire dancer at Quinn’s Restaurant at the Marco Marriott Hotel. The show begins each night at sunset and is a high energy performance that kids love! They can also meet the fire dancer and have their pictures taken with him after the show.

15. Take an airboat ride with Corey Billie’s Airboat Rides. Children get the chance to get up close to alligators and other wildlife. This was at the top of our nieces fun things to do during their vacation. https://cbairboatrides.com/

See related post: A Day Trip with Corey Bills Airboat Rides: https://seamarcondo.com/a-day-trip-with-corey-billys-airboat-rides

Fun For All Ages…….

16. Family fishing the Gulf waters. Marco Island is know for it’s spectacular fishing either on the island or on a deep sea adventure. Some captains even specialize in first timers.

17. Rookery Bay Learning Center is a fully air-conditioned 2 story facility with a variety of hands-on-experiences, including a 2,300-gallon aquarium and interactive exhibits. There is also a nature store and picnic area. Admission is free for kids on Friday. https://rookerybay.org/

See related post: Rookery Bay Learning Center: https://seamarcondo.com/rookery-bay-learning-center

18. Visit Marco Island’s Playgrounds. Both Mackle Park Playground and WaterPark and Tigertail Beach Park have full facilities. They offer play structures, swings, monkey bars, and slides as well as water activities.

Ice Cream Fun!

19. Take an ice cream break at Sweet Annies! Yummy!!!! Children of all ages enjoy this tasty treat. In addition to the ice cream there are lots of souvenirs for all ages in this cute ice cream parlor.

20. Build a sand sculpture on the beach. Who doesn’t like to play in the sand? We have the perfect toys and buckets in Sea Mar Condo to make the perfect sand castle!

21. Pirates of Marco Island. Climb aboard the Black Pearl for an interactive family adventure. Watch your children transform into little buccaneers complete with pirate tattoos and pirate’s attire! The Black Pearl offers interactive pirate themed tours, sunset cruises and special event charters. NOTE: This excursion is only available during high season on the island (January-April) https://piratesofmarco.com/

Reserve your fun family vacation now in Marco Island at Sea Mar Condo.
Visit our website for rates and availability. https://seamarcondo.com

A Day Trip to Naples Zoo

Teresa Luber Marco Island Day Trips and Tours, Naples, Things to See and Do in Marco Island 12/28/201809/11/2025Naples Day Trip, Naples Pier, Naples Zoo, Sea Mar Condo

Home » Naples Zoo

Key Takeaways

Naples Zoo is a fun day trip, located just 30 minutes from Marco Island, offering a variety of exhibits for all ages.
Main exhibits include Alligator Bay, African Oasis, Leopard Rock, and more, highlighting both native and exotic species.
Admission supports wildlife conservation, and parking is free at the zoo.
Visitors can enjoy unique experiences, like feeding giraffes and viewing endangered species up close on cruises.

A Day Trip to Naples Zoo is a wonderful adventure! Just a short 30 minute drive from Marco Island and Sea Mar Condo, the zoo is fun for kids and adults alike. Naples Zoo is a nationally accredited zoo. It is also a charitable institution that features a full day of fun activities. Plan your trip to the zoo, today!

Naples Zoo
1590 Goodlette Road
Naples, Fl 34102
Zooline: (239) 262-5409

Hours: Open 7 days a week
Monday through Sunday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
(Last Ticket Sold at 4:00pm)

Zoo Exhibits

The Naples Zoo is a 1 mile long path that winds through botanical gardens past the main exhibits. The main exhibits are:

Alligator Bay

Alligator Bay – provides a home to the zoo’s American alligators. This lake is also home to many native species including herons.

African Oasis – This area houses many African animals including crested porcupines, Dorcas gazelles, greater kudus, miniature zebu, impala, African gray parrots, and leopard tortoises. You can even hand feed a giraffe in The Giraffe Preview Exhibit.

Leopard Rock

Leopard Rock – home to both spotted and black leopards.

Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria – contains several islands that are home to the zoo’s primates. Visitors can view the primates up close by taking a short Primate Expedition Cruise around the lake on one of the zoo’s catamarans. The majority of the animals on these islands are on the endangered species list in the wild.

Lion’s Lair

Lion’s Lair – is a mesh fenced area that is home to the zoo’s lions.

Fosas of Madagascar

Fosas of Madagascar – is home to fossas. Naples Zoo is the only zoo in the Southeast that houses fossas. The fossa is a cat-like, carnivorous mammal endemic to Madagascar.

Black Bear Hammock

Black Bear Hammock – is home to black bears, and consists of two separate habitats: one a natural environment and one a back yard. Viewing for both areas is from behind glass. It is also the largest black bear exhibit east of the Mississippi River.

Tiger Forest

Tiger Forest – a bamboo forest habitat for the zoo’s Malayan tigers. The Naples Zoo is a participating member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Species Survival Plan for this species.

Backyard Habitat

Backyard Habitat – a section of the gardens set aside and certified by the National Wildlife Federation in their Backyard Wildlife Habitat (BWH) program. In addition, it includes a pool where visitors can feed the fish.

Panther Exhibit

Panther exhibit – home to Uno a Florida Panther. The big cat was found after having been shot between the eyes at close range and left for dead. After being nursed back to health he was brought to the zoo and put on exhibit in a environment similar to what would be his wild habitat of mostly wetlands.

There are other exhibits throughout the zoo for hyenas, Parma wallaby, blackbuck, muntjac, yellow-backed duikers, honey badgers, cheetahs, coyotes and macaws.

Admission

Admission Prices: Your admission supports wildlife at the Naples Zoo and in the wild.
As a nonprofit institution, no tax is charged on admission.

Parking is Free at the Naples Zoo

Visit our website at https://seamarcondo.com. Our “Top 10 List” provides information on many things to see and do in Marco Island. We recommend several tour companies to make your vacation on Marco Island the best vacation ever!

Naples: A Perfect Day Trip from Marco Island

Teresa Luber Marco Island Day Trips and Tours, Naples, Things to See and Do in Marco Island 08/03/201809/11/2025Breakfast on Marco Island, Casual Dining on Marco Island, Fifth Avenue South Naples, Naples Day Trip, Naples Pier, Naples Zoo, Sea Mar Condo

Home » Naples Zoo

Key Takeaways

Start your Day Trip to Naples with breakfast at Doreen’s Cup of Joe, then explore 5th Avenue South for shopping and dining.
After lunch, enjoy the beautiful Naples Municipal Beach or visit the Naples Zoo for a unique experience with animals.
End your day at Kilwin’s Ice Cream for delicious treats and visit the Naples Pier for stunning sunset views.
Enjoy the vibrant evening atmosphere on 5th Avenue South or catch a show at the Naples Performing Arts Theater.
Conclude the day by returning to Marco Island, ready to relax and plan your next getaway.

Although I never tire of seeing the beautiful beaches, sometimes a day trip to Naples from Marco Island is just what I need! There is a lot to see and do in the Naples area. Here is a helpful list to help you organize your Naples get-away. (The drive to Naples takes around 30 minutes)

Leaving Marco Island for the Day

1. Let’s start with a cup of coffee and breakfast at Doreen’s Cup of Joe before we leave Marco Island for our day trip to Naples. (If coffee is not your way of waking up, there is always the fresh squeezed orange juice). Doreen’s has a wide variety of pancakes, waffles, French Toast, and traditional breakfast plates. This is the perfect place to start your morning.

5th Avenue South Shopping and Dining

2. Arriving at Naples, I highly suggest going to the 5th Avenue South shopping and dining area first. This street is lined with specialty gift and clothing shops and nice restaurants. Each shop has it’s own “uniqueness” – make sure you go in “Wind in the Willows” which has a “signature” cat that roams the store. Other favorite shops in this area are Chicos, Regatta, and the Blue Mussel.

3. After a few hours shopping, it’s now time for lunch. There are several nice restaurants along 5th Avenue South. The great thing about dining in this area is that the restaurants offer outdoor dining, giving you a great opportunity to people watch. It’s also nice to observe the nice vehicles lining the street – sometimes Bentleys, expensive sports cars, or collectable antique cars. One restaurant I want to try is new to the area – The Pearl Steak and Seafood Restaurant which has Key Lime Pie Cake Doughnuts for desert! I’m thinking yummy!!!

Beach Time or Zoo Time?

4. After lunch, how about some time on the beach? A short drive to downtown’s Naples Municipal Beach and Pier offers pearlescent sugar sand that runs along the gentle Gulf of Mexico. Activities along the beach range from sunning, walking, fishing, shelling and bird watching. It’s a good idea to bring a shell bag and binoculars. His beach offers a long stretch for walking and relaxing by the sea.

5. If you need a break from the beach, we suggest the Naples Zoo. Naples Zoo is a nationally accredited zoo and yet much more than a walk-through zoo. A paved path winds nearly a mile past rare and beautiful animals residing within a historic tropical garden of tropical plants. In this tropical setting, you can take delight at seeing many of your favorite animals like lions, giraffes, monkeys, pythons, and bears. In addition, you’ll also discover feature exhibits and an array of more rarely seen creatures like the Madagascar or a giant anteater.

It’s Ice Cream Time at Kilwin’s

6. After your day’s adventure at the beach or zoo, how about a visit to Kilwin’s Ice Cream? I have to admit that Kilwin’s is absolutely my favorite place in Naples!!!! In addition to the best ice cream (EVER) their homemade mackinaw style fudge and chocolates are not bad either!

The Evening Hours in Naples

7. As the evening arrives and the sunset hour gets close, a visit to the Naples Pier is not to be missed! There is no way I can describe the beauty of a sunset in this special place. Be sure to bring your camera for one of the most memorable photographs you will ever take. As the sun goes down over the Naples Pier you will wonder at the beauty of the moment! Note: The pier is closed for now due to damages by Hurricane Ian; however, the sunsets are still spectacular with the pier in the background. The pier is in the process of being rebuilt.

8. The evening hours are perfect for another stroll along 5th Avenue South. The street is bright with lights from all the beautiful palms. A visit to the Naples Performing Arts Theater with the Naples Players is also a great evening. The theater’s 65th Anniversary Season includes an exciting lineup of shows. including CHICAGO, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and Guys & Dolls, heartfelt comedies, magical adventures and even a World Premiere Show!

Returning to Marco Island

9. What an eventful day we’ve had on our day trip to Naples – and now it’s time to return to Marco Island and Sea Mar Condo. If you haven’t made your reservation yet for your Fall and Winter get-away, visit us now to reserve your stay!

Visit our website at https://seamarcondo.com to our rates and availability. Our website also provides more information on Sea Mar Condo and Marco Island. Let us help you make the most of your Marco Island vacation!