Visit Southwest Florida's Lee Island Coast for Family Fun

• Babcock Wilderness Adventures (east of North Fort Myers). Visitors can view the Telegraph Cypress Swamp and scenic woods via swamp buggy or ride bicycles through the property's drier areas. People of all ages will delight at the site of native wildlife, including panthers, alligators, deer, wild turkey, bison and boars. Daily tours are available by calling (800) 500-5583 or (239) 489-3911 for reservations.



• The Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve (in southeast Fort Myers) is a 2,000-acre wetland ecosystem featuring a mile-long boardwalk. There is a $2 parking fee. Phone: (239) 432-2004.



• Ostego Bay Foundation (just off Fort Myers Beach on San Carlos Island), features a touch tank, aquariums and other exhibits, as well as a three-hour "Working Waterfront" tour of commercial fishing fleets on Wednesday mornings. Reservations are required for the tour, which costs $10 for adults, but is free to children who accompany them. Phone: (239) 765-8101.



• Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (southeast of Bonita Springs), a watershed and bald cypress forest, is owned and operated by the National Audubon Society. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 1 through April 10 and 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. April 11 through Sept. 30. Admission ranges from $3.50 to $8, depending on age; children under 6 are admitted free. Phone: (239) 348-9151.



• Manatee Park (east of Fort Myers), features three observation decks for observing the endangered West Indian Manatee in their non-captive aquatic habitat when the Gulf water dips below 70° F, typically from November through March. In addition, there is a butterfly garden. The park also offers facilities for year-round picnicking, fishing, canoeing and kayaking (kayak rentals are available). It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the winter months, and until 8 p.m. starting April 1 through the summer months.

• Manatee World (S.R. 80, east of Fort Myers) makes learning about the endangered West Indian Manatee entertaining. Narrated boat tours enable visitors to observe manatees, along with alligators and other wildlife. There is a manatee-themed gift shop, and electric pontoon boats, canoes and kayaks are available for rent. Manatee World is open daily with hourly tours from Nov. 15 through April 30. However, it's best to call in advance for reservations, as tour times and hours of operation vary greatly throughout the year. Phone: (239) 693-1434. Web site: www.manateeworld.com



• Everglades Wonder Gardens (Bonita Springs). Established in 1936, it is one of the state's earliest wildlife attractions, containing lush tropical tree gardens, wildlife shows and exhibits, a natural history museum, gift shop and more. Native residents range from giant alligators to deer, snakes, otters, hawks and bobcats, to name a few. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with continuous guided tours. Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 3- 12. Children 2 and under free. Phone: (239) 992-2591.

• The Children's Learning Lab at the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum (Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel Island) is a major attraction for visitors of all ages. Features of the learning lab include a variety of touch activities and interactive displays, educational puzzles and games, and a live shell tank. Also, each day on the hour, the museum shows a 30-minute slide program that explores the world of mollusks, discussing their habits and habitats. A museum store offers shell-motif items ranging from books to furniture. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 8-16, and free for children 7 and under. For more information, call (239) 395-2233 or (888) 679-6450. Web site: www.shellmuseum.org



• The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium (Ortiz Avenue, Fort Myers). The nature center features three miles of hiking trails and nature exhibits with 100 species ranging from eagles to rattlesnakes. In addition, the facility offers educational programs, lectures, laser light shows, field trips and guided tours throughout the year. The nature center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and costs $5 for adults and $3 per child. Admission to the planetarium is $3 for adults and $2 for children; hours vary. For more information, call (239) 275-3435 or visit www.calusanature.com.



• Imaginarium Hands-on Museum and Aquarium (east of downtown Fort Myers). This fun-filled, interactive learning center encourages people of all ages to explore the principles of science, the mysteries of the humanities and the geographical region. Visitors may experience an indoor Florida thunderstorm (without getting wet), view marine life in three 900-gallon aquariums, drive the Crash Car and "broadcast" from a TV weather studio. There is also a touch tank, museum store, video theater and more. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon until 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for children ages 3-12. Children under 3 are free. Phone: (239) 337-3332 or visit www.cityftmyers.com



• The Children's Science Center (N.E. Pine Island Road, Cape Coral). A variety of unusual indoor and outdoor exhibits can be found at this community-supported, hands-on museum for the young and the young at heart. In addition to educational displays on subjects such as optical illusions, Calusa Indian technology, electricity and meteorites, there are live animal exhibits featuring pythons, iguanas, tarantulas, hermit crabs and more. Outside, there are whisper dishes, a nature trail, mazes and telescopes for viewing the night sky from January through April. The center is open weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on weekends from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for visitors 17 and up; $3 for children ages 3-16. Phone: (239) 997-0012 or visit www.cyberstreet.com/csc



• Edison & Ford Winter Estates (McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers). Step back in time on a tour of Thomas Edison's 14-acre riverfront estate, complete with laboratory, experimental gardens, rare antique automobiles and other memorabilia from the genius inventor. A delightful blend of scientific fact and personal anecdotes will fascinate children and adults alike. Next door, Henry Ford's winter estate has been restored to its original grandeur and features several antique vehicles on display. Tickets for daily, guided tours of the homes and gardens are $12 for adults and $5.50 for children ages 6 through 12. For an additional $4 per person, visitors may end their tour with a 30-minute river cruise on a replica of Edison's own electric boat. Tickets to tour only the laboratory and museum are $5. Also, tours of the botanical gardens are offered every Thursday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. April through October and from 10 to 11:30 a.m. November through March. Group rates and private tours are available by appointment. Phone: (239) 334-7419. Web site: www.edison-ford-estate.com



• The Shell Factory (U.S. 41, North Fort Myers) has something for everyone, including more than 5 million shells and shell-related gifts. Billed as the world's largest collection of rare shells, corals, sponges and fossils, this unique attraction also contains 50,000 square feet of retail space and more than 30,000 square feet of wholesale and manufacturing. Miniature golf, a video arcade, food court, bumper boats and cars, and souvenirs galore are just a few of the many diversions the entire family will enjoy. There's even a Pearl Pavilion where visitors can pluck their own pearls from Japanese oysters and have them expertly mounted. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Phone: (888) 4-SHELLS (743-5571). Web site: www.shellfactory.com



• Alliance for the Arts (McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers). The alliance is housed in a 12,000-square-foot facility featuring an art gallery, and 200-seat theater for plays, recitals, educational programs and various workshops, including a children's art camp. Program costs vary. Closed Sundays. For more information, call (239) 939-2787.

• Mike Greenwell's Bat-A-Ball and Family Fun Park (Pine Island Road, Cape Coral). A family amusement center with 8 batting cages, 4 go-cart tracks, miniature golf, kiddie bumper boats, playground, arcade and snack bar. Open 7 days. There is a pay-as-you-go, per-amusement charge. Phone: (239) 574-4386.



• Fort Myers Skatium (2250 Broadway, downtown Fort Myers). Ice and in-line rinks are featured in this "skate-of-the-art" facility, along with laser tag, bumper cars and a new 3,000-square-foot video and game arcade, complete with prizes. There is also a pro shop, concession area and a video game room. Admission includes skate rentals and is $5 for adults; $4 for children under 12 and adults over 50. Hours vary. Phone: (239) 461-3145 or visit www.fortmyersicesports.com.



• TECO Arena (Everblades Parkway, Estero). Ice hockey, figure skating and in-line skating also are hot at this arena, which is home to: the Florida Everblades (a professional hockey team); the Firecats (an arena football team); and the Florida SeaDragons (a professional basketball team). Equipment is available for sale or rent, and private and group lessons are offered. The facility also hosts a variety of family-oriented productions and concerts. For more information, call (239) 948-7825 or visit www.tecoarena.com.



• The Sanctuary Skate Park (Grande Avenue, behind the Skatium in downtown Fort Myers). This $500,000 outdoor skate park features 20 pieces of equipment for skateboarding and in-line skating. Two-hour session fees are $1 for members and $7 for non-members; a one-year membership costs $30. Rentals are $2 per helmet, wrist pad or kneepad. Protective gear is required and a signed waiver of liability must be on file. Open 7 days. For hours and other information, call (239) 337-5297.



• Sun Splash Family Waterpark (Santa Barbara Boulevard, Cape Coral). Watery adventures await all ages at this 12-acre waterpark complete with giant slides, inner-tube ride, kiddie area (with interactive squirt works), sand volleyball, game arcade and more. Open mid-March through mid-October. Admission is $9.95 + tax or $7.95 + tax per person depending on height. Children 2 and under are free. Call (239) 574-0557 for hours or visit www.sunsplashwaterpark.com



• Baseball is another family favorite in southwest Florida, which hosts spring training for two professional teams. In Fort Myers, the Minnesota Twins make their home at the Lee County Sports Complex while the Boston Red Sox reside at City of Palms Park. Each spring, their faithful fans can watch them play in as many as 14 games per stadium. Red Sox ticket information is available by calling (239) 334-4700. For Twins' tickets, call (800) 33-TWINS (338-9467).

• The family of Interstate Hotels & Resorts has gone the extra mile to come up with innovative children's activities through its Fun Factory program. This program is now offered at several of its resort properties, including Sundial Beach Resort and South Seas Resort (FamilyFun's third-place winner in the category of "Family Resorts").
  
  Fun Factory itineraries typically offer children a wide variety of activities with choices ranging from field trips, cooking classes and other educational programs to skits and live performances produced by the children themselves. The program is designed for children ages 3 to 11, and directed by staff members specially trained in children's recreation and education. Although costs vary at each resort, the maximum is $22 per child for a half-day morning, afternoon or evening session (including lunch, a snack or dinner), and $40 for a full day, which includes lunch and a snack. For more information, call the Vacation Planning Center at (800) 572-5998 or visit www.kidsfunfactory.com.



• There is also the Casa Kids Club at the Casa Ybel Resort on Sanibel, where membership is open to all children, and activities are offered throughout the day and into the evening. Most are geared to the 13 and younger set, including treasure hunts, beach games, movies, crafts and educational activities, as well as lunch at the resort's waterfront restaurant, the Thistle Lodge. Some activities have nominal fees, while others are free of charge. For more information, call (800) 276-4753.



• 'Tween Waters Inn on Captiva offers a sailing school for children 8 and older, called "Kids for Sail." Aboard a 40-foot boat, groups of six students per session learn the fundamentals of navigation, as well as teamwork, and boating safety and etiquette. The program is offered Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and costs $50 per student. Private charters to local islands are also available to families and other groups. To make reservations or for more information, call (239) 395-1782 or (888) 472-SAIL (7245), or visit www.newmoonsailing.com



• Families will also enjoy the award-winning children's programs offered through the Kids Klub at the Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Fort Myers. Each day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., participants ages 5-12 are entertained and informed with a myriad of indoor and outdoor projects, games, recreational activities and more. The daily fee includes souvenirs, game prizes and lunch. The resort also offers numerous family activities on the water, such as kayaking, sailing, power boating, sightseeing cruises, and shelling and fishing excursions. Call (800) 767-7777 for reservations and pricing or visit www.sanibel-resort.com.



• Camp Coconut offers day and evening children's programs to guests of the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs. It is available to guests ages 3-12; toddlers must be toilet-trained. Full-day sessions are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at a cost of $52 per child, including lunch. Half-day sessions are offered from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. for $24 per child per session or $31 with lunch, which is served at noon. Evening sessions are offered during the summer only, on weekend nights from 6 to 10 p.m. The cost of $40 per child includes dinner. Supervised activities include aquatic adventures (in the pool), arts and crafts classes, treasure hunts, boat rides, beach time, movies and much more. For more information, call (239) 444-1234 Ext. 6793 or visit www.hyatt.com.



• Holiday Inns and other nationally known chains are continually updating their facilities and programs to be increasingly family-friendly. Further, many individual or privately owned hotels and motels are staying competitive by catering to families with children. For the latest on the ever-changing family programs offered by various resorts and hotels, it's a good idea to request information when reserving your accommodations.