Family events in Ave Maria, FL

Join the monthly First Friday celebration of art in Fort Myers. Visitors can stop by the gallery, check out the nearby Alliance for the Arts, and enjoy Art Walk downtown during the event window.

Catch The Wizard of Oz for an evening of classic musical fun at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. The show starts at 7:30 PM on Friday, Aug 7.

The 16th annual backpack giveaway supports students in Immokalee and nearby communities with 1,900 backpacks filled with school supplies for elementary and middle school children. Children must be present to receive a backpack and must be accompanied by a trusted adult or sibling. More than 50 local nonprofits will share resources, and there will be free food, services, entertainment, giveaways, and more.

Incoming Heights Kindergarten families are gathering at Rutenberg Park Playground for a relaxed meetup. Children can play and make friends while parents connect with other Heights families ahead of the new school year. Pack a water bottle for your child. Hosted by the Heights Elementary PTA.

The Fort Myers Home Show is a fun, in-person event for people planning home projects. Meet and compare local home improvement professionals, then get inspired by all the possibilities for everything from updates and repairs to bigger renovations. Saturday hours run from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Sunday hours run from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Kick off the morning at Bert's Black Pearl with Sarah's Pancake Diner. Chef Sarah will be serving a hearty breakfast, with fresh pancakes available while supplies last. It is a tasty way to fuel up before exploring the showroom, meeting fellow riders, and spending the day at Bert's Black Pearl.

Kick off the school season with a family and pet friendly photo experience. Children and their furry companions can pose for professional back to school portraits by Real Tours with playful school themed props. After photos, explore local vendors offering treats and finds for people and pets, and take advantage of free nail trimming for dogs courtesy of Zoomin Groomin. Activities unfold in the parking lot of the new Paws for Wellness Veterinary Clinic, bringing together pets, people, and community in support of a meaningful cause. Photo sessions are available with a $10 donation that benefits Gulf Coast Humane Society.

Celebrate the new school year at Gulf Coast Town Center with a free, family friendly back to school bash. Expect live performances, hands on games and activities, photo spots, giveaways, and special offers from participating businesses. Kids can step into the Superhero and Real Hero Costume Contest by dressing as a favorite superhero or a real life hero such as a police officer, firefighter, teacher, military member, healthcare worker, or another community hero. Select participants will receive prizes. Families can also explore the Children's Entrepreneur Market featuring more than 50 businesses run by kids, showcasing creativity and products from young entrepreneurs. The celebration includes visits from local partners and first responders, plenty of fun throughout the center, and a Teacher Appreciation recognition. Community members can nominate an outstanding local teacher for a chance to receive a $250 prize, with the recipient honored during the event. Nomination details coming soon. Admission is free.

Kids Markets at Back To School Bash is a fun, family-friendly, farmers market-style event designed for kids ages 5-17. Plan for a couple of hours of hands-on activities and a lively in-person experience to get everyone ready for the new school year.

This family friendly bingo event at Elks Lodge welcomes all ages. Admission is free, with online pre-registration required. Expect featured items such as boomsticks, a TV, coolers, Bluetooth speakers, and more, along with a general raffle and a silent auction. A $10 meal option offers two slices of pizza and a drink. Questions can be directed to the organizers.

Enjoy an adorable farm experience with a 30-minute session of goat snuggling. Hold a fluffy baby goat, then meet Marsala, the Highland calf. After your session, you can explore the ranch, feed donkeys, hold chickens, and browse the gift shop. The minimum age is 4 and there are no exceptions. Each attendee must purchase a ticket in advance, and sessions are capped at 10 participants. Make sure everyone in your group is included on the reservation, and use the booking page to add additional guests. Please do not arrive more than 5 minutes before your scheduled start.

All summer long, dinner is easy at Zaxby’s with a family-friendly night that includes entertainment and no cleanup. Kids meals are 99 cents with an adult purchase, and children can enjoy coloring sheets, crayons, and crafts. This recurring Kids Night happens every Tuesday, offering a simple way to make mealtime fun. It is available at Gulf Coast Town Center, Fort Myers, and Lehigh Acres.