Fort Myers is packed with fun for kids of every age, whether you want to splash through wetlands, put your acting chops to the test, or just burn off some steam indoors. From outdoor adventures to hands-on art, you’ll find loads of local spots ready to spark imaginations and fill up your family calendar.
Let’s get to it.
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
You might think it’s just another swamp… turns out it’s a slough with way more to explore. A 1.2-mile raised boardwalk winds through wildlife-filled wetlands, letting you spot turtles, herons, and butterflies without breaking a sweat or needing hiking boots. Wheelchairs and strollers roll right on, and you’ll find observation decks and picnic tables if you brought snacks.
Parking is only one dollar per hour, the only fee you’ll see. The indoor interpretive center is open most days with interactive exhibits for kids—and adults who can’t resist pushing buttons (or reading about local turtles). Lee County naturalists lead guided walks if you sign up about thirty minutes ahead. They’ll explain those strange water sounds and point out hidden wildlife.
Every fall, families join a fun wet-walk event that lets kids splash around in shallow water. All in all, this preserve is a low-cost way to get outside and see something unique in Southwest Florida, complete with peaceful boardwalk views and plenty of curious critters.
Florida Repertory Theatre
If your kid has ever wanted a chance on stage, Florida Repertory Theatre has plenty to offer. They run summer camps for ages five through teens, starting with Mini-Stars for little kids and moving up to two-week musical theatre boot camps. Teens and young adults can join conservatory labs to polish acting, voice, and dance skills. Scholarships and sibling discounts help with costs—big sessions run about $440 for two weeks, while a single Scene Study class is around $100.
Classes take place on the Florida Rep campus and inside the Historic Arcade Theatre, which is air-conditioned (a Florida must). Drop-off is smooth, and you won’t be asked to build sets or babysit since the staff handles all the behind-the-scenes work. Parents can relax or grab a coffee while trained teaching artists lead small groups. Safety guidelines are clear, and instructors really get to know each student’s name.
At the end of every session, families are invited to a final showcase. Watching those performers onstage feels like a real Broadway moment, and all that practice pays off.
Retro Zone Arcade
Walking into Retro Zone Arcade feels like a blast from the past… neon lights glow over dozens of pinball machines, classic arcade cabinets, and a throwback bar that could have been plucked from an old Blockbuster store. Over 60 vintage games and consoles are set to unlimited play, so you can marathon Pac-Man or Donkey Kong until your fingers beg for a break.
Adults usually pay $20 for an all-day wristband, kids run $15, and there are one-hour or family deals too. Fridays feature a buy-one-get-one-free wristband offer, so you can bring a friend for no extra cost. No tokens means zero drama at the counter. Staff are on hand to fix jammed machines or help you level up your skills.
Parents who aren’t chasing high scores can relax at the bar with local craft beers or chill at a table. The space is wheelchair accessible, all ages are welcome, and nobody minds if you button-mash or play like a pro. It’s open year-round, so you can always drop in for a retro gaming fix.
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
Dinner and a show come together perfectly at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. Picture a Broadway-style musical alongside an all-you-can-eat buffet in Fort Myers. They stage Broadway hits, off-Broadway favorites, and even fairy-tale shows for kids. Their main theatre seats guests in a spacious dining room, and the black box venue hosts smaller, more intimate productions.
Summer camps are a local favorite for young performers. Kids seven to ten try the Junior track, while tweens and teens jump into the Advanced program. One-week sessions run $215 to $260 and include workshops led by Broadway Palm cast members. Each Friday, campers showcase what they’ve learned on a real stage with full sets and professional lighting. Behind-the-scenes tours and Q&As let students see how a dinner theatre really runs.
The theatre also offers children’s matinees at $23, which include lunch featuring crowd-pleasers like chicken tenders and mac and cheese. Accessibility is covered with ramps and booster seats, so most families can enjoy dinner and a show without hassle.
Railroad Museum of South Florida
When you visit Lakes Regional Park, one of the highlights is the Railroad Museum of South Florida. Outside, a one-mile miniature train loops through the grounds on steel rails, giving riders a fifteen-minute tour. That steel-wheel-on-steel-rail experience feels more authentic than the plastic rides at your local mall. Tickets are $5 for anyone six or older, while kids one to five ride free if they squeeze in with an adult.
Inside, 3,200 square feet of air-conditioned museum space showcase artifacts, model railroads, and dioramas of 1950s Southwest Florida. A diesel locomotive simulator offers hands-on train controls, and live steam models draw plenty of attention. Volunteer docents share stories and answer questions throughout the exhibits. Best of all, general admission is free.
During Halloween and the holidays, themed rides add extra fun with festive decorations and special events. Safety is a priority. Trains run smoothly, rules are clear, and the museum closes if weather turns bad. It’s a must-stop for anyone curious about trains or local history.
Alliance for the Arts
For a hands-on art adventure in Fort Myers, Alliance for the Arts nails that “creativity hub” vibe. They juggle gallery exhibits and live theatre productions while also running camps, art classes, and workshops for everyone from Mini Explorers (ages 3 and up) to seasoned teen artists. Camps follow school breaks and cover everything from musical theatre and movie making to even hula dancing for the youngest participants. You’ll find beginner-friendly sessions alongside deep dives like filmmaking intensives led by pros who really know their way around a set. They really cover every creative itch you might have, so boredom never stands a chance.
Their Family ArtLab is free, and it’s designed so everyone—even parents who swear they can only draw stick figures—gets hands-on in the gallery. The ten-acre campus is fully accessible, with true accommodations for kids with special needs. Fees vary, and member discounts pop up almost everywhere. Most camps are drop-off, with safety protocols by the book and optional extended care for full days. It’s lively, a bit quirky, and feels like the true pulse of Fort Myers’ art scene.
Burroughs Home and Gardens
At Burroughs Home & Gardens in downtown Fort Myers, history comes alive in every corner. This 1901 mansion sits along the Caloosahatchee River with original rooms full of turn-of-the-century charm. Guided tours stay small and personal, with docents sharing family stories and pointing out period furniture. Sometimes you’ll even meet costumed interpreters like Mona or Jettie Burroughs narrating century-old gossip. It’s a great way to step back in time without feeling overwhelmed.
Three acres of gardens feature winding paths under ancient live oaks, plus a riverside verandah that catches a cool breeze even on hot days. Tours for kids make learning feel like an adventure without slowing down adults. Admission stays wallet-friendly, and seasonal holiday festivals add food trucks, live music, and face painting for all ages.
Reservations are required but keep things relaxed. You won’t get lost in crowds here, so every guest catches all the good details. The site strikes a nice balance between educational fun and a casual vibe, making it a solid pick for locals and visitors alike.
Extreme Rage Paintball Park of Fort Myers
If you’re chasing high-energy fun, Extreme Rage Paintball Park of Fort Myers delivers. The park has three outdoor battlefields: two wooded courses and an open airball field. They stock gear for everyone, from gel blasters perfect for kids ages 6 to 10, to low-impact paintball for tweens, and full-throttle paintball for teens and adults. Certified refs supervise every game, balance the teams, and make sure safety rules stick.
Since it’s all outdoors, rain can shake things up. If storms roll in within three hours of your booking, they’ll give you a free pass to return another day. Open play on weekends lets drop-in players join in, while group events for ten or more can be booked any time. Game scenarios range from beginner-friendly to hardcore missions for experienced players.
Parents can suit up or sit out at picnic tables while watching the action. It’s easy to see why this place runs smoothly: clear gear areas, friendly staff, and plenty of space to sprint, crouch, and cover. It’s a great way to burn energy and have a blast doing it.
Spinz
When the Florida sun gets too intense, Spinz is a perfect indoor escape in Fort Myers. It’s more than a roller skating rink—though the wood floor is great for wheels. Kids, teens, and adults all share the rink under colorful disco lights. Camp groups, families, and casual skaters mix together without feeling squeezed.
Hours change day to day, so it’s smart to check the schedule before heading over for a weekday spin or Friday night session. Admission runs from a few dollars up to around thirteen, and skate rentals cost about five more unless you grab an “Eat, Skate & Play” package. That deal nets you pizza and an arcade card after you’re done skating.
Staff are always on patrol to help beginners with tips and remind everyone to follow the floor markings. Wheelchair access makes it easy for those who need it. Themed nights and occasional free sessions for kids keep regulars coming back. Whether you’re learning to roll or just need a break from the heat, Spinz covers all the bases.
Trailhead Neighborhood Park
If you’re after a laid-back spot that really has it all, Trailhead Neighborhood Park fits the bill. The playground is split into zones so toddlers can crawl around safely without worrying about big-kid chaos. Over in the next section, older kids will find climbing structures, slides and plenty of room to burn off energy.
There are open fields for soccer, courts for a quick basketball game, and even RC boat racing on the pond. And yes, Frisbee golf is on site if you want a bit of friendly competition. Trails wind around canals and wetlands, complete with informational signs about local wildlife (keep an eye out for ducks).
The park welcomes everyone from sunrise until after dark with no fees, no reservations and no staff hovering over you. Pavilions and picnic tables make snacking or small celebrations a breeze. Surfaces around the playground are soft and rubbery, lighting is solid, and sight lines are clear so you won’t lose track of kids. With smooth paths, accessible parking and connections to nearby green spaces, it’s a simple, free drop-in spot for friends and family.
PopStroke
Mini-golf meets next-level fun at PopStroke in Fort Myers. They’ve got two 18-hole putting courses outside: the Cub Course for families and beginners, and the Tiger Course for anyone wanting trickier curves and more of a challenge. A playground for young kids and extra lawn games keep the little ones busy when it’s not their turn to putt, so no one stands around bored.
The restaurant and bar serve food and drinks indoors or beside the turf. If someone gets hangry, just order on a mobile app and have your snacks delivered right to your group. There’s a dessert counter stacked with ice cream flavors and milkshakes if you need a sweet pick-me-up. All-day pricing means you can play one round, take a break, then hit the courses again without paying extra.
PopStroke is stroller and wheelchair friendly, and staff float between holes to keep scores and smooth over any hiccups. Open most days weather permitting, it’s a solid spot for families or grown-ups who still argue about who’s the best putter.
