If you’re searching for kid-friendly adventures, Naples has you covered with everything from nature-filled parks to hands-on science centers. Families can explore, play, and make lasting memories on any budget… you might even uncover a new favorite spot along the way.
Let’s get to it.
Baker Park
Ready for a spot that packs in all kinds of outdoor fun? Baker Park covers 15 acres of riverfront space, complete with a splash pad, playgrounds built for serious climbing, and a smooth 1.3-mile loop for walkers and bikers. There are fitness stations scattered along the way in case you want to add a plank or two. If you’re into paddling, you’ll love the kayak launch right on the Gordon River.
Want to bring a group? Baker Park has three large picnic shelters, wide open lawns, and even a performance stage for any gathering. Picnic areas are free unless you reserve ahead, and you can grab the Sunrise Terrace for that river view or book the Eva Sugden-Gomez Center with walls and AC. Everything’s wheelchair-friendly, dogs just need to stay leashed, and the park is open every day from sunrise until late evening. No lifeguards or staff around the splash pad or river, so keep an eye on the kids wherever they roam.
Naples Botanical Garden
Stepping into Naples Botanical Garden feels like entering a tropical playground designed with families in mind. Spread across 170 acres, you’ll find lush conservation gardens and plenty of room for kids to explore. The Kapnick Brazilian Garden’s Jungle Hollow is one of several drop-in play areas for youngsters as young as two. Logs, ropes, climbing structures, soft surfaces, and shaded spots give parents a chance to relax while the little ones roam.
When the Florida heat kicks in, head over to the FGCU Kapnick Center for the W.O.N.D.E.R. family program. It’s a casual, monthly-themed drop-in session that never feels forced. On Sensory-Friendly Saturdays, quieter zones and smaller groups make the experience comfortable for kids who need a calm space. You can grab multilingual activity packs at the entrance and wander the preserve trails with interpretive signs that share interesting facts. Best part? Admission includes everything and kids under 17 get in free.
Freedom Park
Tucked away in Naples, Freedom Park is a free and easy nature playground that surprises you with how complete it feels. The trails are flat and ADA-friendly with no tricky roots or loose boards. You’ll find a large lake, well-kept wetlands, and a butterfly garden that feels like its own peaceful world. Interpretive signs and benches along the way make it a hit for anyone who digs birdwatching or spotting tiny critters.
There’s also an indoor environmental center open on weekdays that hosts camps like Wildlife Warriors for kids. If you’d rather stroll with a cold drink, the boardwalks and accessible restrooms make it super convenient. You can even cast a line at the catch-and-release fishing area, grab water on the go, and admire the nearby Collier County Freedom Memorial by the entrance. It’s safe, low-key, and exactly what you need for a chill day outside.
Gordon River Greenway Park
If you enjoy a blend of easy access and genuine Florida nature, Gordon River Greenway Park has you covered. This 140-acre spot offers paved trails, mangrove-lined boardwalks wide enough for wheelchairs and big groups, plus a tree-house playground for kids aged 2 to 12. You’ll also spot interpretive signs throughout, perfect for anyone who wants to learn bird or plant names on the go.
Locals use the Greenway for everything from early morning jogs to family bike rides or wildlife spotting. It’s free, open from sunrise to sunset (and a bit later along the lit paths), and even has emergency ID markers on lamp posts. Want to hit the water? There’s a canoe and kayak launch, just reserve gear through the Conservancy next door. No staff hovering, just clear maps and a side gate leading to the zoo and dog park. It’s the kind of place you can explore at your own pace.
Conservancy of Southwest Florida
Think of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida as your local eco-hub where science meets hands-on fun. You can touch tanks, meet animal ambassadors like rescue turtles, and brave a guided swamp walk if you’re up for it. Little ones get their own space in the drop-in Little Explorers zone, part playground, part kid lab—perfect for parents who need a breather.
School groups get to tag along with real scientists on field trips, and summer camps fill up fast thanks to lab experiments and kayak trips led by pros. If air conditioning is more your style, the Dalton Discovery Center features AR exhibits that blend high-tech with Everglades ecology. Admission is wallet-friendly and even includes boat tours down the Gordon River. Everything’s ADA accessible, safety is taken seriously, and programs run year-round except for a short September break. If you can’t find something to love here, you’ve got a knack for skipping the highlights.
Sugden Regional Park
When you need a park that does it all in Naples, Sugden Regional Park delivers. Spread across 60 acres, it’s home to the only public freshwater lake beach in Collier County. The sandy shore on Lake Avalon is perfect for families who want to swim, build sandcastles, or just relax in the sun.
There’s a playground that little ones adore, plus sailing and water-skiing classes on Saturdays in spring. You’ll spot everyone from local kids to seniors giving it a try. Paddle boats, kayaks, and canoes dot the water as soon as the weather warms up.
One of the best parts is how easy they make everything. The playground, beach, trails, and docks are all ADA accessible. There’s an adaptive skiing program, free life-jacket loans, and even a butterfly garden with springtime conservation events. Park hours run from 8 a.m. until sunset, and entry is free. If you want to rent a paddle boat, you’ll need a few bucks, but otherwise it’s all about getting outside without spending a lot.
Artis—Naples
At Artis—Naples, the arts scene in Southwest Florida really comes alive. They mix visual arts, live performances, and hands-on workshops so families never get bored. The Make-and-Take Workshops are drop-in friendly with no extra fee—just show up and dive into painting, clay work, or crafts inspired by the current exhibits.
Twice a year they host Community Day, a free cultural festival both indoors and outside. You’ll find live music, art stations everywhere, and kids exploring real instruments instead of being told not to touch. For those who want more structure, the ArtSmart Summer camps serve elementary and middle school students with guided art projects, gallery visits, and lessons from pros. Scholarships help keep it affordable.
They even run summer music camps taught by Naples Philharmonic musicians, complete with a final concert. Everything here feels welcoming and down-to-earth, so real people can enjoy art and music without any pretense.
Paradise Coast Sports Complex
Paradise Coast Sports Complex feels like a multi-tool for family fun in Naples. Kids squeal at the playground and splash pads, both with ADA-friendly surfaces so everyone can join in. Meanwhile, teens and adults are busy on soccer, football, and lacrosse fields or working out at The Factory, an open-air fitness zone with flexible memberships.
If you just want to chill, the lakefront trail is great for walking, running, or rollerblading. Seasonal events keep it lively, from giant egg hunts in spring to a winter snow takeover. The Great Lawn hosts concerts, outdoor movies, and food trucks so you don’t have to hunt for snacks. Big events fill stadium seating, while The Cove offers a bar, fire pits, and lake views for low-key nights.
Most areas are free—you only pay for tournaments, some events, or Factory memberships. Accessible design, staff on hand, and clear safety measures make sure you never feel out of place, even when it’s busy.
Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk
Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk makes exploring swamps easy, even if you’d rather stay clean and dry. The half-mile raised boardwalk leads you through the Fakahatchee Strand, so you skip the mud and still get up close to massive bald cypress trees, royal palms, and maybe a gator sunning itself by the water.
It’s stroller and wheelchair friendly, with benches and a rain shelter if the Florida weather turns on you. Interpretive signs share facts about plants and wildlife, and sturdy railings keep everyone safe. Restrooms and trash cans are right there, so you don’t have to hunt for facilities.
Parking runs three dollars into an honor box—no gate or attendant to slow you down. This self-guided trail strikes the perfect balance between adventure and comfort. Just remember bug spray in summer, or you’ll likely regret skipping it.
