It’s the holiday season….and shortly after the New Year, the season for visitors moves into full swing. For those Naples homeowners from northern states, especially, a winter visit to Florida is irresistible! And often times, those winter visits include children.
How can you best accommodate pint-sized visitors to Naples? Do you need to head out to purchase a nursery full of furniture, toy box full of toys, and cabinets full of games, all the time hoping that you get it right.
And what will the kids want to do, anyway?
Fear not! There are fantastic options here in Naples that will help you welcome children to your home.
Start your preparations at Twinkle Twinkle Little Store, on US 41 just south of Pine Ridge Rd. Here, you can rent (yes! rent!) a full array of baby and kids’ gear, including a stroller, pack and play, crib, baby seats, and even the correct sizes of car seats to assure that all of your vehicles are well equipped for safety. Top it off with a request for a selection of toys for rent - the staff at Twinkle Twinkle will be happy to assemble an assortment toys that are appropriate for the age of your little visitors. Every item is fully sanitized between uses, and in “like new” condition. (Just FYI - when baby gear or toys show signs of wear, they are sold at Twinkle Twinkle.)
Once you’ve outfitted the house with necessary supplies and toys, you’ll want to assemble a list of activities for the days that your visitors are in town. Don’t miss out on
C’Mon. Naples’ sparkling children’s museum, located on Livingston Rd. adjacent to North Naples Community Park. Kids will enjoy climbing the banyan tree and engaging with the full array of interactive displays. C’Mon invites kids to explore, engage, and let their imaginations take charge. There’s a great gift shop, too.
The Naples Zoo. During the winter months, your visitors will love exploring our zoo. The weather will be perfect as you feed the giraffes and take the boat to meet the primates. Adults and kids alike will enjoy meeting a few of the rare species housed at the Naples Zoo, including honey badgers, fosas, and striped hyenas.
The Beaches. Need we say more? Check this blog post for more details. Grab your beach shoes, umbrella and a net for shelling, and kids of all ages will be set for a memorable day. At low tide, head to the Naples pier and see live starfish, sand dollars, and other marine life up close.
Rockin’ N Stables. The kids will enjoy an afternoon on horseback. Drive out Immokalee Rd. east of Collier Blvd. and take a trail ride through the natural Florida woods. Gentle horses and experienced guides make Rockin’ N a highly rated Naples attraction.
Sun N’ Fun Lagoon. At North Collier Regional Park, kids from toddler age right on up will enjoy this water park, featuring water slides, splash pads, and a “lazy river” attraction. Parking is free and admission is discounted for Collier County residents.
Dining out with kids in tow is not a problem in Naples. A few kid-friendly favorites that we have tried include:
The Dock at Crayton Cove. The Dock offers a great kids’ menu, with portions generous enough for youngsters up to age 12. Little ones will be able to share or take home leftovers. When you’re done, the kids will enjoy a walk out the dock, especially as fishing boats come in and pelicans circle looking for their dinner.
Lunch at the Turtle Club offers beautiful beachfront dining. With kids, request a table outdoors and let them enjoy the feel of sand under their toes. You’ll be able to enjoy a lovely salad or entree while the kids take in the view of the Gulf, paddle boards, and gulls.
Pizza at Cosmo’s on 41 close to downtown is known as the best in Naples.
Or try Aurelio’s at Coastland Mall, which offers a great kids menu of Italian favorites. (After the kids tried the spaghetti, we took home a container of Aurelio’s marinara sauce. It’s great!)
Of course, Naples offers all the national chain restaurants. A new family friendly offering along Airport-Pulling Rd. is Culver’s, best known for shakes.
Whether your guests are the grandchildren or friends with children....you won't have a moment of wondering what to do in beautiful Naples. Let our wonderful community offerings become their vacation playground during their visit!
