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Bonita Springs/Naples...anything to do with young kids?

Bonita Springs/Naples...anything to do with young kids?

Old Mar 13th, 2005, 06:00 PM
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Bonita Springs/Naples...anything to do with young kids?

We're planning a trip to FL in May with our 2 young children. We're deciding between Orlando (maybe the Grand Cypress) and the Hyatt in Bonita Springs. Obviously in Orlando there will be no lack of activites (maybe too much so). However, in the Bonita Springs/Naples area is there much we can do outside the resort? We understand the pools there are beautiful but we recently did a beach/pool vacation so we'd like a few other distractions available. Are there any zoos, wildlife preserves, very calm boat rides, amusements, or anything else that anyone could recommend in that area that would be good for young kids? Also any family friendly restaurant suggestions, particularly near the Hyatt?
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Old Mar 13th, 2005, 06:11 PM
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Definitely do Carribean Gardens in Naples which is also a zoo and has some animal shows.
I'd suggest a walk on the boardwalk at the Corkscrew Sanctuary which is east of Naples on Immokalee Road and run by the Audubon Society. They'll see beautiful birds and alligators close up.

I haven't done the boat ride which is on 41 between Bonita and Naples, across from the Pewter Mug, but it sounds like somthing that would appeal to kids as well as adults.

There's a nice playground which remains surprisingly busy in Naples at Cambier Park, just south of Fifth Avenue, next to the bandshell.

There's also a Teddy Bear Museum in north Naples, near the corner of Pine Ridge and Airport-Pulling Road. Next to Sports Authority.
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Old Mar 13th, 2005, 08:18 PM
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Question for Patrick: we haven't done most to the touristy things in quite awhile. Is the Carribean Gardens that you mentioned what used to be Jungle Larry's? I haven't heard it mentioned in a long time.

One thing our kids loved was the Everglades airboat tour. The boys were about 10 when we did that - Yours may be too young - you didn't mention age. Another thing that is interesting is the winter home of Edison and Ford. Located in Fort Myers, which isn't too far away.
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Old Mar 14th, 2005, 02:28 AM
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I would rent a pontoon boat and do some fishing on Estero Bay. The area is easily navigated, even by a novice and the wildlife is amazing. You could also charter a boat with a guide.

Just down Corkscrew Rd is the Miromar outlet mall. Not your ordinary mall, this one is set out with several plazas with fountains that function as hubs for the hundreds of shops and restaurants. There is live music at the restaurants and always lots of families. They even have water skiing demonstrations on the lake near the dining area. It's a nice diversion.

Jungle Larry's is now Caribbean Gardens.

Later this year a small theme park will open in Fort Myers but I have no idea what this will include. It will be on the way to Fort Myers Beach.

Our area will never be an alternative to Disney World and Orlando. I think of us as the antidote to Orlando. LMF
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Old Mar 14th, 2005, 06:37 AM
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Babs, can you please give details on the Everglades airboat tour? We leave in a few days for Naples and will have several children who would love it. Which company did you use, how many did the boat seat, where did you get the boat, etc.??? There are several families going.
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Old Mar 14th, 2005, 02:17 PM
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Yikes! I hate to admit it, but my FIL did all the planning and I really don't know. I'll check with him and see what I can find out. It seemed like we were in the middle of nowhere, but not really very far south of Naples. I have no idea of the company name. I'll be back with info as soon as I can track FIL down.
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Old Mar 14th, 2005, 08:10 PM
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We have been going to Naples annually the past several yrs. to see Great G-Ma and have done the Carribean Gardens (kills a few hours, just OK), the Everglades Boat Tour was a big hit. I don't recall the name of the company as my bro-in-law planned it but they had an alligator 'farm' and the kids got to hold baby alligators (with their mouths "taped" shut)--I'm sure we'll get a bunch of threads about that now...at any rate, with three young boys, it was a huge hit. They also had this long, dusty ride through the woods to see animals where they threw out food and wild pigs came out and such, that wasn't really worthwhile and a waste of an hour and was pretty "staged". We just stayed at the Hyatt last visit and loved it. Beautiful property...staff is great. Also, recommend just renting a boat and if you are not sailors, get a guide and go up and down the intercoastal for a morning--the kids will fall asleep if you time it right and you can take some wine...!! We love that. Go to the pier in Naples. There are batting cages on Airport Road with an arcade. I'm not sure of the age of your kids so... There's a movie theatre or two around. Also, taking them to downtown Naples on Thurs. night when they have the musicians and such (I forget what they call it) is stimulating for them--lots of lights and music and so beautiful for you. 40 min. drive for you, but you CANNOT miss an evening in downtown Naples when you are there.
We usually fit Orlando in too, every other year as that's all we can take of the craziness and only for a couple of days. They are just two very different vacations and your kids need both kinds. It's your call. We stayed at the Gaylord Palms last spring in Orlando and it was wonderful. Can't say enough. I also got it through Priceline for Easter week at $75... Lots of people were getting it back then. My girlfriend got another Resort in Orlando for $80 on P/L and it was equally nice...just a thought. There are so many resorts in Orlando it is competitive and you can get great rates.
Best of luck!
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Old Mar 15th, 2005, 03:51 AM
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The Watermark Grill in North Naples has a magician come in one night a week to do tableside tricks and I also think he does "balloon animals" as well. While the food at this restaurant is just okay, the kids really love the magician. I think he comes on Thursday nights? Call to find out for sure. Also, Cheeseburger,Cheeseburger (also in N.Naples) has a balloon artist come in one night a week. The food is pretty good here, as you can guess, Cheeseburgers are the specialty. The kids meal comes in a pretty cool box that's shaped like a classic car. Both restaurants are really child friendly.
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Old Mar 15th, 2005, 11:48 AM
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Sorry, the restaurant is Cheeburger,
Cheeburger...not Cheeseburger. Locals here will have my head, LOL!
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Old Mar 25th, 2005, 05:34 PM
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Thans to everyone for all of your great suggestions. It looks like we will not be bored in this area, so we just booked a week at the Hyatt Coconut Plantation at the end of April. We'll tackle Orlando when they get a little older, they're only toddlers right now so this seems like the perfect vacation spot.
If anyone has stayed at the Plantation recently- do they still only have a restaurant open for lunch? How's the food? Are there other restaurants close by? Anyone happen to know what age the kids progran starts at? How's the kiddie pool at the hotel? Is the big pool a zero entry pool? Thanks for any help!
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Old Mar 25th, 2005, 06:29 PM
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The beauty of the resort is its isolation, so there isn't anything "real close". It's not TOOO far to Iquana Mia at Bonita Beach Road and 41 for fun Mexican, kid friendly. And just a little further to P.F. Changs, also popular with kids.

And the Teddy Bear museum is closing permanently soon, so check to see if it is still open if you were thinking of going.
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Old Mar 26th, 2005, 02:53 AM
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Thanks for this posting. We are going to Naples/Marco next week for a wedding and taking little grandson. Will see if we need to do a couple of thse.
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