Mariff

We are looking for suggestions for places to take our toddler (dining and attractions) while staying at Ft. Myers Beach. We also have some flexibility as to where to stay for final 2 days of trip and are weighing traffic and attraction suitability for toddler in looking at Tampa (Busch Gardens, FL Aquarium, Lowry Zoo) vs. Orlando attractions vs. Lauderdale area. (I have read that the Florida Aquarium has recently opened an outdoor play/water park area for toddlers. Any feedback?) Also - if we do decide to stay in Ft. Myers for entire trip, we need to find accomodations in or around Ft. Myers for final 2 nights - - any suggestions as to nice place to stay with close beach access and a baby pool? We are open to anything within 1-2 hours drive of Ft. Myers. Thanks in advance.

Tandoori_Girl

The drive to Tampa is about 2.5 hours and might be longer if you're driving Jan/Feb/March. Traffic gets weary and clogged with travelers at that time on I-75, as well as on the holidays. If I were you I'd find a hotel with a hot tub (it's already chilly in my pool which gets sun most of the day) and plan on being in it alot, that's what your 2-y.o. will love. But if you decide to take in BG, the FL Aquarium, or Lowry Park Zoo (which are all wonderful) then I'd not drive but rather find a place in Tampa near Busch Gardens, which is also close to Lowry Park and a short drive to the Aquarium in downtown. It is also close to MOSI science museum which has some hands-on areas for young children.

Mariff

Between Lowry, the aquarium and Busch Gardens- - would you anyone recommend one over the other with a 2 year old (almost 3)? Does anyone know if the outdoor water area for little ones is too cold at this time of year? Finally, looking for a Tampa area hotel witha great pool area for little ones. I read about the pirate themed pool at the Holiday Inn Express near Busch Gardens and it sounded great. However, I did some more research and it appears that the hotel is old and run down. I will post this query under a separate heading as well. Thanks.

gail

What time of year? Tampa will likely be not quite warm enough for the beach in Jan/Feb - but OK if later.

I would vote for just extending stay at beach - not driving 2+ hours in car with 2 year old. My kids at that age were happy to play on beach, chase seagulls, etc for days on end.

Busch Gardens would be fun - but not worth the torture of 4 hours in the car.

There is a Best Western on Fort Myers Beach that we stayed at a number of years ago - had suites, kitchenettes - right on beach - perfect for families. However, I know they did a massive remodeling/tearing down of buildings, etc. several years ago and have no idea what it is like in its new version.

Tandoori_Girl

I'd recommend the Embassy Suites on Fowler Avenue. It is geared for conferences at the University of South Florida (which is within a mile from BG by way of the road off which you park at BG) so it doesn't have the tourist traffic and is likely not so trampled as the BG hotels. But I don't know anything about their pool. There are a few other hotels around it so if it's booked you might ask them for names of other hotels near it. Good luck.

rubytwo

The Embassy is a good choice..and there is a LaQuinta across the street. I recommend Lowry Park for a little one. Less tiring than Busch Gardens. Also they have a new baby elephant ..about two weeks old. That should keep a child's attention.

Tandoori_Girl

rubytwo, I saw the photo of that little elephant in the sptimes today. what a cute little guy/girl he/she is (they called it a calf; I guess elephant sex is undetermined until later in life, like turtles).

rubytwo

Tandori: I went over to see the baby yesterday. It is adorable..well worth a trip to the park. Did you vote on the name for the baby..if not, go online to the lowry park web page and you can vote for a name.