It’s the weekend! And if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for ways to keep the kids entertained while squeezing in a little fun for yourself. Rob usually takes over the grill, Jenny and Sam are glued to their phones or arguing about who gets to choose the movie, and I’m over here like, “Okay, what’s next?” Well, I’ve got some ideas for family-friendly activities in Fort Myers that’ll break up the monotony and get everyone out of the house (and hopefully, keep them off their screens for a while).

Let’s start with some outdoor action. You’ve got your pick of parks here, but my absolute favorite is the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. It’s not just a fancy museum, people—it’s got acres of beautiful gardens to explore. And you know what? It’s surprisingly kid-friendly. Jenny loves taking photos of the flowers, and Sam? Well, Sam likes running around pretending he’s on some treasure hunt, which I’m totally okay with because, hello, it keeps him moving! There’s a big lawn for them to let off steam, and I can actually sit down and read a book (who knew?).

If you’re looking for something with a little more wildlife, I cannot recommend Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve enough. Nature reserves might sound like the kind of place where only the hardcore nature lovers go, but trust me, this one is super chill. There’s a boardwalk that takes you through a lush, swampy paradise—perfect for spotting wildlife. Rob always gets excited when we see an alligator (don’t worry, they’re safely far away), and the kids love spotting birds and turtles. It’s the perfect way to sneak in some nature time without feeling like you’ve crossed into hardcore hiker territory.

Now, for a bit of fun mixed with some learning (yes, you can do both), check out the IMAG History & Science Center. It’s one of those places where you think, “Oh, it’s a museum, great,” but then the kids start messing with the interactive exhibits and suddenly you’re learning about science in the most fun way possible. There’s a space for little ones to play, and older kids can dive into exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to local history. Oh, and there’s usually some cool events on weekends, so it’s always worth checking their schedule before you go.

If you’ve got little ones who still enjoy a bit of playground action, Fort Myers has some great spots. Bowman’s Beach Park has a fantastic stretch of sand (if you can get the kids off the swings long enough to make it to the water). But it’s not just about sandcastles—this place has a fantastic beach vibe that I know we all need. Rob usually brings a cooler, I pack the snacks, and we’re good to go for hours. The kids never want to leave, so we’re usually there until they’re covered in sunscreen and sand. But hey, that’s what weekends are for, right?

And here’s a little something for the evenings. If you’re looking for something low-key but still fun, Downtown Fort Myers is great for a stroll after dinner. The shops and restaurants are family-friendly, and if you’re lucky, there might be a local event happening. Sometimes we even end up watching a street performer or grabbing an ice cream from one of those funky little trucks that pop up. Honestly, it’s a simple but perfect way to end a day.

So, there you have it—family fun in Fort Myers, from nature walks to fun science, and a little downtown magic for the evenings. Next time you’re thinking about how to spend your Saturday, give these places a try. Your kids might complain about the “boring” drive at first (they all do), but once they’re running around or exploring, I’m willing to bet they’ll forget all about it.

And, hey, don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t get to every single activity. We all know that weekend chaos is part of the fun.