Best Florida Family Beach Vacations; Naples Vacations

Florida with Kids at Naples beach courtesy of localism.com-neighbor-clairenaples

Naples is no question part of the “Paradise Coast”, and one of the best destinations for a Florida family beach vacation. Though Naples does have a reputation for being a spendy- but-relaxed-retirees seaside paradise,  if you get the right insider info, your Florida family beach vacation can be more fun for less than you would think, maybe even less than an Orlando vacation.

Naples has many, both man-made and natural attractions, to make it a great family fun destination. The calming warm water of the Gulf, and soft sandy beaches along the coastline  provide endless opportunities for quality family beach time. And with the Everglades ecosystem so close, it opens a portal into this amazing natural world for young and curious minds. Sprinkle that with paradise beaches, a nationally accredited zoo,  a nature center with a wildlife rehabilitation zone, and lots of parks and miniature golf galore and you’ve got yourself a Florida family beach vacation full of fun for everyone.

Water Parks & Swimming Pools to Play at while on your Florida Family Beach Vacation in Naples

Naples Florida also has a couple great water parks any family would enjoy including:

Golden Gate Aquatics Facility– Located at Golden Gate Community Park, 3300 Santa Barbara Blvd., Naples, 34116. This family fun facility has a 25-yard by 25-meter heated pool, a heated children’s activity pool, a 110-foot open slide, a 110-foot tube slide, two 1-meter springboards and one 3-meter springboard. There is a cold whether policy – if the air temperature is below 59 degrees, all water facilities managed by Collier County Parks & Recreation may be closed.  Call parks to check, if temperatures are near 59 degrees. Call the Aquatics Facility if you have questions at (239) 252-6128.

Family Fun at Naples Sun & Fun Lagoon img. courtesy of sun&fun lagoon

Sun & Fun Lagoon in Naples– 15000 Livingston Road N., Naples, FL 34109, ph: (239) 252-4021. “One million gallons of water fun will thrill children, parents and grandparents alike at Collier County’s newest attraction, Sun-N-Fun Lagoon.  The water park is located inside the North Collier Regional Park”. Sun-N-Fun Lagoon (surrounded by a plush preserve) is the perfect alternative to the crowded beaches during season (November to May). There are lots of lounge chairs around all of the pools and huge umbrellas provide shade, but you have to arrive early to claim one of these desirable spots. Their interactive water attractions include:

• water dumping buckets and water pistols
• 4 pools including a family pool, a tadpole pool for kids 6 and under, Turtle Cove for kids 5 to 12, and a lap/diving pool
• Sunny’s River, the lazy river attraction, is great for kids and adults
• The big main attraction is a water tower which takes those 48″ and taller 38 feet in the air to come back down on one of five fantastic water slides

Naples Beach & Other Parks and Beaches in Naples to enjoy while on your Florida Family Beach Vacation:

Going on vacation in Florida with kids can be a great way for the whole family to escape from the norm. Naples Florida beaches offer many miles of sparkling coastline including; Clam Pass County Park, Lowdermilk Park, Delnor Wiggins State Park; Vanderbilt Beach (north Naples), Park Shore beaches, Lowdermilk Park, and street-end beach accesses north and south of the pier.

Naples Cambier Park
Walking distance to 5th avenue and ice cream! Great castle-like play structure that will thrill your child for hours! Located at 755 Eighth Ave. S., Naples – map it! Inside Naples Cambier Park is a unique community built playground, covered pavilion, lots of open green space and ample parking.

Fleishmann Park
Situated by the Coastland Center Mall, Fleischmann Park offers fun for all the family.
1600 Fleischmann Blvd, Naples, FL – map it! (239) 213-3020. Fleischmann Park is 15 acres of fun and includes the following amenities: a new playground (one for toddlers 1- 5years and one for school age children 6 12 years) with sun shades and a water splash zone, also 4 lighted racquetball courts, 3 lighted base/softball fields, 2 lighted sand volleyball courts, 2 lighted basketball courts, lighted football field and practice field, and also has several picnic pavilions, open green space, ample parking and a community center with meeting rooms, a game room, 2 dance studios and a main room.

Lowdermilk Park –Lowdermilk Park is one of Naples’ premier beachfront parks, fun for kids of all ages, beautiful beach, lovely sand and even good for shell hunters as well. Downtown Naples is literally steps away from one of the best public beaches anywhere and is also fitted with metered and unmetered parking, concession stand, sand volleyball courts, restrooms, showers and a gazebo.

Clam Pass County Park-Clam Pass was voted as one of the top 20 beaches in the United States, and is close to many Naples Florida Hotels. There is an $8.00 parking fee or a Beach Parking Permit is required. The beach is open from 8:00 am to sundown.  Additionally, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida offers a free nature walk Mondays-Saturdays December-May @ 9am along the boardwalk and the beach. No reservations, just be at the tram stop. For more information call 239353.0404.

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park a natural wonder,  is located on a lovely stretch of beach along the gulf, at the northerly end of Vanderbilt Beach in north Naples about six miles west of I-75, at exit 111.  One of the most popular seaside destinations in Naples, the mile-long stretch of soft white sugar sand has been rated one of the best beaches in the nation. Many times when you go to a beach, there are buildings everywhere, but not here. It’s quiet, natural, and serene. There is convenient access to the beach, including five parking lots with a system of connecting trails and boardwalks as well as picnic tables, grills and bicycle racks, bathhouses with changing stalls and out-door showers. A picnic pavilion, observation tower and boardwalk access to Wiggins Pass can be found at the very north end of the park.

There is a small admission charge but parking is located along a drive that runs the length of the beach, so after you park its just a short walk to the sand. This makes it easy to carry your chairs and beach gear with you. There also are large crowds that gather for sunset viewing, and its not unusual to see/hear musicians playing at that time. The only reason this one wasn’t listed as one of the best for kids is that there are places around this area where swimming is not allowed because of Wiggins Pass having such a strong current, but if you keep to where it is posted for safe swimming it’s a dream.

Collier-Seminole State Park-Collier-Seminole State Park offers both kids and adults a close look at the plants and wildlife of the Everglades. If you have little ones that love the outdoors, and are interested in learning about the Everglades, this is the park for you. Recreational activities include camping at developed and primitive campsites, hiking a 6.5-mile nature trail and fishing. A boat ramp and rental canoes are available. Collier-Seminole State Park is located off U.S. 41, 17 miles south of Naples.

More Family Things to Do on your Florida Beach Vacation around Naples Beach

Caribbean Gardens and Zoo (The Naples Zoo)-Not only a great zoo to see monkeys, lions and kangaroos, but you’re little ones will love playing at the play park here.Check their website for special kid events, and night-time zoo events! Located at; 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd N.,Naples, Florida – map it!

Zoo Deals!

$3.00 off admission price per person-Available now until December 31 2010

Save on Zoo admission by purchasing your tickets online. $4.00 off adult admission and $2.00 off a child admission. Also, Military personnel go Free-Available November 11 2010 until November 14 2010- In honor of those who serve our country, Naples Zoo is offering free admission to all active and retired military personnel. Plus, adult and child guests in their party can also purchase online tickets at $2 off regular Zoo admission during the weekend.

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King Richards Family Fun Park –  the #1 Stop for Fun in Naples, Florida. King Richard’s features the always popular go cart track and video games along with exciting new attractions and features like Laser Tag, Dance Machine, and interactive video games. King Richard’s Amusement Park provides a variety of entertainment for families. There’s even an alligator pit, batting cages, water rides, amusement rides, go carts, a huge game room, a kids water playground, food and drinks.

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Looking for an idea to entertain your family? This beautiful Nature Center has the answer! The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a great place to take the kids.

Schedule a Private Tour-where your dedicated guide, a trained naturalist, will lead your private group through a two-hour interpretive tour featuring an enhanced excursion through the Discovery Center with additional encounters with resident wildlife and the Touch Tank, information about the Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic and a reserved, narrated boat cruise up the Gordon River. Shaded picnic areas available. Depart with a new appreciation for southwest Florida’s natural treasures and why it’s important to protect our environment. Tides and weather permitting.  Please schedule in advance by calling 239.262.0304 ext 266. Members: $89 (up to ten guests), Nonmembers: $129 (up to ten guests).

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The Best Kid Friendly Restaurants in Naples

-courtesy of the Urban Spoon.com

Kid Friendly Resorts & Hotels in Naples

The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club is a beachfront hotel and golf resort in Naples, FL featuring a complimentary Klub 4 Kids, baby sitting, child programs, an award winning tennis center, a world class spa, large swimming pool, fitness center and more. Add to those, four great restaurants, a sunset beach bar, and retail shops all on a tropical paradise making for a great beach hotel and golf resort, all on a 125 acre tropical paradise in the heart of Olde Naples… more

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The Ritz-Carlton Naples beach resort is a great place to relax with the family. They take care of anything your family may need during you stay. The hotel has restaurants, kids club, fitness center, spa, beach, etc.. They have a cute kid’s check-in area to make the kids feel welcome. The spa is outstanding! The beach is beautiful and calm. This is a favorite location in Naples! You really do not need to leave the resort. Restaurants, fitness center with classes, pool, beach, kids club. Every room has an ocean view. You can see dolphin swimming in the ocean from your room!!!

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