10 Free Things to Do in Naples Florida with Kids

Are you headed on a family vacation to Naples, Florida? Save money with these fun and free things to do in Naples with kids.

You probably know that all the beautiful Naples beaches and Naples Pier are free. But did you know there were tons of other free Naples attractions too? 

Naples is a very popular but also pretty expensive spot for families to vacation. So balance out the paid attractions like the zoo with free activities such as nature walks, museums, parks, and more. 

Our guide covers all the free things to do in Naples and nearby Marco Island, the Florida Everglades, and Big Cypress National Preserve. You’ll be amazed what a budget-friendly trip you can make out of an unforgettable Naples vacation.

Follow along and start planning your Naples vacation with kids enjoying the best Free Things to Do in Naples Florida together. 

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10 Fun & Free Things to Do in Naples Florida with Kids

Free Museums of Naples Florida 

Who knew there were free museums in Naples? Check out these local free museums and let your kids learn and explore the history of Naples. There is also a great military museum that’s free too.

Collier County Museum

Visit the Collier County Museum to learn the history of Southwest Florida over the last million years. Let kids start with large displays of prehistoric animals to the life of Calusa Indians and Spanish Explores and ending with the building of the town of Naples.

Outside, the museum has 5 acres of Native Florida gardens with 2 historic cottages, archaeology lab, a recreated Seminole War Fort, a restored World War II tank, and much more.

Give yourself an hour or two to explore the museum and grounds of this free complex.  

Address: 3331 Tamiami Trail East, Naples / in the County Government Complex

Naples Depot Museum

Does your child like Trains? Check out this great Train and History museum located in Naples’ first passenger train Station.

The Naples Depot Museum takes you through the history of the railroad boom days and the technology used to move forward to modern times.

Let the kids explore the old train equipment, see a Seminole Indian Dugout Canoe, an antique swamp buggy, restored railroad cars, and much more.  

Located next door is the Naples Train Museum, a paid museum with model train cars which is also pretty fun for training loving kids if you wanted to pay an entrance fee.  

Address: 1051 5th Avenue South, Naples FL

Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch

Want to show the kids what life was like in the early 1900’s living in Florida? Head over to this 13 acre historic site and museum located on the old Roberts Ranch.

Kids will be able to experience what life was like in a self-guided tour of the 15 carefully preserved original buildings. Learn local stories about cow hunters, ranchers, Indian traders, and pioneer families.

Bonus it is outside so you don’t have to worry about keeping the kids quiet in a museum. Immokalee Pioneer Museum

Address: 1215 Roberts Ave. Immokalee, Naples FL

Naples Museum of Military History

Is someone in your family interested in military history? Or do your kids like to look at all the cool military planes and ships?

Check out this small two room military museum located in the Naples Airport.

Volunteers will walk you through their large collection of replicas and military gear ranging all the way back to the Revolutionary War and up to the Iraq and Afghanistan conflict.

It is a little tight in there and might be hard for younger children as there is not much you can touch. 

Address: 500 Terminal Drive, Naples FL (inside the Naples Airport Terminal)

Don’t miss our Ultimate Guide of Things to Do in Naples Florida

Free Nature Walks 

Naples Preserve

Located on 9.5 acres right off of US 41 is the Naples Preserve created to protect the two Upland plants, Pine Flatwoods and Oak Rosemary scrubs.

Explore with the kids the 0.4-mile-long boardwalk that meanders through the trees and scrubs. It is fully accessible for strollers and an easy walk with younger kids.

On our walk, we saw lizards, birds, flowers, snakes and gopher tortoises (the kids favorite).

They do offer free guided tours but you will need to check the website for dates and times. Overall, a free and quick walkthrough Nature Preserves filled with local plants native to the Southwest Florida area.  

Address: 1690 Tamiami Trail North, Naples FL

Fred W. Coyle Freedom Park

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This large Nature Preserve is located on 50 acres and has 3500 feet of boardwalk created throughout the park.

You’ll find several lakes to walk around as well as wooded areas and open green space.

When you park, head to the visitor center first.  Here they have a small education center where the kids can learn more about the animals and birds located in the park.

There are also bathroom facilities and a drinking fountain attached to the visitor center.

On our walk, we were able to see several alligators in the lakes, lots of birds, fish, and turtles. The volunteers at the learning center also gave us hints on where to find the best alligator sightings that day.

This is a great free stop to see Naples natural habitat. 

Address: 1515 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples FL

Parks in Naples

Need to get the kids out to run? Check out these local parks and playgrounds.  

Fleischmann Park

This 15-acre park is located just east of the Nature Preserve and across the street from the Coastland Mall. It would be fun place to visit after walking though the Nature Preserve.

At Fleischmann Park, you will find great playground equipment for 1-5-year-olds and equipment for 6-12-year-olds.

There are also several sports areas for baseball, sand volleyball, basketball, and pickleball. You will also find bathroom facilities and water fountains.   

Address: 1600 Fleischmann Boulevard, Naples FL

Cambier Park

Cambier Park is located in the heart of Old Naples just south of all the shopping and restaurants on 5th Avenue.

The 13-acre park offers a great playground for all ages and an outdoor concert venue with free concerts on Sundays from 2-4pm.

Easily stroll over to 5th Avenue to shop or have a meal then let the kids burn off all that energy at this fun downtown playground.  

Address: 755 8th Avenue South, Naples FL

Can’t-Miss Things to Do on Marco Island with Kids.

Naples Beaches 

Naples Beaches are the reason you take a vacation here and the best part is they are free! The only fee may be to pay for parking.

So, take advantage of these beautiful white sand beaches and spend a day in the sun with your family. 

Before you go read 20 Easy Beach Hacks to Survive a Day at the Beach with Kids. You’ll get tips and tricks on how to hide your money, save your phone from sand & water, keep cool, what to pack, and how to keep the kids happy.

Historic Naples Pier 

One of the iconic symbols of Naples is the Naples Pier built-in 1888 as a passenger and freight dock. It is now one of the best places to view a sunset or hang out for the day with family on the beach.

There are several amenities such as showers, bathrooms, and a concession stand located on the Pier. Kids can watch fishermen off this Pier catching fish and the pelicans circling around.

If your luck you’ll get to see dolphins swimming by the end of the pier. They are often in this area going back and forth along the coast.

Public parking is located a block away and is the only fee. Unfortunately, beach parking in Naples is limited so get there early and enjoy the sun and sand with your family. Then stay for the beautiful sunset.

Address: Located on West End of 12th Avenue South, Naples FL

Lowdermilk Park

Lowdermilk Park Beach located just south of Doctor’s Pass boasts all the amenities an out-of-towner needs.

At this location, you are able to rent beach chairs, umbrellas, life jackets, and some water toys. This is a huge bonus for those flying down to Naples and unable to bring all their beach gear.

You will also find a reasonably priced concession stand with plenty of picnic benches. There are large grassy areas beside the beach and it has two small playgrounds.

A paid parking lot is available at this beach but it has limited spots for nonresidents. The lot fills up quickly so get here early in the morning and plan to spend a fun day at the beach with the kiddos.

Perfect spot to come at night to watch the sunset too!

Address: 1301 Gulfshore Blvd. North, Naples FL

Vanderbilt Beach 

Vanderbilt Beach is located in North Naples near the Ritz Carlton.  It offers beautiful, wide white sand beaches and turquoise water.

This beach location does offer restrooms but not full showers or a concession stand.  I would suggest either packing a lunch or walking over to the Ritz Carlton for a bite to eat.  

At the entrance to the beach, you will find a beach hut that rents chairs and umbrellas. If you want to rent jet skis, you can go next door to the Ritz Carlton.

The bonus to this location is they have a parking garage which offers a lot more parking than the other two beaches.

However, it is still a very popular beach, and the parking does fill up in season. So I would try and get there before 10 am. 

Location: End of Vanderbilt Beach Road

Naples Sunsets

A tradition in Naples for both locals and tourists is to watch the sunset. Head down to the beach around sunset and let the kids play in the sand while you relax and enjoy the beautiful view! 

Free Day Trips from Naples

Big Cypress National Preserve

Just a short drive away from Naples is Big Cypress National Preserve a free National Preserve. Visit this amazing preserve to see a diverse ecosystem near the Florida Everglades.

It’s a great place for the kids to see wildlife in a natural setting from the safety of the many boardwalks.

Your sure to see alligators swimming around while your visiting. Manatees also like swimming in the warm water here so keep your eye out. We just missed them on our last visit.

Families can choose to hike or simply drive the beautiful Loop Road.

Before you go read Big Cypress National Preserve – What to See & Do with Kids

Everglade City 

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While visiting Big Cypress National Preserve you will be right by Everglade City.

Here you will find the Museum of Everglade City. A cute free museum that will teach you all about the people who have lived in this former frontier city in Florida.

If you want to add a paid attraction your family will love the thrill of riding an Airboat through the Florida Everglades. This was a huge hit with our kids.

Before you go read Best Airboat Rides & Guide to Everglade City with Kids

Marco Island

About a half-hour drive south of Naples you’ll find Marco Island where there are tons of fun free things to do.

Stop first at the Free Briggs Nature Center on the way to Marco and take a cool hike on a boardwalk through their half-mile nature center.

When you get to Marco Island visit the free Marco Island Historical Museum to learn the history of the people of the area.

Finish up with a visit to one of Marco Island’s beautiful beaches, a meal at the Snook Inn, and playing at the public parks.

Before you go read 8 Fun Things to Do in Marco Island with Kids. 

More Naples Attractions

Looking for more great Naples attractions? The city boasts a great zoo, water park, botanical gardens, and more.

Visit our Top Things to do in Naples Florida with Kids and find even more can’t miss attractions.

Beach Hacks

Be ready for a stress-free day at the beach with our genius Beach Hacks for Parents. Easy things to do hide your valuables while you swim, get the sand off, have babies at the beach, and stay safe.

Pick up a few Beach Tips & Tricks before you go.

Find Out How Much Your Trip Will Cost

Find out the full cost of your upcoming vacation with my free Trip Cost Calculator. Use this easy tool to help build your travel budget and get a better idea of how much you need to save for a vacation.

You can adjust each travel item cost until you find a total amount that you can afford. Then build your dream vacation around your personal travel budget. 

Where to Stay in Naples

Wondering where to stay on your trip to Naples? There is a wide variety of different hotel options from luxury to family-friendly. You will find there are not many hotels on the beach.

If you’re looking for a beach hotel check out the Ritz Carlton Naples, Naples Grand Beach Resort, or the Edgewater Beach Hotel.

If you can’t be on the beach another fun option is a hotel in Naples Bay. You can see the boats go by and if you’re lucky catch a glimpse of the dolphins.

There are two local hotels I would suggest The Cove Inn and Naples Bay Resort & Marina.

However if your okay with being off the water and want something more economical you will find every chain hotel from Marriott to the Ramada to chose from on your trip.

Get more hotel ideas at Booking.com our favorite travel site.

I hope these fun & free things to do in Naples Florida with kids will help you find a budget-friendly side to Naples. You will absolutely love the Naples Beaches, Pier, and free museums.

Plus don’t forget all the great surrounding areas to visit like Marco Island, the Everglades, and Big Cypress National Preserve. There are just so many amazing things to do in naples with kids. It’s an amazing place for a family vacation that you won’t want to miss out on!

Want to find out more great things to do in Naples? Read my full guide on Naples Florida’s best attractions, restaurants, beaches, and more.

Have you found a great free spot in Naples? Please share with us in the comments.

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