February brings a heartwarming lineup of activities to Southwest Florida. From the lively Edison Festival of Light celebration in Fort Myers to the love-filled culinary creations at Chef’s in Progress in Cape Coral, there’s something for every soul to savor. Mark your calendars for the following events.
Feb. 1
WaterWays Science Festival at Cultural Park, Cape Coral
Plunge into a day of discovery with hands-on experiences revealing the essential roles of our waterways. Tykes ignite their curiosities with live animal encounters, interactive games and lessons on boat safety. When energy runs low, grab a bite from local food truck vendors for tasty delights that fuel adventure. Learn More
Feb. 6-8
Peter Pan at St. John the Evangelist Church, Naples
Children for the Arts tells an original story based on the timeless 1953 film. Follow Peter, Tinkerbell and The Lost Boys as they rescue Wendy and her brothers, outwitting the mischievous Captain Hook and leaving him in the jaws of the lurking Tick-Tock the Crocodile. Learn More
Feb. 8
Creepy Crawly Day at Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, Fort Myers
Daring explorers come face-to-face with slithering serpents during the event’s ‘Snake Talk’ and unveil interesting facts about birds and amphibians. After an engaging storytime on munch-worthy crawlers, kids nibble on flavored bugs like crickets and grasshoppers to learn how other cultures indulge. Then, curious caterpillars create creature-themed crafts out of paper, followed by immersive planetarium shows and engaging informative talks on all things critters. Learn More
Feb. 8 and 9
87th Annual Edison Festival of Light, Fort Myers
On February 8, a weekend of fun begins as furry friends and owners show off their finest attire in the Mutt Strutt, while emerging scholars explore over 100 engaging exhibits honoring science, technology, engineering and the arts at the STEMtastic Day of Discovery. Excitement peaks on February 9 as children ages 11 and under participate in the Junior Fun Run before Florida’s most prominent youth parade springs into action. Learn More
Feb. 10-28
Frog & Toad Musical Theatre Program at Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
In this three-week program, aspiring performers ages 8 to 13 work with Gulfshore Playhouse professionals to refine their acting, singing and dancing skills. With tailored feedback, rising talents audition and rehearse before stepping into the spotlight to perform a 30-minute showcase of A Year with Frog and Toad on the final days of class. Learn More
Feb. 11
The Queen of Hearts’ Valentine’s Cooking Party at Chef’s in Progress, Cape Coral
Young culinarians ages 6 to 15 bring whimsy to life with Alice in Wonderland-inspired delicacies. Savory-loving snackers shape and decorate bread slices, turning them into playful Card Soldier sandwiches, while sweet-toothed kiddos dice fresh berries and cut heart-shaped dough for a taste of the Queen of Hearts’ tarts. Learn More
Feb. 14
Hearts & Hoorays! Valentine’s Day Party at Dunbar-Jupiter Hammon Public Library, Fort Myers
Children ages 2 to 5 embrace the season of love by making heartfelt cards at the craft station and using their wits to solve a lovely ladybug puzzle. Afterward, little ones sway to sweet melodies and embark on a scavenger hunt to uncover hidden hearts scattered throughout the room. Learn More
Feb. 15
Sweets and Sentiments Family Day at Collier Museum at Government Center, Naples
Families join tiny lovebugs as they create poetry through mix-and-match word tiles to form personalized verses. Once stanzas take shape, youngsters embellish their lyrical Valentine’s cards using lace, doilies and antique photos before making a sweet confectionery to savor at home. Learn More
Feb. 20
Café Petit at Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers
The make-and-take workshop invites mini cupids to craft vibrant Valentine’s Day collage hearts from cardboard, adorning them using lace, beads and buttons. Later, curiosity unleashes as tots explore bins brimming with themed sensory toys. Learn More
Feb. 28
Star Party at Rotary Park Environmental Center, Cape Coral
Budding stargazers join forces with Southwest Florida Astronomical Society experts to unlock the secrets of our nocturnal sky. Littles peer into telescopes and binoculars to marvel at the stars and surrounding planets, asking questions to learn as the night settles. Learn More