Grab the kids and fall into an array of festivities for all. Experience beloved cartoon characters live in concert, dress up in wacky costumes for family fun runs and gather around for storytimes. Add these events to your September calendar.
Sept. 1
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Movie Party at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, Naples
Witches, wizards and muggles ages six and up unite in this magical screening of one of the films in the beloved fantasy series. Join Harry, Ron and Hermoine as they tackle their third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where they face off against the infamous Sirius Black. Go home with some goodies, like custom tattoo sheets and Time Turner necklaces. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Sept. 14
Run Like a Kid 5K at Bell Tower, Fort Myers
Dress up in a beloved childhood costume, grab the kiddos, and let loose in this race benefiting Golisano Children’s Hospital and Lee Health Foundation’s Barbara’s Friends. Keep an eye out for music and fun surprises—and, for those looking to slow things down, check out the one-mile course in the same shopping plaza.
Sept. 15
Avow Kids’ Family Day at the Zoo at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
The Avow Kids field trip creates a safe environment for children to tap into their feelings among furry friends. The group participates in a music therapy activity before families venture off to greet the lions, tigers and bears.
Sept. 15
Sesame Street Live at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
All of your favorite Sesame Street friends are here to sing, dance and play. Follow Elmo’s puppy, Tango, on an exciting hide-and-seek adventure.
Sept. 18
Fashion Night at the Museum — Chanel and the Little Black Dress at CMON Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
The Designer’s Accomplice founder Chelsea Provenzano introduces aspiring fashion designers ages 5 to 10 to the creative world. Practice sewing techniques and play around with beads and apliques to create Coco Chanel-inspired shirts.
Sept. 21
Calusa Nature Center Friendly Forest Fall Festival, Fort Myers
Spend the day immersed in Florida’s natural landscape with plenty of photo opportunities, scavenger hunts and food trucks to fill your day. And, swing by the planetarium and nature center for some educational talks and shows.
Sept. 21
Exhibit Workshop: Repurposing Paper at Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch
Instill the sustainability practices early: Join in as the littles learn to make paper from recycled scraps at this crafting workshop for ages 3 and up.
Sept. 26
National Read a Book Day at CMON Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
Give your bookworms the perfect escape at the children’s museum. Sit with the kiddos as museum staff offer story times every hour, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In between sessions, explore the children’s center’s interactive exhibits.
Sept. 28 — Oct. 27
Farmer Mike’s 10th Annual Fall Festival & Corn Mazes at Farmer Mike’s U Pick, Bonita Springs and Fort Myers
Pick a pumpkin straight from the vine and hop on a hayride for seasonal antics. With three corn mazes to choose from between the Bonita Springs and Fort Myers locations, make sure to put a thinking cap on to get through the night. For a little respite, grab a bite at the farm’s onsite cafe.
Sept. 28 — Oct. 27
Spring Time Farms Fall Festival, Fort Myers
Romp around the 30-acre farm, with more than 200 friendly animals to pet and feed. Brave kiddos try their luck in the haunted maze and trails, while energetic ones get their exercise in with giant bouncy inflatables and a scavenger hunt.