It’s fall in Southwest Florida, and little ones throughout the region can bask in the festivities, even if the weather’s still warm. From Halloween trick-or-treating among the wildlife at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens to a lively production of The Wizard of Oz at Fort Myers Theatre, there are countless opportunities for families to join in the fun. Save the dates for these October events.
Oct. 1-29
Fall Conservatory: Story Explorers Happily Haunted at Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples
Aspiring performers ages 5 to 7 reimagine the classroom as a haunted house, using actors’ techniques to create unique ghost characters. Then, rising stars complete visual art projects and make music, using the skills they learned to devise an original story to showcase on the final day of class. Learn More
Oct. 3-20
The Wizard of Oz at Fort Myers Theatre
Follow Dorothy, Toto and their merry bunch of friends on a journey down the yellow brick road to the enchanting Land of Oz, where audiences experience the magical score from the original 1939 film that’s delighted hearts across the globe. Learn More
Oct. 4-7, 11-13, 18-20 and 25-27
Farmer Mike’s 10th Annual Fall Festival & Corn Mazes, Bonita Springs and Fort Myers
Navigate the Solar System or venture through the Amazon in the returning 5-acre kid-friendly mazes, ideal for the tiniest farmers in training. Before the hauntings begin, collect sunflowers from the field and visit the patch for pumpkins straight from the vine. Learn More
Oct. 5
Fairy Tea Party at Rotary Park, Cape Coral
Grab your wings for a mid-morning tea session in the garden and nibble on tasty snacks like PB&J, cupcakes and macarons. Curious pixies get an exclusive after-hours tour of the butterfly house, where they flutter freely and learn about nature’s fairies. Learn More
Oct. 5
Gateway Hay Day at Gateway Church, Fort Myers
Celebrate the spirit of fall and create unforgettable memories as families welcome the season with hayrides, a petting zoo and seasonal treats. Learn More
Oct. 11-13
Boo-Tanical Weekend at Wonder Gardens, Bonita Springs
End the week with thrilling games like giant Connect 4 and Jenga, plus face painting and craft tables. Littles meet animals up close and play mini golf while parents snap picture-perfect moments throughout the day. Learn More
Oct. 12
Día de los Muertos Family Fun Day at Marco Island Historical Museum
Honor deceased loved ones by engaging in heartfelt conversations with the community on this cultural holiday. As you share stories, bring calaveras, or skull decorations, to life with vibrant stickers, and create your own ofrendas to take home and build upon to remember those who have passed. Learn More
Oct. 12
Teen Boo Bash at The Collaboratory, Fort Myers
Join the fight against bullying and discover the power of setting boundaries, making confident decisions and being an upstander rather than a bystander. Afterward, dive into tasty Chick-fil-A nuggets and pizza before unleashing creativity with activities like face painting. Learn More
Oct. 14
School’s Out Art Class: Kusama - Princess of Polka Dots at Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers
On their day off from school, budding creatives ages 6 and up learn about Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama and Dutch painter Piet Mondrian, identifying the elements of art along the way to create a masterpiece that combines both styles. Learn More
Oct. 19
Pioneer Pumpkin Palooza at Immokalee Pioneer Museum, Roberts Ranch
Adventurous kiddos tour the Ranch with a hayride and nab the finest pumpkin to adorn at the decorating station. Budding artists find comfort at the craft table, where sprouting harvesters make spooky scarecrows and little ones use dried corn husk to create husk dolls. Learn More
Oct. 24-26
Seussical Kids at St. John the Evangelist Church, Naples
Children for the Arts tells an original story based on the works of beloved author Dr. Seuss. Watch Horton and Jojo forge a unique friendship as the mischievous Cat in the Hat guides their imaginative journey. Stick around after each performance for a raffle featuring merchandise from the musical. Learn More
Oct. 26
Edison & Ford Winter Estates Fall Festival, Fort Myers
Kids create a cuddly companion at the make-your-own-teddy bear shop, conquer the guided banyan tree climb and decorate pumpkins from the patch for a special prize. Between activities, savor food from local trucks and explore more than 30 unique craft vendors. Don’t forget to come in costume and groove to the latest hits. Learn More
HALLOWEEN CELEBRATIONS
Oct. 11-13, 18-20
Boo at the Zoo at Naples Zoo
See the zoo as it’s transformed into a movie wonderland. Zookeepers decorate exhibits daily to represent a film as beloved superheroes and royal princesses walk around to meet young explorers. Collect candy along the trick-or-treat trail, and swing by the live stunt comedy shows when you and your littles need a break from the walk.
Oct. 19
Boo-Tacular at North Collier Regional Park, Naples
Unleash your inner ghoul on the thrilling haunted trail, designed for kids ages 10 and up. After, take a swing at the dunk tank to give someone a spooky surprise. Fill your bags with candy from the trick-or-treat lane, then show off your best looks in the costume contest. Learn More
Oct. 19
Halloween Spooktacular at Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
Kiddos don their most striking costume for a day of fun without the freights. For two-hour sessions, the museum welcomes guests to round up Halloween treats and play boo-tastic games. Learn More
Oct. 25
Trunk-or-Treat at Cape Coral City Hall
As dusk settles, tiny witches and goblins emerge, grabbing goodies from decorated trunks brimming with candy donated by local businesses and city departments. Kids gather on the front lawn for Hotel Transylvania, then look to the sky as 250 drones soar overhead, crafting spooky images against the night. Learn More
Oct. 26
Halloween Trick-or-Treat Spooktacular at Bell Tower Shops, Fort Myers
Retailers hand out candy to mini monsters as onsite vendors display special products up for grabs. When bags start overflowing, lively trick-or-treaters take on inflatable axe-throwing and sway to spooky rhythms while emerging auto buffs check out sweet rides at the car show. Learn More
Oct. 31
Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee at We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym, Fort Myers
Spend Halloween morning indoors trick-or-treating, collecting candy at stations tabled by local vendors and nonprofits. Later, youngsters decorate foam pumpkins and tackle the sensory-friendly gym while grooving to haunting melodies. Learn More