Southwest Florida welcomes spring with a trove of family-friendly events. From a Disney on Ice performance, featuring timeless characters singing their greatest hits on figure skates in Estero, to a color run followed by bounce houses and face painting in Cape Coral, little ones are sure to have a fun and full schedule.
Mar. 1 - April 2
The Sound of Music, The Naples Players
The hills are still alive in this classic musical production that introduces the von Trapp family to a new generation. Relive memorable songs (“My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi”) with your children as they watch this inspirational story that’s based on a real-life family of singers.
Mar. 4
Finding Fossils at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, Fort Myers
What history lies beneath the soil we walk on every day? Find out during this educational session for kids ages 5 to 11. Littles ones learn excavation techniques and tips along the way.
Through Mar. 5
Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair, North Fort Myers
Take a spin on the Ferris wheel and snack on funnel cakes at the Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair. Kids can take a close-up look at the livestock, such as pigs and goats, as farmers and ranchers show off their hard work in a family-friendly environment. Children under 4 get in free.
Mar. 4
Calusa Coast: Family Fun Day at Marco Island Historical Museum
Learn about the Calusa people’s practices, including their innovative use of shell tools, with hands-on examples. Activities guide children through the history of the tribe and other indigenous peoples in this area.
Mar. 10
Englewood Little Explorers: Pollinators and Me at Cedar Point Environmental Park
Kids ages 3-7 years old get a sweet insight on bees in this free nature class at Cedar Point Environmental Park in Englewood. Little explorers learn about the roles our tiny friends play in the environment, while participating in buzz-worthy bee activities with environmental educators. Later this month, Punta Gorda future beekeepers can head to Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center on Mar. 24 as kids discover a hive’s place in the world and how to help with bee conservation.
Mar. 11
2023 Naples St Patrick's Day Parade
It’s a lucky day for families at this festival parade that turns the city green. Revel with paradegoers as they cheer the procession of Irish dancers, marching bands and elaborate floats—all inspired by the luck of the Irish. The parade starts at the corner of Third Street South and 10th Avenue South and finishes at Naples City Hall.
Mar. 11
Southwest Florida Archaeology Day at The Collier Museum at Government Center, Naples
Dig it: The museum celebrates Florida Archaeology Month. Learn from real archeologists how they study the ancient and historic people of Southwest Florida at this free event, where kids participate in a “mock dig” using trade tools and techniques to uncover artifacts.
Mar. 13-17
Spring Break Conservatory at Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples
Keep your little star busy during spring break with Gulfshore Playhouse’s week-long classes that unlock children’s imagination and creativity. Divided up by age groups, the program incorporates various theater skills including technical exploration, acting and performances, allowing youths to feel more comfortable and confident on—and off—the stage.
Mar. 16-19
Disney on Ice: Into the Magic at Hertz Arena in Estero
Performers dazzle on the ice as your kiddos’ favorite characters from Moana, Frozen, Coco and Beauty and the Beast skate, spin and thrill the crowd. Add-ons include a pre-show Character Experience, with crafting and interactive time with Belle.
Mar. 20-24
The Jungle Book Kids - Spring Break Camp at Fort Myers Theatre
Rudyard Kipling’s memorable tale of a lost boy fostered by wolves in the jungles of India comes to the stage during a spring break camp with the Fort Myers Theatre, performed by youths ages 5-13.
Mar. 25
Mid Cape Spring Family Fest Color Run at Mercola Market, Cape Coral
Adventure seekers, believers, doers and dreamers, aged 6 to 14, are invited to join in the Color Run—a fun, untimed race that sees participants both young and old doused with bright, colorful powders at various increments of the 5K. After the run, celebrate the start of the new season with Spring Fest, where kids dive into bounce houses, face paint and an Easter egg hunt. Race entry for kids 6-14 years old.
Mar. 25
Herpetology for Kids at CREW Flint Pen Strand Trails, Bonita Springs
Let’s go “herping!” CREW Land & Water Trust presents a morning of herpetology fun through a study of reptiles and amphibians. As they pursue these critters in the wild, kids ages 8-13 review the native habitats and carefully inspect the CREW lands, all led by a local ecologist and herpetologist.
Mar. 27
Corkscrew Carnivores at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Naples
Discover the many carnivores that call Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary home at this day-long, nature-based program. The program —focused on coyoyes and other four-legged mammals—teaches kids about our furry neighbors in a fun and interactive manner.
Mar. 28
Exploration Insect!: Insect Movement and Senses Class at Gore Nature Center, Naples
Kids ages 6-11 learn to love crawling critters in this bug session, where they investigate how insects move on the ground and flying high in the sky through hands-on experiments and imaginative play.
Mar. 31
Family Easter Hunt at Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park, Naples
Hop to this Easter festivity, where kids enjoy spring-themed crafts, music, food, games and prizes, all culminating with an egg hunt in the park.
Mar. 31 - April 2 and April 7-9
Into the Woods, Jr. at Fort Myers Theatre
In this children’s adaptation of the beloved Stephen Sondheim musical, the baker and his wife set off on a journey to lift a witch’s curse, running into classic fairytale characters such as Cinderella and Red Riding Hood along the way. See the 7th- through 12th-grade students perform from March 31 to April 2, and catch the elementary and middle school kiddos perform the following weekend.
Recurring Events
Mar. 12
Mini Buddhas Kids Yoga at Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
Kids meet in down dog at this monthly session that introduces children to breathwork, poses and mantras that combine yoga, dance and play.
Mar. 15
Make-And-Take Family Workshop at Artis—Naples
Take home a sweet token at the Baker Museum, where kids create heartfelt artwork centered around love and acceptance. Little Picassos draw inspiration from the Baker’s Love Stories from the National Portrait Gallery, London exhibit for this workshop, which is free to attend with paid museum admission.
Ongoing, Monthly Family Fun
Mar. 16
Artsy Evening at Naples Art Institute
Every third Thursday through May, Naples Art Institute invites kids to get messy—and inspired—through different mediums and techniques that tie to the current exhibit. Kids walk around the gallery before moving trying their hands with watercolor creations, paper art or pastel paintings. The $35 fee includes all supplies. This month, budding artists draw inspiration from artist and sculptor Isabelle de Borchgrave’s Mirada de Mujeres exhibit, with paper and cardboard creations depicting clothing, decor and plants from Mexican artist Frida Khalo’s world.
Mar. 18
Family Art Lab at Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers
Every third Saturday in season, families can find inspiration in Alliance for the Arts Gallery, with games and art activities themed around the current exhibit. This month, the focus is on the 37th Annual All Florida Exhibition, with works from juried artists from across the state.
Mar. 25
Sensory-Friendly Saturdays at Naples Botanical Garden
Naples Botanical Garden tones things down during their free, Sensory-Friendly visits on the fourth Saturday of the month, from 4 to 6 p.m. Being mindful of guests who are on the autism spectrum or have other sensory sensitivities, the Garden stays open late to accommodate families later in the day when the sun and heat are less intense. The team provides take-a-break spaces for families to have a moment to rest, and they ensure peace and quiet throughout the 170 acres with reduced crowds. Hands-on activities allow the entire family to reflect on their experience and soak up the botanical inspiration.
March 28
Exceptional Nights at Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
Created for children with physical and/or neurological disabilities, autism and other sensory integration needs, Exceptional Nights brings a thoughtful touch to an exciting museum experience. Space is limited to avoid heavy crowds, general lighting is softened, the noise level is decreased and cool-down spaces are available as kiddos explore the museum’s exhibits, such as the Inventioneer’s Lab, where budding engineers can design and build objects.