There are no big theme parks here; area attractions tend more toward the natural and historical, such as the lovingly preserved riverfront homes of Fort Myers' two most famous winter residents, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, where visitors get a glimpse of life here a century ago.

Celebrate the area's bounty of shells at the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum on Sanibel Island and the whimsy of stuffed bears at Naples' Teddy Bear Museum.

Nature takes center stage at places such as the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, the sprawling J.N. "Ding" Darling Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel and Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary east of Naples. Here the entertainers are likely to be wood storks, roseate spoonbills, gators, raccoons and the occasional snake.

For a taste of the Florida kitsch of yesteryear, try the Shell Factory in North Fort Myers, purveyor of a worldwide collection of shells as well as Florida merchandise, and the recently added Octagon Animal Showcase, home to lions, tigers, bears and many other wild creatures.

BONITA SPRINGS

Everglades Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old U.S. 41, features the region's wildlife, including alligators and Florida panthers. There are also alligator feedings on a swinging bridge. (941) 992-2591.

CAPE CORAL

Cape Coral Historical Society Museum, 544 Cultural Park Drive. Offers a look at the city's past. 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. (941) 772-7037.

Children's Science Center, 2915 N.E. Pine Island Road, is a fun-filled museum for the young and the young at heart, offering exhibits on math, science and technology. Feel electricity, make rope, pet a python, walk the nature trail, look through a microscope and more. $4/adults 17 and older, $2/ages 3-16. 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. (941) 997-0012. www.cyberstreet.com/csc.

ESTERO

Koreshan State Historic Site, U.S. 41 at Corkscrew Road, is a 305-acre park dedicated to preserving a utopian pioneer settlement. Founded in 1894 and preserved on the banks of the Estero River; 11 historic structures remain as testament of the Koreshan Unity's pioneering spirit. The park offers ranger-guided tours at 1 p.m. weekends and self-guided tours during the week. The park also offers a 60-site campground, canoe rental, picnic area, boat landing and nature trails. 8 a.m. to sundown daily. $3.25/vehicle (up to 8 passengers), $1/person walk-in. (941) 992-0311.

College of Life Foundation, 8661 Corkscrew Road. Library houses artifacts and furniture brought from Chicago by the original Koreshans and is dedicated to preserving the historic Koreshan communal heritage. Special concerts and programs are presented in the Theater in the Woods from October through April. Koreshan festivals and other activities are held in the Museum Building throughout the year. Donations are accepted, as the non-profit foundation receives no government or agency support. Personalized tours offered 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. (941) 992-2184. koreshanfound@mindspring.com.

Mound Key State Archaeological Site is one of the best-preserved sites within the Calusa domain. It is accessible only by boat or canoe. After signing the guest register sheet, take a tour around the island, and view the exhibit panels and the interpretive signs that detail the history of the Calusa Indians. 8 a.m. to sundown. (941) 992-0311.

FORT MYERS

Babcock Wilderness Adventures, 8000 State Road 31. Enjoy a 90-minute swamp buggy ride, or a three-hour off-road bike tour. Both tours travel through the Babcock Ranch and Telegraph Cypress Swamp. Reservation only. (800) 500-5583. babcockwilderness.com.

Burroughs Home, 2505 First St., offers tours of the century-old riverfront Georgian revival home listed in the National Register. Catered luncheon tours available for groups of 10 or more and the home and grounds are available for weddings, receptions, corporate events and club meetings. $6/adults, $3/children. Seasonal hours. (941) 332-6125.

Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave., has nature trails, a natural history museum, Audubon aviary and a planetarium featuring astronomy and laser light shows. Call for prices. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. (941) 275-3435. www.calusanature.com.

Centennial Park, 200 W. First St. in downtown Fort Myers, is a 10-acre waterfront park with a large playground, including equipment for handicapped children, fishing pier, dock facilities, two picnic pavilions, two sand volleyball courts, a promenade path and plenty of benches. The park is host to several annual festivals and is available for rent. Dawn to dusk. (941) 332-6638.

City of Palms Park, 2201 Edison Ave., hosts Boston Red Sox spring training games from the last week of February to the first week of April. Admission is $11, seasonal hours. (941) 334-4700.

Classic Flight Inc., 605 Danley Drive, offers a flight school, plane rentals, sightseeing tours and gift certificates. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. waco121@aol.com. (941) 939-7411.

ECHO, Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization, 17391 Durrance Road, is a Christian ministry working to fight world hunger and is also home to one of the largest collections of tropical food plants in Florida. Walk in a simulated rain forest, pet wool-less sheep and dine on moorings tree leaves. One free tour only Tuesday, Friday and Saturday at 10 a.m. and by appointment for groups. Hours for the Edible Landscape Nursery and Bookshop are 9 a.m. to noon Monday-Saturday. (941) 543-3246. echo@echonet.org.

Eden Vineyards Winery, 19709 Little Lane, is the southernmost vineyard and winery in the United States. The winery was planted more than 25 years ago with clones of grapes such as cabernet, sauvignon and chardonnay. It now provides five to seven grape wines ranging from an elegant dry white to a red dessert wine. The winemaker has also produced several award-winning wines from tropical fruits. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily except major holidays. (941) 728-9463. eden@olsusa.com.

Edison/Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd. The winter home of Thomas A. Edison decorated just as Mina Edison left it in 1947. Walk next door and visit the home of Edison's famous friend and neighbor, Henry Ford. Stroll through lush gardens and take a tour of Edison's chemical research laboratory and museum filled with hundreds of his inventions. You can also enjoy a mini-river cruise on a replica of Edison's electric launch. $12/adult, $5.50/ages 6-12, under 6 free. River cruise 9:10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday-Friday, $4/person. 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. (941) 334-3614. www.edison-ford-estate.com.

Florida Everblades/TECO Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway. Hockey from October-April, public skating daily. Also home to basketball and arena football. Call for times and ticket prices. (941) 948-7825. www.floridaeverblades.com.

Fort Myers Historical Museum, 2300 Peck St. Relive the rich history of Southwest Florida. Walk with the prehistoric animals of the area, live with the Calusa Indians or become one of the soldiers at the fort. View turn-of-the-century downtown or stroll on the riverfront wharf. The private Pullman railcar and Cracker house are awaiting your visit. Paleo, Fla. exhibit opening January 2002. $6/adults, $5.50/seniors, $3/ages 3-12, free/under 3. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. (941) 332-5955. msantiago@cityftmyers.com.

Fort Myers Manatee World lets boaters see manatees in the wild. November-April. Leaves Coastal Marina Mart on State Road 80 at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. daily. 14-foot pontoon boats with trolling motors can be rented. (941) 693-1434.

Imaginarium Hands-on Museum, 2000 Cranford Ave., downtown Fort Myers. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Monday, for pre-registered groups, features hands-on exhibits on weather, water, the human body, physics, math, a preschool area and large fresh and saltwater aquaria. Outdoors are a lagoon and theater for alligator viewing, a citrus grove, a picnic area and interactive exhibits like the bubble station and waterworks. Snack bar available. Daily programs include hourly films, live animal feedings and Hands-On Fun Shows at 2 p.m. $6/adults, $3/children ages 3-12, members and 3 and under free. www.cityftmyers.com/attractions/ imaginarium.htm.

Lee Civic Center, 11831 Bayshore Road, includes concerts, trade shows, expos, rodeos, business seminars, company picnics and more. (941) 543-8368. www.leeciviccenter.com.

Manatee Park, State Road 80, east of I-75, (941) 432-2004. Features family picnic areas, non-motorized kayak/ canoe lunch and fishing deck on the Orange River, a butterfly garden and native plant habitats. It is also the winter home for the West Indian manatee. Offering a visitor center, gift shop, kayak rentals ($8/hour), daily programs and volunteer naturalists on site during manatee season. Parking is 75 cents/hour, $3 max./day. Manatee viewing update line: (941) 694-3537. www.lee-county.com.

Miracle professional baseball, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, is the Class A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. The season spans the entire summer with activities geared to all ages: giveaways, contests, concerts, fireworks and great minor league baseball. Open April-September; games generally start at 7:05 p.m. $4/box seat, $3/reserved. (941) 768-4210.

Naples/Fort Myers Greyhound Track, 10601 Bonita Beach Road, offers dog racing and off-track betting. Free admission, clubhouse $2. (941) 992-2411. nfmgreyhound@tntonline.com.

Octagon Animal Showcase, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, has more than 50 rescued animals on display. Petting zoo, elephant and pony rides. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. (941) 995-2141.

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, on Six-Mile Cypress Parkway (1.5 miles north of Daniels Parkway), features mile-long accessible boardwalk trails, picnic areas, observation decks and seasonal programs. Call for information on free guided walks. Parking fee is 75 cents/hour, $3 max./day. No pets or bikes allowed on boardwalk. (941) 432-2004. www.lee-county.com.

Sun Harvest Citrus, 14810 Metro Parkway, offers just-picked citrus, freshly squeezed juices, unique Florida foods, gifts and more. 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. (941) 768-2686. www.sunharvestcitrus.com.

FORT MYERS BEACH

Matanzas Pass Wilderness Preserve, 161 Bay Road, offers 42 acres of unspoiled wilderness. Dedicated in January 1979 as a sanctuary for native plants and animals, and as a learning resource for the Lee County community. Visitors have enjoyed its beauty since. Open seven days a week from dawn to dusk. (941) 461-7400.

Ostego Bay Foundation Marine Museum, 718 Fisherman's Wharf, features touch tanks, boat tours and a shark tank. (941) 765-8101.

GASPARILLA ISLAND

Boca Grande Lighthouse is a historic and picturesque structure on the beach, surrounded by parkland. (941) 964-0375.

NAPLES

Aviary of Naples, 9824 Immokalee Road, brings you within inches of hundreds of species of exotic birds, reptiles and mammals, including wallabies, coatimundis and a rare Bactrian camel calf. Compact, disabled accessible. Low-key, self-guided tour on shady paths, with helpful staff available for questions. Picnic areas. Bird nursery. $8/adults, $4/child. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Thursdays and Fridays. (941) 353-2215.

Big Cypress National Preserve, U.S. 41 at Ochopee, is a 729,000-acre preserve consisting of cypress swamp, exotic mangroves, sawgrass prairies and natural freshwater rivers. Panthers, snakes, alligators, bobcats, bears, wild boar, deer and birds can be observed. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (941) 695-2000.

Caribbean Gardens, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road, is the place for great family fun. The 52-acre garden exhibits endangered plant and animal species from tigers to zebras along natural paths. More than a walk-through zoo, the garden offers entertaining and educational activities throughout the day including live animal and multimedia Safari Canyon presentations, Scales and Tails show, Meet the Keeper series, Alligator Bay feeding, ZooKey audio tours and Primate Expedition cruise. $14.95/ adults, $9.95/ages 4-15, free/3 and under. 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (941) 262-5409. www.napleszoo.com.

Collier County Historical Museum, 3301 E. Tamiami Trail, preserves and interprets the history, archaeology and development of Florida's "last frontier." Located in the Collier County Govern-ment Center, the museum features a permanent exhibit hall, a five-acre historical park featuring a native Florida garden, Carolyn Craighead Orchid House, a Victorian gazebo, restored homes, a logging locomotive and a swamp buggy. $2 donation suggested. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. (941) 774-8476. museum@colliergov.net.

Collier-Seminole State Park, 20200 E. Tamiami Trail, site of Bay City walking dredge, offers interpretive programs in season, camping, canoeing, pontoon boat tours, nature trail, hiking trail, mountain bike trail, picnic area, grills, fishing and concessions. $3.25 per day per vehicle up to eight people, $8-$11 May-November, $14-$16 December-April for camping. 8 a.m. to sunset. (941) 394-3397.

The Conservancy Briggs Nature Center, located in Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve at 401 Shell Island Road, features an interpretive center, a half-mile boardwalk through rare plant communities and a butterfly garden. Guided canoe trips and pontoon cruises are offered frequently, as are field trips, lectures and camps. Canoe and kayak rentals available. Admission is $3, $1/children 3-12, free for Conservancy members. For both Naples and Briggs conservancies, admission is $6, $2 for children and free to Conservancy members (good for admission to both centers if used within seven days). 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sun- day (January-March). (941) 775-8569. naturecenters@conservancy.org.

The Conservancy Naples Nature Center Museum, 1450 Merrihue Drive, includes The Conservancy Museum of Natural History, Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and short nature trails featuring a broad variety of native Florida trees and plants on a 14-acre site. The museum provides hands-on daily guided tours of the nature trails. Boat tours of the Gordon River are offered. Admission charge, good for both Naples and Briggs, is $6, $2/ages 3-12, free to Conservancy members (good for admission to both centers if used within seven days). 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday (January-March). (941) 262-0304. naturecenters@conservancy.org.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, 375 Sanctuary Road, features an award-winning 2.25-mile boardwalk that meanders through an ancient cypress forest. See colorful wading birds, black bears, hawks and alligators. Also see Florida's first "living machine" lavatory and a fully stocked nature store. $8/adults, $5.50/college students, $5/Audubon members, $3.50/ages 6-18, free/children under 6. 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. (941) 348-9151.

The Crew Land & Water Trust manages the Crew Marsh Trail System located on County Road 850 in northern Collier County. The trail system consists of five miles of natural hiking trails through pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks and along the 5,000-acre Corkscrew Marsh. A primitive campsite is also available. Trails are open sunrise to sunset seven days a week. No admission fee. (941) 332-7771. www.crewtrust.org.

Everglades Excursions, 1010 Sixth Ave. S., offers full- and half-day safaris to the Everglades. Departs daily from Naples and Marco Island at 8:30 a.m. Day trip includes a cruise through Ten Thousand Islands, a narrated tour of Everglades City, "Taste of the Everglades" luncheon and a visit to the Smallwood Museum. Also included: an airboat tour, an alligator show, wildlife exhibits and much more. Admission prices vary. (800) 592-0848 or (941) 262-1914. www.evergladesexcursions.com.

Everglades National Park, 40001 State Road 9336, is the third largest park in the United States, outside Alaska. It features visitor centers, programs and activities, trails, lodging and camping facilities, boating, fishing, food and bookstores. There are several entrances to the park, so call or visit the Web page for more information. To get a real feel for what the park offers, plan on staying at least one full day. (305) 242-7700. www.nps.gov/ever.

Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve, 137 Coastline Drive, is a cypress mixed hardwood swamp that features a boardwalk through the original cypress forest. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Sunday. (941) 695-4593. fssp@mindspring.com.

Florida Sports Park, 4750 County Road 951. Celebrating 50 years of swamp buggy races. Also a variety of special events and concerts. Times and days vary. (941) 352-8105.

Lake Trafford Marina Inc. and Airboat Adventure, 6001 Lake Trafford Road, features airboat rides through Corkscrew Swamp and guarantees several alligator sightings. Fishermen love the bass, crappie and bluegill in this 1,500-acre treasure nestled in Collier County. Open sunrise to sunset. (941) 657-2401. www.laketrafford.com.

London Helicopters Inc., 100 Aviation Drive S., offers tours that start in Naples and journey to Fort Myers Beach, the lighthouse on Sanibel Island, and down the coast to Bonita Beach, Naples Beach, Keewaydin Island, Marco Island and back to Naples Airport. Tours are also offered of the Everglades and Ten Thousand Islands. Get a bird's-eye view of local wildlife, including manatees and dolphins. (941) 643-4468.

Naples Horse and Carriage Rides, 1450 Whippoorwill Lane, leave from the City Dock and tour through Old Naples. Also available for weddings and special occasions. Seasonal hours. (941) 649-1210.

Naples Trolley Tours, 1010 Sixth Ave. S. See the best of Naples on board a fully narrated trolley tour covering more than 100 points of interest. Expert guides turn back the pages of history to Naples' days when Ponce de Leon, the Calusa Indians and Gasparilla the pirate were an exciting part of the area. Deboard the trolley at any of its convenient stops to shop, dine, or browse; then re-board and continue with the tour. A boarding pass allows passengers to get off as many times as they like to enjoy the shopping and sightseeing. $16/adults, $7/ages 3-12, free/children under 3. 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (800) 592-0848 or (941) 262-7300. www.naplestrolley.com.

Nautilus Boat Tours, 179 S. Bay Drive. Cruise the calm backwaters to discover the fantastic eco-nature and sunsets while catching sight of dolphins, manatees and birds. Lunch cruises, custom-designed private and corporate parties and weddings are available. Adult admission is $20. AAA, military, group and student discounts are offered. Ask about annual yearly memberships. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (941) 597-4408. nautilusbt@aol.com.

Palm Cottage, 137 12th Ave. S., built in 1895, is a pristine example of tabby, a mortar made with shells. Walter N. Haldeman, publisher of the Louisville-Courier Journal, constructed this Victorian house. It became the winter residence of Haldeman's foremost editor, Henry Watterson, who won the Pulitzer Prize for journalism in 1917. Suggested donation is $5. Guided tours available. Call for times. (941) 261-8164.

Seminole Indian Casino, 506 S. First St., hosts around-the-clock exciting game action. High-stakes bingo, live action poker and low- and high-paying game machines. Full-service restaurant with live entertainment nightly. Free transportation from six convenient shuttle locations. (800) 218-0007.

Ted Smallwood's Store, 360 Mamie St. Historical site of Chokoloskee Bay area. Tigertail gift shop. $2.50/adults, $2/seniors, free/12 and under. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. (941) 695-2989.

Teddy Bear Museum of Naples, 2511 Pine Ridge Road. Bears in all shapes and sizes are to be found in this unique museum in every conceivable medium imaginable: fabric, crystal, wood, marble and bronze. The collection consists of more than 5,000 items. $8/adults, $6/seniors, $3/children. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. (941) 598-2711.

PINE ISLAND

Museum of the Islands, 5728 Sesame Drive, Bokeelia. Features island culture from the Calusa Indians to modern times. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. (941) 283-1525.

Sunburst Tropical Fruit Company, 7113 Howard Road, is one of the oldest mangrove thickets in Florida. Planted in the 1920s, it offers a nursery of tropical fruit and foliage, tasting of tropical fruit in season and chutney at the grove stand. Hours are by appointment only. (941) 283-1200.

PUNTA GORDA

Fisherman's Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, offers 37 unique shops, seven restaurants, cruise boats, fishing charters, boat rentals, sailing school, a 98-slip marina, 47 luxury villas and special entertainment and events. Hours vary. (800) 639-0020. donna@fishville.com.

SANIBEL ISLAND

Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, offers about 30 exhibits displaying shells from Sanibel and Captiva islands, Southwest Florida and around the world. Daily programs explain the habits and habitats of mollusks. Discounts and special programs for group tours with advance reservations. $5/adults, $3/ages 8-16, free/7 and under. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. (941) 395-2233. shell@shellmuseum.org.

Cayo Costa State Park has seven miles of Gulf beaches, five miles of hiking trails, 12 rustic cabins for rent by reservation and 25 tent camping sites, also for rent by reservation. Accessible only by private boat or passenger ferry. No electricity or telephones. Visitors must bring their own provisions. Tram takes visitors from bayside to Gulfside and returns. $1/person for day visitors, $21.80/night per cabin, $15/night per site. 8 a.m. to sunset. (941) 964-0375. bigpdh@gls3c.com.

C.R.O.W., Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife Inc., 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Road, offers one guided tour daily Monday-Friday at 11 a. m., and more tours during season. $5/adult. (941) 472-3644. crowclinic@aol.com.

J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, One Wildlife Drive, consists of 6,300 acres of mangrove forest, cordgrass marshes and West Indian hardwood hammocks. Located on the north side of Sanibel Island along Pine Island Sound, the refuge includes 2,800 acres of federally designated "wilderness area" and provides important habitat to over 170 species of birds. Bicycles, canoes and kayaks are available for rent at the Tarpon Bay Recreation Area. Guided canoe tours are also offered, as are narrated tram tours. $5/car, $1/adult bicyclist or hiker. Seasonal hours. (941) 472-1100.

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, 3333 Sanibel-Captiva Road, has acquired more than 1,500 acres of land managed for wildlife through its 30-plus year history. A retail native plant nursery, butterfly house, nature center with a marine touch tank and more than four miles of walking trails including an observation tower are accessible to visitors. Special programs and walks are available and vary with the seasons. Seasonal hours. $3/adult, free/under 17 and members. Groups welcome by special arrangement. (941) 472-2329. www.sccf.org.

Sanibel Historical Village and Museum, 850 Dunlop Road, recalls island days before the Sanibel Causeway and air conditioners. Trained guides offer insight and stories of pioneer settlers, farmers and fishermen, the Calusa Indians and those who saw Florida's tourist industry in the 1890s as visitors travel through five separate buildings. Donations requested. $2/adult. Seasonal hours. (941) 472-4648.

Sanibel Lighthouse, at Lighthouse City Park, is the historic lighthouse on the southern tip of the island that has been a landmark since 1884 when the entire island was a nature preserve. The park also features a lush tropical landscape, a white sand beach and a bayside fishing pier. (941) 472-9075.