Southwest Florida is blossoming with activities for families this April—from Earth Day celebrations designed to cultivate budding gardeners to muddy obstacle course races for runners of all ages to children’s musicals filled with zany antics. Here are the events you can’t miss this spring month.
EARTH DAY
April 20
35th Annual “Ding” Darling Day Conservation Carnival at Lakes Park, Fort Myers
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge takes conservation to the city and celebrates the planet we call home, with hands-on activities like face painting and carnival games. Young athletes love the physical challenges, like rock climbing and archery, while mini-naturalists go for the eco-themed crafts and expert-led birding tours around the park. Learn More
April 20
Earth Day Festival at Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Naples
The conservation nonprofit celebrates the holiday and its 60th anniversary on its verdant 21-acre lot in the middle of Naples. Food trucks, eco-themed crafts, family games and educational lectures, and 30-minute boat rides along the Gordon River inspire nature-loving families with a knack for outdoor exploration. Learn More
April 20
Earth Day at The Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch, Naples
Earn your green thumbs at this workshop with lessons on planting techniques and varying seed species. You and your clan learn about composting, gardening without pesticides and companion planting, and put your new skills to the test by planting squash, black bean, okra and sweet potato seeds on the ranch. Afterward, enjoy the fruits of your labor and cool off with a mulberry lemonade and mango-infused agua fresca made from fresh produce grown on the property. Learn More
EVENTS
April 4-14
Seussical the Musical at Fort Myers Theatre
In this reimagined show of Dr. Seuss’ stories, The Cat in the Hat narrates the journey of Horton, a curious elephant who lives in the Jungle of Nool and discovers a speck of dust that holds an entire world of Whos. While on his journey to protect his tiny pals, the gentle giant gets sidetracked and charged with watching over an egg abandoned by the vain Mayzie La Bird, a fellow jungle creature. Laugh along as the show explores themes like friendship, community and loyalty. Learn More
April 6
Avow’s Annual Butterfly Release at Cambier Park, Naples
Celebrate loved ones who have passed away at this event where each person’s name is read aloud and the group releases 1,000 native butterflies of more than five species, bringing new life to the park. Avow’s board-certified music therapists perform live, and grief-trained staffers host arts and crafts activities, and counselors provide support sessions on-site. Learn More
April 14
Disney in Concert: Magical Music From The Movies at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
Gulf Coast Symphony brings classic Disney soundtracks to life in this family concert. Hear upbeat safari tunes from The Lion King, romantic melodies from Beauty and the Beast, spirited pieces from Aladdin and the sweeping anthems of Frozen. Learn More
April 14
MUDDY KIDS at Redneck Mud Park, Punta Gorda
Runners, ages 5 to 17, and their families participate in short, obstacle-laden mud courses, with a mud mountain, tape crawl (a crisscross network of tape set low over a mud pit), and a foam pit. Learn More
April 25 — May 24
Tilly the Trickster at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Fort Myers
This musical adaptation, based on the children’s book by Saturday Night Live alum Molly Shannon, follows Tilly, a mischievous little girl who likes to play pranks (think poking holes in cups and offering toothpaste-flavored cookies). Before the curtain rises, enjoy a buffet lunch featuring a kid-friendly spread with pizza, tacos, fries, fresh fruit and cake. Learn More
RECURRING
April 11, 18 and 25
Little Explorers at Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Naples
Throughout the month, the conservation nonprofit hosts interactive discovery sessions for littles, ages 18 months to 5 years old. On April 4, explorers use all their senses to experience how trees sustain life. On April 11, classmates engage in arts activities to learn how they can lift each other and the planet up. And, the April 18 storytime event shares the story of The Lorax and how he saved his native Truffula Trees from deforestation, followed by a craft session to create their own wispy Truffula Tree. Learn More
April 16
Movies on the Lawn at Mercato Shops, Naples
Bring a lawn chair, blanket and the whole crew for a lawn viewing of fan-favorite movies on third Tuesdays. This month, young’uns catch The Lego Movie on the big screen. Learn More
April 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29
Rainbowdance at Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (CMON)
Give your active minis a chance to wiggle and dance the sugar bugs out at this weekly guardian-and-me expressive arts class. The 45-minute sessions foster positive traits essential for development in kids ages 0 to 5—including self-esteem, social empathy and movement—through activities like parachute and silk play and animal improvisation. The event eases in and out of active play and intentional rest while transitioning from movement to storytime. Learn More
