With spring in full swing, families can gather for Cinco De Mayo celebrations, ballet recitals of storybook tales, butterfly encounters and mommy-and-son glow-in-the-dark fun. These family-friendly Southwest Florida events keep your kiddos engaged.
May 6
Spring Fling at the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
This all-things-spring family event focuses on animals, plants and the environment. Little naturalists can partake in the Bug Shadow Matching and Nature Rainbow Walk Scavenger Hunt, or watch live science demonstrations of mini-rockets and disappearing water in the outdoor amphitheater.
May 6
Cinco De Mayo The Collier Museum at Government Center, Naples
Educate your little ones about the Mexican holiday through traditional hojalata tin art, piñata-making and a craft project to recreate the country’s flag. Snack on Latin-inspired bites between activities.
May 11 – 21
Beauty and the Beast at Fort Myers Theatre
This production of the Broadway musical, directed and choreographed by Cape Coral’s veteran dance instructor, Robin Dawn Ryan, uses local talent to bring the story of Belle to life as she ventures into a cursed castle to find her missing father, discovering love and magic along the way.
May 12
Cinderella at Artis–Naples
Naples Ballet partners with the Naples Philharmonic to bring the Disney story to life through music and dance. Join the princess as she dances away from her wicked stepsisters and leaps to her happy ending with Prince Charming.
May 13
Mom-and-Son Glow-in-the-Dark Tot Fun at Four Freedoms Park, Cape Coral
Ready for some mother-son bonding time? Bring your tot (ages 4 and under) for an evening of glow-in-the-dark fun. Take silly photos, play games with glow sticks and balloons, and watch as your kiddo’s face lights up with fluorescent coloring sticks and tattoos.
May 14
Bountiful Butterflies at Gore Nature Education Center, Collier County
Join botanical artist Connie Nagele to learn about butterflies and pollinators. The artisan discusses her butterfly gardens, which are planted throughout Collier to attract pollinators, and her Bi-Annual Butterfly Counts, designed to educate locals on Florida native plants and butterflies. As part of the adventure, children craft Mother’s Day cards and go on a butterfly identification hunt.
May 20
Spring Community Day at Artis–Naples
Young musicians play pint-sized instruments, make Matisse-inspired collages and set off on a scavenger hunt through the Baker Museum. Enjoy a concert from Naples Philharmonic Youth Symphonia and musical demonstrations from Cadence Music instrument rental shop.
May 20
1920s All That Jazz Family Day at Collier Museum at Government Center, Naples
Hop in a time machine to the Roaring Twenties in this celebration of Collier County’s 100th birthday, with crafts, games, music and educational fun for the entire family.
May 21
Mommy-and-Me Tea Party at Lakes Park, Fort Myers
Just a Little Magic Princess Events decks out a pavilion at Lake Park for a whimsical day. Parents vote online to choose a princess for this themed tea party, where kids dance and talk with the character before settling in for storytime. A color-changing lemonade, heart-shaped sandwiches and fruit cups keep little bellies satiated. Recommended for ages 5 to 8.
May 29
School’s Out Camp at Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, Fort Myers
Junior outdoor enthusiasts participate in this immersive and educational butterfly-themed camp. Admire the winged insects up close while learning about their life cycles and habits through crafts, nature walks and other hands-on learning.
Recurring events:
May 2
PAWS to Read with K-9 Caring Angels Therapy Dogs at Bonita Springs Public Library
Little ones read with furry friends during allotted, 10-minute sessions with professionally trained therapy dogs—perfect for building reading skills and learning about the pups.
May 6
Art Workshops: Big Blue Horse at Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
During this month’s C’MON art workshop, a museum instructor walks the class through colors, mediums and techniques used in the professional art world before kids create their own Kentucky Derby-inspired art surrounding the race’s Big Lex mascot.
May 6
Science Saturday at IMAG History and Science Center, Fort Myers
Mini scientists create crafts to take home, explore demonstration and craft tables set up by volunteers, and engage in educational STEM shows and hands-on activities.
May 14
Mini Buddhas Kids Yoga at Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
Each month, children develop their yoga skills in this 30-minute beginner session that focuses on breathwork, asanas (poses) and mantras. Matts are provided.
May 18
The Artsy Evening at Naples Art Institute
Naples Art helps kids create a mixed-media project, exploring techniques and mediums used by this month’s featured artist, Isabelle de Borchgrave. The workshop teaches about color theory while children make 2D and 3D paper crafts. Led by a practicing Mexican art instructor and artist Maria Castillo Fuertes, the class includes a tour of the current Miradas de Mujeres: Isabelle de Borchgrave and The World of Frida Kahlo exhibit.
May 25
Family Fun Night at Bell Tower Shops, Fort Myers
This monthly Bell Tower event features activities for all ages, from blow-up ax throwing with a trained instructor to a stogie bar for parents to enjoy a drink-and-cigar pairing of choice. Mini animal lovers get to hold live gators brought by Adam’s Animal Encounters and trained therapy dogs from Beesley’s Paw Prints. Stop by the bounce house or cotton candy stand before going home with free keepsakes, like stuffed animals and pop-sockets.
