"Florida’s nature is alive and well at this wildlife refuge, located on the north side of Sanibel Island. Rich with mangroves and seagrass, the protected, subtropical habitat is home to more than 230 species of birds as well as alligators, manatees, and many land mammals. Head here from October through April to see most of the shorebirds, or during the summer months if you’re looking for manatees in and around Tarpon Bay. All year long, you can also spot alligators during four-mile wildlife drives. Back at the information center, be sure to check out the great displays, which are free to all visitors."

"For all the beautiful beaches in Fort Myers, one of the coolest things you can do here is take the ferry to Key West. In just three-and-a-half hours (much quicker and more relaxing than driving), the double-decker catamaran carries you down the coast, delivering you almost directly to Duval Street. There’s even same-day return service in case you can’t stay overnight. On board, you’ll find a full-service bar and covered sun decks to make your ride even more enjoyable. For an additional fee, you can even bring pets and bikes along. One of the highlights of the trip comes early, when you’re pulling away from the pass in Fort Myers. As the boat picks up speed, be sure to look off the stern at the wake, where dolphins frolic and jump like something you’ve likely only seen in a marine park."

"There's plenty of rainy-day fun to be had at this Fort Myers science center,where kids can enjoy 3D movies, pet stingrays and horseshoe crabs in a touch tank, andget up close to ball pythons, bearded dragons, prairie dogs, and more.In all, there are more than 60 exhibits—most of them interactive—to explore here, with the new virtual reality attraction being particularly popular."

"Tour this butterfly house in Cape Coral to observe all four stages of the life cycle, from caterpillar to cocoon to beautiful butterfly. As soon as the butterflies lay their eggs, the staff releases them into the surrounding gardens, allowing guests to observe the colorful creatures in their natural habitat. Go on Monday, Friday, or Saturday at 10:30 a.m. for a free tour, during which knowledgeable volunteers teach about the butterflies and how to bring them into your own yard and neighborhood."

"Home to the world’s largest collection of seashells, the Shell Factory and Nature Park also boasts botanical gardens full of such exotic creatures as lemurs, coatimundis, and zebras. Once you’ve toured the park, visit Florida’s most famous reptiles in the Gator Slough, or spend some time at other attractions like the dinosaur park, playground, petting farm, zip line, and trampolines, all of which are included in the price of admission. Kids under three get in free."

"For whatever reason, Sanibel Dolphin Tours is based out of Fort Myers. While there are other, less confusingly named tour operators in the area, this one limits itself to private groups of six people, ensuring an intimate experience. During two-hour tours, guests get up-close-and-personal with Atlantic dolphins, manatees, eagles, osprey, frigate birds, and even sea turtles. Visits to wildlife hotspots around Sanibel, Captiva, and Fort Myers also provide opportunities to take in the beautiful scenery."

"Located in Cape Coral, this fascinating wetland offers a window into the real Florida and its denizens. Just be liberal with the bug spray when you visit. Families will enjoy taking the boardwalk trail through the preserve for a chance at spotting eagles, raccoons, snakes, and wading birds. Also worth checking out are the two observation piersand the kayak trails (rentals are available onsite but be aware that the trails require about 800 feet of portage and, therefore, are not suitable for children under six)."

"At the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), the staff nurtures injured animals from Sanibel and the surrounding areas with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into the wild. Among the "patients" you may meet here are gopher tortoises, opossums, armadillos, snakes, and ospreys. After checking in on the animals, head to the visitor center, where you can learnall aboutFlorida’s native and invasive species. You can also sign up for a 1.5-hour wildlife walk, during which you’ll hear more about the animal hospital and its projects as well as the diversity of Florida fauna."

"With so many beaches to explore in the Fort Myers area, a waterpark might be the last place you think to visit. However, when traveling with kids, it’s just the place to while away a hot Florida day. This park in Cape Coral covers 14 acres with everything from splash attractions geared toward toddlers, to Pirate’s Cove for younger kids and high-speed flumes for daredevils. Note: the park closes from October to February, when cooler temperatures make it less appealing."