Naples With Kids
A two-to-three-day route built for short legs and big eyes: a gentle Gulf beach, the zoo and a children's garden, a waterpark or a dolphin cruise, with ice cream and naps worked in where they belong.
Updated June 2026
Naples is an easy town to bring kids to. The Gulf laps in warm and shallow, the big attractions sit a short drive apart, and the days fall into a natural rhythm: beach in the cool morning, something shady and air-conditioned over the hot midday, then back outside as it cools toward that famous over-the-water sunset. We've laid out two full days with an optional third, so you can stretch or shorten the trip to fit your crew.
This route works best for families with little ones through tweens, and it's built around real constraints, naps, heat and meltdown windows. For the full menu of family options to mix and match, see our things to do with kids guide; when it's time for sand, our Vanderbilt Beach page has the gentlest stretch in town.
Beach & ice cream
An easy first day to find your feet: soft sand in the morning, shade and a cone in the afternoon.
The zoo & the garden
Two of the best family days in town sit minutes apart, animals in the morning, a children's garden after.
Waterpark, boat & museum
Pick what fits your kids. Two of these sit side by side on Livingston Road, so you can pair them easily.
A perfect family day
How the pieces fit together when you're working around naps and the midday heat.
- Hit the sand early at Vanderbilt Beach while it's cool and the water is calm.
- Head back for a midday break and the little ones' nap, beat the worst of the heat.
- Spend the hot afternoon somewhere shady or indoors, the botanical garden's children's garden or CMON.
- Grab an early, casual family dinner, then a cone on Fifth Avenue South.
- Walk down to the beach for sunset, the sun dropping straight into the Gulf, to end the day.
Where to go next
More to fill the days, and more itineraries if you want a different shape of trip.
Things to Do With Kids
The full menu of family-friendly Naples attractions, from the zoo to splash pads, to mix and match.
Vanderbilt Beach
Naples' easiest family beach: gentle Gulf water, a parking garage and restrooms close at hand.
Dolphin & Sunset Cruises
Glide through Naples Bay in search of wild dolphins, a short, kid-sized adventure afloat.
All Itineraries
More ready-made Naples routes, from a long weekend to a slow week on the Paradise Coast.
Find a family base
Common questions
Is Naples, Florida good for families with young kids?
Very. The Gulf water is warm and shallow, the big attractions sit close together, and most are stroller-friendly. The zoo, the botanical garden's children's garden, a public waterpark and an indoor children's museum give you good options whatever the weather or the kids' ages.
What are the best things to do in Naples with kids?
The top family picks are Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, the Smith Children's Garden at Naples Botanical Garden, Sun-N-Fun Lagoon waterpark, the Golisano Children's Museum of Naples (CMON), a gentle beach like Vanderbilt, and a short dolphin-watch cruise from Tin City.
How many days do you need in Naples with kids?
Two days covers the essentials, a beach day plus the zoo and the garden. Add an optional third day for a waterpark, a dolphin cruise or the children's museum if you want a fuller trip or a rainy-day backup. The plan stretches or shrinks easily.
When is the best time to visit the beach with kids in Naples?
Early morning. Naples beaches are calm and cool first thing, the parking lots have space, and you beat the strongest midday sun, which is intense from late spring through summer. Head back for a midday break, then enjoy the famous over-the-Gulf sunset in the evening.
Is the Naples Pier open for families to visit?
The historic 1888 Naples Pier was badly damaged by recent hurricanes and has been under reconstruction, so check the City of Naples for its current status before you go. The beach beneath it and the sunset view remain open and free regardless.
Is Sun-N-Fun Lagoon waterpark open year-round?
No. The Collier County waterpark runs daily in peak summer and shifts to weekends-only in the shoulder seasons, with limited months closed, so check the current schedule before you plan a day around it. Admission is budget-friendly and priced by height, with toddlers free.