Fun Family Activities in Naples, Florida | Naples Family Photographer

Welcome to the beautiful Naples, Florida! This coastal city is the most accurate depiction of paradise, with beaches and vegetation so breathtaking that you’ll be posting all of your iPhone photos with #nofilter. As a family photographer, I am passionate about documenting priceless moments and believe every family deserves the occasional escape from reality to partake in these special memories. Here are eight of my favorite things to do in Naples that are enjoyable for all ages.

1. Soak up the sun at Naples Beach:

Kick off your flip flops and sink your toes into the soft white sand of Naples Beach. Sunbathe in the golden Naples sun, and watch your kids build sandcastles and collect seashells along the shoreline. The gentle waves at Naples Beach are soothing to sit back and admire, and the crystal clear water will be calling your name to jump in when you need to cool down. Naples Beach stretches down about 10 miles long, giving you plenty of room to spread out and find a spot that allows for maximum relaxation and enjoyment.

2. Explore Naples Botanical Garden:

Along with being known for our luxurious beaches, Naples (along with most of Florida) is known for having a lush botanic environment. The Naples Botanical Garden spreads across over 170 acres and provides entertainment, activity, education and relaxation for the whole family. There are various Gardens throughout this attraction and each space is carefully curated to display plants that thrive in their respective regions. As if you need any more reasons to visit this agricultural haven, you’ll also have the opportunity to admire their art installations and sculptures, various lakes and ponds, and multiple species of birds and fish.

3. Visit Naples Zoo:

The Naples Zoo combines a traditional zoo experience with a historic botanical garden, creating a one-of-a-kind and engaging experience unique to Naples. Each exhibit provides an up-close and educational experience, and are individually designed to mimic the natural habitats of the respective animals. In addition to these various exhibits, you’ll want to take advantage of the other unique attractions that Naples Zoo has to offer such as the Primate Expedition Cruise, Safari Canyon Shows, giraffe feeding and the free-flying bird aviaries.

4. Sip on a Shake from Lake Park Diner:

This hidden gem has an incredible food menu, but your stay in Naples is incomplete without trying one (or two, or three) of their indulgent shakes. Their perfectly curated menu includes a variety of classic flavors, along with a few creative concoctions that the adventurous one of the group is sure to love. But the fun doesn’t stop there! For the adults of the group, you have the option to “make it boozy” by adding your preferred spirit to your shake. Image sipping on an ice cold Nutella Shake with Peanut Butter whiskey after a long day out in the sun. Sounds like the perfect combination of nostalgia and sophistication to me! Both you and your kids will be updating the itinerary to incorporate a daily trip to Lake Park Diner.

5. Play a few rounds of Pickleball:

To say the pickleball scene is booming in Naples, Florida is an understatement! This sport has been growing all over the US, but has especially gained popularity down here in Southwest Florida. Naples alone has over 100 pickleball courts, many of which welcome visitors and even supply paddles and balls for a small fee. Fleischman Park Community Center and East Naples Community Park are two great outdoor options, whether you’ve never played pickleball, or you’re a pro that never leaves the house without your paddle in hand. If you’re visiting during Naples’ warmer months, you may want to utilize the indoor courts at the Greater Naples YMCA. This is a great sport for all ages, and so addicting that it may have you researching your local pickleball courts before you even make it back home!

6. Take Family Photos with Ashley Scott Photos:

I may be a little biased when I say this, but a trip to Naples, Florida is the coastal getaway that every family desperately needs. There are so many memories to be made here – memories that deserve to be frozen in time and documented in an intentional and artistic way. During the 2+ years I have lived here, I have captured over 100 beautiful stories at Naples Beach – each one so very special and unique. I would be delighted if you’d let me into your world for 30-45 minutes and provide you with tangible memories from this vacation of a lifetime. Ready to book your Naples family photo session? Fill out an inquiry form or check out more of my blog posts from Naples Beach.

7. Embark on a Fishing Charter Trip:

Southwest Florida has an abundance of fish species to catch within the expanse of mangrove estuaries. If you’d like to catch some Snook, redfish, tarpon, and more, I highly recommend hiring a local fishing guide who knows the waters well. They can provide valuable insights, equipment, and expertise to help you have a successful and enjoyable fishing experience. My father and his friends have experienced multiple trips with Captain Mark Ward at naplesfishingcharters.org and have only great things to say.

8. Shop til you Drop:

While the guys are out hunting for the Catch of the Day, the ladies of the group can take advantage of Naples’ lively shopping scene. If one of your favorite pastimes is swiping your credit card, you can’t leave Naples without visiting The Villages Shops at Venetian Bay, Tin City Waterfront Shops, and Fifth Avenue South. Whatever your heart is searching for, you’ll find it at one of these lovely spots. And if you aren’t looking for anything specific, you’re still sure to leave with both hands full of goodies!

Family vacations aren’t just about the itinerary you create or the sights you see, but also about the connections made and moments collected throughout your visit. These activities will surely leave you with stories to tell and priceless moments to hold in your heart, and I hope you’ll trust me to capture photos to keep these memories alive for years to come.