by Mel Gaetano

Created on: May 29, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

So you've decided to splurge, yes I mean splurge, to vacation with the family in sunny Naples, Florida. Hang on to your wallet folks, this is gonna be a turbulent ride. Let your imagination (and budget) run wild. You arrive to Naples Municipal Airport and are greeted by your private minivan waiting to whisk you away to the Naples Beach Club, the ultimate family resort. Let the kids stop and smell the gorgeous collection of orchids displayed throughout the lobby, but don't touch! After a quick pit stop to your beach front room, let the kids enjoy the rest of the day on the beach and then cool off later in the fantastic pool while Mom and Dad enjoy golden margaritas from the beach bar. If you are lucky to visit in the summer, enjoy live music on the lawn every Sunday evening. Sure, most of your vacation could be spent at the Beach Club, but why not take the little explorers out exploring the town? First stop, no doubt, should be Naples Zoo. Hit it early while the bugs are still sleeping and be sure to hop on the monkey island tour boat. Two hours at this stop should be plenty. Across the way, let the older kids check out the totally awesome skate park operated by the City of Naples. Kids hungry? Head on down to Joe's Crab Shack for some embarrassingly funny singing and dancing only staff at Joe's can pull off. Ice creak anyone? Just down the street on Fifth Avenue, grab a cone at Regina's and stroll the fine shops on Fifth Avenue. Careful kids, no ice cream in the stores! End the day taking in the sunset at Naples Pier, you may even catch some corny tourists applauding for the sunset. Weird, huh?

Assuming the family vacation last a whole week, there is plenty more to do. In the north part of Naples is the new Sun n Fun Lagoon Splash Park (call ahead for hours). A little further out east, but well worth the drive, is Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, a 2 mile long boardwalk and renowned wildlife sanctuary. Worth the trip for ages 8 and up. The younger ones tend to walk too loudly and scare off the wildlife. Of course, what would a trip to Naples be without checking out area beaches. Clam Pass is unique in that one can only access it by tram, a great ride for children. Just by the Beach Club is Lowdermilk Park, a favorite for local families for it's concession stand and wide pristine beach.Check out some of the beach front estates on Gulf Shore Boulevard. Local teens hang out by the Naples Pier beach, skim boarding and playing volleyball.

Locally known as the playground for the uber-wealthy with its high end shopping and fine dining, more and more family oriented activities are cropping up around town. Check out Parks and Recreations as Collier County boasts some of the most innovative (and free)playgrounds in the area. Whether the family stay is a day or a week, everyone will find something to keep them happy in the tropics.

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