Did you know that you can gain free entry to our National Parks?
Hey there, outdoor enthusiasts! Are you ready to dive into the wonders of our nation’s breathtaking landscapes? Well, hold onto your hats because I’ve got some exciting news for you! Free entry to National Parks is up for grabs! That’s right – whether you’re planning a family adventure or a solo exploration, there are opportunities to experience the beauty of our National Parks without breaking the bank.
Free Days
First things first, did you know that the National Park Service offers free access to National parks and lands on select days throughout the year? These special days are a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors without worrying about entrance fees. These dates are definitely worth noting, whether you’re looking to take advantage of the free entry…or maybe you might want to plan around those dates to avoid the potential crowds.
In 2024, mark your calendars for these free days:
January 15: Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.
April 20: First day of National Park Week
June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
September 28: National Public Lands Day
November 11: Veterans Day
Free Passes
But wait, there’s more! Did you know that some lucky folks can qualify for free access to National Parks all year long? That’s right – certain individuals are eligible for special passes that grant them unlimited entry to these natural wonders, no gate fee required. Here’s a quick rundown:
Veterans Pass: For honorably discharged U.S. military veterans and Gold Star Families, a free lifetime pass is available, granting unlimited access to National Parks and other federal lands. It’s a small token of appreciation for their service and sacrifice – and a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with nature.
Current Military Pass: Active-duty U.S. military members and their dependents, including those in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force, Reserve, and National Guard, can obtain a free annual pass for unlimited access to National Parks and other federal lands. It’s a perk that recognizes their ongoing commitment to our country.
Access Pass: Individuals with a medically determined permanent disability can receive the Access Pass, providing free lifetime entry to National Parks and other federal recreation sites. This pass also provides a discount on things like campground reservations and more at certain locations.
Every Kid Outdoors Pass: Calling all 4th graders! U.S. Students in the 4th grade (or the equivalent age level for home-schooled and free-choice learners) are eligible for a free Every Kid Outdoors Pass, granting them and their families free entry to National Parks and other federal lands for an entire year. It’s a fantastic way to inspire the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and instill a love of nature from a young age.
Volunteer Pass: For dedicated volunteers with 250 service hours with federal agencies participating in the Interagency Pass Program, a free annual pass is available. It’s a token of appreciation for their hard work and commitment to preserving our natural landscapes.
Paid Passes
What if you don’t qualify for these passes? Fear not! Take advantage of the free days throughout the year and consider purchasing an Annual Pass. At just $80, the Annual Pass grants year-round access to National Parks and other federal lands. Better yet, if you are over the age of 62, that same $80 can get you a lifetime park pass. (or an annual for $20).
Our Personal Experiences
Our family is fortunate enough to have first hand experience with the Access Pass. Our daughter qualifies to hold the pass since Down syndrome is a qualifier. It’s important to note that this pass is only valid for entry when the individual is in the vehicle. It may seem obvious, but I share with you an oversight my son and I made while camping within a National Park. Charlee was tired from exploring in the heat all day and chose to stay in the camper with grandma while my son and I made a quick run to gas up the vehicle. Well, we hadn’t thought about the trouble we would have getting back in the gate without her in the vehicle with us. Lesson learned!
And even though we have an access pass in the household, I still tend to purchase an annual pass for myself. I find that it is a great value for anyone who plans to visit more than one park in a year.
Conclusion
To learn more about all the available passes, head over to the National Parks website for all the details on various passes.
With so many opportunities to experience the beauty and wonder of our National Parks, there’s no excuse not to start planning your next outdoor adventure. So grab your hiking boots, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime in America’s most treasured natural landscapes. Happy trails!
I’m a mom with travel bug. Forever seeking new places to see and things to do whether they are close to home or across the globe. I’m always anxiously planning our next adventures and doing my best to stretch our dollars and time to their fullest in doing so.
Do you love breweries? And discount deals? Are you someone who loves to explore the vibrant craft brewery scene when traveling? Do you find joy in sampling unique beers while immersing yourself in the local culture? If so, you’re not alone! As a seasoned traveler with a passion for beer, I’ve discovered that breweries are not just places to enjoy a cold one – they’re hubs of creativity, community, and culinary delights. They are places that I seek out in most cities and towns that we stay in or pass through when traveling. Let me tune you in to a little tip: if you’re looking to enhance your brewery hopping experience while saving some cash along the way, let me introduce you to one of my travel go tos: PubPass.
Introducing PubPass: Your Ticket to Brewery Bliss
PubPass isn’t just your average mobile app – it’s your key to unlocking some of the best brewery deals. With PubPass, you gain access to exclusive buy one get one free offers at participating breweries, allowing you to double the fun while savoring delicious craft beers. It’s not all over the U.S., but it covers some pretty good ground.
Navigating the PubPass Experience
So, how does PubPass work exactly? Before embarking on your next adventure, simply open the PubPass app and check out the map to see if there are a few participating breweries in your destination. If so, then PubPass makes it easy to plan a brewery itinerary for your travels.
For just $5, you can purchase a one-month subscription to PubPass – a steal considering it’s often less than the cost of a single beer at most breweries. Even if you only visit one brewery during your trip, you’ve already started to make your money back with the buy one get one free deal.
But here’s where it gets even better. By using my referral code (316052) when signing up for PubPass, you’ll receive a $5 credit – essentially allowing you to use PubPass for free on your next adventure! Just remember to cancel your subscription before heading home to avoid any unexpected charges.
And if you’re lucky enough to have participating breweries in your hometown, PubPass offers an annual subscription option that may be the better deal for you. With PubPass in hand, you’ll never have to pass up a chance to explore the local brewery scene and enjoy some fantastic brews along the way.
Key Locations to cash in on PubPass
The following list will give you an idea of the areas that PubPass participation is prevalent:
Denver and Northern Colorado
Des moines
Jacksonville
Kansas City
Madison
Milwaulkee
Minneapolis/St Paul
New Orleans
Orlando
Pheonix
Southern Florida
St. Louis
Tampa
Washington D.C.
Additionally, this screenshot shows brewery locations at the time of writing this post.
Embarking on Brewery Adventures Near and Far
From the bustling streets of Denver to the charming corners of southern Florida, PubPass has led me on countless brewery adventures. Each brewery visit is a journey filled with new flavors, interesting stories, and memorable experiences shared with your trusty travel companions
Whether I’m sipping on a crisp IPA in a trendy taproom or enjoying a lager in a historic brewery building, every pint tells a story of passion, craftsmanship, and community. With PubPass, the possibilities for brewery exploration are endless – and the memories created along the way are truly priceless.
Uncovering Hidden Gems
One of the things I love most about using PubPass is the opportunity to discover hidden gem breweries that I may not have found otherwise. While larger, more well-known breweries certainly have their appeal, there’s something special about stumbling upon a small, independent brewery tucked away in a quiet neighborhood or off the beaten path.
These hidden gems often offer a more intimate and authentic brewery experience, allowing you to chat with the brewers, learn about the brewing process, and sample some truly unique and innovative beers. Plus, with PubPass, you can enjoy these hidden gems at a discounted price, making the experience even more rewarding. In fact, we used PubPass for BOGO brewery deals on our recent trip to Denver.
Supporting Local Businesses
Another reason I’m a big fan of PubPass is its focus on supporting local breweries and businesses. In an era dominated by big beer conglomerates and mass-produced brews, it’s more important than ever to support independent breweries and the communities they serve.
By using PubPass to explore local breweries, you’re not only treating yourself to some amazing beer – you’re also supporting the hard-working brewers, entrepreneurs, and artisans who pour their heart and soul into creating unique and high-quality brews. It’s a win-win for everyone involved, and it feels good to know that your beer dollars are going toward supporting local businesses and helping to keep the craft beer community thriving.
Creating Lasting Memories
Whether you’re embarking on a weekend getaway with your partner, planning a fun-filled bachelor or bachelorette party, or simply looking for a new and exciting way to spend a Saturday afternoon, PubPass is the perfect companion for your brewery adventures.
From sampling flights of hoppy IPAs and rich stouts to enjoying delicious food pairings and live music performances, each brewery visit is a chance to create lasting memories with the people you love. And with PubPass by your side, you can make the most of every moment, discovering new breweries, trying new beers, and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of the craft beer community.
Cheers to PubPass!
In conclusion, if you’re a beer lover who enjoys exploring new breweries and trying unique craft beers, PubPass is a must-have tool for your brewery adventures. With its convenient app, exclusive buy one get one free offers, and focus on supporting local businesses, PubPass makes it easy and affordable to discover the best breweries in a town while creating unforgettable memories along the way.
Cheers to good times, great beer, and saving a few bucks!
REMINDER: Use Discount Code 316052 for your $5 off your PubPass. That’s essentially getting one month for free.
I’m a mom with travel bug. Forever seeking new places to see and things to do whether they are close to home or across the globe. I’m always anxiously planning our next adventures and doing my best to stretch our dollars and time to their fullest in doing so.
One day in Denver? That’s what we turned flight credits into when faced with the need to use them or loose them. I’m really not sure how, but we still had airline credit from a canceled flight way back from 2020. Somehow, a $200 credit kept getting overlooked even though we had taken several flights between then and now. Oh, well. It became an excellent excuse for a last minute adventure.
Why Denver?
This is my 3rd time visiting the Lower Downtown (LoDo) district of Denver. That’s because I find it has a lot to offer within a 30-minute train ride from the airport. Plus flights from Detroit to Denver are usually pretty reasonable, in fact often one of the most inexpensive destinations. So Denver it was. I used points for the hotel, so the only out of pocket costs were for our train ride and food/drink.
Side note: Denver was also my destination of choice last year to utilize a companion certificate before it expired. I turned that into a day trip with a friend. Seems to be plenty of flight deals Detroit to Denver!
Morning Adventures: Exploring Denver’s Highlights
After landing around 9 am, we took the commuter train from the airport to Denver Union Station. This historic train station serves as the transportation hub for the city and is a bustling center of activity. This train ride is only $10 and 30 minutes! No need to prebook, just follow the signs within the airport to the train. Once at the station, you simply buy tickets at the kiosk.
Ballpark Museum at Coors Field
Our first stop was the Ballpark Museum, located kitty corner to Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies. Recognized by Smithsonian Books as one of the top 20 finest private baseball collections in the world, this museum boasts an impressive collection of one-of-a-kind treasures. It’s the only museum dedicated to ballparks and includes artifacts from the original 14 classic ballparks. A fun fact is that the collection includes seats from each of those ballparks.
The Ballpark Museum is a true gem in the heart of Denver. Perfect for baseball fans of all ages. It’s fascinating to learn how Curator, Founder, and President Bruce “B” Hellerstein went from collecting baseball cards and displaying his a personal collection of memorabilia in his basement to creating his own full fledged museum showcasing his now expansive personal collection.
Lunch at Denver ChopHouse
After working up an appetite at the museum, it was time for lunch at Denver ChopHouse. This is a classic steakhouse and brewery located within walking distance of Union Station and the ballpark. Known for its delicious cuts of meat and cozy atmosphere, this restaurant is the perfect spot to refuel before continuing your Denver adventures. The building that houses Denver ChopHouse dates back to the late 19th century. It was once home to the Rocky Mountain Fuel Company, a prominent coal supplier during Denver’s early days.
Afternoon Delights: Craft Brews and Sweet Treats
With our hunger satisfied, we set out to explore more of the vibrant LoDo district. Our next stop was Wynkoop Brewing Company, one of Denver’s oldest and most beloved craft breweries. It was founded in 1988 by former Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, who went on to become the Governor of Colorado. Wynkoop Brewing Company is housed in a historic warehouse building and offers a wide selection of handcrafted beers. The brewery played a pivotal role in revitalizing the LoDo neighborhood and is credited with sparking the city’s craft beer renaissance.
Sweet Treats at Dairy Block
After enjoying some hoppy delights, we found ourselves craving something sweet. We made our way to Dairy Block, a charming micro-district in LoDo known for its unique shops, restaurants, and art installations. Here, we indulged in some delicious ice cream from Milk Market, a food hall featuring a variety of culinary delights. The history of Dairy Block dates back to the late 19th century when it was home to Windsor Dairy, one of Denver’s largest dairy operations. Today, the block is a vibrant destination for food, shopping, and entertainment.
Afternoon Explorations: RiNo Art District
After taking a quick intermission to check into our hotel, we decided to venture beyond LoDo to explore the RiNo Art District, a thriving hub of creativity and culture. We visited a couple of the district’s renowned breweries, including Odell Brewing Company, where we sampled some of their award-winning craft beers. Founded in 1989 in Fort Collins, Odell Brewing Company is known for its innovative brewing techniques and commitment to sustainability. The RiNo Art District is known for its vibrant street art scene and eclectic mix of galleries, studios, and creative spaces. The district’s name, RiNo, stands for River North and pays homage to its location north of the South Platte River.
Dinner at Blue Agave Grill
After working up an appetite with our brewery hop, we headed back downtown for dinner at Blue Agave Grill. This lively restaurant specializes in contemporary Southwestern cuisine and offers a mouthwatering selection of tacos, enchiladas, and margaritas. We opted for burritos and they were so delicious and filling. Located in the historic Granite Building, Blue Agave Grill is known for its vibrant atmosphere and flavorful dishes. The Granite Building, constructed in 1890, is one of Denver’s oldest commercial buildings and has been lovingly restored to its former glory.
A Memorable Day in the Mile High City
As the night wore on and our bellies were full, we made our way back to our hotel to get cozy and watch some play off football. We stayed at the Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown – Union Station. It is a stylish boutique hotel. I selected it for its super convenient location next to Union Station. Since we needed to catch the first train out for Union Station in the morning (3am), location was key to make that as easy as possible.
Yes, waking up early to catch the 3 am train back to the airport was a bit of a struggle, but we managed to fuel up with breakfast at the Skyclub before boarding our 6 am flight home.
In just one day, we experienced quite a good mix of what Denver has to offer – from historic buildings and craft breweries to delicious dining and vibrant neighborhoods. Let me suggest that whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a longer stay, the Mile High City has something for everyone to enjoy.
I’m a mom with travel bug. Forever seeking new places to see and things to do whether they are close to home or across the globe. I’m always anxiously planning our next adventures and doing my best to stretch our dollars and time to their fullest in doing so.
Do you dream to visit all 50 of the United States? Have you taken that dream and turned it into a stated goal with activity and plans to realize it?
I think I’ve always casually dreamed of visiting 50 states. It was a thought and idea that lived in the back of my mind for as long as I can remember. But I guess I didn’t really see it as realistic. I’m not quite sure why. It just seemed that not many people I know have, nor did they seem to have a desire to. I suppose it seemed like something out of the norm for whatever reason.
But one day that changed. One specific and memorable day, something clicked inside of me and that idea changed from a dream, into a goal. A goal that I was going to put actions behind to accomplish. But it wasn’t a goal to visit all 50 states myself. It was a goal to show my kids all 50 states before they leave the nest.
The Origins of My 50 States Dream
The most influential people in developing my love for travel where my grandparents. They were always traveling. And as a child, I frequently traveled with them. With a son in the navy, they traveled to see him and his family every year, wherever they were….Hawaii, Italy, Germany, etc. When my uncle retired from the Navy, he settled in California. Which meant every year my grandparents would drive across country to see him. On many occasions my parents would fly me out to meet them in Cali while they were visiting. But one year, my parents flew me out to CA on a one way ticket. Because I then drove back to Michigan with Grandma and Grandpa.
On this road trip, I remember visiting the Great Salt Flats, Mt Rushmore, Wall Drug and more. I always knew that I wanted to do that trip again, especially when I had kids. I wanted to pass on that experience to my own children. Before I ever stated the 50 states goal, the dream I had and would share with many was “I want to drive across country with my kids”.
The Day The Goal Was Set
Despite my grandparent’s many travels, they never visited all 50 states together. They visited 49 together before my grandfather passed away in 2006. I never even realized that accomplishment until my grandmother casually mentioned a few years ago, “You know I’ve been to every state but North Dakota”. That instantly lead to my inquiry of “why?”. How could that be? How could they have gotten so close to 50, but not achieve it? Simply because it was never a goal that they set. Their 70+ years of traveling together just happened to take them to 49.
With this information, I set out to get my 90 year old grandma to North Dakota. So on August 21, 2013, my mom, grandma, my two kids and I arrived in Fargo, North Dakota for Grandma to visit her 50th state.
Grandma Visits Her 50th State – North Dakota
It was this day that I firmly decided I would do the same. But I was not going to wait for it to just happen, nor wait until I was 90. I was going to actively put plans in motion to make it happen. But more than that, I decided I want to get my kids to all 50 states before they are grown and leave home.
It was on that day, the goal was officially set.
Progressing Towards Our Goal
We are not a full time travel family. Rather, we are an every chance we get travel family. We are a fairly typical, mid class crew. My husband and I both work full time. The kids go to public school and are fairly active in sports and other activities.
But we make use of every chance we can make to get away. Which is mostly during the late summer (after little league ball is complete), spring break, winter break and long weekends.
I share this specifically to illustrate that you don’t have to be a full time travel family to set and achieve a goal to visit the 50 states.
Less than five years from setting the goal, our kids visited their 48th state this past summer. Only Hawaii and Alaska remain, which we have plans to finish by 2020. Our progress has come through several road trips.
Before the goal was ever set, our kids had checked a few states off their list between our annual drives to Florida, Midwest adventures and that trip to North Dakota.
In 2015, we purchased our little 17 foot camper and hit the road for our first summer road trip. We spent just over a week traveling a northern states route to California. Then spent a week with my aunt and uncle at their home just south of San Fransisco. And took about a week to drive a more southern route home to check off additional states.
North East Road Trip
Boston Light – Massachusetts
Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland
The summer of 2016 included a 2-week road trip to explore the North East. From Michigan to Maine, down the Atlantic coast to Maryland and back home.
Impromptu Winter Road Trip
Vicksburg National Military Park – Mississippi
Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana
I occurred to me late in December of 2016 that the kids would have an entire week off of school following New Year. I then threw together a last minute, week long adventure to check a couple new states off the list.
Southwest Road Trip
Grand Canyon – Arizona
Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Kansas
We continued our annual 2 week road trip tradition in 2017 by heading southwest. We drove from Michigan to Arizona, stayed with family friends near Tucson for a few days before heading up to the Grand Canyon and then made our way back home.
The Virginias and Carolinas Road Trip
The Lost Colony performance – North Carolina
West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina
Summer 2018 was the road trip that achieved our 48th state. Another 2 week trip to cover the last 4 of the 48. On July 29th, 2018, we pulled over to the side of the road to take this picture to commemorate these two kids visiting all 48 of the continuous states.
South Carolina – Their 48th state visited
The Final Two
So as of this writing, only two of the fifty states remain to check off our list. It is with specific intent that we will visit Hawaii next. This is because thanks to that uncle in the Navy and grandparents that often took me along, I’ve already been to Hawaii. Therefore, Alaska will be last (we anticipate a cruise in 2020) so that the kids and I can all accomplish our 50th state at the same time.
The poor husband is another story. He missed out on a few states due to work. I mention this specifically as encouragement to those who may not have a spouse or a partner present at all or have one unable to travel as much as the rest of the family. I’ve done trips solo with the kids, or with help from my mother or grandmother when the kids were very young. If you desire to visit all fifty states, then I encourage you to problem solve, trouble shoot, budget the money, budget the time, set the goal and make the plans. The experience has been incredible.
What’s Next?
Royals Fans For The Day at Kauffman Stadium – Missouri
This whole adventure has been so much fun. I can’t even tell you how rewarding it has been. And as we started seeing the finish of the fifty within sight, it’s honestly made me quite sad. Because I have so very much loved this journey. I love showing my kids this big and beautiful country that we call home. There is so much new and different everywhere we have been. So much beautiy to take in, so much history to absorb, so much culture to experience…so very much to see, do, learn and explore.
I don’t want our adventures to slow down or end. So I asked my son, what’s next? What do you think we should set as our next goal? His reply?…he would like to visit every Major League Baseball Stadium. With a smile, I said, “then let’s get started. I can’t promise I will finish that one with you. Sounds like a good one for you to continue into adulthood. But I will commit to getting you started”. And we have got him off to a good start with six ballparks visited to date.
How About You?
I hope you have found our own story one of encouragement to set a goal to visit fifty states. Or perhaps you find it as one that you can relate to as you work toward a goal of fifty yourself.
Are you in? Have you set the goal? How many states have you visited?
Please share your own stories in the comments below.
I’m a mom with travel bug. Forever seeking new places to see and things to do whether they are close to home or across the globe. I’m always anxiously planning our next adventures and doing my best to stretch our dollars and time to their fullest in doing so.
We’re currently snuggled inside, while the temperatures are subzero here in Michigan with a “Polar Vortex” going on outside. This has me particularly dreaming of warmer days of family fun in Fort Myers Beach, Florida.
For the past decade we have made it a tradition to spend a week every winter on Estero Island. We visit my dad who spends the winters as a snow bird there. It is a great little get away to break up the long winter months of the cold…and from missing grandpa.
Since we’ve been there so often, we’ve gotten out and about to experience quite a lot of fun with the kids through the years. Following is a list of 25 fun family friendly activities within Fort Myers Beach.
Obviously this is one of the top attractions of Fort Myers Beach…The beach! Visitors can access the beach by way of many public access points located along the entire length of the island. While traveling along Estero Boulevard, the main road of the island, you will see “Beach Access” signs where public access is available. They may or may not have convent parking and if so, will likely require hourly metered payment or flat rate parking lots.
Hop On The Trolley
It may not be a real, vintage trolley, but the kids like the look and the excitement of going for a ride. The Trolley runs the entire length of the island, from Bowditch Park to Lovers Key State Park. It will set you back less then a dollar for a one-way ride or you can purchase all day passes. This is a fun way to get downtown from your accommodations and avoid dealing with parking and traffic in driving there yourself.
Trolley stops are indicated by a blue and white TROLLEE sign (note the LEE for Lee county, who operates this transportation service).
There is also a free beach tram that runs seasonally in the prime winter season from the Bowditch Park to the Library.
Download a winter 2019 schedule and route map HERE
Visit The Library
Fort Myers Beach Public Library is a big beautiful building, where you will find more than just books. On the exterior you will find a tide clock (which to be honest, we are still unclear on how to read)
They have several exhibits including a shell collection. This allows the kids to see and learn more about the shells they may find in the region. The library offers many scheduled events and talks including weekly story hour for the kids. The library is a great free option for some rainy day fun.
Be sure to ride the elevator!
Walk On The Pier
There’s just something cool about walking out over the water on a pier. The Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier is right down in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of the business district. We often like to stroll out on the pier just after the rush of sunset seekers and enjoy an evening breeze and twilight. There is a little bait shop located about half way out to the end where you can find snacks, drinks, fishing gear, souvenirs and more. The kids enjoy watching the fisherman as they reel in their catches from the large platform at the end of the pier.
Spend A Day At Lover’s Key State Park
We really love Lover’s Key State Park for a change of pace from our typical beach days along the condo lined beaches found along much of FMB. The beach is more natural in feel and typically a bit less crowded.
The kids think it’s particularly fun that you park your car and ride a tram out to the beach.
You can also rent canoes and kayaks at the park, which we did do one year. And even saved a few dollars on that rental thanks to a Living Social deal that was going on at the time.
There are also miles of bike and hiking trails, refreshments, changing rooms, a campground, playground, places to fish and informative programs and talks that go on throughout the year and more. One year we packed a cooler of snacks and lawn chairs and headed to the state park after dinner one evening to enjoy the music of several original songwriters performing at a pavilion at the beach.
Take in A Guided Beach Tour at Newton Park
Every Tuesday at 9AM, there is a guided group beach tour that begins at Newton Park. It is led by by a master naturalist from the Mound House. As the group walks the beach, the guide points out shells and creatures found along the beach that day. They answer questions and lead discussions about specimen that are encountered.
While at this fun and family friendly little park in Fort Myers Beach, you will enjoy several amenities. These include outdoor showers, restrooms, picnic tables, shade providing shelter and bocce ball courts.
Visit the Mound House and Grounds
The mound house is a museum and beautiful grounds overlooking Estero bay. It’s the site of an ancient Calusa indian shell mound. They offer many educational opportunities and guided explorations of the bay by kayak. It’s also an great place to picnic or fish.
Take Your Maities On A Pirate Cruise
Salty Sam’s Pirate Cruise is a fun family outing. It’s a 90 minute boat ride through Mantanzas Pass to the Gulf of Mexico. The ride is filled with entertainment of pirate shenanigans, interactive games, dance parties and more. We had quite a lot of fun. There are restrooms, a full service bar and snacks available onboard making it quite comfortable. Several cruises are available throughout the week and reservations are strongly suggested.
You can usually find a small discount coupon in attraction maps found around town.
Head to Key West By Boat
From Fort Myers Beach, you are about a 5.5 hour drive from Key West. Or just 3.5 hours by the high speed ferry Key West Express.
A few years ago we took my grandmother on the ferry to Key West. At over 90 years old, she had mentioned many times that “I’ve always wanted to go to Key West”. So, my son and I helped her check that trip off her list when we took the ferry for a day trip to the island.
You can use the ferry as a day trip and return the same day, or stay a night or two, whatever you like. It’s comfortable travel, you don’t need to worry about driving or parking or gas, etc. Just sit back and enjoy the ride with your friends or family. Get up walk around, get a snack, play some cards.
There are several different cruises available, some departing from downtown near Nervous Nellies, some over the bridge and some at the south end of the island near Santini Marin. This is something that you can usually find a Living Social deal for to save a significant amount of money. We’ve done a couple over the years and it always fills the kids with delight to get up close to see manatee and dolphin while going for a boat ride.
Go For A Walk Through Mantanzas Pass Preserve
This is one of our favorite walks on the island. Much of it is a board walk through mangroves and it leads out to a great view of the back bay.
You won’t usually run across too many people out there. It’s a nice place to get away from the crowds and enjoy a shaded escape from the sun while taking in the nature of the island. Occasionally you can catch a guided walk here, which we did one year and it was so educational.
This is one place that we visit every single time we visit.
Go Birding At Bowditch Point Park
Bowditch Point is a part at the northern tip of the island, which makes it an amazing spot to enjoy the best of both worlds…the exciting waves of the gulf and the peaceful calm of the bay. This is a popular spot for shelling. It is also a designated birding trail. There are many amenities to make it a great spot to spend the day. Parking is paid by the hour. Or you can take the trolley to save from the stress of parking.
Shop, Eat & Explore Downtown Near Times Square
Times Square is the central spot for picking up souvenirs, having a bite to eat, or sitting to enjoy a drink while listening to live music. It’s fun to stroll through with family especially when combined with heading to the pier or the park to play.
Book A Fishing Charter
Looking to get out on the water to catch some fresh fish for dinner? There are many different fishing charters to be found around Santini Marina. You can fish off shore or in the back bay. We have booked a day of fishing with a local captain, enjoyed getting out on the water with them to catch some fish. They even clean and fillet them for you when you return to the dock. Then they are ready to go home and cook for dinner.
Play At The Park
There are a couple parks with playgrounds that we frequent after dinner to let the kids get another load of energy out. One is at the south of Fort Myers Beach, a fun playground which is part of Lover’s Key State Park. It is easily visible from the road.
The other is right downtown along side the beach by the pier and Times Square. Both have enough fun activities to keep the kids entertained for some time while parents can get off their feet and relax for a bit while sitting back to supervise.
See A Movie
The island does have it’s own movie theater, showing first run movies daily. We enjoy walking to The Beach Theater after dinner at least one evening of our stay. At this theater you will actually find different seating options including chairs around tables. This makes it easiest to enjoy food from their menu of many food options.
Go Bowling
You can find bowling in Fort Myers Beach at Beach Bowl. This alley is actually a little ways over the bridge and onto the mainland. They are open daily for bowling on their nostalgic lanes. They also have a full service bar, refreshments and a game room. This is another option for rainy day or evening fun for the family while staying in Fort Myers Beach.
Play Putt Putt
Our visit to FMB, is never complete without playing at least one round of miniature golf. There are two courses, not far from the bowling alley just mentioned. Smugglers Cove and Jungle Golf are both fun places for the family. And again, something that you may be lucky enough to snaga Living Social deal for. If not, there are often coupons in the attraction fliers around town. Or check their websites for discounts too!
Get Ice Cream
Seriously, we eat more ice cream on vacation than we ever do while home. There’s just something about going out for ice cream when we travel that just seems to happen on repeat. Whether you are at the south or the north side of the island, you will find more than a handful of great options for a cool creamy treat.
Chill at Crescent Beach Family Park
This is part of the Lee County park system and is located right in the heart of the downtown business district at the foot of the Mantanzas bridge. It offers beach access, portable restrooms, picnic area and sand volleyball courts. This is a good option if you want to take in the beach for the morning and then walk to Times Square for a lunch break.
Watch Dogs Splash and Play At The Dog Beach
You may not have a dog with you while visiting Estero island, but if you have animal lovers in tow, they will surely enjoy this spot. It’s a place were canines are welcome to roam free and splash and play in the water. It is a county park with free parking, and doggie showers. But important to note, there are no real restrooms, only pota potties!
Learn About Local Marine Life At Oswego Bay Marine Science Center
Just over and practically under the big bridge, on San Carlos island is a quant museum. Oswego Bay Marine Science Center showcases local marine life through aquariums, touch tanks, interactive demonstrations and exhibits. It’s quite affordable and a good rainy day or for a break from the suns rays.
Grab Fresh Treats at the Farmer’s Market
This market is set up in the parking lot of the Santini shopping plaza two days a week from fall to spring. Here you can score fresh produce, baked goods, honey, arts, crafts and more. It’s a fun little walk through the stands and a good place to grab a quick and healthy snack while out and about. The trolley even stops right out in front of this plaza making it easy to get to.
Go For A Swim At The Community Pool
This is honestly one thing that we still have not done. The hours at the Fort Myers Beach Community Pool had just never lined up with our daily itineraries. I believe they have expanded their days and hours which would make it easier for us now. Although most days, my kids are happily content with the pool at the condo complex where we stay. But I very much would like to hit up the community pool one of these days for the variety. It looks like it would be a lot of fun with a kiddie area, water slide and floating obstacle course.
Take In A Sunset
Of course, no trip to Fort Myers Beach seems complete without taking in at least on sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. One of my favorite times of day on the beach is just after sunset, walking the beach in the twilight.
While you are headed out and about to take in family fun around Fort Myers Beach, let me give you one important item to keep in mind…TRAFFIC. It can take much more time to get around on this island than you imagine before you experience it. So, keep that in mind and allow lots of extra time to get where you are going, especially if you have reservations.
I hope you enjoy and use this list of fun things to do as a family on Fort Myers Beach.
Have you been to Fort Myers Beach?…what are your favorite family activities there?
Are you planning a trip to Fort Myers Beach?…which of these activities are you most looking forward to?
I’m a mom with travel bug. Forever seeking new places to see and things to do whether they are close to home or across the globe. I’m always anxiously planning our next adventures and doing my best to stretch our dollars and time to their fullest in doing so.
