Naples Zoo is a must do when visiting Southwest Florida

December 22, 2016

Naples Zoo and Caribbean Gardens will provide hours of outdoor family fun in a unique southwest Florida attraction. If you are looking for something to do with kids in Naples or Southwest Florida then the Naples Zoo is a perfect place to go.

Zoo in Naples, Fl - a cupful of carters - things to do with kids in Southwest FloridaThe Naples Zoo is a nonprofit institution, so your admission supports the wildlife both at the Zoo and in the wild.

Naples Zoo and Caribbean Gardens is located in Naples, FL. It is open 7 days a week from 9am-5pm with the exception of Thanksgiving day and Christmas day.  Check their website for current admission rates and specials. Parking is always free. It is a nationally accredited zoo and definitely worth your visit. As residents of Fort Myers, we even decided to get a family membership this year. There are several food and beverage spots within the zoo. Lots of spots to set up a picnic. A great playground and a large gift shop.

Almost 100 years of history

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a nonprofit with a rich history. As of 2016, they celebrated 97 years as a botanical garden; 62 years being open to the public; 47 years as a zoo!

Zoo in Naples, Fl - a cupful of carters - things to do with kids in Southwest Florida

Bird, Mammals and Reptiles

Our favorite animals are from the mammal exhibits: giraffes, bears, and monkeys.  But there is so much to see and enjoy from the beautiful botanical gardens surrounding the animals to the interactive experiences. We really enjoy the Primate Expedition Cruise. So check the times when you arrive to ensure you do not miss it.

Zoo in Naples, Fl - a cupful of carters - things to do with kids in Southwest Florida

Feed the Giraffes!

The giraffe area is more than just viewing it can be an experience. It is so cool to see the world’s tallest animal so close and to have the opportunity o hand feed them is not a chance you get just anywhere. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to talk the kids into feeding the giraffes. But I plan to before our annual membership ends!

Zoo in Naples, Fl - a cupful of carters - things to do with kids in Southwest Florida

Learn about bears!

We really enjoy the black bear exhibit. If you go right before feeding time you will see the zookeepers strategically hide the food in various spots. While you wait, you can read the “Did you know cards” hanging on the wall to see what you know. Once the bears are let back into their area where they seek out all the spots of food. They climb, they turn things over and they empty buckets-entertaining to see! There are several wonderful full window spots around the bear home and if you get lucky they will come right up to the window giving you such an upclose view of their cuteness.

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Pack a picnic lunch & spend an entire day here!

Southwest Florida often gets labeled as a city for older snowbirds with not much for young families to do. I respectfully disagree. We enjoy living in this area and hope you find our suggestions helpful. To learn more about the Naples Zoo check out their website, http://napleszoo.org/

naples zoo | things to do in Southwest Florida

Hope you found this helpful and if you ever visit Southwest Florida tag me on Instagram (@mandymcarter) so I can see all the fun you are having!

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