when you finally go out

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WISH LIST 38 ideas for summer fun and future plans

BY JENNIFER THOMAS

reaming of travel is now a popular pastime for many of us, since the coronavirus isolated Floridians at home in March and April and even now as the state gradually reopens. Many families canceled spring break plans, and early summer getaways got pushed to future dates or turned into mock-style travel-at-home virtual experiences. We’ve been doing some daydreaming ourselves. And this is the result: our wish list of things we want to do this summer, including some backyard favorites and virtual explorations.

Most of the venues listed here are open or planning to open soon, but considering how quickly things can change, we recommend checking a venue’s website before venturing out, not only to make sure it’s open but to know what to expect when you get there. For example, some venues require visitors to wear face masks and many have limited hours.

Teatime toast for summer Both educational and architecturally stunning, even with social distancing, a visit across the pond to tour Buckingham Palace is now possible. With each room’s 3-D virtual visit, a description and other information is available. Tour the Throne Room, the Grand Staircase and the White Drawing Room. If summer travel is fortunate enough for an in-person visit to London, tours are slated to be available July 25 through October 4, where each of the state rooms are open to visitors. To complete a London-style day at home, create your own tea party or make a reservation with The Wisteria Tea Room & Café — I highly recommend the Royal Wedding Blend. • Online: royal.uk/virtualtours-buckingham-palace and wisteriatearoom.com • Address: The Wisteria Tea Room & Cafe, 2512 Second St., Fort Myers

Beach day The sand, surf and shells are calling your name. When beaches were closed, this is something many craved and missed. Take a day, or half a day, and enjoy one of Southwest Florida’s beaches, from shark tooth hunting on Englewood Beach to shelling at Bowman’s Beach on Sanibel Island. For strolling along white sand and perfect sunset views, try Fort Myers Beach. For nature, visit Barefoot Beach Preserve in Naples; it offers a calm preserve and its own learning center and nature trail. One of the most popular beaches on Marco Island is Tigertail Beach, where tidal pools are filled with fish and sea life and you can wade out to Sand Dollar Island, which used to be an offshore sandbar.

Sail into summer Learn to sail online or in person with lessons from the Offshore Sailing School. Through June 30, you can take a free online sailing course. To get the code for the free course, sign up for the school’s e-newsletter and type in the text box “request Online Learn to Sail Course code.” You have 90 days to complete the online course after registering with the free code. This course offers great preparation for an on-water certification course, and it’s a great refresher for experienced sailors, too. For those craving to sail on open water, a new KidsSail program just launched for private parties of up to five kids ages 7 to 17 per lesson at the Fort Myers Beach location (in the Pink Shell Beach Resort marina). A morning and afternoon 3-hour private session for a minimum of two kids, with reservations, is $95 per child. For three to five kids, the private session costs $295. • Online: offshoresailing.com/ newsletter-signup • Phone: Cheryl Jones, 239-985- 7530 • Address: The organization is based at 16731 McGregor Blvd., Suite 110, Fort Myers, and the four sailing school locations are on Captiva, Cape Coral, Scrub Island in the British Virgin Islands and Fort Myers Beach)

All aboard A change in scenery and fresh mountain air might be good — even if it’s virtually. Take a tour to the top of Pike’s Peak in Colorado in a matter of minutes aboard North America’s highest train. • Online: youtube.com/ watch?v=cK9DzhMJvo0

Marine aquarium journey Plan a drive to Sanibel to tour the new aquarium at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. The expansion, which first opened to the public in early March, consists of 11 aquarium exhibits that range in size from 100 to 900 gallons and feature gastropods, octopuses, nudibranchs, giant clams and nautiluses. Two touch tanks get visitors up close to the world of mollusks. In addition to the aquarium, the museum boasts interactive crafts and more than 30 permanent and touring exhibits. Learn about shells from around the world to discover how to identify the beautiful shells found on Sanibel and Captiva islands. • Online: shellmuseum.org • Address: 3075 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel

Polly want a cracker? In guided tours, Bird Gardens of Naples offers guests the opportunity to interact with its macaw residents — even holding the parrots — and to learn about its more than 100 birds from origins around the world. Reservations are required. • Online: birdgardensofnaples. org • Phone: 813-841-1911 • Address: 1060 Purple Martin Drive, Naples

Welcome the zoo babies The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens experienced its biggest baby boom in 2019 and it has continued in 2020 with the arrival of a critically endangered slender-horned gazelle, which was born on exhibit. Also debuting for 2020 is a new critically endangered eastern bongo calf. New for visitors since last summer: three lion cubs named Karoo, Ruaha and Chobe, after three national parks in South Africa, and selected from the community naming contest. The cubs were born at the zoo and recently celebrated their first birthday. Note: The zoo reopened May 22 with timed tickets that are sold online, temporary discounted pricing and adjusted hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Online: napleszoo.org • Address: 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples

Unwind with beachfront luxury Imagine poolside fun with a rented cabana and the kids sliding down a 100-foot twisting waterslide. Naples Grande Beach Resort is a barefoot family destination. Both adults and youth can take advantage of improving their golf or tennis game with lessons. The resort features an 18-hole championship golf course and 15 tournament-grade tennis courts. Sitting on 3 miles of pristine beachfront sand, guests can arrange for watersports such as sailing, personal watercrafting, deep sea fishing, parasailing and more. Ecotours via kayak or canoe are available in the adjoining 200-acre mangrove preserve and estuary. Florida resident rates through 2020 offer 20% off plus breakfast for two and free self-parking for one vehicle, subject to availability. Other special offers available. • Online: naplesgrande.com • Address: 475 Seagate Drive, Naples

Connect with nature Cruise along Wildlife Drive at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island for a nature break and watch for more than 245 bird species and other animals, including endangered species. You might see wood storks, snowy egrets, little blue herons, manatees and alligators. • Online: fws.gov/refuge/ jn_ding_darling • Address: 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel

Summer reading adventure Lee and Collier county public libraries offer freebies and special events every summer to help kids of all ages learn and dive into other worlds through books. This year’s theme: Imagine Your Story. Lee County’s program runs June 1 to August 1 and includes a wide range of online activities and challenges that can earn participants prizes. There are weekly missions, games, activity books for download, online story times, even challenges for adults. Collier’s program, which also offers online programming, runs June 1 to August 15. Both library systems offer curbside pickup and an online library, and in-person browsing may be available soon. • Lee libraries: leelibrary.net/ summer • Collier libraries: collierlibrary. org/kids-teens

Start your engines and your zip lines Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park reopened for adventure in May. The park features go-karts, a zip line, aerial park, mini golf, an arcade, batting cages, a bungee jump and other attractions. • Online: gatormikes.com • Address: 35 N.E. Pine Island Road, Cape Coral. * Note: Wondering about Zoomers? In late May, managers at the fun park in south Fort Myers did not have a reopening date planned. Check for updates at zoomersfun.com.

Snowball fight… er, treat Pelican’s SnoBalls must be experienced (and touched) — ask to touch the “snow” for the full sensation. This fluffy, frozen treat is a great way to beat the Florida heat. Indulge in more than

100 flavors of this New Orleansstyle shaved ice. How about a Shark Attack or a Hurricane? • Online: pelicanssnoballs.com • Locations: 17260 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach; 4150 Hancock Bridge Parkway, Unit 32, North Fort Myers; 601 Williams Ave., Lehigh Acres; 4045 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, and 9030 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs.

Harvest time Nothing tastes better than fresh fruits and vegetables — especially those from your own picking. Visit 31 Produce & Mining Co. to harvest your bounty of produce, from strawberries to tomatoes and more. After picking, enjoy the petting farm area and panning for gems and fossils. • Online: 31produce.com • Address: 18672 State Road 31, Alva

The hills are alive The show must go on, and this summer the Broadway Palm dinner theater is producing a family classic — “The Sound of Music” — complete with “Climb Every Mountain” and “Edelweiss” favorites. Performances are scheduled from June 24 to August 8 at 50% capacity with social distancing and plated entrees rather than a buffet. Tickets for dinner and show are $30 for ages 12 and younger and $70-$80 for adults; show-only prices are $55 and $26 for adults and children respectively. • Online: broadwaypalm.com • Phone: 239-278-4422 • Address: 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers

Enjoy summer staycation traditions Experience serenity as you walk along 4 miles of white sand beach or lounge in the rooftop pool at the all-suite Marco Beach Ocean Resort. A few resort traditions: daily 3 p.m. smoothies served on the beach or poolside, a “turtle turndown” for the kids in honor of the loggerhead sea turtles that nest on the beach during summer months (includes a brief description of the yearly occurrence and a stuffed turtle keepsake) and the captain’s bell at sunset. • Online: marcoresort.com • Address: 480 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island

Cool off with water thrills Relax while floating along the lazy river at Sun Splash Family Waterpark, which the city expects to open at 50% capacity in Phase 2 of Florida’s reopening plan. Or if you prefer more adventure, tackle the X-celerator — the steepest, fastest and most extreme speed slide in the park. Guests drop down five stories up to 40 feet per second and 30 mph. Or at Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, be brave and conquer the high dive or experience one of the five waterslides. • Online: sunsplashwaterpark. com and napleswaterpark.com • Addresses: Sun Splash, 400 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral. Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, 15000 Livingston Road, North Naples

Interactive learning with kids At the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, aka C’mon, 18 stand-alone exhibits, from the traveling Castle Builder to the Inventioneer’s Lab (which opened in February 2020; a grand opening is planned for July), allow kids to learn in a creative, interactive environment. While learning about art, climate, environment, animals, produce and agriculture, kids don’t even realize they’re not “just playing.” Until the museum opens, families can enjoy C’mon projects and educational videos through the Play & Learn program on the museum’s website and social media channels. • Online: cmon.org • Phone: 239-514-0084 • Address: 15080 Livingston Road, North Naples

Longing for beach views? If you missed a spring break trip, experience paradise with Gulf of Mexico views at one of our local resorts. One staycation favorite: South Seas Island Resort, where manatees and dolphins are often regular guests. This local paradise offers its own 2½ mile pristine beach, kayaking, fishing, bicycling, paddleboarding, parasailing, personal watercraft, nature walks, waterslides and more. Our favorite indulgence is Scoops & Slices, where we give into our sweet tooth. Florida resident rates are offered. • Online: southseas.com • Address: 5400 Plantation Road, Captiva Island

The cycle of life Dive into a summer science session and learn about the lives of butterflies at The Butterfly Estates, which features a glass butterfly conservatory. Witness the daily butterfly releases at 10:30 a.m. • Online: thebutterflyestates. com • Address: 1815 Fowler St., Fort Myers

Game on With the summer Kids Bowl Free program, kids can bowl two free games daily at participating locations (including HeadPinz in Naples, Fort Myers and Cape Coral, Beach Bowl & Billiards near Fort Myers Beach, Lehigh Lanes in Lehigh Acres and Bowland in Cape Coral and Port Charlotte). Family passes are available for a package rate, too. Before you go, check the individual venue for hours and age restrictions. Register at kidsbowlfree.com.

Alligators and panthers, oh my! Explore the Big Cypress National Preserve, part of our National Park System, either in-person or through one of its virtual tours. From birdwatching to wildlife viewing, or hiking or bicycling, be sure to plan your trip with weather in mind. Some trails can end up being waist deep in mud. Or perhaps opt for one of the two scenic drives. Be warned: Last we checked, the visitor center and restrooms were closed until further notice. • Online: nps.gov/bicy/index.htm • Address: 33000 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee

History, heritage and culture Get a glimpse into Southwest Florida’s past and discover archaeological finds, saber cats, long-vanished civilizations, cattle ranches, railways and more at the five Collier County Museums when they eventually reopen. There’s the Collier Museum at Government Center in Naples, Museum of the Everglades in Everglades City, Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch, Naples Depot Museum and the Marco Island Historical Museum. Admission is free. Check online for reopening information and visit the museums’ Facebook pages for virtual tours. • Online: colliermuseums.com/ locations

More than shells At the Shell Factory & Nature Center, families can test their bravery by scaling the Climbing Pole, attempt the Climbing Wall or glide across the water in the Soaring Eagle Zip Line. If this is too much adrenaline, perhaps the carousel might be a bit more your speed. Or walk through the nature park and visit the on-site animals or sign up for the sloth encounter. • Online: shellfactory.com • Address: 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers

Movie time While many families have been streaming new releases at home, there is something about a large theater and fresh popped popcorn in person. A few blockbusters slated to debut during summer break include the highly anticipated Disney live action “Mulan” film (at publication, the release date was July 24), “SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run” (August 7) and “Wonder Woman 1984” (August 14). These dates can change, though. Check websites for schedules. • Online: paragontheaters. com, regmovies.com and marqueecinemas.com

Bike day During the height of COVID-19, bicycles became a hot commodity. Hit one of your favorite bike trails in Southwest Florida or elect for a guided tour with Naples Bicycle Tours, where bikers can cycle the Everglades, bike through Old Naples or explore the largest of the Ten Thousand Islands on Marco Island, where a stop at the unique Caxambas area is featured to learn the intriguing history of the fierce Calusa. Custom tours are available. • Online: naplesbicycletours.com

Escape for a day This is sort of a try before you buy opportunity. Resortpass.com allows you to spend the day at many local resorts, including The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples Grande Resort, Vanderbilt Beach Resort and the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa, allowing you access to the facilities for the day. Some offer a cabana pass, allowing more guests to join in on the fun. Or if you are planning a day trip to Tampa, Miami or Sarasota, several properties are featured. • Online: resortpass.com

Shelling on Sanibel There’s nothing better than shelling along the Gulf of Mexico shoreline, except perhaps waking up to the beautiful views at the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, which offers spacious family accommodations from studios to three-bedrooms and dining venues that include the Shima Japanese Steakhouse, Sundial’s newest onsite dining experience, and Slice of Paradice a poolside pizza parlor and ice cream shop. The resort features an on-property opportunity for kids to participate in one of Sanibel Sea School’s programs or view the observation aquariums. Florida residents save 15% and receive complimentary breakfast for two. Other packages offered. • Online: sundialresort.com • Address: 1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel

Run virtually or together Running is not canceled. Elite Events plans to host the USA Independence Day 5K on July 4 at Florida Gulf Coast University (runeliteevents.com), and Gulf Coast Runners hosts the Moe’s Firecracker 5K (gcrunner.org), part of the organization’s virtual summer series, which starts with a run June 3-7.

Celebrate the Fourth of July Red White & Boom? Canceled. The Fourth fireworks at Fishermen’s Village? Canceled. Even if the coronavirus leads to the cancelation of all our great fireworks displays, you can still celebrate your patriotism with a bang. Grill up some burgers and hot dogs, play some backyard games like badminton, horseshoes and croquet and fire up your laptop. The Disney Magic Moments blog shares a viewing of the entire “Happily Ever After” fireworks show over Cinderella Castle. If there are any in-person fireworks shows still on tap for the Fourth of July, we’ll share them at swflparentchild.com. If you live in Fort Myers, just look up. The Aeroshell Aerobatic Team is set to fly over the city in their World War II aircrafts. • Find the video online at disneyparks.disney. go.com/blog/2020/04/ disneymagicmoments-virtualviewing-of-happily-everafter-at-walt-disney-worldresort.

Mystery night virtually or in-person Go head to head in neighboring escape rooms as you try to unarm a bomb in the Secret of the Silent Spy room. Perhaps kids versus parents? Or try to discover who possibly murdered McGregor the Magnificent. Want an extreme challenge? What about aliens? Try to join the ranks of the 15% who have escaped Area 52. During the COVID-19 crisis, Escape Room Adventures added a new virtual option, too, complete with a game helper. • Online: escaperoom adventures.com/fortmyers/#3 • Phone: 239-689-6979 • Address: 12995 S. Cleveland Ave., Suite 217, south Fort Myers

Beachfront retreat For several weeks, the beach was closed. Time to make the most of living in paradise and stay at the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach. After awing at the expansive water views, tackle kayaking or paddleboarding — both included in the resort fee. After a colorful sunset, families can rent a fire pit on the beach and make s’mores. The resort offers a fourth night free through September 30, in addition to its 15% off for Florida residents. • Online: pinkshell.com • Address: 275 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach

Old MacDonald had a… Farm adventures delight kids at Springtime Farms in North Fort Myers. There’s a petting zoo, baby chickens to hold, a butterfly aviary and hens to catch. In addition to baby goats, cows, donkeys, baby sheep, potbelly pigs and other animals, there’s a 70-foot long “jumping pillow,” a playground and other activities. • Online: springtimeplantfarm. com • Address: 10761 Aqua Vista Lane, North Fort Myers

Hole in one What is summer without hitting the mini golf links or a driving range? Southwest Florida is home to numerous miniature golf courses, full-size courses and driving ranges, many of them open for fun. Offering a full golf experience is Alico Family Golf where adults and kids can take a swing on the golf range (70 bays), try their skills on the short course (9 holes) or go full-out family competition on the 18-hole miniature golf course complete with water features and ADA compliance. • Online: alicofamilygolf.com • Address: 16300 Lee Road, south Fort Myers

Step back into history Even if you have toured the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, it’s worth a repeat visit to the historic homes, 20 acres of gardens, the original Edison laboratory and a museum complete with exhibit, galleries, inventions and an interactive Smithsonian Spark!Lab kids’ area. Have you seen the pool on the grounds? he grounds are open Friday through Monday through June. • Online: edisonford.org • Address: 2350 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers

Alligators and ducks, oh my! Take a hike to Gator Lake along the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve’s elevated, accessible boardwalk to get up close to wildlife. You might even encounter the shy wood duck or an otter. The entire trail is 1.2 miles, while the lower loop is 3/4 mile. Tour on your own or with a free guided nature walk. The nature center was closed in May; check online for updates. • Online: leegov.com/parks/ parks/sixmilecypress • Address: 7751 Penzance Blvd., Fort Myers

Seclusion awaits Spend time at the coastal Palm Island Resort where you take a car ferry across the Intracoastal Waterway to this tropical island retreat in Charlotte County. Featuring 160 vacation villas, complete with full kitchens, this property offers five heated pools, watersports and golf cart rentals, basketball and tennis courts, two kids’ playgrounds and two miles of private beach. Home to Redbeard the Pirate, kids are immediately swept away with his high sea tales. • Online: palmisland.com • Address: 7092 Placida Road, Cape Haze

Swamp buggy time Take a wildlife tour at Babcock Ranch and traverse through Florida eco-systems, travel through a working cattle ranch on a 90-minute guided Swamp Buggy Eco Tour, or embark on the Ecotour Trail and trek along the wet flatwoods habitat and palmetto prairie. • Online: babcockranchecotours. com • Address: 8502 State Road 31, Punta Gorda

Sunset celebration for summer We don’t really have to say goodbye to summer living in Southwest Florida; however, to send the season off in a celebratory way, take a ride to the Sanibel Causeway and bring a picnic to soak in the views and remember the joy of living in this paradise.