Marco Island Family Activities
One thing is for sure: when you travel to Marco Island with your family, there’s no shortage of activities to keep you busy. It doesn’t matter where you’re staying, what types of activities you enjoy, or how many people you’re traveling with- you won’t struggle to find something to pass the time.
The Beach
Marco Island’s beautiful crescent beach stretches the whole length of the west side of the island. Of course, the beach is public property and open to all. Unless you’re staying in a beachfront hotel or condo, there are four main access points to the beach: Tigertail Beach, JW Marriott, Marriott Crystal Shores, and South Beach. Depending on which part of the beach you access, you can rent beach chairs, jet skis, kayaks, paddleboards, and more!
Shells
It doesn’t cost a cent to hit the beach with your family and search for colorful seashells. From tulip shells to scallop shells, there are hundreds of different types of seashells to find. And if you want to take this to the next level, you can hop on the Calusa Spirit catamaran, which takes you to Cape Romano. From there, you don’t have to worry about anyone disturbing you on your shell-finding expedition.
Parks & Preserves
If you enjoy viewing wildlife in its natural surroundings, a visit to the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge is a must. Located between Marco Island and Everglades City, you will fall in love with the many types of wildlife, including pelicans, herons, and crocodiles. The refuge even has an observation tower. With no entry fee required, you can experience everything the refuge has to offer without spending a dime. Big Cypress National Preserve, Collier-Seminole State Park, and Koreshan State Historic Site are also must-sees.
Zoos & Museums
If history is your thing, you’ll want to spend some time at the Marco Island Historical Museum. Operated by the Marco Island Historical Society, it has exhibits that provide information on the Calusa Indians, the history of Marco Island, and much more. Or take a short drive to the Naples Zoo, where you will find a botanical garden and all types of animals ranging from apes to zebras spread out over 52 acres. They offer presentations throughout the day and a boat cruise to an island with monkeys.
Shopping
You don’t have to look far for shopping opportunities on Marco Island. In addition to local shops and boutiques, the Naples Outlet Center is only a few miles away. It’s here that you’ll find nearly 50 stores selling everything from clothes to home goods. Or you can visit the Miromar Outlets located in Estero, where you can shop over 140 designer and brand-name stores.
