A Day at Naples Botanical Garden

Naples Botanical Garden is a haven for nature lovers and families alike. This captivating botanical paradise offers a wide range of family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures. Explore the highlights of a day at Naples Botanical Garden and discover the wonders that await you.

Walk Through Themed Gardens

Step into a world of breathtaking colors, scents, and textures as you wander through 170 acres of themed gardens that represent the culture, flora, and fauna of the tropics. Delight in the vibrant Kapnick Brazilian Garden, filled with bromeliads and orchids. Find peace in the tranquil Lea Asian Garden, where bamboo groves and serene water features create a calming atmosphere. Don’t miss the mesmerizing Water Garden, home to stunning water lilies and other aquatic plants.
 
The Scott Florida Garden features winding pathways, a man-made waterfall, and chickee huts, offering an expansive view of the Preserve. Each area boasts unique plant collections that showcase the diversity of flora from around the globe. As you explore, you’ll encounter educational displays that provide insight into the significance and history of the plants and gardens.

Engage in Family-Friendly Fun

Naples Botanical Garden is the ideal destination for a family outing. Even your furry family members can attend on certain days and times each week (while leashed, of course)! Children can let their imaginations run wild with the W.O.N.D.E.R program, which offers activity packets created by Garden educators to encourage families to Walk, Observe, Navigate, Draw, Explore, and Read. W.O.N.D.E.R. programs run Wednesdays through Sundays starting at 10:30 a.m. with a new theme each month, ensuring that there’s always something fresh and exciting to discover.
 
In addition to the W.O.N.D.E.R program, the Garden hosts various seasonal events and activities designed specifically for children, including scavenger hunts, craft workshops, and interactive storytelling sessions. These activities are perfect for sparking a love of nature in young minds and providing fun, educational experiences for the whole family.

The Preserve

Guests can discover Florida as it once was through a walk in the Preserve. With 90 acres of Southwest Florida ecosystems ranging from coastal scrub to marshes with a pond apple swamp, the diverse habitats showcase nearly 300 species of native plants and hundreds of animal species. There is a mile-long paved path that meanders along lakes, sandy trails, and a boardwalk where native orchid species and other epiphytes can be seen amidst the forest canopy.

 
Bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the Preserve’s role as a sanctuary for many native species. Keep an eye out for butterflies, birds, and even the occasional otter as you explore this natural haven. Informational plaques along the paths provide fascinating details about the ecosystems and their inhabitants, enriching your visit with knowledge and appreciation for Florida’s natural heritage.

Workshops and Events

Expand your botanical and artistic knowledge by attending workshops and events offered at the Garden. Learn about sustainable gardening practices, floral arrangements, and various horticultural topics from experts. The Garden’s events calendar is packed with exhibitions, cultural events, and seasonal displays that add an extra layer of wonder to your visit. Special events, such as plant sales and art shows, provide unique opportunities to engage with the Garden community and take home a piece of the experience.
 
For those looking to deepen their understanding of gardening and horticulture, the Garden offers in-depth classes and seminars. These educational opportunities are perfect for both novice gardeners and seasoned horticulturists, covering a wide range of topics from organic vegetable gardening to advanced landscape design.

Fogg Café

The Fogg Café offers an immersive culinary experience with some of the best views of the Garden while dining. It continues to build its reputation as a culinary stop on Florida’s Paradise Coast with a seasonal menu that includes dishes inspired by the current exhibitions. The Café offers exceptional quality with moderate pricing in a fast-casual setting perfect for the whole family.
 
Enjoy a meal crafted from locally sourced ingredients, with options that cater to various dietary preferences and restrictions. The Café’s relaxed atmosphere and beautiful garden views make it an ideal spot to recharge before continuing your exploration of the Garden.

Nearby Outdoor Adventures

Extend your adventure beyond the Garden's borders and explore nearby outdoor adventures. Experience the untamed beauty of the Everglades and Ten Thousand Islands, the only subtropical preserve in North America and a designated World Heritage site. Explore the largest wetlands ecosystem in the U.S. via ecotours that immerse you in the region's unique habitat. These tours provide a closer look at the diverse wildlife and plant species that call the Everglades home, offering an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts.
 
If you're a bird-watching enthusiast, don't miss the chance to visit one of the bird-watching hotspots of Florida’s Paradise Coast, where you can spot a wide variety of migratory and resident species. Coastal areas, wetlands, and nature reserves nearby offer prime bird-watching opportunities, making it easy to continue your nature adventure.
 
Naples Botanical Garden offers the young and young at heart an unforgettable day of communing with nature and exploring the great outdoors. Whether you're wandering through themed gardens, engaging in family-friendly activities, or enjoying a peaceful picnic amidst nature, the Garden provides a captivating experience for all.
 
For seasonal hours and other information, visit the Naples Garden website. Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and serenity of this tropical paradise.