Let the Kids Play at the Children’s Museum of Naples (C’MON)
By any measure, The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples—C’MON for short— is a spectacular place. Its whimsically colorful exterior beckons with a promise of fun. It looks like an overgrown playhouse—which it pretty much is.
Conveniently located inside North Collier Regional Park and near the Sun-N-Fun Lagoon waterpark, C’MON has become a must-see for families visiting Florida’s Paradise Coast. The museum welcomes 150,000 guests annually, with more than half of them traveling from outside the area during the winter months. Families from all 50 states and 39 countries have been enchanted by this remarkable facility, making it a beloved attraction for parents and kids alike.
Let’s dive into exactly what makes C’MON so special and why we believe it deserves a place on your itinerary when visiting Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades–especially on a rainy day or whenever you simply want to get out of the sun for a few hours.
AN INTRODUCTION TO C’MON
C’MON is the culmination of founder Allyson Loos' passion for children and her dedication to honoring her daughter Bianca's memory. Loos’ dream of a vibrant, interactive space for families to bond emerged from a vision inspired by Bianca herself. Through fundraising efforts and community support, C’MON was founded in 2002 in Naples and officially opened its doors to families in 2012.
Today, C’MON offers a dynamic environment designed for children and their families to play, learn, and dream together. Spanning 30,000 square feet over two stories, the museum features a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits that seamlessly integrate modern technology with realistic depictions of the natural world and diverse communities.
These exhibits, crafted by child psychology experts, are created to help children learn and practice things like using their imaginations, fine motor skills, spatial and directional awareness, taking turns with other children, and audio and visual sensory exploration. While C'MON welcomes children of all ages, it’s a particularly fun thing to do for infants through elementary school-aged children.
To maintain a safe and enjoyable environment, adults must accompany their children at all times. The museum is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with early access for members starting at 9 a.m. Additionally, members, children under one, and local teachers enjoy free admission.
EXHIBIT HIGHLIGHTS
C'MON offers a variety of engaging exhibits that captivate and educate young minds. The ABC Tot Lot, a secure area for infants to three-year-olds, provides a safe space for the youngest visitors to explore and learn through play.
Meanwhile, the Adopt-A-Pet Vet Clinic lets children imagine themselves as veterinarians, using props like stethoscopes and x-ray machines to care for stuffed animals. In the Art Studio, kids can unleash their creativity with hands-on projects that change regularly, fostering artistic expression and fine motor skills. The Banyan Tree, located in the middle of the museum, offers an interactive climbing experience, while the Beach exhibit allows children to pretend they’re navigating a boat or fishing from a pier.
The Everglades exhibit immerses children in Florida's unique ecosystem, complete with the sounds of thunderstorms and wildlife. Additionally, the Farm and Produce Market exhibits teach kids about agriculture and commerce through interactive play, and the World Café offers a taste of global cultures with rotating themes and artifacts.
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
In addition to the exhibits, C’MON offers a range of children's programs to spark creativity. For example, you can find Daily Story Times as well as Pop-Up Activities twice a day–each covered in the price of your admission.
Some of the paid children’s programs the museum offers include Mini Wonders and Mega Wonders–especially geared toward children preparing for kindergarten. For kids aged 6 through 10, C’MON’s Art Workshops are a great chance for them to explore various mediums and techniques, creating frameable pieces of art. If your little ones love to dance, Rainbowdance will be a hit–a 45-minute expressive art program, focusing on movement and social engagement.
OTHER AMENITIES
At The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, families are catered to with thoughtful amenities to enhance their visit. A dedicated Nursing Area on Level 1 offers privacy and comfort for nursing parents. For a quick snack or beverage, the Museum Store on Level 1 provides a selection of refreshments for purchase during museum hours.
Guests can request sensory items such as weighted blankets and noise-canceling headphones at guest services. Stroller parking near the front desk ensures convenience for families navigating the museum. Additionally, standard wheelchairs are available at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis, providing accessibility to all visitors.
If you’re visiting Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades with the kids, don’t miss the chance to visit C’MON. Between two stories of engaging exhibits to explore and exciting children’s programs, Only Paradise will do.