Rainy-Day Activities for Kids in Naples

Florida’s Paradise Coast is best known for its sun and sand, but that’s not all we have to offer. So, when the weather takes a turn or it’s time for a beach break, gather the family and explore these rainy-day activities for kids in Naples.

From immersive learning experiences at the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples to fascinating historical explorations at the Collier County Museums, there’s a wealth of indoor adventures to keep young minds engaged and spirits high.

GOLISANO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF NAPLES

The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, affectionately known as C’MON, is the perfect place to ensure family fun on rainy days in Naples. Conveniently located within North Collier Regional Park, the museum attracts over 150,000 visitors annually, drawing families from across the globe to experience its wonders.

The museum sprawls across an impressive 30,000-square-foot building split into two levels, providing an interactive space tailored for families to engage, discover, and imagine together. Developed by experts in child psychology, the temporary and permanent exhibits here blend experiences with technology, nature, and various cultures, where children can work on fine motor, observation, and reading skills while trying new things.

From the interactive ABC Tot Lot for infants to the immersive Everglades exhibit, there's something to spark the imagination of children of all ages. Plus, with thoughtful amenities like a dedicated Nursing Area and sensory items available at guest services, C’MON ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all visitors, rain or shine.

ROOKERY BAY ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER

There’s plenty to explore indoors at the 16,500-square-foot Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, which features an art gallery, an auditorium, research labs, a nature store, and a variety of interactive experiences. From its 2,300-gallon mangrove aquarium, where kids can marvel at the intricate ecosystem of prop roots and fish inhabitants, to the Estuary Encounter touch tank housing sea stars, spider crabs, and other species, there's no shortage of hands-on exploration.

Visitors can observe ongoing research through large windows in the Reserve's laboratories or watch a 10-minute documentary highlighting the beauty of the Rookery Bay Research Reserve. Cultural exhibits delve into 3,000 years of human interaction with the estuary, while the art gallery showcases local talent.

With docent-led programs and a nature store offering souvenirs supporting conservation efforts, the Environmental Learning Center promises a captivating and educational experience for families seeking shelter from the rain.

INDOOR WATER PARK AT GREAT WOLF LODGE

The brand-new Great Wolf Lodge in Naples is home to an indoor water park, where families can enjoy a variety of fun attractions regardless of the weather. Maintained at a comfortable 84 degrees year-round, it features everything from an exciting wave pool to a relaxing lazy river. Thanks to slides like Rapid Racer and Totem Towers, as well as play areas like Cub Paw Pool and Otter Cave Waterworks, there's endless fun for kids of all ages.

COLLIER COUNTY MUSEUMS

Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades have plenty of stories to tell, from the civilization of its first inhabitants, the Calusa Indians, to the railroading “boom” days of the Roaring ‘20s and beyond. In fact, there are too many stories to fit into just one museum.

With this in mind, you can actually find five Collier County museum locations: the Collier Museum at Government Center, the Museum of the Everglades, the Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch, the Naples Depot Museum, and the Marco Island Historical Museum. Take the time to learn about the people, places, and events that shaped this area’s history and heritage.

Each museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays. Plus, admission is free to all!

TIN CITY

What used to be the hub of Naples’ thriving fishing industry is now an iconic collection of unique waterfront shops and restaurants. Explore Tin City Magic for a range of magic tricks and toys, where professional magicians perform live. Indulge in homemade delights at MonKey Buntz, offering scrumptious desserts that are a cross between a cinnamon roll and a sticky bun. Wander the boardwalk, umbrella in hand, and uncover treasures and treats that promise to brighten any rainy day in Naples.

HISTORIC PALM COTTAGE

Take a peek inside Naples’ oldest house-turned-museum (built in 1895), where trained guides share unique insights and colorful tales about this local architectural gem and its surrounding Old Naples community. Public tours are available Tuesday through Saturday afternoons.

SUGDEN THEATRE

The Naples Players perform a variety of plays and high-energy musicals year-round at the newly renovated Sugden Theatre, located on 5th Avenue South in downtown Naples. Their youth acting program, KidzAct, also participates in fully realized, top-quality musical productions ideal for entertaining and inspiring the younger set.

When rain is in the forecast, don't fret—there's a world of indoor adventures waiting to be explored on Florida’s Paradise Coast. For unforgettable family fun rain or shine, Only Paradise will do.