Things To Do In SW Florida

Fathoms Restaurant & Bar is a casual dining spot located in Cape Coral, Florida. Known for its diverse menu featuring fresh seafood, handcrafted pizzas, and creative entrees, it offers a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful waterfront views, making it a perfect spot for family outings, date nights, and casual gatherings with friends.

Ambiance & Setting

Nestled within the Cape Harbour marina, Fathoms offers a tranquil and scenic setting. With both indoor and outdoor seating, the restaurant caters to every preference. We particularly enjoy dining on the outdoor patio, which overlooks the marina and provides a peaceful view of the water and boats. The pet-friendly outdoor area is a big plus for us since we often bring our dog, Willow, along. The family-friendly atmosphere makes it a welcoming place for children as well. Whether it’s the fresh breeze or the friendly vibe, dining at Fathoms always feels like a mini getaway.

Live music is another reason Fathoms stands out. Performances take place in the courtyard on Tuesdays and on most Fridays and Saturdays, adding a lively touch to your dining experience. Be sure to check their event schedule for details on upcoming performances. read more

Cirque Italia’s Water Circus Gold is coming to Fort Myers this January, and I couldn’t be more excited to share this unique experience with my family and with all of you. One of the best parts? They’re offering an amazing deal—one free child admission with every full-priced adult ticket in Levels 2 or 3! It’s a perfect opportunity to plan a fun family outing without breaking the bank.

This isn’t your ordinary circus. Something I really like about Cirque Italia is its commitment to being completely animal-free. Instead of relying on animals, the show celebrates human talent and creativity, making it a guilt-free experience for everyone. The performances are packed with energy, and the artists are so incredibly skilled that you’ll be on the edge of your seat the entire time.

Why Cirque Italia Is Unique!

This year’s show combines a 1950s dream theme with incredible acts, creating a story that’s as entertaining as it is nostalgic. You’ll follow a teenager dreaming of life in the era of jukeboxes, greasers, and classic cars, all while being amazed by Cirque Italia’s talented performers. read more

As a family who loves animals and wildlife interactions, visiting Wild Florida Airboats, Gator Park & Drive-Thru Safari had been on our bucket list for a long time. Located about 45 minutes from Kissimmee and an hour from Orlando, this incredible destination offers an unforgettable mix of adventure, education, and wildlife encounters.

Thanks to the warm welcome from Experience Kissimmee, who helped us plan our day, we were able to explore everything Wild Florida had to offer. From feeding baby alligators and giraffes to meeting adorable capybaras and gliding through the Everglades on an airboat, we had one unforgettable experience after another. If you’re looking for a unique way to spend the day near Orlando, this is the perfect destination.

What to Expect at Wild Florida

Wild Florida is a sprawling wildlife park that offers something for everyone. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Drive-Thru Safari: A 90-minute self-guided tour through a wildlife park with over 150 animals, including giraffes, zebras, elk, and camels.
• Gator Park: A walkable zoo-like area with exotic animals, interactive feeding opportunities, and exciting shows.
• Capybara Encounter: A chance to meet, feed, and interact with the world’s largest rodents in a personal, up-close experience.
• Airboat Rides: Guided tours of the Florida Everglades, with 30-minute and 1-hour options.
• Chomp House Grill: A lakeside restaurant offering burgers, BBQ, and even gator bites.

We spent the entire day at Wild Florida, and I’d recommend setting aside a full day to enjoy everything at a relaxed pace, especially if you’re planning on doing the safari, gator park, and an airboat ride. read more

When I first heard about Alexandra Fasulo’s donation of a 10,000-square-foot lot to the Cape Coral Wildlife Trust, I felt a rush of gratitude and hope. I’ve lived in Cape Coral for 15 years, and in that time, I’ve fallen in love with our city’s burrowing owls. Knowing that someone cared enough to donate land—giving these threatened birds a safe place to live—filled me with inspiration. It’s not just a gift for the owls; it’s a gift for all of us who treasure seeing these tiny creatures in our neighborhoods.

Cape Coral’s burrowing owls are more than just wildlife; they’re part of the city’s heart. If you’ve ever spotted one of their sandy-colored heads poking up from a burrow, or watched their fuzzy chicks take their first wobbly steps outside, you know exactly what I mean. But as Cape Coral has grown, the open lots these owls depend on have been disappearing. Watching that change has been heartbreaking. Alexandra’s land donation, though, is a bright spot—a reminder that we can all make a difference. read more

Calling all dog lovers! GoldenFest XIV is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect way to spend a fun-filled day with your furry best friend. Mark your calendars for Sunday, November 17, 2024, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Lee Health Sports Complex – Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. With free admission and parking, it’s a fantastic family outing that won’t break the bank. If you’re looking for great things to do in Fort Myers with dogs, this event has something for everyone. From watching exciting dock diving competitions to shopping at over 100 pet-friendly vendors, there’s plenty of family-friendly events in Fort Myers to enjoy with your dog. Your pup can cool off in wading pools, pose with Santa for festive photos, or just enjoy a golden day out with fellow dog lovers. Trust us, this is an event you and your dog won’t want to miss!

A Perfect Day for Dogs and Families

We attended GoldenFest last year with our golden doodles and had an absolute blast. Whether you’re a dog owner or just love being around furry friends, this is an event that you (and your dog) will want to come back to year after year. If you’re searching for fun things to do in Southwest Florida with your family and your pets, GoldenFest is a must. Our pup had the time of her life splashing around in the wading pools and watching the dock-diving dogs in action. It’s not just a fun event for the pups; humans have a great time too! Between the live music, delicious food, and plenty of vendors offering unique pet products, there’s so much to enjoy for everyone. read more