Looking for things to do with kids and teens in Southwest Florida this week? The week of October 10-16 has a solid mix: Boo at the Zoo opens at the Naples Zoo, W.O.N.D.E.R. runs at Naples Botanical Garden, the libraries in Naples, Bonita Springs, and Marco Island hold their regular storytimes, and IMAG in Fort Myers stays open late Friday night. Here are six picks for the week, each with the age range, date, time, cost, and the official page so you can confirm before you go.
Key Takeaways
- Boo at the Zoo runs Saturday through Monday, October 10-12, from 9 AM to 4:30 PM at the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, with trick-or-treating for kids 12 and under included with admission.
- W.O.N.D.E.R. at Naples Botanical Garden runs Friday through Monday from 10 AM to noon, included with garden admission.
- Free storytimes this week: Toddler Storytime in Naples Tuesday and Wednesday, Family Storytime in Bonita Springs Thursday, and Family Storytime on Marco Island Friday.
- IMAG @ NIGHT in Fort Myers runs Friday, October 16 from 5 to 7 PM, with general admission from $16 and kids under 3 free.
The Week's Picks
Boo at the Zoo at the Naples Zoo
The zoo's family Halloween event is back for its first weekend of the season. Kids can trick-or-treat along the garden paths, meet costumed characters, and catch the regular keeper talks and animal presentations while they are there. It is a mostly outdoor morning, so bring sunscreen and water. The zoo sits on Goodlette-Frank Road near the Gordon River, a few minutes from downtown; our Naples area guide covers the surrounding neighborhoods.
Ages: All ages; trick-or-treating geared to kids 12 and under
Dates: Saturday through Monday, October 10-12 (it returns October 17-19 and 24-26)
Time: 9 AM to 4:30 PM
Cost: Included with admission: $26.95 adults 13-64, $17.95 ages 3-12, free 2 and under
Official page: napleszoo.org/boo
W.O.N.D.E.R. at Naples Botanical Garden
W.O.N.D.E.R. is the garden's family program where kids walk, observe, draw, and explore together through educator-led activities. In October it runs outdoors in the Wonder Circle on the Hoffmann Lawn, so it pairs well with a stroll through the rest of the garden. Admission covers the program, and the garden is a pleasant place to spend a fall morning. Our Naples area guide introduces the neighborhoods around it.
Ages: Families with children; $12 ages 4-17, free ages 3 and under, adults $27
Dates: Friday through Monday, October 10-12 and 16
Time: 10 AM to noon
Cost: Included with garden admission
Official page: naplesgarden.org/series/w-o-n-d-e-r/
Toddler Storytime at the Headquarters Regional Library
The Collier County library system runs this twice-weekly storytime for the youngest readers: songs, stories, fingerplays, and puppets at the Headquarters Regional branch on Orange Blossom Drive in Naples. Library programs are free and open to everyone, and the events calendar is the best place to confirm the week's schedule.
Ages: Birth to 3½ with a caregiver
Dates: Tuesday and Wednesday, October 13-14
Time: 10 to 10:30 AM
Cost: Free
Official page: library.collier.gov/Events-directory
Family Storytime at the Bonita Springs Public Library
The Bonita Springs Public Library on Reynolds Street holds Family Storytime every Thursday with books, rhymes, songs, and activities for little ones and their grown-ups. It is a free, drop-in friendly way to spend a fall morning, and the Lee County library calendar lists the full week of children's programs.
Ages: Birth to 5 with a caregiver
Dates: Thursday, October 15
Time: 10:30 to 11:30 AM
Cost: Free
Official page: leelibrary.librarymarket.com
Family Storytime at the Marco Island Branch Library
The Marco Island branch of the Collier County library system runs Family Storytime on Fridays with stories, songs, and a craft for children of all ages. It is free and open to everyone, and the library's events directory has the full October calendar. If you are also weighing island life, our Marco Island area guide walks through the neighborhoods and the waterfront.
Ages: All ages with caregivers
Dates: Friday, October 16
Time: 10:30 to 11:30 AM
Cost: Free
Official page: library.collier.gov/Events-directory
IMAG @ NIGHT at the IMAG History & Science Center
IMAG in downtown Fort Myers stays open late on the third Friday of each month for IMAG @ NIGHT, an evening with hands-on activities and interactive displays on top of the usual exhibits, the Sea-to-See touch tank, and the animal encounters. It is a good option for school-age kids and teens who want the museum after hours. Our Fort Myers area guide covers the downtown neighborhoods around it.
Ages: All ages
Dates: Friday, October 16 (third Friday of the month)
Time: 5 to 7 PM
Cost: General admission from $16; kids under 3 free
Official page: theimag.org/imag-weekends/
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boo at the Zoo happening this week?
Yes. Boo at the Zoo runs Saturday through Monday, October 10-12, from 9 AM to 4:30 PM at the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, and it returns October 17-19 and 24-26.
Are the library storytimes free?
Yes. The storytimes listed here are free and open to everyone. Check the library calendars for any registration notes before you go.
What is there to do with teens this week?
IMAG @ NIGHT at the IMAG History & Science Center in Fort Myers runs Friday, October 16 from 5 to 7 PM, and Boo at the Zoo works for older kids too. The Collier County library calendar also lists teen and tween programs through the month.
Do I need tickets in advance for Boo at the Zoo?
Tickets are available online through the Naples Zoo ticket shop, and the event is included in the zoo's regular admission. The zoo's Boo at the Zoo page has the details.
A note from the author: I'm Catalina Quintero, a bilingual REALTOR with The Miranda Group at Premiere Plus Realty, Co., serving Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, and Marco Island. Every week I put this guide together from dated, published event listings, so things can shift and it always pays to confirm the official pages before you head out. If you're exploring Southwest Florida with a move in mind, email or text me any time.
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Contact Catalina Quintero at (239) 206-6909 or visit catalinaquintero.com/contact/ to schedule a consultation.