A Southwest Florida summer is an endless one, but here are the events you can’t miss this month: Youth theater productions of popular musicals kids know and love, interactive art exhibits and opera programs. Don’t forget to check out our Fourth of July blog for holiday fun.
Now — Sep. 8
SCOOBY-DOO!™ Mansion Mayhem at Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
Mini detectives and their guardians are invited to this limited edition exhibit where folks solve the mystery of the jewel-thieving ghost. Guests analyze clues through interactive stations and ask the right questions to assist the mystery gang in cracking the case.
July 1 — Aug.14
AMC Summer Movie Camp at AMC Merchants Crossing 16, North Fort Myers
Popular Illumination films reappear on the big screen at a discounted price on Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the summer. Bring your littles to see their favorite movies like The Lorax, Minions: The Rise of Gru, The Secret Life of Pets, Sing, and Migration.
July 1-3, 5, 8-12, 15
Kids Camps at Florida Repertory Theatre, Fort Myers
The nonprofit hosts youth theater camps for budding actors ages 6 to 8 in The Lion King, Jr. and for ages 11 to 18 in Anastasia: The Musical (Youth Edition). Week-long workshops filled with music, dancing, theater games and arts and crafts culminate in a one-time showing for friends and family.
July 8-12, 15-19, 22-26, 29 — Aug. 2
Summer Camp WILD at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
The zoo’s new Hamill Family Education Center opens just in time to host camps for explorers ages 5 to 10. July’s themes uncover topics like global conservation projects, discovering the five senses and the colors found in flora and fauna. Hands-on activities, zoo tours, informative animal encounters and educational games immerse campers in the natural world while cultivating their love for it.
July 8-13, 15-21
Opera Naples Summer Youth Program: The Mikado at The Wang Opera Center, Naples
Aspiring opera performers ages 13 to 20 engage in workshops harnessing their talents in vocal ability, improv acting and prop design. The capstone performance of the comedic opera interweaves hilariously unfortunate events, serendipitous miscommunication and comments on British class systems.
July 11 — Aug. 2
Lyle, Lyle Crocodile at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Fort Myers
Based on the 1965 children’s book, the musical adaptation follows a family who moves into a house in New York City only to discover its existing resident is a talking, modern-day dinosaur. This sing-song version of the tale tells the story of the importance of acceptance and family and not judging a croc by his scales.
July 25-28
Cirque Du Soleil: Corteo at Hertz Arena, Estero
The acrobatic show combines theatrical comedy and baroque circus acts into a colorful carnival of wonder and music. Dream alongside Maurio the clown as he watches his funeral take place in a fantastical parade.
July 26-28
Seussical JR. at Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples
Whimsical theater nuts ages 8 to 18 partake in the nonprofit’s youth musical adaptation featuring Dr. Seuss’s most popular characters, like The Cat in the Hat and Horton the Elephant. Journey alongside Horton as he embarks on a mission to save his friends, the Whos.
July 8-12, 15-19, 22-26, 29—Aug. 2, 5-9
Summer Camp at Calusa Nature Center, Fort Myers
The nature center covers a different theme each week of summer camp, from Florida wildlife to outdoor survival. Kiddos get a chance to slow down during an outdoorsy story time.
July 13-21
Legally Blonde The Musical at Fort Myers Theatre
Bubbly blonde Elle Woods finds her perfect world shattered when her boyfriend breaks up with her to attend an Ivy League law school in this musical adaptation of the classic film. Navigating harsh stereotypes, new challenges and unlikely alliances, this show dazzles and entertains in all shades of pink.
July 28
The 25th Annual Big Backpack Event at Fort Myers Skatium
This drive-thru event allows students ages 5 to 12 to stock up on back-to-school necessities. Grab backpacks filled with supplies like notebooks, colored pencils and bags of dry foods.
RECURRING
July 16
Movies on the Lawn: A Christmas Story at Mercato, Naples
Bring some lawn chairs or a blanket to Mercato on third Thursdays. Get a little taste of Christmas in July with the holiday cult classic film on an outdoor jumbo screen.
July 20
Family Art Lab at Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers
On third Saturdays, budding creatives draw from popular artists, holidays and international art traditions for inspiration in these arts and crafts and game sessions. Now, each lab is paired with a movie showing; catch the Japanese animated classic Ponyo this month.
