Embark on end-of-summer adventures as a last hurrah with the kids. Tackle, art workshops, community festivals and reading days as the littles bid adieu to vacation days.
Aug. 2-3
Camp Mending Heart Jr. at Aunt Janet’s House, Naples
Six- to 10-year-olds working through grief find comfort and fun at Avow Kids’ sleepover camp. Starting at noon, counselors lead the kids through icebreakers, then launch into a series of activities that enhance coping skills and encourage bonding through play. Kids play with visiting therapy animals, splash in the nearby community pool, watch Inside Out 2 to learn how to digest emotions and practice mindfulness through guided meditation. In the morning, counselors teach campers about the importance of balanced meals during breakfast.
Aug. 4
New Moon On The Boardwalk at Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Naples
Catch a glimpse of a Perseid meteor shower, a shooting star spectacle that is projected to be visible during the next to the new moon. Guides usher guests into the wet prairie to see the stars and wildlife through an onsite spotting scope. On land, little explorers listen to a story time reading of Heather Zschock’s Whoo’s There? A Bedtime Shadow Book; engage with mammals furs, alligator skulls and owl pellets on the nocturnal animal touch table; and snack on sandwiches and locally made ice cream.
Aug. 6-8
Back to School Tools at Aunt Janet’s House, Naples
Returning to the classroom can be stressful for some kids, especially when they are navigating their grief journey. Avow Kids helps students learn and implement coping strategies—like breathing techniques—that keep them calm and focused. With the help of the nonprofit’s experts, kids create goals to work on throughout the academic year.
Aug 6 Back to School Tools ages 11-17: Learn More
Aug 7 Back to School Tools ages 5-10: Learn More
Aug 8 Back to School Tools in Immokalee: Learn More
Aug. 10
14th Annual Lipman’s Backpack Giveaway and Back to School Event at Immokalee High School
More than 20,000 backpacks have been distributed to local elementary- and middle school-aged students since 2010. This year, Lipman Family Farms hosts more than 50 local nonprofits—like Guadalupe Center and IMAG History & Science Center—to distribute free bikes, haircuts and backpacks filled with school supplies.
Aug. 10
Neapolitan Family Back to School Expo at North Collier Regional Park Gymnasium, Naples
A mix of up to 60 vendors—from food trucks to fire trucks—are stationed throughout the gym. Princesses and other characters, like Way Too Tall Torrie the stilt walker, greet kids as they snack and sign up for afterschool clubs, classes and sports. Since it’s the first day of early voting, parents are invited to bring their children to the ballot box and show them the ropes of civic duties.
Aug 17
Community Day 2024 at IMAG History & Science Center, Fort Myers
Local nonprofits like Alliance for the Arts, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation and Dogs Inc. (formerly Southeastern Guide Dogs) come together for a family-friendly celebration of everything that makes Southwest Florida great. Check out science and animal shows and lawn games, then pop over to food vendors like Kona Ice and Firebread Food Truck for flavored shaved ice and subs.
RECURRING
First Saturdays
Nature Explorers at Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, Fort Myers
On August 3, tiny wanderers ages 5 to 11 dive into topics like astronomy, biology, flora and fauna during the two-hour-long, drop-off event. Littles explore the outdoor trails, education center and planetarium.
Third Saturdays
Pups ‘N’ Books at Collier County Public Library’s Headquarters Regional Branch, Naples
Little animal lovers ages 6 to 12 are invited to the library on August 17 to play with and read to service dogs from Naples-based nonprofit Golden Paws Assistance Dogs.
Fourth Thursdays
Family Fun Night at Bell Tower Shopping Centre, Fort Myers
This monthly, two-hour soiree invites families to meet exotic animals from Adam’s Animal Encounters, play inflatable archery with Chuck it Axes and indulge in Sweet Dreams’ treat of the evening: cotton candy. Photo ops, family games, a bounce house and face-painting artists bring an extra dose of fun to the shopping plaza.
Fridays and Saturdays Beginning Aug. 23
Art Workshops Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
The interactive kids museum launches arts and crafts events for kids ages 6 to 10, where various mediums and materials are available for little artists to explore. In August, kids transform cereal boxes into sculptures that reference pop culture and recreate Brazilian artist Romero Britto‘s playful work with acrylic paint and canvas.
