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Top 10 Things to Do in Marco Island with Kids When Visiting on Vacation
Marco Island, located in southwest Florida, is a beautiful island paradise that offers plenty of family-friendly activities. With its pristine beaches, wildlife encounters, and nature-based adventures, Marco Island is perfect for families looking to relax and explore together. Whether your kids enjoy outdoor adventures, wildlife, or just having fun in the sun, Marco Island has something for everyone. Here are the top 10 things to do with kids on vacation in Marco Island.
1. Spend a Day at Tigertail Beach
Tigertail Beach is a must-visit for families on Marco Island. Known for its calm waters and stunning natural surroundings, it’s perfect for swimming, kayaking, and shelling. Kids will love wading through the shallow waters, searching for shells, and exploring the tidal pools. The beach also has a playground, picnic areas, and restroom facilities, making it an ideal spot for a family beach day. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for dolphins that sometimes swim near the shore! Be sure to rent beach gear from Twinkle to make your beach visit more enjoyable.
2. Take a Wildlife Boat Tour
One of the best ways to explore the waters around Marco Island is by taking a guided wildlife boat tour. These tours offer a chance to see dolphins, manatees, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat. Your kids will be thrilled to spot dolphins jumping in the water or see a manatee grazing near the mangroves. Many tours also include stops at nearby islands, where families can enjoy shelling or nature walks. Waterproof cell phone cases and bags are available for purchase from Twinkle to keep your electronics safe when out and about on the water.
3. Visit the Marco Island Historical Museum
The Marco Island Historical Museum is a great stop for families interested in learning about the island’s rich history. The museum features exhibits on the Calusa Native American tribe, early settlers, and the development of Marco Island. The museum also has interactive exhibits that make learning fun for kids, and it’s an excellent way to engage your children in the area’s history and cultural heritage.
4. Explore the Everglades National Park
Just a short drive from Marco Island, Everglades National Park is a must-see for families who love nature. The park offers a variety of activities, including airboat rides, wildlife watching, and hiking. The kids can spot alligators, birds, and other wildlife while enjoying the unique Everglades ecosystem. Many tour companies offer family-friendly airboat rides where you can glide through the marshes and see the swampy wildlife up close. Don't forget to bring mosquito repellent, available for purchase at Twinkle.
5. Take a Kayaking or Paddleboarding Adventure
Marco Island's calm waters are perfect for families to explore by kayak or paddleboard. Rent equipment and head out to explore the mangroves, estuaries, and coastal waters. Your kids can paddle alongside the island’s beautiful coastline, spotting wildlife like birds, fish, and even dolphins. There are plenty of family-friendly rental shops that offer lessons and guided tours for beginners, making it easy for everyone to join in on the fun. We rent children's size coast guard approved life vests, a must if you are borrowing a board!
6. Enjoy a Family Bike Ride
Marco Island is a bike-friendly destination with several paths and trails that are perfect for families to explore. Rent bikes and cruise around the island, taking in the beautiful scenery. Many bike rental shops also offer tandem bikes or bike trailers for younger kids, making it an easy way for the whole family to get out and enjoy the fresh air. You can bike to Tigertail Beach, the Marco Island South Beach, or around the island’s various parks and nature spots. If you don't bike, consider a jog around with some of our jogging stroller rentals.
7. Take a Sunset Dolphin Cruise
There’s no better way to end a day on Marco Island than with a sunset dolphin cruise. These family-friendly boat tours provide the chance to see dolphins as they play in the warm evening waters, all while enjoying a beautiful Florida sunset. Kids will love the excitement of spotting dolphins and other wildlife, and the sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico are unforgettable. Be sure to bring your camera for some memorable photos! Don't forget to get organic and child safe sunscreen, available at Twinkle!
8. Visit the Marco Island Farmers Market
For a fun and local experience, take your kids to the Marco Island Farmers Market. Open on Wednesdays from November through April, this market is a great place to shop for fresh produce, local goods, and souvenirs. Kids will enjoy browsing the booths, sampling fresh fruits, and picking out some local treats. It’s also a great spot to support local vendors and experience the community atmosphere of Marco Island.
9. Spend the Day at South Marco Beach
South Marco Beach is another fantastic beach option for families. It’s a more relaxed, less crowded beach compared to Tigertail, with soft sand and clear waters. Kids can enjoy swimming, sandcastle building, and shelling, or take a stroll down the beach to find the perfect seashells. The beach also has picnic areas and restroom facilities, making it a convenient spot for a family day of fun in the sun. You'll definitely want to buy or rent some beach toys from Twinkle so the kids can enjoy the sand.
10. Go on a Shelling Excursion
Marco Island is known for its beautiful shells, and a shelling excursion is a must-do activity for families visiting the island. You can take a boat tour to nearby uninhabited islands or walk along the shoreline to collect seashells. Kids will love the adventure of searching for unique shells, and they can even make a fun collection or craft out of their finds. Keep in mind that some of the surrounding islands are only accessible by boat, so a shelling tour is a great way to explore the more remote beaches.
Conclusion
Marco Island is an ideal destination for families, offering a variety of activities that combine fun, nature, and education. Whether your kids are interested in wildlife, history, or just having fun at the beach, Marco Island provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable family vacation. From dolphin watching to kayaking and shelling, there’s no shortage of things to do for families on this beautiful island. Pack your bags and get ready for a memorable family getaway to Marco Island!
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