Lakes Park is a popular recreational area in Fort Myers. The 279-acre park has 158 acres of fresh water lakes for swimming, fishing for bass and catfish, and canoeing. Swimming season with lifeguards is Memorial Day to Labor Day. A 2.5-mile paved path is available for running, roller blades and biking. The Fragrance Garden is a unique sensory experience. There are also picnic areas, concession stands, miniature train ride, boat rentals and showers. Parking is 75 cents per hour, maximum USD3. No alcohol or pets allowed.

The Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is a natural animal corridor between northern Lee County and Estero Bay. You can see alligators, wild pigs, otters, and more. During the dry season (October to June), birds like herons and egrets flock to the flag ponds. A 1.2-mile boardwalk winds through the 2,200-acre wetland, and includes a photo blind to get up-close photographs of the animals, and two observations towers. There are guided tours year-round, and self-guided tour brochures. Parking is $.75 per hour, maximum $3 (cash only). Bring food and drinks. Call to know the open hours.

Hammond Stadium at the Lee County Sports Complex looks like a Southern plantation, but inside, America's past time is in full swing. During spring training, the Minnesota Twins are in town, while from April to August, the stadium is home to their Class A affiliate, the Fort Myers Miracle. Some of the best seats in the house are in the covered Bull Pen Picnic Pavilion, and kids can add their handprints to Kids Corner.

Get up close and personal with Florida's wildlife on a daylong Everglades Day Safari. Guides lead small groups by airboat, van, riverboat, and on foot. Lunch (with alligators!) is included. Reservations and pre-payment are required. The Safari can be long for younger children, so try the half-day safari. Wear comfortable shoes; the Safari supplies the insect repellant. The Safari leaves from different pick-up locations. Call for directions and information on group rates.

While the town's name is also Fort Myers Beach, the actual Fort Myers Beach is the real reason why tourists from across the country flock here especially during spring break and summers. Watersports in the form of jet skiing, wave runners, parasailing and diving along with fishing charters keep the adventurous visitors occupied, while others can dine at one of the many ocean-facing bars and cafes. Concerts and festivals are a regular occurrence at this beach which assures something exciting to people of all sensibilities and tastes.

Designed by Gordon Lewis, one of the finest designers of golf courses in Florida, Shell Point Golf Club is a perfect relaxation destination. The vast and green stretch of land with 18 tees is a perfect golf challenge for both the golfers and learners. The course also has water windings with green woods, thus offering the best of leisure. Being a part of the Beach Resort, it offers accommodation and food facilities and hence making the golf club a perfect family outing.

It doesn't matter whether you like rock music or reggae, indie pop or funk, there is something for you here at the Indian Creek Plaza. The Plaza is home to many restaurants that regularly host all kinds of shows, like the Surf and Song Festival. The Indian Creek Plaza is a good place to catch up on the local culture or just hang out with the locals. The place is run by Sun Communities Inc. and also offers community living options to meet your life-long dreams.

Wildvision offers a variety of water activities, as well as hiking and bike rides. You can paddle to Mound Key, then hike to the top of Calusa shell mounds, learning about the rise and fall of the Indians. There are also novice-fishing trips geared toward families, pontoon tours and adventure paddling, a 2-5 day expedition. They also rent and sell canoes, kayaks, and accessories. A courtesy van will pick you up at your hotel or the airport. Reservations required.

Calusa Coast Outfitters Educational Tours offers guided, interpretive tours; owner Arden Arrington is an expert on Calusa Indians. Tours of Mound Key leave Fish Tale Marina Thursdays at 1pm, and aren't recommended for children under 10. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, the dolphin tour leaves at 10am, searching for dolphins with underwater microphones. Coolers are welcome. Tide changes affect departure times, so call ahead. Reservations accepted; plan to be at least 15 minutes early.

There's something for all nature lovers at Lover's Key State Recreation Area, located between Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Beach. The park is made up of four islands totaling 712 acres. Wildlife includes birds, dolphins, manatees, raccoons, and sea turtles. You can go hiking, boating, fishing, shelling and swimming, but collecting live shells and artifacts is prohibited. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trails but not the beach. There are grills, picnic tables, a concession stand and a wedding gazebo.