5 Favorite Roadschool Stops in Fort Myers, FL

If you are on a road trip and find yourself in the Fort Myers area of the Southwest Florida gulf coast, there’s plenty to do. A seaside roadschool adventure is always the first choice; but, we here’s our other “Favorite 5” things to do in Ft Myers.

There are lots of Roadschool stops to be made in the Fort Myers area! (Calusa Nature Center pictured above)

Calusa Nature Center  A few hours is all it takes to enjoy the sites at this educational center. You’ll see a wide variety of wildlife native to Florida while enjoying the touch tanks, fossils, aviary, and butterfly gardens. For the astronomy lover in the group, the planetarium has scheduled shows at different times during the day. Call 239-275-3435 for more information.

Manatee Park  This non-captive refuge for these gentle giants is one of the best kept secrets in Ft. Myers. There’s no cost associated with enjoying the observation decks at Manatee Park where manatees gather during the colder months of the year. There is a small parking fee for visitors and other costs if you wish to kayak or take a guided tour. For more details, call 239-690-5030.

J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge  More than 6,300 tropical acres await at Sanibel Island just a short drive from Fort Myers Beach. Originally formed as a preserve for the mangroves there, the Ding Darling Refuge takes up nearly half of the island. You can enjoy this natural wonder by foot, bike, car, or a tram ride. Either way, the cost to visit are nominal. Be sure to call 239-472-1100 to check the schedule as some days are “No Drive” days so that the wildlife living there can enjoy their habitat without being disturbed.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates  For a fascinating step back in time, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates are not to be missed. Start your visit in the museum where the Roadschool 101 crew was fascinated to learn that Thomas Edison patented 1,093 inventions in his lifetime as well as spent much of his time on camping expeditions in the early 1900s. We opted for the self-guided tour so that we could take as much or as little time at each part of this learning road trip as we wanted. For admission, hours, and other tour options, call 239-334-7419.

Imaginarium Hands-On Museum  Plan for an entire day of roadschool adventure at the Imaginarium. This science center has everything from touch tanks to hurricane experiences. The cost is average for this type of attraction. There aren’t many food options, though, so take a picnic lunch to enjoy during your visit. Call 239-321-7420 to confirm admission prices and hours of operation.

For a more complete description of these visits, check out the pictures and more over at Diary of a Road Mom. Until next time, keep your rig armed with all the facts from Road Trip Teacher!