Traveling? Live like a local

I've found that living like a local when you're traveling means that you'll get out of the tourist traps and enjoy yourself more. I love to travel. But I hate crowds. And so, living like a local works best for me.

When we travel down to Naples, FL next month with our kiddos, we plan to take advantage of the city's park system. Here are a few places we aim to check out:

River Park Aquatic Center has a splash feature and zero-depth entry pool.

RIVER PARK AQUATIC CENTER

(239)213-3040
301 11th Street North, Naples, FL 34102
http://www.naplesgov.com/index.aspx?NID=572

Not open for general admission when the day's forecast high temperature is 59 degrees or lower.

Amenities:
6 lane, 75' lap pool
Water slide
Children's splash play feature w/ zero entry
Swim lesson area

Fleischmann Park has sun shades in its new playground.

FLEISCHMANN PARK

1600 Fleischmann Blvd. Naples, FL 34102
Phone: 239-213-3020

Amenities: new playground (one for toddlers 1-5 years and one for school age children 6-12 years) with sun shades and a water splash zone, racquetball courts, base/softball fields, sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, football field

Hit the beach at Lowdermilk Park.

LOWDERMILK PARK

1301 Gulfshore Blvd North Naples, FL 34102
Phone: 239-213-3029
Concessions: 9-5

Amenities: plenty of metered and unmetered parking spaces, a concession stand, sand volleyball courts, two children's playgrounds, picnic tables, benches, restroom and shower facilities, and two gazebos for rent.

If you're lucky, you might hit upon free outdoor music at Cambier Park's bandshell.

CAMBIER PARK

755 8th Ave. S. Naples, FL 34102
(heart of downtown Naples, just South of the prestigious 5th Avenue South)

Amenities: playground, pavilion, green space, shuffleboard, bocee courts,tennis courts, bandshell, Norris Community Center

 

WE WISH IT WERE OPEN... 

This place isn't open in the winter (as all the kids in Florida are in school), but we sure wish it was! It looks like tons of fun.

The Sun-N-Fun Lagoon is closed from October to President's Day weekend, but if you're traveling outside that time, have fun there!

SUN-N-FUN LAGOON

One million gallons of water fun will thrill children, parents and grandparents alike at Collier County's premier water park, Sun-N-Fun Lagoon! Fun always starts at Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, a key destination by all. Sun-N-Fun Lagoon includes four pools, a long lazy river, a lit splash playground or interactive water feature, five exciting water slides, and a concession stand.

Address: 15000 Livingston Road, Naples, FL 34109
Phone: (239) 252-4021
Hours: Closed October to President's Day Weekend; Summer hours 10am-5pm; Fall Hours 10-5 Saturday & Sunday
http://www.napleswaterpark.com/

Admission Fees:
Under 3 Free
Persons less than 48" tall $5.50
Persons 48" or taller $12.00
$2 discount with a valid Florida Driver's License with Collier County address
Seniors 60+ $8.00