Fun Senior Activities in Lee and Collier Counties in Florida
Are you looking for senior activities in Collier and Lee Counties in Florida? If so, we’ve got some amazing ideas for you!
To help you navigate all the fun things to do in and around Fort Myers and Naples, we’ve put together this helpful resource guide which is grouped by category so you can easily pinpoint the types of activities that appeal to you the most.
We’ve also included some popular local events for seniors to check out too. While this is by no means a definitive list, it will point you in the right direction so you can get the most out of living in Southwest Florida!
Scenic Senior Activities
Up for some outside adventure? Visit the Naples Botanical Garden to experience themed, tropical gardens as well as a variety of educational opportunities like art exhibits or interactive drop-in programs. You can also join a daily tour of the gardens or just meet a friend for lunch at the beautiful outdoor Fogg Cafe. A day ticket is $27 or become a member for $95 a year. The Garden is open every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
If you love exotic birds, then a trip to The Bird Gardens of Naples is a must-do! This nonprofit avian resource center focuses on the welfare of captive birds, the conservation of wild species, and educating the public on these complex creatures. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. The center is open for public tours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Gates open at 10:45 am and the tour begins at 11:15 am. You must reserve your spot by booking it online and plan on spending about 2 hours to see 200 birds!
For those who like the water, why not take an Everglades airboat tour? Learn about the intricate Everglades ecosystem from your Captain while taking in the view of the unique flora and fauna—and maybe even see an alligator! The Everglades is less than an hour from Naples, which makes this a perfect day trip. Most tour companies operate daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, but some are closed on Sundays. Prices vary by company.
Have you ever really soaked in a gorgeous Florida sunset? Well, head over to the Naples Pier, a time-honored tradition for visitors and locals alike, to see the vivid hues of the sun as it puts the day to rest. All you need are some good walking shoes and a camera to take photos—there’s no admission fee!
If you’re in Lee County, you could swing by Bunche Beach Preserve, the natural tidal wetlands located on San Carlos Bay. This is an “Old Florida” landscape at its finest. You can walk the birding trails, paddleboard, fish off the pier, or just stand in ankle-deep shallow water to witness a stunning sunset. Parking is $2/hour (max 4 hours) or $10/day. Note: the preserve is an environmentally friendly facility powered with composting restrooms (no running water or electricity).
Nostalgic Senior Activities
But not everyone is an outdoorsy type, right? Here’s an idea for the gearhead in your life: take a spin through The Revs Institute for Automotive Research. This Naples car museum boasts an array of rare and historic vehicles and automotive memorabilia.
The curated collection includes historic cars from all over the world dating as far back as the 19th century, as well as racers from the 20th century. A trip to the Revs Institute can easily fill an afternoon, featuring over 100 cars in 80,000 square feet! The Revs is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. You can purchase adult tickets in advance online for $20 or join a docent-led tour for $30.
History buffs in the Fort Meyers area would enjoy seeing the former winter estates of best buddies Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. Today, the stomping grounds of these next-door snowbirds are the site of a museum and 21-acre botanical garden!
A tour of the homes, gardens, museum (including the antique automobiles), and laboratory costs $28 for a self-guided tour. The grounds open at 9:00 am with the last ticket of the day being sold at 4:30 pm because the site closes at 5:30 pm.
If you’d prefer a guided tour, you should allow for 60 minutes plus additional time to view the museum and laboratory. Guided tours are offered every day on a first-come, first-served basis at the ticket counter. The schedule varies per day but the first tour typically starts around 10:00 am and the last one around 2:00 pm. Parking is free!
Walkable / Bikeable Senior Activities
Naples offers many walkable and bikeable attractions that are free senior activities. From Gordon Drive’s multi-million dollar homes to Bayfront’s galleries and shops, there are always things to see on foot—or wheels! Think about renting an electric bicycle to jaunt around Naples’ bike-friendly streets or peddle to the beach to get some fresh air and sunshine.
Fort Myers is equally filled with walkable attractions. The River District plays host to a variety of shops, restaurants, art galleries, and social activities. Or, think about taking a Haunted History walking tour to learn more about the ghosts that might still be ambling through town. Offered on Wednesday and Saturday nights at 8:00 pm, this 90-minute tour costs $24 for a magical evening!
Events for Seniors in Collier and Lee Counties
These two counties host a variety of fun events throughout the year. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular.
Edison Festival of Light Parade and Party
Bring the grandkids for this one! The Grand Parade of Light, celebrating Thomas Edison’s life and scientific contributions to humanity, is the largest night parade in Southeastern Florida. Held in mid-February every year in Fort Meyers, the spectacle of gorgeous floats, local marching bands, clowns, and more makes this an unforgettable experience.
In conjunction with the parade, the Edison Festival of Light Parade Party runs from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm (before, during, and after the parade) in downtown Fort Meyers. The “party” includes free bouncy castles for the grandkids plus food and drinks for sale by local vendors. You can bring your pooch too—this is a pet-friendly event.
You can purchase a street-side seat along the parade route for $15.
Art Walk
On the first Friday of every month, Fort Meyers hosts an Art Walk when many galleries stay open late (6:00 pm to 10:00 pm), allowing visitors to take in one-of-a-kind exhibits, for free.
Music Walk
If you’re more of a live music fan, check out Fort Meyers’ Music Walk which takes place in the River District on the third Friday of every month. You’ll hear jazz, blues, and rock ‘n roll wafting through the streets from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Music Walk is a free event that takes place on First Street downtown. Click here to plan ahead for parking.
Friday After 5
Kick off your weekend at the Naples Botanical Gardens’ Friday After 5 event, which takes place on Fridays from February through April. Explore the gardens after hours (5:00 pm to 8:00 pm) with fun activities and live music on select nights. With a Garden Admission ticket ($27), Friday After 5 is included in your ticket price!
Stone Crab Festival
Every late October in Naples, you can “Fall for Fun” at the annual Stone Crab Festival in Tin City. Enjoy tons of amazing seafood and live music while perusing the work of arts & crafts vendors. The ceremonial “Cracking of the Claw” celebration at Pincher’s restaurant on Friday night kicks off this uniquely Naples annual event!
Fun Senior Activities for a Great Quality of Life
Whether you’re a senior or older adult—or your loved one is—there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a vibrant life filled with sight, sound, and activity. Luckily for you, Southwest Florida has no shortage of opportunities to make the most of every day!
At Affordable Senior Home Care, we understand that quality of life matters—for both seniors and their families. Whether it’s providing companionship, assisting with daily activities, or offering a helping hand around the house, the right support can make independent living easier.
Click below to learn how companion care can enhance your loved one’s daily life.
