Things to do

Southwest Florida Reading Festival

Fort Myers Regional Library

2450 First St, Fort Myers www.ReadFest.org

Saturday, March 4 • 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The Southwest Florida Reading Festival is a free, all-ages, annual outdoor event. Fans have the opportunity to listen to and meet a diverse line-up of bestselling authors, participate in contests and activities and find the latest and greatest in books and technology. In addition to author appearances and autograph sessions, there will be arts and crafts, youth writing contests and a free book for every child and teenager!

Tuesday, March 7 continued

Library Teen Talk

East County Regional Library

881 Gunnery Road, Lehigh Acres

Tuesdays, March 7, 14, 28 • 2 p.m.

High school teens are invited to the library for a weekly discussion about current events, everyday life, library resources and more. Teens will be encouraged to post an answer to a weekly question while socializing and making new friends. 239-479-4636

Daddy- Daughter Date Night

Chick-fil-A Pine Island Road

1790 NE Pine Island Rd Cape Coral

March 7 - 8

Dads, you and your little princesses are invited to join us for a very special evening, while you enjoy your favorite desserts. We will transform our restaurant into an IceDream Parlor. You can enjoy a Horse & Carriage Ride (Whispering Pines Clydesdales), a photo op with our Chick-fil-A cow, and more! During your dinner, you & your princesses can enjoy our conversation starter booklets, some treats, and maybe a surprise or two. We will have three reservation times available, 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 7 p.m. With each event running about an hour long. In order to attend, you must prepay via EventBrite. Tickets will cost $9. per person. Click the link below to purchase your tickets. While supplies last. Chick-fil-A Pine Island Road ONLY. Horse & Carriage Ride is weather permitting. Please keep in mind that the ticket price does NOT include your meals. Dinner orders can be placed via the Chick-fil-A Mobile App at the time of your visit . www.chick-fil-a.com/locations/fl/pine-island-road

Wed - 8

Archaeologist, Jr.

Collier Museum at Government Center

3331 Tamiami Trail E., Naples

Wednesday, March 8 • 10 a.m.

It’s never too early for your little one to learn about the wonders of archaeology! Join us in celebration of Florida Archaeology

Month for preschool-friendly, hands-on activities that introduce the concepts behind the study of the past. This program is ideal for ages 3-5. RSVP is encouraged to ensure enough supplies for children participants. 239-252-8476

Community Helper Storytime

East County Regional Library

881 Gunnery Road, Lehigh Acres

Wednesday, March 8 • 10:30 a.m.

For children ages up to 5. Firefighters with the Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District will read a few of their favorite adventure stories during this special storytime event. Children will be able to meet a firefighter in full bunker gear and explore the fire engine. The firefighters will also have a special gift for each child in attendance. 239-479-4636

Library Teen Talk

Cape Coral Lee County Public Library

921 S.W. 39th Terrace, Cape Coral

Wednesday, March 8 • 3 p.m.

For ages 13-18. Socialize, snack and form new friendships at this exciting program for teens. Make buttons and chat with the teen librarian about what you want to see in your library's teen space. 239-479-4636

Preschool Play Date

North Fort Myers Public Library

2001 N. Tamiami Trail NE, N. Fort Myers

Wednesday, March 8 • 11 a.m.

For families with children ages 3-5. Meet new friends while developing early literacy skills through free play with games, toys and music. 239-479-4636

Plant a Seed

Fort Myers Regional Library

2450 First St., Fort Myers

Wednesday, March 8 • 10 a.m.

For ages 3-5. Preschoolers are invited to sow a seed and learn about growing plants. Dress for a mess. Registration is required. 239-479-4636

Preschool STEAM: Bugs

South County Regional Library

21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero

Wednesday, March 8 • 10:30 a.m.

Learn about insects through hands-on activities based on STEAM. For ages 3-5. Dress for mess. Registration is required. 239-479-4636

Thu - 9

Ranger-Led Guided Hike

Koreshan State Park

3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero

Thursday, March 9 • 8:30 - 10 a.m.

Meets at the pavilion in the picnic area. Event is free with paid park entry. Learn about the plants, animals and natural communities of the park on a ranger-led guided hike. The hike will last about 90 minutes, cover a distance of around 1.15 miles and will traverse uneven terrain. Wear closed toe shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen and water. www.floridastateparks.org

Baby Playtime

Fort Myers Regional Library

2450 First St., Fort Myers

Thursday, March 9 • 10 a.m.

For babies up to 18 months. Meet new friends at Baby Playtime. Children and families are welcome to explore and develop early literacy skills through free play, games and toys. Space is limited to 20 children. Please arrive early and check-in at the Youth Services Desk. 239-479-4636

Ants in Your Pants Dance Party

Northwest Regional Library

519 Chiquita Blvd. N., Cape Coral

Thursday, March 9 • 10:30 a.m.

Shake your sillies out at the library. Get ready to twist and shout at this special dance party. We’ll boogie down to pop hits and favorite preschool tunes. For ages 2 - 5. 239-479-4636

Fri - 10

Godspell

Fort Myers Theatre

16120 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers

March 10 - 19

Chockfull of hit rock songs, topical humor, and irresistible goodwill, GODSPELL spreads the power of love by modernizing a series of parables, using a wide variety of pop-culture references, games and fun audience interaction! www.ftmyerstheatre.com

Playdough Playtime

Dunbar Jupiter Hammon Public Library

3095 Blount St., Fort Myers

Friday, March 10 • 10:30 a.m.

Children will build fine motor development, imagination and creativity, language, math and science skills while playing. All supplies provided. 239-479-4636

S.T.E.A.M. for Kids

Fort Myers Regional Library

2450 First St., Fort Myers

Friday, March 10 • 3 p.m.

For ages 6 - 11. Meet new friends as we tackle various STEAM topics in this monthly program designed to spark dialogue and creative thinking. We will engage in science experiments, technology, building, crafting and making of all types. Registration is required. 239-479-4636

Sat - 11

Storytime

Barnes & Noble Marketplace SC

13751 Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers

Saturday, March 11 • 11 a.m.

Join us as we read stories to your little ones every Saturday morning! 239-437-0654

Read to Dogs

North Fort Myers Public Library

2001 N. Tamiami Trail NE, N. Fort Myers

Saturday, March 11 • 2 p.m.

Join us at the library to read to dogs. The dogs are registered therapy animals who volunteer with their owner/handlers as a team to help improve the literacy skills of children. You can read down fines or just encourage a love of reading in your children with reading to dogs. 239-479-4636