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Destination: The Slopes. 5 family-friendly ski resorts with 100% chance of snow and one unique ski experience in Florida
Destination: The Slopes
For certain Florida-based ski bunnies, snow bums, and their little bunny-kins, the term “snowbird” takes on a whole new meaning just about now. They hit the Patagonia and REI websites and start watching snow conditions on Colorado and Utah mountaintops. If you’re planning your first-ever family ski/ snowboard experience this winter, you may be overwhelmed at the sheer number and diversity of ski resorts. Here are a few familyfriendly snow destinations with unique features to get you started.
World’s largest snow fort
Colorado’s Keystone Resort has dialed the kid-o-meter to the max with its Kidtopia program, which showcases the world’s largest snow fort, plus indoor games and movies, Super Snowy Science Days, dog sledding, and meet and greets with the ski patrol’s adorable rescue dogs. They also have parades, Saturday night fireworks, sleigh rides, ice skating and tubing, family fondue nights, and milkshake socials. Kids’ lessons start at age 3. Call 970-423- 7100 or visit keystoneresort.com.
Cookie cabin, teepee, and a sleigh ride to dinner
Of course, it’s not only about the cookies (did I mention that they’re chocolate chip?); it’s also other special touches that make a memorable family vacation. The two-year-old Red Buffalo Park
within the venerable Beaver Creek (Colorado) Resort has a gentle 13-slope family learning area, and lots of other goings-on within the resort, from ice skating to fireworks. Start the littlest ones in Haymeadow Park, where they’ll also love the interactive teepee and the build-your-own sundae in the yummy new Ice Cream Parlour. Visit beavercreek.com or call 970-754-4636.
Celebrating all snow-abilities
High on the Hollywood crowd’s winter sports A-list, Park City Mountain Resort is nearly impossible to access during the Sundance Film Festival, which just ended. But impossible turns to oh-so-possible for snow-lovers of all abilities and challenges at this world-class ski resort, thanks to its National Ability Center. From family-friendly, accessible lodging to amazing adaptive equipment, everyone from amputees to visually impaired, from those with spinal injuries and those on the autism spectrum, can hit the slopes. Kid and family favorites include the toboggan-style Alpine Coaster, the Flying Eagle Zip Line, sleigh rides, snowmobile tours, and the new High Meadow Park ski and snowboard school for beginners. Visit parkcitymountain.com or call 435-649-8111.
Facing page: A private family ski lesson at Keystone Resort in Colorado. Photo by D. Milchev. Above: Fireworks over Keystone’s snow fort. Photo by Jack Affleck.
summertime, has some very respectable slopes at the Cataloochee Ski Area, elevation 5,400 feet. It’s super family-friendly, with its Kidz Ski & Ride Center and Wednesday Family Days. Private lessons are available for kids age 3 and up, and group lessons for age 8 and up. Check out the Kids Stay & Ski Free program, offered Sunday-Thursday at participating lodgings. Nearby is Tube World, with the unfortunate name of “Wee Bowl” for the littlest ones. Visit cataloochee.com or call 800-926-0285.
For those who have been there, done that, have some extra vacation time, and want to get serious, let’s talk Swiss Alps. The Matterhorn. Wolli the Sheep. Okay, the last one is just semiserious, but kids and grownups all adore the woolly mascot who hangs out in Zermatt-Matterhorn, the highest ski area in the Alps. Snow Park Zermatt has snow play 300 days a year. Wolli’s Park is a dream-maker for kids ages 6 to 16. Sign the kids up for the Stoked Ski & Snowboard School’s Stoked Kids’ Club, which in- cludes private and group lessons for ages 4 and up. Every Friday there’s a Stoked Kids Ski Race where every child earns a medal, a gift, and – the website promises – a high-five from Wolli himself. Visit matterhornparadise.ch.
Winter Park…FLORIDA!
Go ahead and laugh your balaclava off, but it’s true! Before you head up to the winter wonderland of your dreams, give the little ones and teens their first feel of the slopes at Winter Club Ski and Snowboard in Winter Park, near Orlando. There’s no cold, the state of the art “slopes” are soft tufted nylon, and while you’re getting your snow legs, the instructor can actually stop the slope before you fall. Super-fun and confidence building for all ages. Ask about the school field trip packages. Call 407-618-1123 or visit winterclubski.com.
KAREN T. BARTLETT is the travel editor of Neapolitan Family. The full scope of her skiing experience involves (1) a two-hour crosscountry trek in Finnish Lapland, followed by an 18-hour nap; and (2) a no-nonsense trek from the Naples Pier to Gordon Pass with Naples’ Nordic Pole Walking Group. Find them on Facebook @naplesnordicpolewalking.
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1 SATURDAY
8:00 a.m. 9th Annual STEAM Expo. A hands-on day of meaningful experiences and learning for students in science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Located at Golden Gate High School, 2925 Titan Way, Naples. Check collierschools.com. 9:00 a.m. First Saturday Market. Food, local vendors, and yard games. Located at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1955 Curling Ave., Naples. Call 239-297-4091 or check oslcnaples.org. 9:00 a.m. Free Saturday at Naples Zoo. Collier County residents get in free the first Saturday of every month with proof of residency. Located at Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Call 239-262-5409 or visit napleszoo.org. 9:00 a.m. Kids’ Workshops. A new craft each month. Ages 5-12. Located at Home Depot, 2251 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples. Check homedepot.com. 9:00 a.m. National Geographic Photo Ark Exhibition at Naples Zoo. Features large-format, stunning images of endangered animals. Located at Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Call 239- 262-5409 or check napleszoo.org. 9:00 a.m. Science Saturdays. Unleash your inner scientist or marine biologist with hands-on discovery labs for all ages. Located at Rookery Bay, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Call 239-530-5940 or check www. rookerybay.org. 9:00 a.m. Yoga for Kids. Ages 2-5. $20 per child, $15 for siblings. Includes 30 minutes of free play before class. Located at We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym, 17640 Tamiami Tr. S., Fort Myers. Call 239-703-6671 or email tatianatholt@gmail.com to register. Check www. werockthespectrumfortmyers.com. 10:00 a.m. Annual Antique Car Exhibition. More than 100 antique cars from local car clubs and classic car owners. Located at Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Check edisonfordwinterestates.org. 10:00 a.m. Beginning Crochet. Learn the basics of crochet. Located at Marco Island Library, 210 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. Call 239-394-3272 or check collierlibrary.org. 10:00 a.m. Camp for Limb-different Children. For limb-different youth and siblings to take their game in mainstreamed sports to the next level. Located at Hammond Stadium, 14100 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy., Fort Myers. Call 800-338-9467 or check universe.com. 10:00 a.m. Free Kids’ Fishing. We supply the rods, reels, bait, and knowledge. Located at Bass Pro Shops, 10040 Gulf Center Dr., Fort Myers. Call 239-461-7800 or check basspro.com. 10:00 a.m. Quilling for Beginners. Create your own design for beads using a quilling tool and make a bracelet. Ages 12-18. Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0334 or check collierlibrary.org.
SPRING BREAK C MPS MARCH 9-13, 2020
15080 Livingston Road • Naples, FL 34109 www.cmon.org • (239) 514-0084
Cost: $40/day C’mon Members $45/day Non-Members GRADES: 2 nd -5 th TIME: 9am-5pm • 8:45am Drop Off (Before Care is available) REGISTER ONLINE TODAY! • www.cmon.org Questions: call 239.260.1600
Monday, 3/9 Dinosaur Detectives Tuesday, 3/10 Space Explorers Wednesday, 3/11 Wacky Water Wednesday T hursday, 3/12 Artistic Expressions Friday, 3/13 Maker Madness
10:00 a.m. Sensory Storytime. Make new friends while participating in hands-on sensory activities. All ages welcome. Registration not required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0334 or check collierlibrary.org. 10:00 a.m. Touch-A-Truck 2020. Free. Experience cranes, police, ambulances, tractors, trucks, and more. Located at Naples Church of Christ, 12760 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239-455-5252 or check napleschurchofchrist.com. 10:30 a.m. Pups ’n’ Books. Practice your reading skills with our furry friends. Dogs provided by Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs. All ages. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239-252-5135 or visit collierlibrary.org. 11:00 a.m. Pineapple Day. Growing tips and fruit demonstrations, pineapple treats, activities for kids, and more. Located at Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. Check colliermuseums.com. 11:15 a.m. Daily Programs for Kids. Be A Biologist at 11:15 a.m. Scales and Tales at 12:15 p.m. Ocean Discoveries at 1:15 p.m. November-April, Wonders of Wildlife at 2:15 p.m. Located at Conservancy, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or check conservancy.org. 11:30 a.m. Winterfest. The Ben Allen Band, food trucks, beer garden, and games. $10 per car. Located at Sugden Regional Park, 4284 Avalon Dr., Naples. Call 239- 252-3527 or check collierparks.com. 12:30 p.m. Ave Maria Blues, Brews & BBQ. Free admission and parking. Live music, food trucks, and children’s activities. Located at 5076 Annunciation Circle, Ave Maria. Call 239-352-3903 or check avemaria.com. 1:00 p.m. Autism Spectrum Play Group. Open to ages 5-16. $10 per child. A safe, structured, and supervised place for your child to interact with others. Located at Christ Community Church, 4050 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Check fi-florida.org. 1:00 p.m. Puppy Dog Tails. Find out how to keep your children and yourself safe around any animal. Ages 5 through adult. Registration is not required. Located at Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-455-8088 or check collierlibrary.org. 2:00 p.m. Great Naples Duck Race and Water Safety Festival. Adopt your lucky duck today and enter for a chance to win cash. Located at Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, 15000 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4021 or check duckrace.com. 2:00 p.m. Movie Afternoon. Abominable (PG). All ages. Registration is not required. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239- 657-2882 or check collierlibrary.org.
2 SUNDAY
9:00 a.m. Sensory Sensitive Sundays. Less crowding and a quieter restaurant environment, dimmed lighting, the show and music turned down or off entirely, limited appearances by Chuck E., full menu, access to all games and rides. Located at Chuck E. Cheese’s Fort Myers, 5020 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers. Call 239-334- 0563 or check chuckecheese.com. 9:30 a.m. Alateen Meetings. Alateen is a peer support group for teens who are struggling with the effects of someone else’s problem drinking. Located at 24 Hour Club, 1509 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples. Call 239-263-5907 or visit naplesAl-Anon. org for other meeting days and locations.
We buy & sell gently used kids stuff • Clothing (newborn to size 16), toys, baby furniture, equipment, and more. • We pay cash on the spot. • No appointment necessary; clothes must be freshly laundered and brought in a plastic container. 13560 Tamiami Trail N. #4, Naples 239-596-6096
Also in: Fort Myers at 239-274-0039 Port Charlotte at 941-764-8121 onceuponachildnaples.com
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February
1221 5 6 23 sunday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday
2:00 p.m. Great Naples Duck Race and Water Safety Festival. Adopt your lucky duck today and enter for a chance to win cash. Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, 15000 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4021 or check duckrace.com.
NEAPOLITANfamily • February 2020 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 9:00 a.m. Reel in the Sun shine Fishing Expo. A day of fun and fishing. Activi ties, food, and giveaways. Sunshine Ace Hardware, 9100 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs. Visit www. sunshineace.com or call 239-992-0454. 11:00 a.m. Corn Hole Tournament and Food Truck Cook Out. Corn hole tournament, raffle, and food trucks. Tours available. Naples Thera peutic Riding Center, 206 Ridge Dr., Naples. Visit NaplesTherapeuticRiding Center.org. 4:30 p.m. Golden PAWS Readers. Practice read ing aloud to these special dogs. All ages. East Naples Library, 8787 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239- 775-5592 or check www. collierlibrary.org. 10:00 a.m. Free Kids Crafts. Kids from toddlers to 12 enjoy fun activities in WINK Playland. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239- 948-3766 or check www. miromaroutlets.com. 3:30 p.m. Pocket Pals and Puppy Love. Learn about Collier County Do mestic Animal Services, the process for adopting a pet, and experience live animals up close. Ages 5 years and older. Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immo kalee. Call 239-657-2882 or check collierlibrary.org. 7:00 p.m. ZOObilee. A wild and wonderful eve ning in support of the new growth and expansion at the zoo. Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Na ples. Call 239-262-5409 or check napleszoo.org. 2:30 p.m. Edison Festi val of Light 2020 Junior Parade. Over 100 units including floats, march ing bands, dancers, street performers, clowns, and dignitaries. River District Downtown Fort Myers, Fort Myers. Check www. edisonfestival.org. 4:00 p.m. Meals of Hope Mobile Food Pantry. Fro zen food, fresh produce, and canned goods will be given away to families in need. River Park Recre ation Center, 301 11th St. N., Naples. Check www. mealsofhope.org. 9:00 a.m. Royal Palm Academy Open House. Find out how the Royal Palm advantage can help your child reach higher . Royal Palm Academy, 16100 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239-594-9888 or visit royalpalmacademy. com. 6:30 p.m. Outdoor Movie Night. Toy Story 4 . Bring chairs or a blanket for the whole family. Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-213-3058 or check naplesgov.com. 4:30 p.m. Junior Campout at Rookery Bay. Gain outdoor skills and further your appreciation for the great outdoors of SWFL. Rookery Bay, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Call 239-530- 5940 or check rookerybay. org. 10:00 a.m. Preschool Program: Black History Month. Free program for children ages 2-5 years who have not yet entered kin dergarten. Registration re quired. Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Visit colliermuseums.com or call 239-252-8476. 9:30 a.m. Homeschool Day: Uplands to the Sea . Enjoy an exciting day of age-appropriate estuarine learning experiences led by marine science educa tors. Rookery Bay, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Call 239-530-5940 or check rookerybay.org.
NEAPOLITANfamily • February 2020 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 10:00 a.m. Cape Coral Strawberry Fest. Family fun and festivities, bounce house, food, art & crafts, pony rides, face paint ing, games, contests, and more. German American Club,2101 SW Pine Island Rd., Cape Coral. Check capecoralfest.com. 9:30 a.m. Zoo Yoga. Start your day with an animalthemed yoga class designed for all ages. Bring your own yoga mat, towel, and water. Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Na ples. Call 239-262-5409 or check napleszoo.org. 9:00 a.m. Estuary “Ed ventures” – Uplands & Ecotones. Student day camp. A day in the field with hands-on learning that provides a greater un derstanding and apprecia tion of our local waters and wildlife. Rookery Bay, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Call 239-530-5940 or check rookerybay.org. 10:00 a.m. Storytime with Miss Mary Ellen. Join us for reading, singing, and coloring. All ages. Barnes & Noble, 5377 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples. Call 239- 598-5200 or check stores. barnesandnoble.com. 3:30 p.m. Cooking with Tish. Learn how to make a molten lava cake and homemade ice cream. Reg istration is required. Gold en Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4542 or check collierlibrary.org. 3:30 p.m. Lego Club. Ages 5-13. Share ideas, be creative, make new friends, and have fun. Bricks will be provided and your creation will be put on display. South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check collierlibrary.org. 10:30 a.m. Mommy & Me Yoga Class. Ages 2-5. A special time with your child. $20 per mommy and child. Includes 30 min utes of free play. Call 239- 703-6671 to register. We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym, 17640 Tamiami Tr. S., Fort Myers. Check werockthespectrumfortmyers.com. 7:30 p.m. Alateen Meet ings. Alateen is a peer support group for teens who are struggling with the effects of someone else’s problem drinking. Habi tat for Humanity Tutor House, 5250 Floridan Ave., Naples. Call 239-263-5907 or check NaplesAl-Anon. org for other meeting days and locations. 9:00 a.m. Find It Fridays. Kids enjoy a scavenger hunt all day. Everglades Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs. Call 239-992-2591 or check evergladeswondergardens. com. 9:00 a.m. Pee Wee Play Dates. For ages 9 months to preK. Have fun with our toys and games and listen to music. Headquar ters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0334 or check collierlibrary.org. 5:00 p.m. Sensory Night at C’mon. For children on the autism spectrum and/ or with other sensory inte gration disorders. Limited participation in order to minimize crowds. Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Check cmon. org or call 239-514-0084.
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11:00 a.m. Corn Hole Tournament and Food Truck Cook Out. Corn hole tournament, raffle, and food trucks. Located at Naples Therapeutic Riding Center, 206 Ridge Dr., Naples. Visit NaplesTherapeuticRidingCenter.org. 12:00 p.m. Sunday Programs. Join us for a day of themed activities. Included with price of admission. Located at C’mon, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239-514-0084 or check cmon.org.
3 MONDAY
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26 neafamily.com Library hours. Teen Activity Corner. Tired of sitting in class all day? Relieve some stress by working on a puzzle, suggesting a good read, or writing thoughts in the teen journals. Located at Vanderbilt Beach Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-8444 or check collierlibrary.org. 4:00 p.m. Teens: Movie @ the Library. Watch a film after school. Ages 11- 17. Registration is not required. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239-252-5135 or visit collierlibrary.org. 4:30 p.m. Golden PAWS Readers. Practice reading aloud to these special dogs. All ages. Located at East Naples Library, 8787 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239- 775-5592 or check collierlibrary.org.
4 TUESDAY
9:30 a.m. Homeschool Day: Uplands to the Sea. Enjoy an exciting day of age-appropriate estuarine learning experiences led by marine science educators. Located at Rookery Bay, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Call 239-530-5940 or check rookerybay.org. 2:00 p.m. Quilling: The Art of Paper Filigree. Make a special Valentine’s Day card and learn how to quill, an old art that is making a comeback. Located at Marco Island Library, 210 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. Call 239-394-3272 or check collierlibrary.org. 5:00 p.m. Scoopie Kid’s Night. Every Tuesday. Face painting, balloon animals, and crafts. Located at Culver’s of Naples, 5775 Airport Pulling Rd., Naples. Call 239-596-4640 or check culvers.com.
5 WEDNESDAY
9:00 a.m. Pee Wee Play Dates. For ages 9 months to preK. Have fun with our toys and games and listen to music. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0334 or check collierlibrary.org. 9:30 a.m. Art Classes with Miss Lexi. A different theme every month. Located at InPlay Family Fun, 4035 Santa Barbara Blvd., Naples. Call 239-963-9716 or visit inplayfamilyfun.com. 10:00 a.m. Free Kids Crafts. Kids from toddlers to 12 enjoy fun activities in WINK Playland. Located at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-948-3766 or check miromaroutlets.com. 10:30 a.m. Pee Wee Play Dates. For ages 9 months to preK. Have fun with our toys and games and listen to music. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check collierlibrary.org. 10:30 a.m. Pee Wee Play Dates. For ages 9 months to preK. Have fun with our toys and games and listen to music. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239-657-2882 or check collierlibrary.org
6 THURSDAY
9:00 a.m. First Baptist Academy Open House. Learn about our discipleship school with a uniquely personal approach to education. Located at First Baptist Academy, 3000 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-597-2233 fbalions.org. 10:00 a.m. Little Explorers. Multi-sensory activities, stories, and crafts. Ages 5 and younger. Located at Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or check conservancy.org. 10:15 a.m. Mini Wonders. Thursdays and Fridays. Toddler fun and activities dedicated to our little learners 5 and younger. Every month we explore new books, create art projects, tinker, and more. Located at Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239-514-0084 or check cmon.org. 3:30 p.m. Lego Club. Be creative, make new friends, and have fun. Bricks will
be provided. Ages 5-11. Located at Marco Island Library, 210 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. Call 239- 394-3272 or check collierlibrary.org. 3:30 p.m. Pocket Pals and Puppy Love. Learn about Collier County Domestic Animal Services, the process for adopting a pet, and experience live animals up close. Ages 5 years and older. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239-657-2882 or check collierlibrary.org. 5:30 p.m. Free Positive Discipline Parenting Workshop Series. Fun and edu- cational parent workshops. Located at Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-3148 or check greaternaplesymca.org. 7:30 p.m. Alateen Meetings. Alateen is a peer support group for teens who are struggling with the effects of someone else’s problem drinking. Located at Habitat for Humanity Tutor House, 5250 Floridan Ave., Naples. Call 239-263-5907 or check NaplesAl-Anon.org for other meeting days and locations.
7 FRIDAY
9:00 a.m. Find It Fridays. Kids enjoy a scavenger hunt all day. Located at Everglades Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs. Call 239-992- 2591 or visit evergladeswondergardens.com. 10:30 a.m. Mommy & Me Yoga Class. Ages 2-5. A special time with your child. $20 per mommy and child. Includes 30 minutes of free play. Call 239-703-6671 to register. Located at We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym, 17640 Tamiami Tr. S., Fort Myers. Check werockthespectrumfortmyers.com or call 239-362-3378. 7:00 p.m. ZOObilee. A wild and wonderful evening in support of the new growth and expansion at the zoo. Located at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Call 239-262-5409 or check napleszoo.org.
8 SATURDAY
9:00 a.m. Reel in the Sunshine Fishing Expo. A day of fun and fishing. Located at Sunshine Ace Hardware, 9100 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs. Call 239-992- 0454 or visit sunshineace.com. 10:00 a.m. Annual Cars on 5th Show. More than 400 luxury vehicles on display. Located at Fifth Avenue South, Naples. Check carsonfifth.com. 10:00 a.m. Make and Take Valentine Workshop. Make valentines for the ones you love. Ages 2 years and older. Registration not required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0334 or check collierlibrary.org. 11:00 a.m. Kids Zone. A different craft every month. Kids also receive an ID badge, lanyard, and collector’s pins. Located at JCPenney at Coastland Center Mall, 2076 9th St. N., Naples. Call 239-261-6010 or check jcpenney.com. 12:00 p.m. Mutt Strutt. Dog lovers, families, vendors, and pet agencies gather for fun, food, and mutt strutt. Located at Downtown Fort Myers. Check leelostpets.com. 2:00 p.m. Valentine’s Card Making. Kids can make a special valentine to give to a friend or a family member. All ages. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4542 or check collierlibrary.org. 5:00 p.m. Group for Parents of Children with ASD. A welcoming environment for parents and caregivers to meet, share experiences, ideas, ask questions, and receive support. Located at We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym, 17640 Tamiami Tr. S., Fort Myers. Check werockthespectrumfortmyers.com or call 239-362-3378. 5:00 p.m. Kids’ Night Out. Parents can enjoy a night out while the kids have fun in a safe and secure environment. Ages 6 months to 12 years. Preregistration is required. Dinner included. Located at Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-3148 or check greaternaplesymca.org.
9 SUNDAY
2:30 p.m. 2020 Edison Festival of Light Junior Parade. Over 100 units includ- ing floats, marching bands, dancers, street performers, clowns, and dignitaries. Located at River District, Downtown Fort Myers. Check edisonfestival.org.
11 TUESDAY
9:00 a.m. Royal Palm Academy Open House. Find out how the Royal Palm advantage can help your child reach higher. Located at Royal Palm Academy, 16100 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239-594-9888 or check royalpalmacademy.com.
9:00 a.m. Darwin Day. Commemorate the anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin with buy one get one free entrance. Located at Rookery Bay, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Call 239-530-5940 or check rookerybay.org. 10:00 a.m. Color Me Amazing Wednesday. Join us for a fun and relaxing hour of coloring intricate designs and patterns while listening to soothing music. Located at East Naples Library, 8787 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239-775-5592 or check collierlibrary.org. 10:00 a.m. Preschool Program: Black History Month. Free program for ages 2-5 years who have not yet entered kindergarten. Registration required. Located at Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239-252-8476 or check colliermuseums.com. 10:00 a.m. Safari Squad. Each toddler class includes an animal encounter, storybook reading, creative art, and free-choice play stations, such as sensory play and naturebased activities. Located at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Call 239-262-5409 or check napleszoo.org. 11:00 a.m. Make and Take Craft. While supplies last. All ages. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239-252-5135 or check www. collierlibrary.org. 3:00 p.m. Lego Club. Share ideas, be creative, and have fun. Bricks provided. All ages. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239-657- 2882 or check collierlibrary.org. 3:30 p.m. Valentine’s Craft Program. Make holiday decorations and decorate heart-shaped cookies. Registration is required. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4542 or check collierlibrary.org.
Library hours. It’s A Hearty Celebration: Valentine Crafts Day. Make a special valentine for those you love. All ages. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239-657-2882 or check collierlibrary.org. 4:00 p.m. Teens DIY Project. Join us after school for a fun and easy craft. Ages 11-17. Supplies are limited. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239-252-5135 or check collierlibrary.org.
14 FRIDAY
10:00 a.m. Le Leche League Monthly Meeting. All breastfeeding mothers and mothers-to-be interested in breastfeeding are welcome. Located at Center Point Community Church, 6590 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples. Visit lllsunshinestate.org. 11:00 a.m. Color Me Amazing. Join us for a fun and relaxing hour of coloring while listening to soothing music. Registration required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or visit collierlibrary.org. 6:30 p.m. Outdoor Movie Night. Toy Story 4. Located at Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-213-3058 or check naplesgov.com.
15 SATURDAY
8:30 a.m. NAMI Walk. Scenic 2.5 mile walk to raise funds and awareness for mental illness. Free food, fun, and entertainment. Located at Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-260-7300 or check namicollier.org.
February is Dental Health Month! Call today to schedule an appointment.
NEAPOLITANfamily • February 2020 Children’s Dentistry of Naples Gerardo Santiago, D.D.S. 3021 Airport- Pulling Road, Suite 203 Naples, FL 34105 239.262.3898 | ChildrensDentistryofNaples.com Children’s Dentistry of Naples Gerardo Santiago, D.D.S. 3021 Airport- Pulling Road, Suite 203 Naples, FL 34105 239.262.3898 | ChildrensDentistryofNaples.com 239.262.3898 | ChildrensDentistryofNaples.com Children’s Dentistry of Naples Gerardo Santiago, D.D.S. 3021 Airport- Pulling Road, Suite 203, Naples, FL 34105
9:00 a.m. Autism Spectrum Disorder. Join Kerry Magro, award-winning national speaker and best-selling author, for a discussion followed by a Q&A session. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check collierlibrary.org. 11:00 a.m. Little Kids’ “Drive-in” Movie. Build a car out of a box, then sit in your car and enjoy a short film on the big screen. Ages 2-5 years. Registration is not required. Located at Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-455-8088 or check collierlibrary.org. 11:00 a.m. Valentine Tea Time. Put on your Valentine’s Day best and join us for snacks, crafts, photo ops, and a sweet story. All ages. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239-252-5135 or check collierlibrary.org. 1:30 p.m. Pups ’n’ Books. Stop by to read to a dog or just to pet one. Dogs are provided by PAWS Assistance and Therapy Dogs. All ages. Located at Head- quarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-252-7369 or check collierlibrary.org. 2:00 p.m. Great Hope 4 Kids Vendor Show. Kids helping kids, by raising money for children’s charities. Located at Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-777-6366 or check greathopefoundation.org. 2:00 p.m. Movie Afternoon. Maleficent: Mistress of Evil. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239-657-2882 or check collierlibrary.org. 2:00 p.m. Pony Fun Day. Ages 4+. Horseback riding, games, crafts, and special seasonal activities. Located at Cornerstone Farm South, 3375 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-595-7618 or check cornerstonefarmsouth.com. 4:00 p.m. Sensory Friendly Saturdays. Free from 4-6 p.m. for families with autism spectrum disorder or other sensory processing needs. Located at Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr., Naples. Check naplesgarden.org. 4:30 p.m. Junior Campout at Rookery Bay. Gain outdoor skills and further your appreciation for the great outdoors of SWFL. Located at Rookery Bay, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Call 239-530-5940 or check rookerybay.org.
17 MONDAY
TNP KidzAct is Southwest Florida’s premier youth theatre program where children as young as four years old can experience the benefits of theatre education classes.
9:00 a.m. Estuary “Edventures” – Uplands & Ecotones. Student day camp for school vacation day. A day in the field with hands-on learning that will leave you with a greater understanding and appreciation of our local waters and wildlife. Located at Rookery Bay, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Call 239-530-5940 or check rookerybay.org.
18 TUESDAY
10:00 a.m. Manatees and Dolphins. Learn behaviors, anatomy, and fun facts about manatees and dolphins. Located at Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-992-0311 or check friendsofkoreshan.org.
19 WEDNESDAY
3:00 p.m. Lego Fun. Share ideas, be creative, and have fun. Bricks provided. All ages. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239-657- 2882 or check collierlibrary.org. 3:30 p.m. Cooking with Tish. Learn how to make a molten lava cake and home- made ice cream. Registration is required. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4542 or check collierlibrary.org.
20 THURSDAY
3:30 p.m. Lego Club. Ages 5-13. Share ideas, be creative, make new friends, and have fun. Bricks will be provided and your creation will be put on display. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check collierlibrary.org. 7:00 p.m. PFLAG Support Group Meeting. The Naples chapter of PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) meets on the third Thursday of each month. Visit pflagnaples.org or call 239-963-4670 for location.
22 SATURDAY
Nearly 50% of children enrolled in KidzAct programs receive some level of financial scholarship.
$79,591 in scholarships were provided to local children for KidzAct programs in 2018.
239.434.7340, EXT. 127 NAPLESPLAYERS.ORG 701 5TH AVENUE SOUTH • NAPLES, FL 34102 Contact: KENZIE CURRIE | Education Stage Manager
The all-new Second Edition is the perfect guide for visitors, local families, classrooms, homeschool groups and libraries. Twice as many colorful photos and illustrations...more super-fun attractions and experiences... more freaky factoids and inside tips. Plus, all the websites and phone numbers you need. It’s absolutely, positively not just for kids! Available in the best bookstores, gift shops, and on amazon.com.
art making, gallery activities, games, and more. Located at Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-939-2787 or check artinlee.org for additional information. 2:00 p.m. Mardi Gras Craft. All ages are welcome to create beautiful mask for Mardi Gras. All materials will be provided. Registration not required. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4542 or check collierlibrary.org. 3:00 p.m. Reading with Maggie. Practice your reading skills with our furry friend Maggie. She is a friendly and insured chocolate lab who loves children and enjoys reading. All ages. Located at Vanderbilt Beach Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-8444 or check collierlibrary.org.
25 TUESDAY
4:00 p.m. Teens: Mardi Gras Celebration. Snacks and a movie. Ages 11-17. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239-252-5135 or check collierlibrary.org. 5:00 p.m. Sensory Night at C’mon. For children on the autism spectrum and/ or with other sensory integration disorders. Limited participation to minimize crowds. Located at Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Check cmon.org or call 239-514-0084.
29 SATURDAY
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Full STEAM Ahead Fort Myers Grand Opening. Join us for free STEAM Activities, food, raffles, and more. Learn more about what we offer at our brand new location. Get 50% off one Fort Myers Summer Camp if you enroll during the grand opening. Located at Full STEAM Ahead, 1901 Brantley Rd., Fort Myers. Check fullsteamaheadfl.com or call 239-451-3142. 10:00 a.m. Cape Coral Strawberry Fest. Bounce house, food, arts & crafts, pony rides, face painting, games, contests, and more. Located at German American Club, 2101 SW Pine Island Rd., Cape Coral. Check capecoralfest.com.
