Stuff to with elderly parents in Naples, Florida?

January 22, 2020 7:58 PM

My folks have lived in Naples for 15 years or so, so I've been to all the highlights--Billie's Swamp Safari, the botanical garden, the zoo, oh god the zoo. Are there other cool museums, tours, anything?
posted by Camofrog to Travel & Transportation around Naples, FL (5 answers total)

Have you been to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary about 35 miles NE of Naples? It's a protected area of about 13,000 acres run by the National Audubon Society, consisting of pine flatwoods, wet prairie, stands of pond cypress and bald cypress, and marsh ecosystems.

It's very easy to navigate for anyone with mobility issues, as there is a boardwalk loop that allows access to a good section of the sanctuary. Water levels may be low this time of year, but you'll see lots of different bird species wintering in the area, maybe some alligators, and beautiful marshy forests.

Check out this video in the sanctuary from a few years ago [make sure to watch til the end!]
posted by theory at 8:41 PM on January 22, 2020

Maybe try taking a boat to key west for the day?
I think there's a ferry service that runs daily
posted by jimmereeno at 12:55 PM on January 23, 2020

is Sarasota too long a drive for them? The Ringling has several days worth of stuff to do.
posted by brujita at 2:11 PM on January 23, 2020

Aw, I like the zoo.

Anyway, maybe there's a good show at the Gulfshore Playhouse? We saw Chicago there a few years ago, with John "Seinfeld's J Peterman" O'Hurley as one of the leads. Really good!

It's anything but cool, but we do like puttering around Tin City, buying some soap from Naples Soap Company.

Honestly, wandering up and down 5th Avenue and having dinner at Osteria Tulia is about as good as it gets with my in-laws.
posted by schoolgirl report at 5:31 PM on January 23, 2020

Response by poster: Thank you, everybody, these are all great suggestions.
posted by Camofrog at 1:47 PM on January 27, 2020