Where to Stay and Play with the Whole Family
There’s a reason that many families have called Fort Myers their happy place for generations. Once you find a place that truly fulfills you and your loved ones, you’re going to want to keep coming back. We have so many family-friendly hotels and resorts to choose from (and we consider pets family, too!), whether you want to be near the beach, on the water, or in the heart of downtown. Here are some of the best kid-friendly places to stay for some wholesome Southwest Florida fun.
Long stretches of shell-covered sand, 26 miles of bike paths, and pristine nature reserves — it’s no wonder Sanibel Island was named one of The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2025 by the experts at Travel + Leisure magazine. As part of this huge honor, Travel + Leisure singled out properties such as the Gulf-front Sanibel Island Beach Resort with its spacious suites and the fully equipped condos at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa with one-, two-, and three-bedroom spaces.
On nearby Captiva Island, South Seas island resort has long been known as a popular family getaway. More than 330 acres are nestled within lush mangroves as part of a wildlife preserve and estuary, meaning there are endless outdoor activities for families to enjoy. Past generations have spent time on Sunset Beach, the trio of pools, and the nearby marina, and the resort is being elevated and reimagined to even greater heights.
WhereverFamily has named ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa one of the best family resorts for a holiday weekend — and you can even bring the family dog, too! Set on 13 acres on Captiva Island, charming cottages offer plenty of space for families of all sizes, as well as all the outdoor beauty of the Gulf of Mexico and Pine Island Sound. Try paddling or boating, plunge into the Olympic-sized pool, or bring the little ones to the wading pool.
Year after year, the readers of Condé Nast Traveler have put Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina at the top of their Readers’ Choice Award. Considered a paradise for kids and parents alike, this luxurious resort has one- and two-bedroom units, three heated pools, and motorized sports for days. Young ones will love the daily Kidds Kammp, while grown-ups might want to learn how to sail or grab a drink on the beach.
Kid-friendly, adult-friendly, and pet-friendly, Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa is full of fun at every level. Splash into fun with three acres of waterslides, a lazy river, and multiple pools, and take advantage of a free excursion across Estero Bay for a day of wildlife spotting on Big Hickory Island. Everyone will be tempted by the menus across five different restaurants and bars, and while the kids are busy at Camp Hyatt, the grown-ups can slip away to the award-winning Stillwater Spa.
Vacation home rentals are another great option for families, giving you privacy and all the comforts of home.
There are plenty more places to stay in Fort Myers and beyond. From exceptional resorts and vacation homes to cozy beach cottages, campgrounds and B&Bs, there are accommodations to fit every budget and every style of travel. Explore savings here and check hotel sites for a variety of special offers, from longer stay discounts to lower Florida resident rates.
