Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Still in the works is a 12,000-sq-ft visitors center, which is currently being built using
the highest level of sustainable innovation in construction. On completion it will house
botanical and environmental science laboratories to be shared with Florida Gulf Coast
University, as well as extensive visitor facilities.
Golisano Children's Museum of Naples MUSEUM
(C'MON; 239-514-0084; www.cmon.org ; )
Designed by kids (and child psychologists) for kids, it's hardly surprising that this interact-
ive children's museum is a big hit. At its center a trolley takes kids to different exhibits, in-
cluding a virtual pond, where they can observe fish and growing water plants, and a pro-
duce market, where fruit and veg are sorted and sold to other kid 'customers.' Best of all is
the Journey Through the Everglades with its boardwalk winding up into a 'tree' overlook-
ing a mangrove maze of 20 pods. It has hands-on learning experiences, enhanced by light
and sound installations signaling different day and night experiences.
The state-of-the-art building also incorporates the all-organic Garden Café.
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens ZOO
( 239-262-5409; www.napleszoo.com ; 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd; adult/child 3-12yr $20/13;
9am-5pm)
Caribbean Gardens is an Old Florida attraction that's been updated into a modest zoo.
Though it lacks some big-ticket species, it has narrated boat rides in a lake to visit free-
roaming, island-bound monkeys and some unique species such as honey badgers and the
Madagascan fosa, which looks something like a short-legged cougar. All presentations are
included in admission.
Naples Nature Center NATURE RESERVE
( 239-262-0304; www.conservancy.org/nature-center ; 1450 Merrihue Dr; adult/child 3-12 $13/9;
9:30am-4:30pm Mon-Sat)
One of Florida's premier nature-conservancy and advocacy nonprofits, the Conservancy of
Southwest Florida is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Florida's environ-
ment and its preservation. While the new Discovery Center immerses visitors in southwest
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