My kids really enjoyed the beaches in Ft. Myers. They swam in the ocean every day, even collected dozens of different seashells to bring home including horse conchs, Lightning whelks ad Atlantic Calico scallop shells. But you aren't allowed to take the sand dollars home unless they are already out of the water and not living. You are reminded of this all the time. We were able to walk to the "Square" as they call it, where there are live street performers, icecream, fresh seafood restaurants, we were even there for their Taste of Ft. Myers days in June. You could walk down the pier and fish off the end if you chose. My kids made a competition of the fishing excursion we went on with Adventures in Paradise. They would see who would catch the most fish, the biggest fish and who caught the first one (wish I could say it was me). They cheered for the other kids and adults on the cruise who caught fish as well, even the blowfish. Fishing can be done from the pier, the beach, wading, or through any one of the charters available. (Rod and reels available for rent too!) My favorite outdoor sport is kayaking, of course no trip is complete for me without it. We went to Captiva Kayak Company, across the causeway to experience the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail. Our guide pointed out different birds and fish, and explained what has transpired since the hurricanes in 2005. He is a naturalist and is passionate about the waterways, our wildlife and the sea bed. We saw osprey, other wading birds, dolphins and stingray. Our kids enjoyed the Edison and Ford Winter Estate as much any any kids, thats nice can we go now. The museum is fun for kids with their hands-on exhibits for the really young to the summer camps and experiments to learn about. We usually cooked and prepared meals at our condo on the beach, and ate dinner out. We enjoyed The Beached whale, the Oasis and other local, colorful restaurants, unique to the area.