Top 10 Things to do Good for Kids in Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands, Southwest Gulf Coast

September 15, 2021 Augustus Redeker

Discover the best top things to do in Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands, United States including Military Heritage Museum, Babcock Ranch Preserve, Fishermen's Village, Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary And Rehabilitation Center, Peace River Wildlife Center, Stump Pass Beach State Park, Charlotte Stone Crabs, Ollie's Pond Park, Manasota Key Beach, Lemon Bay Park.
Restaurants in Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands

1. Military Heritage Museum

900 W Marion Ave Fishermen's Village, Punta Gorda, FL 33950-5308 +1 941-575-9002 [email protected] http://freedomisntfree.org/
Excellent
88%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 32 reviews

Military Heritage Museum

The Military Heritage Museum recently moved to a new location: 900 W. Marion Ave. in Punta Gorda Fl . Just a few steps away from Fishermen's Village, the Museum has over 17,000 sq ft of exhibit and activity areas. On the first level, take a walk-through history through three unique galleries; from the Revolutionary War through modern conflicts. Visit the Hall of Hero's gallery and its special Medal of Honor exhibit. On the second level become part of history, through simulations and virtual reality including aircraft, tank, and naval simulators. Take a special forces "parachute jump" or drive a "tank" - two incredible virtual reality experiences we offer. Also found on the second floor is our Academy Library and ancestry research. Be sure to visit the War Room, Library and our our 247-seat Gulf theater.

Reviewed By Daleanator - Punta Gorda, United States

The overall quality is amazing with the inexpensive entry. This is a wonderful place to both learn and teach history with a wonderful group of volunteers and workers. From the extensive displays of artifacts to the amazing virtual reality goggles, this really is a place to learn and explore history.

2. Babcock Ranch Preserve

Punta Gorda, FL +1 800-500-5583 http://myfwc.com/viewing/recreation/wmas/cooperative/babcock-ranch-preserve
Excellent
71%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 218 reviews

Babcock Ranch Preserve

Reviewed By RVandHotelTraveling - Metro Minneapolis-Saint Paul, United States

This was a hidden gem of an experience!! We were visiting the Ft Myers area during spring break and the beaches were jam packed so we were looking for alternatives and found Babcock Preserve Eco Tour!! Ticket prices were very affordable for a 90 minute tour through a preserve/swamp that has 4 different eco systems and is a working ranch!! Not only were there tons of gators but there were heritage cattle and wild pigs (with many cute piglets) that come running after the swamp buggy for corn! We saw tons of different cranes and other birds!! Kids to grandparents enjoyed the ride! I would definitely recommend checking out Babcock Eco Tours!! Our guide Andrea was very knowledgeable about the history of the land and the animals roaming about

3. Fishermen's Village

1200 W Retta Esplanade #57a, Punta Gorda, FL 33950-5325 +1 800-639-0020 [email protected] http://www.fishville.com/
Excellent
51%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,257 reviews

Fishermen's Village

Fishermen's Village Waterfront Mall, Resort, and Marina offers something for everyone. Shopping, dining, live entertainment, and water adventures await locals and travelers. With over 30 boutique shops and 5 different restaurants, you are sure to find something that pleases you and your family.

Reviewed By 934mickieg

This is a must stop if you're in the Punta Gorda area. Located right on the bay with lots of unique shops and wonderful restaurants! We liked it so much we came back 3 times during our 5 day stay. Each restaurants food was wonderful and service was top notch! Will definitely come back next time we're in town!

4. Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary And Rehabilitation Center

41660 Horseshoe Rd, Punta Gorda, FL 33982-7767 +1 239-543-1130 [email protected] http://www.octagonwildlife.org/
Excellent
75%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 369 reviews

Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary And Rehabilitation Center

Reviewed By testoreviews - Crystal Lake, United States

So. Many. Tigers!!! We came here with our young children and were so close to these beautiful BIG CATS! There were tons of other animals too, Bears, Lions, Tigers, Bobcats, Hyenas, Lilly the Black Leopard, monkeys, birds, foxes, goats, and so much more. Each animal with their own story, and each animal loved so dearly by the volunteers who run this place. I would highly suggest this place to any and all Florida vacationers.

5. Peace River Wildlife Center

3400 Ponce de Leon Pkwy, Punta Gorda, FL 33950-6312 +1 941-637-3830 [email protected] http://prwildlife.org/
Excellent
75%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,016 reviews

Peace River Wildlife Center

The Mission of the Peace River Wildlife Center is to contribute to the survival of native Florida wildlife through rescue, rehabilitation and education. The Center and our gift shop is open to the public for tours everyday from 11a – 4p and our hospital accepts wildlife intakes from 8a – 5p everyday, 7 days per week, 365 days per year including all holidays. We do not charge an admission fee but donations are greatly appreciated and needed to support our mission. Your donations and gift store purchases go directly to the care of our wildlife patients and residents. The PRWC does not receive any federal government support. The costs involved in maintaining these educational displays and to feed almost 120 permanent residents and more than 2,500 patient admissions annually is nearly $80,000 per year. All of the Peace River Wildlife Center’s expenses are met through donations, our recycling program, gift shop sales and small grants. PRWC’s mission is carried out primarily by volunteers

Reviewed By MNDoodles - Stillwater, United States

A donation of only $5.00 per adult provides a great opportunity to see many birds being very well cared for, birds who can’t be released into the wild due to various past injuries. We saw bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, barred owls, white and brown pelicans, osprey and many other birds in well maintained and comfortable enclosures which give visitors an up-close look at these beautiful creatures. The volunteers were very helpful and answered all my questions. 82 per cent of all birds brought to the refuge are eventually released back into nature and those who can’t be released serve as refuge ambassadors for their species to help educate young and old alike. The gift shop is awesome; all proceeds go to help care for the birds. We loved this refuge and highly recommend a visit when in Punta Gorda.

6. Stump Pass Beach State Park

Englewood, FL http://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Stump-Pass
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,092 reviews

Stump Pass Beach State Park

Reviewed By 793davido - Englewood, United States

tucked away at the end of the Key - a great hidden gem for beach-combing for shark teeth- kayaking - picnic - has facility very inexspensive to stay for the day $3.00- hit the local Grocery store for cold soft fdrink and the grocery store always has a 12 sub special - spent a day and watch the sunsets over the Gulf

7. Charlotte Stone Crabs

2300 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte, FL 33948-1109 +1 727-545-9811 http://charlotte.stonecrabs.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t2730
Excellent
63%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 214 reviews

Charlotte Stone Crabs

We are the single-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays and the only minor league baseball team in Charlotte County. Although we are a baseball team, there is something for everyone with the Stone Crabs including nightly on-field entertainment.

Reviewed By 178margies - Rutland, United States

If you haven’t been to a Stonecrabs game yet you are really missing out on a great time. The stadium is beautifully designed the field is Always cut and maintained incredibly, the food is great and Stonecrabs fans are the best people to be around! If you live within an hour of the Stonecrabs stadium, believe you will Always feel it was worth the drive to watch our Florida team play!!

8. Ollie's Pond Park

18235 Avon Ave, Port Charlotte, FL +1 941-625-7529 http://www.charlottecountyfl.com/CommunityServices/ParkPages/ollies.asp
Excellent
51%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 101 reviews

Ollie's Pond Park

Reviewed By 349karing - Port Charlotte, United States

April 2020, so yes the water in the pond is very low. But, the birds are still here, so are our locals that come out for a nice walk in this nature setting. It does not matter if you walk slow or run. Your fellow nature lovers will be friendly, greet you with a smile and possibly even have a small talk with you.

9. Manasota Key Beach

8570 Manasota Key Rd, Englewood, FL 34223-9503
Excellent
69%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,010 reviews

Manasota Key Beach

Reviewed By 920greggw

Great beach with restrooms, a lifeguard station parking is across the street with a bit of a walk during season.

10. Lemon Bay Park

570 Bay Park Blvd, Englewood, FL 34223-2611 +1 941-861-5000 http://www.discovernaturalsarasota.org/listing/lemon-bay-park-and-environmental-center-englewood/
Excellent
67%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 184 reviews

Lemon Bay Park

Reviewed By hollyndaze - Venice, United States

A trail-laden forest amid fantastic pines and oaks and other shrubs, mangroves along the beautiful bay observed from the elevated and railed boardwalk. This peaceful and relaxing place is a wonderful site to enjoy the quiet, watch for birds and enjoy the lovely smells of nature. Watched a Great Horned Owl surveying the park from his high perch--no concern about us below so I was able to get a few really nice pictures. We'll come back, next time with our dog as the park is dog-friendly, and maybe bring a picnic lunch.

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