Kid Friendly Days in Punta Gorda
Families do well in Punta Gorda when they plan around museums, animals and short boat rides rather than a beach. The harbor is muddy, with oyster bars, stingrays and alligators nearby, so it is for looking at, not swimming. Sandy Gulf beaches are a drive away at Englewood Beach and Boca Grande. Summer is hot and stormy, and hurricane season runs 1 June to 30 November, so keep indoor options in reserve.
Rainy day or hot afternoon
The Military Heritage Museum at 900 W Marion Ave fills about 17,000 square feet and holds more than 20,000 artifacts. It is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 to 4. Tickets are $18 for adults 15 and up, $14 for veterans and $10 for youth 5 to 14. Children under 5 and active duty military get in free. From May to July the flight simulators, virtual reality and smokeless laser range run from 10 to 2. The museum closes on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Animals up close
The Peace River Wildlife Center cares for native animals that cannot be released back to the wild. Its education center and gift shop are open from 11 to 4 at 3400 Ponce de Leon Pkwy, entry is free and donations are welcome. A larger education center is still being funded and built, so check prwildlife.org for current hours before you go.
A ride on the ranch
Babcock Ranch Eco Tours, at 8502 FL-31, offers a 90-minute swamp buggy trip. Ask about the child fare when you book through FareHarbor or on 800-500-5583, because only the adult fare, around $27, is widely quoted. Bring sunscreen, a hat and bug spray.
Trails and gardens
Alligator Creek Preserve, at 10941 Burnt Store Rd, has about 4 miles of trails open from dawn to dusk, with free entry. Call CHEC on 941-575-5435 before you go, and ask about visitor center hours, which differ between sources.
The Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens, at 5827 Riverside Dr, cover about 30 acres. Students from 6 to 17 pay $10, and ages 0 to 5 are free. Adults pay $21 and seniors 65 and up pay $18. Hours are daily from 9 to 4 between October and May. From June to September the gardens open Tuesday to Sunday, 9 to 2, and close on Mondays and 4 July. Last entry is 45 minutes before closing.
On the water
King Fisher Fleet’s Harbor Tour starts at about $42 for 1.5 hours, and in December the Christmas Light Canal Cruise starts at about $37 for 1 or 2 hours. Both leave from Fishermen’s Village, where the pier and shops are good for a snack and a look at the boats.
Safety for children
- Keep young children well back from the water’s edge, because alligators live in fresh and brackish water.
- Put water shoes on anyone who wades, to guard against oyster bars and stingrays.
- Head indoors at the first sign of lightning.
- Carry water and sun protection on the trails.
Read more: Punta Gorda activities covers the wider mix of things to do, and group activities helps with larger parties.
Museum details are at the Military Heritage Museum site and garden prices at Peace River Gardens . Boat and ranch outings can be compared on Viator .