Life In Bonita Springs

Swim at Bonita Springs Community Pool | 158/365 Things to Do

I stopped by the City of Bonita Springs community pool recently because I had heard they have affordable swim classes for children in the summertime, My son, who is 3 years old, is almost swimming but would benefit from lessons.  Florida is full of water; canals, lakes and pool homes so it is really important for children to know how to swim here.

They have 4 summer swim lesson sessions in summer 2019:

• June 10-20 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am
• June 24-July 5 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am
• July 8-18 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am
• July 22-Aug 1 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am

OR

Saturdays June 15-August 3 10:00am or 11:00 am

Lessons are $45 per child per session and there is preschool, beginner, intermediate, advanced beginner, and advanced.  There are a variety of other pool activities for adults, too.  You can contact the parks department directly at (239) 947-1948 for other program schedules.

The Bonita Springs Community Pool is location off of West Terry Street at 26890 Pine Avenue Bonita Springs, Florida.  It is walking distance from The Plan of Riverside, Helfenstein Estates and Bonita Farms neighborhoods.

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About the Author - Jenna Hatfield is a life-long resident of Bonita Springs, Florida and mother of two boys.

Art Walk Fort Myers River District | 157/365 Things to Do

The first Friday of the month is Art Walk Fort Myers in the River District of Downtown Fort Myers, Florida. If you’ve not been it’s a great time!  On the first Friday from 6 -10 pm each month the city comes alive! Besides exhibits at over fourteen galleries you can also meet the artists and watch live art demonstrations. 

During Art Walk, First Street is closed to automobiles and is pedestrians only. Art Vendors may be in front of the galleries but summer of 2019 they are inside during the summer due to the rainy season. There are a variety of street performers, hoola-hoopers, musicians, dancers and all around interesting characters. We saw ‘Jesus’ walking around in Teva sandals.  Like I said, Characters.

Many of the shops and boutiques are open plus many of the local restaurants and bars so you can eat and enjoy local restaurant fare from sit down dining to grab and go slices of pizza 

There is parking in lots, on street and a parking garage.  The river front is only a block or so off so you can even take a walk to the Caloosahatchee River to watch the sun go down.

Art Walk is rain or shine!  If you would like more info, https://www.facebook.com/fortmyersartwalk

Play at the Rec Center Playground | 156/365 Things to Do

Our favorite park in Bonita Springs is near the recreation center located at 26738 Pine Ave, Bonita Springs, FL 34135. It is one of the newest playgrounds in the area that was built in the fall of 2017.

We are always looking for active, fun things to do with our kids and absolutely love the new rubber flooring for safer tumbles and falls. They have new climbing equipment for the younger children and more advanced equipment the older children. I asked both my kids their favorite part about this park and my youngest son said that there is a scavenger hunt on one of the playgrounds with a map to find certain items. My oldest son said the giant climbing spider web. There is picnic tables for a snack break or lunch in between playtime.

The park has easy access. Parking is free and the playground is fenced for safety.  If you’re familiar with the Bonita Springs Public Library and Community Pool it is in close proximity and located behind them as view from West Terry Street.

Read also: Bonita Springs Rec Center | Things to Do With Kids

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About the Author - Jenna Hatfield is a life-long resident of Bonita Springs, Florida and mother of two boys.

Paesano’s Italian Market | 155/365 Things to Do in Cape Coral

Last year when leaving the military museum in Cape Coral Jerry and I accidentally recognized Paesano’s Italian Market.  We had heard the commercials and lo and behold it was before us.  We circled the block and came back to the store.  Since we’re huge fans of Deromos in The Promenade of Bonita Springs we thought it would be great to compare.

First, there are so many pastas.  I love pasta from Italy and I feel so much better after I eat it compared to American wheat/pasta.  (It’s a thing)  Second, the meats and cheeses were outrageous in selection. We aren’t wine drinkers but there would be plenty of wine from which to choose, also. 

By comparison the prices were great at Paesano’s. It’s certainly worth the drive to Cape Coral to shop for your Italian deli needs.  You can even get a bite to eat while you are there at their Patio Café. If you go you can find a few fun things to do such as visit the burrowing owls or tour the SWFL Military Museum around the corner.

To learn more about Paesano’s Italian Market and Patio Café you can visit their website, here: http://www.paesanositalianmarket.com/

Tiki Cruise Naples or Bonita Springs | 154/365 Things to Do

How fun is this? A Tiki Cruise in Naples! Recently, I had some out of town guest visiting from South Carolina and one of them was celebrating a birthday. After I researched a few fun things to do I discovered Tiki Cruises Naples.

We originally had booked the Tiki to go out of the Naples location by Celebration Park but found out that they had just added a boat in Bonita Springs that leaves from the dock near The Fish House on Bonita Beach Road.

What is a Tiki Cruise you ask? It is literally a Tiki Bar boat! You cruise the back bays or the water ways. You may bring food, alcohol, water and whatever else you may need! There is a 6 person max on the boat. They offer ice, cups and a bluetooth speaker so you can cruise along the water listening to whatever music that you want.

We had the privilege of having Captain Lee and the owner Melissa drive our Tiki Boat, both were amazing and super accommodating. Melissa had cute props and sunglasses for photo opps and they would stop the boat for any dolphin and wildlife sightings.They also set us up in the perfect spot on the water to watch the sun go down. They offer 2,3, or 4 hour cruises with different times available. We did the sunset cruise and I would highly recommend it.

You can get more information and pricing at www.cruisintikinaples.com or contact Melissa at 239-734-0670

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About the Author - Jenna Hatfield is a life-long resident of Bonita Springs, Florida and mother of two boys.

Paddle to Mound Key | 153/365 Things to Do

Located in the middle of Estero Bay is one of the highest points in the area, Mound Key.  The key or island is an Indian shell mound that rise more than 30 feet high and is estimated to date back nearly 2000 years. You can read a little history about Mound Key, here:

Mound Key Archaeological Site Estero Florida and I also wrote something for Spotlight, here,

Mound Key Archeological State Park on Estero Bay, Florida

The site is only accessible by boat from the southern end of Estero Island, just north of Bonita Springs.  The closest boat ramp and causeway area is at Carl Johnson State Park at Lover's Key near Dog Beach.  Kayaks and canoes are available for rent and there are some vendors who will meet you at Black Island to launch you closer to Mound Key.  You can find a larger list of Bonita Springs boat ramps, here Bonita Springs Public Boat Ramps.

If you go a tip is to bring a lot of water, sunscreen and pack a lunch. You’ll be isolated so if you download the Publix app you can order subs in advance and pick them up in the open cooler beside the deli. It’s the fastest way to get in and out of a store for boating supplies.

Most of all, have fun. It’s a great experience and you’ll probably not see a lot of people so you can enjoy your family and being outdoors.

Big Cypress Gallery Clyde Butcher | 152/365 Things to Do

There are more than a few fun things to do in Big Cypress that don’t involve going into the Everglades and one of them is touring the Big Cypress Gallery.  The Big Cypress Gallery showcases the photographic artistry of Clyde Butcher who is a noted photograph who specializes in outdoor and landscape photography, primarily in the Florida Everglades.

Whether you’re a tourist or a resident living in the Bonita Springs area you can appreciate the work.  He’s been to places in the swamp that both you and I will never get to and he’s taken photos that are considered national treasures.  The photos are available in a variety of sizes and make great souvenirs.

If you go plan a little time to stop at a few other locations such as the Ochopee Post Office and Big Cypress Bend Boarwalk that is on the way to Big Cypress.

If you’re looking for a little extra adventure sign up for one of the Big Cypress Swamp Walks.  Read also, Clyde Butcher Swamp Walk | 133/365 Things to Do

Catch a Home Game Miami Marlins | 151/365 Things to Do

The beauty of Florida being such a narrow state is the east coast is just a short drive away.  It’s only about an hour and a half to Fort Lauderdale. It’s not unusual for Bonita Springs residents to use east coast airports to catch more appealing flights to international destinations.  Miami is just a little further than Fort Lauderdale so when the Mets come to play the Marlins we’ve gone over for a game or two.

Our last adventure from SWFL involved taking the whole family to see a game. We loaded up in a few cars, met a few other family members in Naples and high tailed it to the game. In total there were about ten of us who attended the game. It’s an easy drive over and good wholesome entertainment. Our littlest just loved it and was amazed that when the game was over the ceiling rolled back!  Yes, the stadium is air conditioned. That means everything in Florida.

Sadly, the games aren’t that popular these days but the good news is that you have great choices of the best seats.  Go to the game and eat some fun stadium food. Your kids will love it.

For other fun things to do on the east coast of Florida, read also:

Cruise From Port Miami 127/365 Things To Do

River Park Art In Public Places | 150/365 Things to Do

Both Bonita Springs and Naples have a significant amount of ‘art in public places’ positioned around town.  Besides the downtown Bonita Springs murals and artworks there are significant works of art located at River Park which is (not to be confused with Riverside Park) located on US 41 just south of the Imperial River bridge. 

River Park is a pet friendly park so if you’re looking for a place to walk man’s best friend this would be a great experience.  Entry to the park is free and there are a few parking spaces on either side of the park .  There are about a dozen pieces of art in the park from stationary sculptures to kinetic art that moves with the wind.

You can learn more about the park here

River Park at Imperial River | Bonita Springs, Florida

Also, you can learn more about art in public places here:

Art in Public at Artis Naples | 137/365 Things to Do

Mural Art in Public Places Bonita Springs, FL 142/365 Things to Do

Military Heritage Museum Punta Gorda | 149/365 Things to Do

Located in Punta Gorda not far from Fisherman’s Village and the Vietnam Memorial Wall is the Military Heritage Museum.  The museum offers more than 17,000 square feet, including three galleries with many new interactive exhibits, a 245-seat theater capable of showing movies and live performances. The Future Force Academy activity areas featuring air, land and sea simulators, along with virtual and augmented reality experiences!

The museum is located on 900 West Marion Ave Punta Gorda, just a few steps away from the former location in Fishermen’s Village. Hours are 10AM -5:00 PM Monday through Saturday and Noon to 5:00PM on Sunday. For more information go to the Museum’s upcoming events at www.freedomisntfree.org/upcoming-events/

If you are looking for interesting things to do in SWFL consider a visit to the Military Heritage Museum in Punta Gorda, Florida. 

To learn more about the Military Heritage Museum, read also: https://freedomisntfree.org