Hey friends! It’s Hannah from Belle on the Boardwalk, and if you’re searching for one of the best things to do in Naples with kids, let me introduce you to one of my favorite hidden gems—The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, better known as C’MON.
As much as I love our gorgeous beaches and stunning sunsets, let’s be honest—Florida weather doesn’t always cooperate. Some days are simply too hot, too rainy, or too humid for a beach day. That’s exactly when C’MON becomes the perfect family escape.
This isn’t your typical museum where kids quietly walk around looking at exhibits. Nope! This is a place where children can climb, splash, build, create, and let their imaginations run wild. The entire museum is designed around hands-on learning, which means your little ones won’t even realize they’re learning because they’ll be having way too much fun.
If you’re planning a family vacation in Naples or looking for a fun weekend activity with the kids, here’s everything you need to know before you visit.
What Is the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples?
The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (C’MON) is Southwest Florida’s first museum dedicated entirely to children and learning through play.
Instead of reading signs and looking at displays from behind glass, kids get to become part of the experience. Every exhibit encourages exploration, creativity, and curiosity.
The museum focuses on helping children develop important life skills like:
- Problem-solving
- Creativity
- Teamwork
- Social interaction
- Confidence and independence
- Early science and engineering skills
Honestly, it feels more like one giant indoor playground with an educational twist.
Why Families Love C’MON
I’ve talked to so many local parents who say this museum has become their go-to spot when they need to get the kids out of the house.
And after visiting, I totally understand why.
Kids love it because:
- They can touch everything.
- They get to climb and move around.
- Every room feels like a new adventure.
- There are endless opportunities for pretend play.
Parents love it because:
- It’s educational without feeling like school.
- It’s completely indoors and air-conditioned.
- The exhibits are safe and age-appropriate.
- Kids stay entertained for hours.
Honestly, finding an attraction that both kids and parents enjoy is pretty rare.
Location and Visitor Information
The museum is conveniently located inside North Collier County Regional Park, making it easy to pair your visit with other family-friendly activities nearby.
Address:
15080 Livingston Road
Naples, FL 34109
Phone:
239-514-0084
Website:
www.cmon.org
Current Hours:
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Hours can occasionally change for holidays or special events, so it’s always a good idea to check before visiting.
One of my favorite things? Parking is completely free. If you’ve ever paid beach parking fees in Southwest Florida, you know that’s a huge win.
The Best Exhibits Inside the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
This is where the magic happens.
Every exhibit is designed to make learning feel like play.
1. The Giant Banyan Tree
This is one of the museum’s most iconic attractions.
Kids can climb, crawl, and explore the massive tree structure while developing balance and motor skills.
I swear, most kids could spend an hour here alone.
2. Water Play Area
Bring a change of clothes because this section is always a hit.
Children can experiment with:
- Water currents
- Floating objects
- Dams and movement
- Cause and effect
It’s basically a mini science lab disguised as a splash zone.
3. Everglades Exhibit
Living in Florida means teaching our kids about our incredible ecosystem, and this exhibit does exactly that.
Children learn about:
- Florida wildlife
- Native habitats
- Wetlands
- Conservation
It’s educational and uniquely Floridian at the same time.
4. Pretend Play Town
This area is adorable.
Kids can become:
- Grocery store clerks
- Doctors
- Construction workers
- Restaurant owners
- Veterinarians
Watching little imaginations come to life here is honestly one of my favorite parts of the museum.
5. STEM Discovery Areas
These exhibits introduce children to:
- Engineering
- Building concepts
- Physics
- Simple machines
- Problem-solving
The activities are designed to be fun first and educational second—which is exactly why they work so well.
Why C’MON Is So Much More Than a Playground
I love attractions that secretly teach kids while they’re having fun.
At C’MON, children are learning every second they’re there.
They’re developing:
- Critical thinking skills
- Creativity
- Social skills
- Scientific curiosity
- Engineering concepts
- Early literacy and communication
And perhaps most importantly?
They’re spending time away from screens.
As a parent, that’s something I can definitely appreciate.
Best Time to Visit
If you’re hoping to avoid the biggest crowds, I recommend:
✔️ Weekday mornings
✔️ School days during the year
✔️ Early arrival right at opening
Summer afternoons and rainy days can get busier since it’s one of the most popular indoor attractions in Naples.
How Long Should You Spend Here?
I recommend planning for 2 to 4 hours.
Some families stay even longer because there’s simply so much for kids to do.
It’s honestly the perfect half-day adventure.
Who Will Love This Museum?
C’MON is perfect for:
- Toddlers
- Preschoolers
- Elementary-aged children
- Grandparents visiting family
- Parents looking for educational activities
- Vacationing families
- Homeschool groups
The exhibits are designed for children from infancy through age 14, although most families say kids under 10 get the most out of the experience.
My Favorite Way to Spend the Day
Here’s my perfect Naples family itinerary:
Morning: Explore C’MON.
Lunch: Grab food nearby.
Afternoon: Head over to one of Naples’ beautiful parks or beaches.
You get the perfect balance of indoor fun and outdoor Florida sunshine.
Helpful Tips Before You Go
✔️ Arrive early.
✔️ Bring socks and comfortable clothes.
✔️ Pack a change of clothes for water play.
✔️ Allow extra time—kids never want to leave.
✔️ Take lots of pictures because the exhibits are incredibly colorful and fun.
✔️ Check the museum’s website for seasonal programs and special events.
Seasonal Events and Programs
One thing many visitors don’t realize is that C’MON hosts:
- Summer camps
- Educational workshops
- Holiday events
- Story times
- Sensory-friendly programs
- Birthday parties
- Community events
These programs make every visit feel a little different.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best age for the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples?
The museum is designed for children ages 0-14, but toddlers through elementary-aged kids generally enjoy it the most.
2. Is C’MON good for toddlers?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s one of the best toddler-friendly attractions in Naples because everything is designed for hands-on exploration.
3. How long should you plan for a visit?
Most families spend between two and four hours exploring the exhibits.
4. Is parking free?
Yes! Free parking is available at North Collier County Regional Park.
5. Is the museum indoors?
Yes. The museum is completely indoors and air-conditioned, making it perfect for hot or rainy Florida days.
Final Thoughts: Is the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples Worth Visiting?
Without a doubt—yes.
The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples is one of those places that perfectly combines education, creativity, and fun.
Whether your child loves climbing, building, pretending, or simply exploring, there’s something here for everyone.
If you’re visiting Naples with kids, I highly recommend adding C’MON to your itinerary. It offers a wonderful break from the beach and creates the kind of family memories you’ll be talking about long after your vacation ends.
Trust me—your kids won’t want to leave, and honestly, you might have just as much fun as they do.
