Best Ways To Celebrate Earth Day 2025 in Southwest Florida
Top Events and Family Activities in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, and Beyond
Looking for the best ways to celebrate Earth Day in Southwest Florida? Whether you’re in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, or the surrounding areas, Earth Day 2025 offers tons of fun and meaningful activities to honor our planet. From exciting community festivals to hands-on nature projects, there are plenty of ways to connect with the environment and give back to your community.
In this guide, we’ll cover the top Earth Day events happening in Southwest Florida and share some family-friendly, eco-conscious activities that make a positive impact. Whether you want to attend a festival in Fort Myers or explore nature in Naples, we’ve got you covered!
Disclosure: Event details may change without notice. We are not responsible for changes or cancellations. Please check the event website or contact organizers directly for the latest updates.
Top Earth Day Events in Southwest Florida (2025)
Earth Day Birthday Celebration
Location: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
Address: 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL
Date & Time: Saturday, April 19, 2025, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Website: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
Celebrate Earth Day at the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium with a full day of fun, learning, and outdoor activities. This event is perfect for families looking to spend quality time outdoors while learning about conservation.
Event Highlights:
- Guided nature hikes through the 105-acre preserve
- Live animal presentations showcasing local wildlife
- Hands-on arts and crafts for kids
- Local vendor booths with eco-friendly products
- Interactive exhibits focusing on conservation
- Food trucks serving local favorites
This event is great for families who want to get outside, enjoy nature, and learn how they can make a positive impact on the planet.
Earth Day Festival at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida
Location: Conservancy of Southwest Florida
Address: 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples, FL
Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
More information about the event on my article about the Earth Day Festival 2025 here.
This festival is one of the largest Earth Day celebrations in the area, and it’s packed with activities for nature lovers of all ages. Whether you’re a kid or just a kid at heart, there’s something here for everyone.
Event Highlights:
- Kid Zone with nature games, crafts, and hands-on activities
- Electric boat rides on the Gordon River
- Specialty presentations on wildlife conservation
- Food trucks offering local cuisine
- Face painting and fun giveaways
- Guided nature walks and educational sessions
- Exhibits from local environmental organizations, including the Naples Zoo and Naples Botanical Garden
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Dalton Discovery Center and John + Carol Walter Discovery Wing exhibits while learning about Florida’s unique ecosystems.
Earth Day Celebration and The Lorax
Location: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fort Myers
Address: 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers, FL
Date & Time: Saturday, April 26, 2025, 9:30 a.m. – Noon
Contact: 239-561-2700
Join in a celebration of trees and conservation at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fort Myers. This event features a special ribbon-cutting ceremony for their newly accredited arboretum and a performance of Dr. Seuss’s classic The Lorax at 10:45 a.m.
Event Highlights:
- Dramatic performance of The Lorax
- Guided tours of the arboretum led by knowledgeable docents
- Opportunities to connect with local environmental groups
- Food truck offering local treats
This event is perfect for families and anyone who loves trees and nature. Plus, the performance of The Lorax is a wonderful way to teach kids about environmental responsibility.
Meaningful Earth Day Activities for Families in Southwest Florida
Looking for meaningful ways to celebrate Earth Day with your family in Southwest Florida? Whether you’re in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, or nearby areas, there are plenty of eco-friendly activities that make a positive impact while bringing families closer to nature. From beach clean-ups and butterfly gardening to nature scavenger hunts and exploring local parks, these hands-on experiences are perfect for making Earth Day both fun and educational. Plus, we’ll share tips on the best spots for shelling and how to support local farmers while celebrating Earth Day. Read on to discover the best Earth Day activities for families in Southwest Florida!
Beach and Park Clean-Ups
One of the most rewarding ways to give back on Earth Day is by joining a beach or park clean-up. Southwest Florida’s beautiful coastlines and parks are popular spots but can get littered, especially after busy seasons. Participating in a clean-up helps protect wildlife and keeps our natural spaces beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
Recommended Clean-Up Spots:
- Fort Myers Beach: Local groups often organize clean-ups at popular areas like Lovers Key and Bowditch Point. Bring gloves, a reusable bucket, and plenty of sunscreen!
- Cape Coral’s Four Freedoms Park: Help clear litter from the playground and waterfront. This park is great for families to make a visible difference while enjoying a day outdoors.
- Clam Pass Beach in Naples: This beautiful beach is known for its boardwalk and mangrove forest. Picking up litter here not only helps wildlife but also preserves the natural beauty. To plan your visit, check out our Clam Pass Beach Guide.
- Sanibel Island Lighthouse Beach Park: Known for being one of the best shelling spots in the area, it’s also a great place to clean up while you search for unique shells. Check out our Sanibel Island Lighthouse Beach Park Guide to plan your visit.
- Rotary Park in Cape Coral: This nature preserve is perfect for families looking to combine clean-up efforts with birdwatching and walking along scenic trails. Visit our Guide to Visiting Rotary Park for tips.
Nature Scavenger Hunts
Nature scavenger hunts are a fun and interactive way to connect with the environment. Create a checklist of local wildlife, plants, or natural treasures, and head out to parks or beaches to see what you can find.
Ideas for Nature Scavenger Hunts:
- Shell Hunt at Clam Pass Beach: Look for unique shells like conchs, whelks, and sand dollars. Make it a competition to see who finds the most varieties. For more tips on the best shelling spots while cleaning up, visit our Ultimate Guide to the Best Shelling in Naples, Marco Island, and Beyond.
- Birdwatching at Rotary Park: Bring binoculars and spot local birds like osprey, herons, and ibises.
- Botanical Hunt at Koreshan State Park: Search for native plants and flowers while exploring historic grounds.
Bring a camera to document your finds and create a nature journal with your kids. This activity teaches observation skills and an appreciation for the natural world.
Start a Butterfly Garden
Creating a butterfly garden at home is a simple and impactful way to support local pollinators. Choose native plants like milkweed, firebush, and purple coneflower to attract butterflies and other beneficial insects.
Steps to Start Your Butterfly Garden:
- Choose a sunny spot in your yard.
- Plant native flowering plants that bloom throughout the year.
- Add a shallow water source like a birdbath or dish with rocks.
- Avoid using pesticides that can harm pollinators.
For more tips and plant recommendations, check out our Guide to Building a Butterfly Garden in Florida.
Visit Local Nature Parks
Earth Day is the perfect excuse to explore Southwest Florida’s natural beauty. Many local parks offer guided nature walks, wildlife observation areas, and picnic spots.
Recommended Nature Parks:
- Rotary Park Environmental Center (Cape Coral): Known for its butterfly garden, walking trails, and birdwatching spots. Perfect for a leisurely family outing.
- Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve (Fort Myers): Explore wetlands filled with diverse wildlife.
- Koreshan State Park (Estero): Discover the blend of history and nature with guided tours and well-maintained trails.
- Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (Naples): Walk along the boardwalk and immerse yourself in a lush cypress forest.
For more ideas be sure to check out my article about the best hikes for families in Southwest Florida.
Eco-Themed Craft Projects
Get creative with recycled or natural materials to make Earth Day crafts. This is a great way for kids to learn about sustainability while having fun.
Craft Ideas:
- Bird Feeders: Use empty milk cartons to create feeders for your backyard birds.
- Nature Collages: Collect leaves, shells, and flowers to make a collage that celebrates your Earth Day adventure.
- Shell Art: After shelling at Clam Pass Beach or Sanibel, use your finds to make wind chimes, framed shell art and check out my seashell crafts for kids article for more ideas.
Check out these fun backyard craft for kids for more ideas!
Visit a Local Farmer’s Market
Supporting local farmers is an eco-friendly choice that reduces your carbon footprint. Plus, you’ll find fresh produce and handmade goods that support the community.
- Cape Coral Farmers Market: Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Fort Myers Downtown Farmers Market: Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Third Street South Farmers Market (Naples): Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
For more details on where to find local, organic produce, check out our Best Farmer’s Markets in Southwest Florida.
Earth Day in Southwest Florida is your chance to give back to the environment while having fun as a family. Whether you choose to clean up a beach, start a butterfly garden, or participate in a nature scavenger hunt, every small action helps preserve our beautiful local ecosystems. Celebrate Earth Day by getting involved, learning something new, and spending time outdoors!
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