For the Kids

Lake at Mackle Park

Swings at Mackle Park

Having young children ourselves, we realize that sometimes when your on vacation with your children they want to do something other than go to the beach everyday, especially if they are under 4 years old. Therefore, we wanted to tell you what else Marco Island has to offer for the Kids on vacation. Mackle Park is great for children of all ages. It has a large fenced in area with multiple swings and  slides of all sizes. The park also has basketball courts (covered), shuffleboard, billiards (indoor), large lake (with  freshwater fishing),  a jogging path around the lake, and large open field for misc. activities. Its open to the public.

Directions: San Marco Road to Heathwood Drive to left on Andalusia Street.  

A great way to break up the routine of a vacation is to play miniature golf.  The kids love to play even if their young like ours. It cost about $3.00 and its on the beach at the Marriott Hotel.

Directions:  Collier Blvd to Marriott Hotel. Its right next to the voyager restaurant.

It seems all kids have a fascination with dolphins and a place to see them on the island without getting in a boat is from the boat launch on the extreme south end of the island. Our family gets out on the water a lot with boats and personal watercraft and this is one place we see the dolphins the most. They seem to like to play in the waters off the boat launch. We see the dolphins there almost every time we go there with or without a boat.  Its one place they seem to like to play including chasing each other and jumping out the water. One day recently we sat there on a personal watercraft and watched the dolphins play for almost two hours and they were still there when we left. We have seen Manatees there a few time also. You also get a good view of the gulf and the offshore islands  too. I  got some great pictures of the dolphins here. Another hot spot for dolphins is the Snook Inn Restaurant. They have a viewing deck on the second floor behind the outdoor bar. Its another place we don't miss for dinner and the dolphins. 

Directions:  Take Collier Blvd. south to the end (it turns to the left but keep going). You will see the boat ramp on the right.  They have restrooms and benches to sit and relax. Bring your camera. The Snook Inn is at the end of Bald Eagle Drive (north). Go to the extreme end, when the road turns left you go straight into the parking lot and turn right. Its behind the small motel. 

A trip to Marco Island should also include seeing the Manatees. They are a little harder to spot sometimes unless they come close to the seawall or dock. Since they breath air (like dolphins) they have to stay near the surface. They are also playful when they are in groups.  The one place we have found them in large groups and playing is also near the south end of the island near the canal side condos. They seem to love this one wide canal area. Manatees are a must to see if you come to Marco Island. They are not many places you can see the Manatees in Florida, especially without a boat.  So don't miss it.

Directions. Take Collier Blvd. south  (just before Cape Marco) and make  a left on Swallow Drive and another left on Huron Drive.  They are in the canal behind the condos on the left side of the street.  Park somewhere and walk through the buildings.

You can fish right in the back yard and catch a lot of fish (please throw back any you will not eat!). If your not staying at the waterfront properties or you want to catch larger fish, there are several places you can go. The best places without boat are next to any of the bridges on the island, large or small. The fish like to hide in and around a bridge. Since the bridges are there access from the gulf to the canals it is the best place to find them either hiding or traveling from the back canals to the gulf and opposite. You can park on either side of the Jolley Bridge (main Bridge to Marco Island) and fish. There are numerous bridges on the island. Just pick up a map and find one. If you drive down almost any main road you will find a few. If there are vacant lots around you can park on the side of the road. Another place to fish is from the beach. The best place on the beach is on the south end near Cape Marco. There is a jetty there with large rocks. Its another place fish like to hide. It is very close to the South Beach Public beach access. There is a public parking lot there and restrooms. The beach is a beautiful. We think its nicer than Tigertail Beach but that's our opinion. We like the white sand on South Beach better. You can satisfy everyone on South Beach if your kids want to fish and the rest of your family are sun worshippers. Make sure you bring your bucket. Kids love fishing.

PUT ON STRONG SUNSCREEN--THE MARCO ISLAND SUN IS VERY UNFORGIVING.

Directions:  Get map and find any bridge. South Beach is South on Collier Blvd just before Cape Marco. Beach access is between the high rise condos. You can park in the public parking lot on the left. From Collier blvd. turn left on Swallow Drive and the parking lot is on the right.  Its a real short walk across the street.