Fabulous and free: things to do and see in Fort Myers

by Gina Birch

The Fort Myers area is full of famous attractions and many of them are very affordable. But forking over a few dollars here and there eventually adds up. Don’t worry, there are plenty of things to do that won’t cost you a dime while providing hours of enjoyment. Exploring the miles of beaches, with very few exceptions, is widely accepted as one of the area’s best free activities; that is why none are specifically mentioned on this 10Best list.

Here you will find family-friendly activities such as Art Walk in downtown Fort Myers, the first Friday of each month. Galleries stay open late and provide entertainment along with special exhibits. For free fun in the great outdoors, don’t miss Lee County’s Manatee Park. At this spot, you can see the gentle marine giants gathering in the warm waters produced by a nearby, former power plant. The best time to see most sea cows is between November and March.

In fact, these months host lots of free events as they are considered the area’s “high season” for tourists wanting to escape the cold. While many events and activities have been reimagined to consider crowd size, the plethora of outdoor space and temperate weather makes things a little less challenging.

No. 3: Lakes Regional Park

Walking the 2.5 miles of paved and unpaved paths at Lakes Regional Park is free and there are fitness stations scattered around the water for your workout. The small water park is free for kids to cool off and concessions are available. The bike and boat rentals are available for an affordable fee. Check out the Miniature Railroad that offers a 15-minute ride by a small-scale village. Look for exotic vegetation and the occasional alligator in the 158 acres of freshwater quarry lakes; fishing is allowed. You’ll be able to spot birds like the Ibis and Heron, enjoy the fragrance garden, a seasonal community garden and rest in the gazebo or the many covered picnic areas. The park is also home to many cultural and music festivals and a seasonal Farmers Market on Wednesdays.

Gina’s expert tip: The paths are wide and safe for a morning run or bike ride.

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