52 Things to do in Naples
Posted by Ryan Schwartz on Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013 at 5:37am.
Welcome to 2013! My wish for you in this brand new year is that you find more time for you – more time to do the things that make you feel fulfilled – whether that means time spent solo or with friends and family.
I know how easy it is to become wrapped up in work and, before you know it, the day, the week, the month even the year is over and you’ve spent no time pursuing personal fulfillment.
So, I’ve come up with a way to help you -- 52 Things to do in Naples -- one fun, interesting or educational thing for you to check out during each week of 2013.
Are you game? If so, check back every week for the next installment.
Naples Zoo
Sure, spending an afternoon with wild animals will take you away from the stress of your job, but there is so much to do at the only nationally accredited zoo in southwest Florida – Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens. The zoo, in fact, bills itself as having “two attractions in one.” That would be the botanic gardens in addition to the zoo.
Let’s start with some of the incredible zoo displays. If your kids are fans of the motion picture “Madagascar,” they will love the fosa display. A mammal that looks like a cross between a lion and a rat, the fosa is Madagascar’s largest predator.
In addition to all the animals you expect to find at the zoo you’ll also be able to see honey badgers and striped hyenas, both rare in American zoos.
Wildlife Shows
Meet the Keepers is one of the most popular Naples zoo shows. Held throughout the day at various displays, the animal’s keepers give informal talks about how the animals livein the wild and how they care for them in captivity. You can also attend the Alligator Bay Feeding, Snakes Alive and a daily feature show held at the Canyon Open-Air Theatre.
Primate Expedition Tour
Your all-day ticket to the Naples zoo gives you admission to this tour onboard a catamaran. The boat wends its way through the primate habitats, with a guide that narrates the fascinating lives of our close cousins.
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is open every day of the year except Christmas and New Year’s, from 9 am to 5 pm. They offer reduced prices for children and senior and military discounts.