The Best Kid Activities in Marco Island

Discover a memorable shell-hunting adventure with Sand Dollar Shelling, a guided boat tour company operating near Marco Island that takes you into the scenic Ten Thousand Islands in search of rare shells and wildlife. Led by experienced captains such as Captain Evan, their tours stand out for visiting secluded beaches where prized finds like the Junonia shell often surface.

Paddle Marco is one of Marco Island’s top-ranked kayak tour and rental companies, known for combining expert knowledge of the area with plenty of personality and fun. Their most popular experience is the mangrove tunnel kayak tour, guided by naturalists, biologists, and entertaining local characters who mix ecology lessons with cheesy dad jokes and island history. It’s an approach that has earned Paddle Marco more than 1,000 five-star reviews and a reputation as the #1 kayak tour company in the area.

Mackle Park is one of the most family-friendly spots on Marco Island and a go-to for kids of all ages. The park features a large modern playground, splash fountains, basketball and volleyball courts, a soccer field, and even a walking path around a scenic lake. Families can enjoy open green space for running and picnics, as well as seasonal events and programs that make the park a lively community hub. With plenty of room to play and safe spaces for younger children, Mackle Park is a must-visit for families looking to give kids some off-the-beach fun.

Marco Island Water Sports offers an exciting range of activities designed to make the most of Florida’s Gulf Coast waters. Guests can choose from guided WaveRunner tours that weave through mangrove islands and the open gulf, thrilling banana-boat rides perfect for families, high-flying parasail adventures with sweeping views, and shelling or eco-cruises aboard a comfortable catamaran. 

The Marco Island Center for the Arts is a cultural hub combining visual exhibitions, performing arts and educational programs in one welcoming space. With rotating galleries showcasing local and international artists, an on-site gift gallery filled with original works, and the Arts Center Theatre presenting live performances in a nearby location, it offers something for every visitor interested in creativity and culture.

Step into the rich and layered past of Marco Island at the Marco Island Historical Museum. This engaging museum, open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., invites visitors to explore the world of the ancient Calusa people with immersive displays, a recreated village scene and the renowned “Key Marco Cat” artifact on loan from the Smithsonian Institution.

Beyond its archaeological treasures, the museum traces Marco Island’s journey from its pioneer-era pineapple plantations and clam canneries through the land-boom of the 1960s and into the modern community you visit today. Admission is free (donations appreciated), making it a perfect stop for a rainy afternoon or a meaningful pause between beachfront adventures.

If you’re looking for a cozy, entertaining evening on Marco Island, Marco Movies is a family-owned cinema offering first-run films in a relaxed, comfortable setting. Located at 599 South Collier Boulevard inside the Marco Walk shopping plaza, it features three screens, a full menu of freshly made meals, and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.

Whether you’re winding down after a beach day or seeking a rain-plan option, you’ll appreciate the combination of current blockbuster titles, craft comfort food, and walk-up convenience at Marco Movies.