Extended family fun is at its very best.
A Reunion for the Ages
What’s the most meaningful family memory that you’ve made at the beach?
Maybe it’s watching tiny fingers reaching up to grab onto a grandparent’s weathered hand. Hauling buckets of wet sand to create an epic sandcastle, roasting marshmallows around a patio firepit, and taking a sunset walk through a vibrant downtown — these are some of the simplest yet most rewarding ways to enjoy multigenerational family vacations and large family reunions. When you think about all the activities that you can experience in Southwest Florida, it only makes sense that this destination is ideal for groups in search of great vacation ideas for all ages.
Give yourselves the gift of time … to plan.
Whether you’re a group of 6 or 36, Fort Myers isn’t just family-friendly; it’s BIG family-friendly. To start planning your vacation together, you’ll want time to organize and get on the same page. A trusted travel advisor or a trip-planning app (it helps to have a point person) can navigate everyone’s interests, abilities, and schedules – and fortunately, the Fort Myers area is so full of choices that anything and everything is possible.
Five generations of women, one delighted family. Learn how Kara Matthews keeps her kids entertained in Fort Myers.
What accommodations will you need?
We mean that literally, as in what kind of place do you want to stay? But also, are there mobility issues or other needs to be considered? A larger resort, such as Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina, will give you everything you could want, including daily breakfast, multiple pools, access to resort activities and water sports, and even perks when you reserve 10 rooms or more. Or perhaps you’d prefer the freedom of having access to a kitchen, living areas, and maybe even your own pool or game room – that’s when a vacation rental is the way to stay. On Captiva Island, ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa has the best of all worlds with charming seaside cottages that have kitchenettes and beach, bay, or garden views.
Make a plan but keep it flexible.
- Day 1 - Spend all day on the beach, then book dinner in the historic River District.
- Day 2 - Go island hopping and collect seashells after a seafood lunch.
- Day 3 - Take a morning nature hike through a wildlife preserve and rent kayaks in the afternoon.
With so many activities to choose from, it’s tempting to fill every day with moments that will bring you closer together. Just don’t overdo it! Different age groups might enjoy outings at different paces, and remember — you’re on island time. There’s nothing wrong with retreating to your home away from home for some quiet time.
Need ideas for activities? Check out these 6 fun outings that are great for groups.
Get tips from the experts.
There are good lessons to be learned from those who do this for a living. Team-building activities can also lead to incredible family bonding moments. That can mean setting kids loose on a seashell scavenger hunt, gathering the adults for a distillery tour, or passing down a favorite family tradition on a fishing excursion.
Are you ready for your next big family adventure? Get the group chat going and get started!
