Imaginarium Science Center and Southern Fresh Farms in Fort Myers, Florida
After my article about lovely downtown Fort Myers, I wanted to share two local activities that you will not usually find in classic travel guides. They are simple places that locals enjoy and that we like to visit from time to time as well: the Imaginarium Science Center and Southern Fresh Farms.
Imaginarium Science Center
This is probably not the activity I would put at the top of a short tourist stay in the region, but it is a good option for families on a rainy day or during very hot weather, especially in summer.
The Imaginarium Science Center is divided into several areas: a stingray and aquarium section, a discovery area, a theater for animal encounters and film screenings, and an outdoor section with a few extra activities.
The center offers many hands-on activities related to science, weather, archaeology, and more. There are also daily special activities such as stingray encounters or short films about underwater life.
As is often the case in the United States, it is also possible to organize children’s birthday parties there. In the U.S., children’s birthdays are a real business with a very structured schedule, which can be surprising at first.
Practical information
Address: 2000 Cranford Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33916. Prices: $15 per adult, $12 per child, and free for children up to age 2. Parking is free.
During one of our visits in 2017, we arrived right at opening time and were lucky enough to have the Imaginarium almost to ourselves.
Southern Fresh Farms
Southern Fresh Farms is not a tourist attraction but a small farm in Fort Myers where locals come to shop. You can find plenty of fresh products there: vegetables, fruit, eggs, honey, pumpkin butter, and more.
Unlike farmers markets, which usually take place once or twice a week in the morning, Southern Fresh Farms is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You can also eat local food there: fish tacos, pulled pork, cornbread, fresh smoothies, and more. To enjoy your meal, you sit at wooden tables facing the fields.
There are also a few animals, such as turtles and fish in the large pond, as well as a playground for children.
Southern Fresh Farms is also known for renting small plots of land to people who want to grow their own produce. It is a simple local place, but that is exactly what makes it appealing.
