My 3 Favorite Summer Family Activities in Punta Gorda, Florida

Punta Gorda Family Photographer Shares the Best Kid-Friendly Summer Adventures

Summer is in full swing here in Southwest Florida! As a mom, I know all too well the importance of building quality summer memories with my kids, and today I’m sharing some of my local hometown favorites! Whether you’re a local family looking to add to your routine or a family visiting the area on vacation, I hope these add as much fun to your life as they do ours!

1. Get a treat at Harbor Scoops, then run off the sugar at Laishley Park.
   • This has become a favorite Friday night routine of ours! My kids love the Superhero ice cream, while I opt for a sundae with hot fudge + marshmallow. You get a great view of the harbor if you sit outside. After they’re all sugared up (and the temperature has cooled off a little), we love to walk next door to Laishley Park and play in the large field with a soccer ball or we bring along scooters to walk the harbor. This is also a suer fun meet up with friends or family!

2. Load up bikes or scooters (or a stroller) and stroll the HarborWalk.

• This is a great morning or evening option. When my kids were babies, I would walk them in the stroller, but now they prefer to ride independently. We typically start on the Gilchrist Park end of the Harborwalk so that they can play on the playground afterwards (and stop to look for fish), but the Laishley end provides natural shade with the trees.

3. Visit the local library or art studio.

• We absolutely love to be outside as a family, but the reality in Punta Gorda is that sometimes between the heat or the rain that just isn’t possible. Thankfully, our community has some wonderful indoor options as well! The Punta Gorda library has a children’s area filled with books and activities. Be sure to check their calendar for events like Storytime and Toddler Craft! Another new addition to our town is Sunshine Art Studio, featuring both open studio and more structured classes and programs. If you stop in at the Art Studio, make sure to visit Blendz Nutrition next door for a kids drink or smoothie!