Exciting New Attraction Coming To Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park In Cape Coral

This is super exciting and just in time for summer too, as kids get out of school here in Lee and Collier Counties in about two weeks. Gator Mike's Family Fun Park announced the addition of a new attraction.

Gator Mike's, located on Pine Island Road in Cape Coral, is already a destination for family fun here in Southwest Florida. They've got aerial ropes courses, zip lining, climbing walls, mini golf, go-karts, an arcade and paintball, and now a new attraction will make it's debut.

In a Facebook post made by Gator Mike's Family Fun Park just this morning (May 8, 2024), they announced a new attraction taking over the spot that used to be home to the mini golf course. The demolition of the golf course began to make room for additional parking at the park. But, in addition to parking, they're also starting construction on a pool with BUMPER BOATS! Gator Mike's hopes to open the new attraction this summer, sometime in July.

Gator Mike's is open daily, Sunday thru Thursday from 11am - 8pm and Friday and Saturday from 11am - 10pm. In addition to all of the fun activities, they do have food and drink available at the Snack Bar. They've got quick bites like soft pretzels and mozzarella sticks and ICEES, and even offer alcohol for those old enough to consume.

Keep Gator Mike's in mind too when planning a birthday party or summer camp outing. I hate to admit it, but I always forget about this place when I am looking for something to do with my kids. And to be honest, there's not really a place better here in Southwest Florida. There are so many different things to do here, even my husband and I will have a good time.

It’s hard to believe that the current school year is almost coming to an end. The kids get out of school in the next few weeks and it will finally be time for some relaxing family summer vacations, maybe at one of the Florida resorts with waterparks.

Over the last few years, the prices of nearly everything have gone up, including gas prices and the cost of airline tickets. When we were planning our spring break trip, we could not believe just how high the prices have gotten.

Living here in Southwest Florida, we do have the option of so many beautiful places within just a short drive. Though gas is high, these places are not too far and you can plan a wonderful vacation on a reasonable budget. What kid doesn’t love to spend a summer day at the pool?

My kids are older now, ages 16 and 12, they can bring their own towel they can put on their own sunscreen, and of course, they can swim. I don’t have to keep my eyes on them like I did when they were little, but those days are not forgotten.

For those with little kids, pool days are not necessarily relaxing. There's the constant worry that someone has eyes on them. They get burnt if we don't reapply the sunscreen and let it dry. Pool days are even less relaxing when there’s not much for the kids to do other than just really swim.

That’s why I thought this was a great time to take a look and see what options are out there across the state of Florida for those families looking Florida resorts with waterparks, to keep the kiddos busy, while the parents can have some fun too.

I was actually surprised to see how many wonderful resorts across our state have waterparks and splash pads and water playgrounds. Most are located in Central Florida, which makes sense since they're so close to Disney and Universal. Maybe add a park day or two onto to your summer vacation trip this year.

To complete this list of Florida resorts with waterparks, I enlisted the help of the folks at Travel + Leisure and TripAdvisor.

Coco Key is located in Orlando, close to the fun all of the Florida theme parks have to offer.  At Coco Key you'll find indoor and outdoor water activities.  The waterpark features 14 waterslides and arcade for the bigger kids and a special lagoon with smaller slides and fountains for the little ones looking for some fun.

According to their website, some of the waterpark slides and pools are undergoing enhancements that will finish up on May 9th.  So, if you head up to Coco Key this summer you can expect some fresh renovations.

Of course, Hyatt Regency Coconut Point is right here in southwest Florida, in Estero.  Super close to home and they are also offering day passes if you are simply looking for an idea to fill a day close to home this summer.  Enjoy a zero entry pool where your little ones can stand, a small slide for the kiddos and three larger slides for the older ones, along with a family friendly lazy river.  In addition there are also poolside activities and games, such as ping pong and cornhole.  The Hyatt is definitely one of the better resorts here in SWFL, especially for families.

Another Orlando resort, located close to the parks is The Grove Resort & Waterpark.  The Surfari Waterpark at The Grove is heated and offers  a Flowrider double surf simulator, dual waterslides, a lazy river and kids poolside activities along with a zero entry pool.

Gaylord Palms is another resort located in Central Florida, Kissimmee to be exact.  Of course close to the Disney parks but has so much to offer on property you might not want to leave.  The Cypress Springs Waterpark has something for everyone.  It's a 3-acre waterpark with a Florida Free Fall AquaDrop slide, Tamiami racing slides a zero entry pool for the littles, Crystal River Rapids action river and the FlowRider surfing experience.   And we can't forget the Tree House water playground with four slides, tipping buckets and spray areas for the younger kiddos.

Another one located in the Orlando area, Cabana Bay is actually a Universal Orlando property.  Cabana Bay is connected to Volcano Bay, so you can walk to and from the park.  Theme park tickets are required at Volcano Bay, even for the hotel guests, but they're not as pricey as some of the other parks can be.  Guests of Cabana Bay or other Universal hotel properties can enjoy early park entrance too.

Located in Kissimmee, in close proximity to the Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld parks.  FantasyWorld has heated pools, a heated lazy river and splash pad, heated waterslides and hot tubs, along with poolside activities to keep kids and adults entertained.  And right now, according to an Instagram post they are offering Florida resident discounts, so that's an added bonus for sure.