Manatee Park — Attraction in North Fort Myers

This was a surprise! We were looking for covered playgrounds to burn some energy while staying out of the sun.

Before we even made it to the playground we took a walk through the mangroves, saw some manatees, hung out by the water, played on the boardwalk, and hung out with a (fake) alligator.

Parking is a reasonable $2/hr. Parking is plentiful for the size of the park. There is a gift shop with snacks and reasonably clean restrooms.

There are lots of walking trails, all gentle and easy. The highlight of the visit was the walk along the water, which had covered awnings every 50 yards or so which provided VERY comfortable manatee viewing areas on a hot 90F day. The water channel appears to be a power-plant cooling discharge...my guess is that manatees like the warmer water. I was chasing a 3 year old so I didn't have much time to learn (but the opportunity is there with lots of signage).

We got to see a few manatees without a lot of waiting. Definitely one of the highlights of our trip...we're big animal people. What toddler parent isn't?

There are boardwalks over the water through the mangroves that lead to a kayak launch area (it would be LOTS of fun to rent a kayak here...maybe when the kid is a little older), another manatee viewing area, and other locations within the park.

The playgrounds are on the smaller side and better for kids under 4 probably.

This was a great visit and will be a future stop. If you bring lunch, this could be a two hour visit. More if you...

Read reviews yesterday, and a recent review assigned blame for lack of manatees at the park on "red tide deaths, injuries, and climate change". Well, despite that doom and gloom assessment, my wife and I visited the park this morning, Sunday 12.08.2019. We arrived just before 7 a.m., first people there, and quietly approached the waterside viewing area. Our reasoning that the previous 2 nights of chilly temps should cause the manatees to seek warming waters was spot on. We saw at least 50 individuals, and many of those were young alongside adults.We got great pictures, and were able to steer the next arriving couple to the best spot to see the most manatees close up. So, I am happy to report that the news of the "near extinction" {LOL} of the manatees is a mite exaggerated. Nothing could be farther from the truth, and the population seems to be doing just fine. Timing is everything, so watch the weather reports for the coolest nights, and arrive as early as possible. Thank you Manatee Park for a well maintained, great recreation resource that is friendly to people of all ages. Good luck and wishes for a great experience to all looking to enjoy this place. 5 stars...

Manatee Park in Fort Myers is a must-visit for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, especially during the cooler months (November–March) when manatees gather in the warm waters of the canal. Elevated boardwalks provide excellent views of these gentle creatures, and the park offers plenty of educational signs about their behavior and habitat.

In addition to manatee viewing, visitors can enjoy kayaking through the calm waterways, short walking trails surrounded by native plants, and a charming butterfly garden. Shaded picnic areas make it a great spot to relax and have a meal while enjoying the peaceful environment.

The park is clean, affordable, and family-friendly, with well-maintained facilities, a gift shop, and knowledgeable staff. It’s also wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience. Arrive early for the best chance to see manatees and to avoid the crowds, especially during peak season.

Pros: Affordable, educational, family-friendly, and well-maintained. Cons: Crowds during peak times and fewer manatees during warmer months.

Overall, Manatee Park is a serene and educational spot that’s perfect...