Affordable Southwest Florida- Summer Family Fun in Naples

A fraction of the cost. Motels charge up to 50% less from May until October. Get an even larger discount by using a coupon in the See Florida magazine found at most McDonalds. A regular room for a family of 4 can be had for as low as 50 dollars a night and includes micro-fridge, breakfast and a pool. Most attractions run some type of discount during the summer months and coupons are easy to find.

A fraction of the time. You will find less traffic on the roads and have little or no wait time for restaurants or attractions than if you visited during the "seasonal" months.

Summer is hot all over, but the humidity in Southwest Florida can make the heat a bit more uncomfortable and sunlight reflects off water and sand, so you may want to avoid a burn, and avoid the beach in the heat of the day, between 11 AM and 3 PM. Browse Coastland Mall or the shops at Tin City. Enjoy the many museums. Come to the beach for a morning run, or a picnic dinner and to watch the beautiful sunsets.

If the sun and heat don't scare you, ride the trolley. Fish on the pier. Rent a canoe on Marco Beach. Take an airboat tour in the Everglades. Take the kids to Fun in the Sun water park.

But use protection. Summer is Naples' rainy season, so expect a quick shower around 4:00 PM daily. Keep an umbrella handy. Always use a waterproof sport sunscreen with a high SPF. Reapply as directed. Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect the eyes. Keep mosquito repellent nearby. Always carry drinking water.

With two locations, Nana Vetta's is a must! The food is homemade fresh daily, including the biscuits and sausage gravy. The menu includes unique creations, like the country fried steak skillet and smoked sausage omelet. The portions are huge. The fruit plates are beautiful. The prices are good, less than 10 dollars a person for most meals.

Nana Vetta's is open for breakfast and lunch and can be found on East Tamiami Trail (US 41) in the Hitching Post Plaza 1.5 miles west of Collier Blvd. (SR 951) or in Golden Gate on Collier Blvd. Ask the locals. They'd love to help.

Jazz musicians perform every evening near the Naples Beach Hotel, starting in June.

This park offers four pools, five slides, a lazy river and concessions. It is well worth the twelve dollars for the day. Take lots of sunblock.

Naples Zoo is the only zoo in the southeastern US where you can see two Fosas, Madagascar's legendary carnivore that is so different that they are in their own scientific family.Cruise through an island of monkeys.Enjoy the scheduled shows. Watch the gators eat. There's plenty to see and do.

Affordable fun. 20 dollars for adults, 19 for seniors, 12 for kids, 2 and under free. Find coupons in visitors' flyers around your motel. Eat before you go. Don't forget sun protection. Plan to spend at least four hours there.

The Gulf Coast Skimmers provide recreational opportunities for youth that have limited resources. They offer free performances at Sudgen Park every Saturday at 6:30, during the summer. The park also offers fresh water swimming, lifeguards, boat rentals, a playground, restrooms, snack machines, a garden, grills and shelters. The Park also sponsors a variety of social and recreational activities throughout the year, and is a local favorite for July 4 celebrations.

Step back into the early 1900s, when Naples was a village of about 300 people. The Naples Depot, located in old Naples, is set in Naples first train station and lets visitors experience first-hand the travel arrangements of old railroads through exhibits and relics from that time.

Traffic is very light during the summer, but the locals still ask you to watch where you are driving.

Summertime is rainy season in Southwest Florida. Daily showers arrive in mid to late afternoon. They pass quickly but leave the weather hot and muggy. Late afternoon is a great time to browse Tin City and catch dinner on the bay at Riverwalk Fish and Ale House. This would also be a good time to hit Naples' variety of indoor museums and galleries.

Tired of touristy entertainment? Try stopping at Stan's Idle Hour Restaurant in Goodland on a weekend. It's a local favorite.  So are the Captain's Cabin and Castaways. Both provide food and beverage, music and happy hour.

Wouldn't you know, it's a hole-in-the-wall. Moravela's Pizza 1836 Airport-Pulling Road S.,in a strip mall a few blocks north of the government complex, across from Home Depot. It's family owned and operated by Italian transplants from New York. I've lived in New York and this is still the best pizza I've ever had. The owners are friendly. The prices are great. I'd pay double. Free samples are offered to all who walk in the door. Enjoy!

Research the progress of the Naples Airport extension. You may be able to fly right in. Another option is the nearby Ft. Myers Municipal Airport. Flights into Southwest Florida are also usually cheaper during the summer.

The Red Roof Inn, close to downtown Naples, is pet friendly and affordable. Stop at IHOP, in the motel parking lot and grab a visitors magazine with a 45 dollar a night  coupon or reserve a room at HOTWIRE.com.

Dogs can enjoy the beach at Dog Beach Park on Bonita Beach, just North of Naples.