10/03/2026
October’s Halloween season kicks off with haunted attractions and interactive entertainment. There’s also a non-scary family maze, making this one adaptable for different ages.
Collier County residents get free admission Saturday with proof of residency. This is my top family pick of the weekend.
SAT | Vanderbilt Farmers Market
Vanderbilt Farmers Market • 8 AM–1 PM
Produce, baked goods, specialty foods and local vendors. Convenient to 34108 and an easy Saturday-morning option.
SAT | Naples Rocktoberfest Half Marathon + 5K
North Collier Regional Park • 6:30 AM
A very local choice for Pine Ridge runners, with both half-marathon and 5K distances.
SAT | Third Street South Farmers Market
3rd St S • 7:30–11:30 AM
Nearly 60 vendors with produce, flowers, seafood, pastries, coffee and prepared foods. Great excuse for a downtown Naples morning.
SAT | FC Naples vs. New York Cosmos
FC Naples at Paradise Coast Sports Complex • 7 PM
This is probably the headline event of the weekend. Family festivities begin before kickoff with an inflatable obstacle course, face painting and a live DJ as part of the CCPS Takeover.
SAT + SUN | W.O.N.D.E.R. in the Garden
Naples Botanical Garden • 10 AM–Noon
Hands-on family activities built around imagining, creating and exploring the Garden. Included with Garden admission.
SUN | Paws for Peace in the Garden
Naples Botanical Garden • 8–11 AM
Meet adoptable dogs, visit the doggy photo booth and learn about local community organizations while enjoying the Garden.
WORTH THE DRIVE | Birds of Southwest Florida
Edison & Ford Winter Estates • Fort Myers • 9 AM–5:30 PM
A quieter cultural/nature option that works especially well for adults, grandparents and visiting family.
