We’re enjoying every last bit of summer so the kids and I visited the Cumming Nature Center in Naples. It’s 25 minutes south of us but feels like another world entirely (the lack of cell service being proof). I think the best way to describe it is simply, magical.

We enjoyed some of the inside exhibits and play areas first.

The kids loved these bins, full of different hands on learning pieces. Their particular favorite was the rubberized scat samples that varied from animal to animal. I’m so proud.

Next we headed to the outside play area. I was really impressed with all the different open play structures…teepees, bridges, logs and stumps to climb on. So fun! Cassidy wiped out a couple of times (the logs were still pretty wet) but managed to get right back up and keep going.

Afterwards we headed out on a trail to explore.

Ben spotted a chipmunk! Where’s Waldo?

He was enamored with this little one :)

We also almost walked face first into this guy!

It was like the blind leading the blind! Kidding :) Ben took the initiative to lead and did end up taking us the wrong way, but with a little help he realized what he’d done and we headed the correct direction to the beaver pond.

Cassidy found some acorns along the way.

And then decided she was done. She grumpily proclaimed “I’m tired. My legs are broken. I don’t want to walk anymore.” I was able to get her going again with a bit of cajoling and a lovely rendition of The Ants Go Marching. I’m sure the entire woods appreciated our singing.

We made it to the pond!

No beavers to be found, but Ben spotted a little dam off in the distance.

The kids refused to get in a picture with me, but hey, I’m in a picture! Bonus points for always behind the camera mom.

We met a little friend along the way, Ivy from Texas! Hope you and your mom are enjoying your time up here! Ben called this one the portal.

We adventured for around 4 hours, had a picnic lunch and played some more. I feel like we barely scratched the surface of all the center has to offer though, there are so many more trails and things to see. I’d especially love to come back during different seasons to see how the landscape changes! Magic indeed!