C’mon Family Fun introduced at Bell Tower Shops

The Children’s Museum of Naples’ education series, Family Fun, is expanding into Lee County at Bell Tower Shops. Children, ages 4 through 8, will have the opportunity to explore the world through hands-on activities at the Fort Myers shopping center.

Held the third Saturday of each month, starting Feb. 20 through July 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Family Fun programs are free, fun and open to the public. Each activity takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes and snacks and juice are provided. A parent or adult must stay and participate in the Family Fun activities.

During the Feb. 20 “Produce Market” inaugural program, children will learn about what it takes to plan a healthy meal, then make their own unique trail mix. On March 20, the “Beautifully Outdoors” program will study the difference between native and nonnative plants, and plant a seed to take home. Future programs will include:

Journey through the Everglades (April 17). Explore the unique plants and animals that call the Everglades home, then make a nature journal.

Masks Around the World (May 15). Match masks from around the world to their country, guess what each mask was used for, and then make your own mask.

Mother Nature’s House (June 19). Explore how wind can be studied and used, then make a pinwheel to continue your study of wind.

Space Kidettes (July 17). Explore the outer reaches of the universe and study the effects of gravity, then make a rocket that can really blast off.

For additional information on the Family Fun programs, contact Jennifer Sabo, C’mon’s education director, at 239-514-0084.

The dog-friendly Bell Tower Shops is an open-air lifestyle center, located in Fort Myers at U.S. 41 and Daniels Parkway, with 40 retailers, including Saks Fifth Avenue and The Fresh Market, nine restaurants and Bell Tower 20 Regal Cinemas. The center’s sidewalk garden setting of lush landscaping, splashing fountains and covered walkways makes it a popular gathering place. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the center. To learn more, log onto www.TheBellTowerShops.com, or call 239-489-1221.

Scheduled to open in late 2010, the 30,000-square-foot Children’s Museum of Naples will be Collier County’s first learning environment devoted exclusively to child’s play and the serious business of discovery that helps children attain hallmark milestones on the journey into adulthood. C’mon will present a well-rounded universe of exhibits and programs that lead children and their families on a journey from the swamps of the Everglades to the outer reaches of the galaxy and from an experience at a working farm, to a day at the beach. The Children’s Museum of Naples is envisioned to be one of the finest children’s museums in the United States. To learn more about exhibits or sponsorships, call C’mon at 239-514-0084 or visit www.cmon.org.