Kids will be getting off school, and that means figuring out what do do this summer. You don't have to wait for school to be out to begin the summer fun though. There are many events this may that can bring your summer off to a good start.

See the Lunar Eclipse

This is a great opportunity to learn about science and the cosmos in which we live. On the night of Sunday, May 15th, 2022 the earth's shadow will cross the moon. The moon will be approximately directly overhead for an eclipse that will reach totality reached at about midnight.

The moon will turn red during an eye-popping spectacle unlike any other in the night sky in 2022 -- as long as it isn't cloudy.Stargazers all over the world will have an opportunity to see a blood moon over the weekend as a lunar eclipse moves into Earth's orbit.

The penumbral eclipse, when the moon is completely immersed in the penumbral cone of the Earth without touching the umbra, the inner part of Earth's shadow, is expected to begin Sunday just after 9:30 p.m. ET, according to NASA. The penumbral eclipse results in only part of the moon going dark.

The partial eclipse, when the moon appears to move into the umbra and part of the moon inside the umbra will appear very dark, will occur just before 10:30 p.m. ET.

Totality will begin just before 11:30 p.m. ET, when the entire moon is inside Earth's umbra and transforms to a coppery-red hue. Totality will end before 1 a.m. Monday, and the penumbral eclipse will end at 2:50 a.m.

A dark environment away from bright lights will make for the best viewing conditions.

Check out the Naples Bird Gardens

I didn't miss spell Naples Botanical Gardens. Naples Bird Gardens is a little known place near Corkscrew Swamp. Located on Purple Martin Drive, the Naples Bird Gardens is a sanctuary dedicated to rescuing parrots. While visitors may not get to see a vast host of bird species, they can still check out over 100 bird species found across the world. At the same time, there’s an array of butterflies and other flora to appreciate at The Naples Bird Gardens. Visitors may even get a chance to hold some birds! Otherwise, the Naples Botanical Garden is another gem in the city worth visiting, even during the hot Florida weather. What’s more, tourists can stroll along the area while appreciating the local wildlife here, birds included!

Do a Public Art Sculpture Tour

Naples has a wide variety of public art and sculptures to look for. From the wildly popular Turtles on the Town, to the Gators Galore and much more. This can be a fun "scavenger hunt" activity suitable as a fun family outing.

Enjoy the Beach

What better way to enjoy tropical weather than to relax under the sun on a white, sandy beach? Many of the beaches in Naples are nearby residential areas, so visitors don’t have to worry about noisy crowds or overly loud music while enjoying the ocean waters. Some of the best beaches in Florida are found in Naples, whether it’s taking a dip at Lowdermilk Beach or finding unique seashells at Barefoot Beach.

Take in a show at Artis Naples

Artis Naples is perhaps not the best known place for summer programming, but that doesn't mean that there aren't any summer concerts. The month of May has a lot of "late season" concerts that are popular with locals. This presents an excellent educational opportunity for kids to have access to some of the finest musical perfoemances.

This includes a modern dance performance by Limon Dance Company on May 17th at 8:00PM, the last major orchestra concert of the season titled Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra All that Jazz with special guest Warren Wolf. Acclaimed vibraphonist Warren Wolf returns to perform with the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra. Wolf is a multitalented musician who received both classical and jazz training and regularly performs as a pianist, drummer and vibraphonist. A bop torchbearer, he carries the mantle of legendary vibraphonists like Bobby Hutcherson and Milt Jackson.

The Naples Ballet will perform Copelia on May 29th at 7:00 PM. This concert is an excellent opportunity to introduce children to the art of ballet.

May is also when the Philharmonic Orchestra puts on its ever classic Patriotic Pops concert which will be held on May 26th, and 27th just before Memorial Day Weekend.

If you don't think you can afford the expensive Artis Naples tickets there are several free events. On Saturday May 21st, Artis Naples opens its campus to the community for free for one day only.

Artis—Naples welcomes the entire community to the Kimberly K. Querrey and Louis A. Simpson Cultural Campus for a day of art, music and fun. This free event includes hands-on activities in The Baker Museum, musical performances and special activities throughout the day.

Activities from 10am–4pm

Sketching Sights and Sounds Art Display
Art Activities
Docent Tours of the Baker Museum
Temporary Tattoos
Village School Steel Drum Band  •  11am, 11:40am, 1:30pm, 3:20pm

 Magic Carpet Percussion  •  10am and 11:15am
 Youth Symphonia Concert  •  Noon
 Youth Symphonia Chamber Ensembles  •  2pm
 Youth Chorus Concert  •  4pm.

Another free concert is the Naples Philharmonic Pro Am Concert held on June 12th.

The “pros” of the Naples Philharmonic will team up with musicians from our community — the “amateurs” — in a special collaborative event that is open to the public on Sunday, June 12, 2022.

Catch a dance Performance

Another educational activity is catching a dance performance. May is recital season, and going to a show, or even livestreaming one is great way to introduce your kids to the art of dance.

Etudes De Ballet and Company will be hosting a performance of Copelia on May 21st, and 22nd at the Golden Gate High School auditorium. This iconic comic ballet follows the story of a beautiful young woman named Swanhilda. Your family will be able to celebrate the growth of our dancers in this stunning production held at Golden Gate High School.

Also check out the Crown Jewel of Dancesport Competition which is going to be held at the Ritz Carlton on the weekend of May 13th and 14th. If you like dancing with the stars or Strictly Come Dancing, then this is the show for you.