Things to Do in Cape Coral

Stingrays, dinosaurs, and faux hurricanes can all be found at the Imaginarium Science Center, which soaks spongy young brains in knowledge via hands-on exhibits and 3-D movies about the natural world. Families can observe moray eels and other marine life in the Window to the Sea aquarium, or reach out to gentle stingrays in an open tank. Several daily shows with live animals compete for attention with a dino dig where patrons learn how archeologists excavate fossilized bones using nothing but the power of their minds. Kids can emulate their favorite sports heroes in the Sporty Science Arena simulator, then imitate their favorite TV weather-reporting heroes as they witness a simulated hurricane.

Classical, opera, and popular orchestral compositions make up the repertoire of the Southwest Florida Symphony, which has made quality programming its mission since 1961. Aiming to make music accessible to all, the symphony visits schools, offers scholarships, books youth-friendly concerts, and provides a friendly First-Timer’s Guide for new audience members unfamiliar with the proper way of applauding.

The Alliance for the Arts' concerts, exhibitions, and art classes have become a staple for the aesthetically inclined since the institution's founding in 1975. The center’s three art galleries elicit awe with ongoing exhibits, and its educational programs inspire students to express their feelings through painting and drawing. The Alliance’s schedule of events keeps fans of the performing arts intrigued with plentiful music festivals and dance recitals.

With over 150 locations nationwide, Pump It Up’s play centers entertain kids with inflatable slides they can glide down, obstacle courses to navigate, and bounce houses capable of dislodging a slimy jawbreaker from a child’s slimy grip. For birthday parties at the venue, groups can rent private party rooms, and opt for festive themes such as superheroes or pirates. While children learn the limits of gravity, parents can surf the internet.

Before finding her calling as a yoga instructor, Sylvia taught biology, Earth science, and general science for more than 25 years. Throughout her years in the classroom, she practiced yoga as a way to calm her mind and balance her body. In 2005, she switched gears—she trained for more than 1,000 hours and earned her E-RYT 500 certification. She specializes in Kripalu-style mindfulness yoga, which emphasizes self-acceptance and consciousness of the interplay between life and yoga. Although she primarily teaches multi-level classes, some sessions, such as chair or adaptive yoga, are intentionally geared toward those with limited mobility. At the beginning of class, she occasionally reads inspirational passages or practices levitation.

When searching for a name that encompassed the principles of her studio, founder Erika Cooper turned to the five elements—earth, air, fire, water, and ether—and their relation to the five senses for inspiration. She settled on Elements Yoga, which was perfect, as the bedrock of her philosophy is to continuously learn, grow, and remain aware of the world around us. Hence, she ensures each session at Elements is a communal and multisensory experience—in addition to traditional yoga postures, she has students chant, sing, and dance in a friendly and engaging environment that encourages laughter and very slow, purposeful high-fives. Cooper also believes in the power of education, which is why many of her classes include readings and lessons on the history of yoga and Sanskrit. She extends those teachings to regular workshops, as well as to the studio’s certification program.

In an effort to give back to the community through the practice of yoga, Elements hosts weeklong donation-only classes five times a year with 80% of the proceeds passed on to local charities.