Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden is a superb place to hide from the intense heat of the Caribbean sun. Stop here on your way to Crown Mountain and explore the work of Patsy, the garden's owner. She has worked tirelessly for over 20 years to assemble a vast collection of orchids, bromeliads, palms, succulents and air plants. Kids will surely love the petting zoo with a peacock and parrot, while "plant parents" can buy some gorgeous flowering plants to bring home.

For a splendid day out that the entire family is bound to enjoy, head to Rotterdam’s famous zoo: Diergaarde Blijdorp. The Zoo is situated in the district of Blijdorp, in Rotterdam Noord. Stroll across the African Savannah and stand face-to-face with the giraffes. Walk on the seabed in the indoor Oceanium and meet stingrays and sharks. Discover the Amazon in the largest butterfly paradise of Europe: Amazonica. Experience tropical temperatures, fragrant flowers, hundreds of colourful South American butterflies and greedy piranhas.

For some cultural entertainment, add Fort Myers' Art Walks and Music Walks to your agenda: these free happenings animate the social scene of the downtown River District at fixed times every month, while shops, art galleries and restaurants stay open until late at night, providing drinks on the sidewalk. The Art Walk takes place every first Friday of the month, 6pm–10pm, and takes you to 13 art galleries that offer self-guided tours and meet-ups with the artists. The Music Walk starts every third Friday of the month at 7pm, with bands and singers taking over the streets, performing in a wide range of music genres.