What's a beach trip without ice cream? We are beach people and love to spend lots of time at the beach on our trips! Make sure to go during low tide because that's when a lot of the birds, including brown and white pelicans, ibis, cormorants and spoonbills, flock to the refuge to feed on fish stuck in the shallow water. Private tour guidesare also available to take your family around the islands in search of dolphins and manatees while sharing all kinds of tales about the islands' rich history. Most folks rent a car, but there are shuttles available to take you here (depending on where you are staying and what you plan on doing, you may not need a car once you get to the island). A jaunt down the beach or a bike around the island makes for wonderful take-home memories. Kids stop in local businesses on the hunt for prizes. If you can't tell an angel wing from a glassy bubble, a visit to the Bailey-MatthewsNational Shell Museum will set you straight. Have a look! Dont miss out on mobile-only deals and one-of-a-kind offers. There are shells all year long. It's a unique, quirky, and unusual place that is full of old Florida charm. It's such a great way to spend a bright and sunny afternoon almost any time of year! If budget were a consideration, I would happily advocate for cheaper accommodation (even if it was away from the beach) on Sanibel before staying at a moderate resort on the beach in Fort Myers. I tried to find the information on our guide, but I no longer have it. What I am going to tell you is some insights what we did while visiting Sanibel, and what is on our shortlist for next time: This is the number one reason that many folks make the trip to Sanibel, and for good reason. Depending on the time of year, Sanibel's sunset locales vary. Road trips to Florida were the best part of my childhood. Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. We definitely suggest sharing plates, since each dinner portion is huge and comes with a sticky bun, garlic bread and a side salad. The boys learned some of the real names of the shells and also made up some of their own. Kids Activities. (Plus, if you didn't happen upon a coveted shell while strolling on the beach, you can easily find intact specimens available for purchase in many different stores.) Your little ones are really brave for embracing boas and alligators. Dont leave the park without checking out the Sanibel Island Lighthouse. My family loves Sanibel and I'm sure yours will too. Reach out to me using this form and lets start brainstorming and planning your next amazing escapebecause to me it is more than just a vacation. CROWs Visitor Education Center features a collection of interactive exhibits and videos, while the guided Wildlife Walk through the hospital allows you to observe veterinarians treating sick and injured wildlife. Watching the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico is magic. Since the island is only 12 miles long, its not a far distance to get to any of these places from wherever you are staying. )If this sound like a trip to Sanibel Island with kids is in your future, here are my best tips for planning the perfect escape! And the "lighthouse" isn't really a house at all but is actually a tower. Its always a good sign when a place is packed on a weekday. You never know what will be on the end of that line! Just make sure not to disturb their nests! Recommended Read: The 10 Most Beautiful Islands in Florida. 74. "The kids had fun but when we arrived they only gave me 15mins to set up before the party began." more. The ferry terminal is located on neighboring Captiva Island and accessed via a short drive over the bridge. Kids have their own hands-on learning room, and staff members conduct daily beach walks. Registered dietitian & mom behind Create Kids Club an online kitchen where feeding kids is made easier with simple gluten-free recipes & kids cooking ideas. In fact, almost half of the entire island is dedicated to the J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which you can drive, bike or walk through to spot some of the region's many different creatures among the estuaries. Everyone on the island gets to help protect sea turtles. You can drive through the preserve at your own pace and get out to spot wildlife. We booked the guide out of Fort Meyers. And while you won't find theme parks or children's museums to keep your kids entertained, instead, give them the opportunity to spot dolphins, hold small sea creatures, and kayak through the mangroves. Unfortunately for me, there are no craft breweries on the island. Winter and springtime (from December to April) are the best times to visit Sanibel. Sign up for simple dinner ideas, easy step by step instructions, and fun recipes for kids. With an early sunset time in winter, we'd take the boys out and walk up the beach toward the sunset. What a great way to vacation around Sanibel! Summers in Florida are HOT. But heed the warning signs, as the bridge makes for swift ocean currents and the water around it is not advisable for swimming. It's a great and inexpensive activity for the family that doesn't involve having everyone sit at a table for an entire meal. Sanibel is known as the Shelling Capital of the World, and it's not hard to see why. Your whole family will enjoy spending hours exploring all the creatures they find! It is a pretty photo stop, the beach is (of course) covered with shells and there is a lovely shaded picnic area there. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Fort Myers & Sanibel Island with kids. I wasnt sure there was much else to see and do in Florida. Temperatures were still in the 80s. I'm Julie Wunder Emmy award-winning former WLOS meteorologist. The lighthouse dates back to 1884. Read more: They are almost all the way to Captiva, so if you are wanting to visit both islands, this is an ideal place to base yourself. See Tripadvisor's 128,735 traveller reviews and photos of kid friendly Sanibel Island attractions My twins started collecting shells from the beach on our first trip but this year they really got into it! Things to Do in Sanibel Island with Kids Dolphin Tour in Captiva Kids love animals so . These encounters trump a trip to Disneyworld any day. With time spent on the beach looking for shells, we barely had time to get out and see what the rest of the island had to offer! Sanibel Island is an island on the west of the Florida panhandle. Hop on a flyboard or ride through the waves on . Sanibel is all about relaxingand it settles in as you cross the causeway you wont even find a stoplight until you return over the bridge on your way back home. Bristol Ocala Vacation Rental. Billys Bike: 1509 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-3620, Finnimores Bike & Beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa (239) 472-5577. Here you'll find healthy vegetarian and pescatarian recipes, health & wellness tips, healthy travel guides, plus behind the scenes fun from my life as a twin Mom. See these marine mammals leaping and frolicking in the waters of Pine Island Sound. Photo: Theresa Baldwin, Courtesy of the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society, J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Road trips to Florida were the best part of my childhood. You to get to the beach by boat, and its simply amazing. Ha I would not have done it at their age. This is a great thing to do in Jekyll Island with kids. A stop atPinocchio's Italian Ice Cream (362 Periwinkle Way) is a Sanibel tradition. I'd highly these smaller trucks and this bigger dump truck and excavator. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. Sanibel and Captiva have some different shells, so be sure to hit beaches on both islands. Bikes, kayaks, tennis and paddle boards are all at your disposal. This sounds like a great island to visit. Along the way, a naturalist will point out local sights and landmarks while answering questions about wildlife and island history. It sets over the ocean where you can watch from a huge stretch of public beach. Located near Fort Myers, just offshore Floridas Gulf Coast, this unique island offers visitors the opportunity to bask in many outdoor activities. Watch the sky burn a bright orange fromthe Mucky Duck, where they hold a sunset celebration on the beach just steps away from their patio. The whole family has endless opportunities for fun. Head to the Crows Nest on Crab Racing Night and see as they say. Don't forget the camera some of my best shots have come at this time. It was my first time, hopefully not the last. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This is the first lighthouse north of the Keys. Sanibel Island is known for shelling and is one of the best places in the world to shell. . The island is home to many burrowing gopher turtles and lush plantlife grows wild here giving the island an old Florida feel. Book a ride with Captiva Cruises, and make a stop at Cabbage Key. If you are staying on the east end of the island, this makes for a lovely bike ride (and you can stop for THE BEST key lime ice cream at Sanibels Best Homemade Ice Cream afterwards!). Photo: Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. Activities that appeal to kids of all ages from babies to toddlers to teenagers and beyond. They might even meet a new friend or two. Hello, my name is Shanna, and I am a detail obsessed travel addict on a mission to make planning your own family trips fun and easy! This is for sure at least worth a stop for ice cream (or a place to leave the kids and hubby so you can go in and grocery shop BY YOURSELF!). Our next stop was rumoured to be the place to see the manatee. Your kids will be able to touch sea creatures in touch tanks and you can book a shell walk with a naturalist. There are bike lanes literally EVERYWHERE. Sanibel Island is located off the coast of southwest Florida, just west of Fort Myers. While visiting Chateaux Sur Mer, you might make a stop by sights like Sanibel Island Southern Beach and Bowman's Beach. And whether you order a cone or bowl, every servingis topped with an adorable little animal cracker. Hoping to be able to take the kids over the Summer. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. Afamily vacation to Florida is usually synonymous with Disney, but it doesn't have to be. We also had dinner there and the kids were super happy with their chicken fingers. Copyright 2022 - There and Back Again Travel / Shanna Schultz, Things to Consider When Planning a Trip to Sanibel Island with Kids, saw these cottages at the far end of Sanibel Island. Compare native and invasive species of reptiles; hang out with a red-tailed hawk; play hide and seek with a bashful opossum. Groceries on Sanibel were significantly more expensive than on the main land. Resorts felt more high end and had price tags to match. The island is a special place for any type of trip, but there is a unique charm in taking kids there because it allows them to appreciate nature a bit more than more developed beach cities. Find 2023's best things to do with kids. Loosen your belt because several stalls sell freshly made dishes you can eat on the go. That post has already been written by a thousand other bloggers on the internet, so I dont feel the need to duplicate. Bristol is a stunning five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath fully furnished home with a private pool. As the kids are flying down the waterslides enjoy a nice slow ride in the lazy river. there is a wildlife refuge that you can either take a guided tram or drive yourself through. Watch the sunset on the beach. Included with admission: $16; $13 seniors and visitors with disabilities. We ate breakfast in the room. Sanibel Island in Florida offers a breathtaking reprieve for families who want to get away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. Indulge in the Signature Arabian Rose treatment, an all-over body scrub, or a deep tissue massage at the spa. This article was originally published on Oct. 14, 2014, The Cutest Grandpa Ever Took Peppa Pigs Family On Vacation With Him, United Airlines Launches A Free Family Seating Program That Actually Makes Sense. Picnic tables are available when you want to enjoy snacks under the canopy of the trees. It takes up some real estate in the car, but the hours of fun you'll get out of it are worth it. These are excellent suggestions! I would absolutely stay there again. One of the most popular things to do on Sanibel Island is to rent a bike. Your email address will not be published. Copyright 2023, Create Kids Club. Make sure to pack mesh shell bagsfor each member of the family to carry along the beaches. It also taught the boys a bit about wind and weather because they only knew they could fly the kites on windy days. I had the Key Lime Ice Cream and my daughter had something called Unicorn poop. Find unlimited travel inspiration on ourblogsandour social media channelsFacebook,Instagram,Pinterest, The 10 Best Beaches Near Orlando, Florida15 Unbeatable Florida Family Vacations with KidsThe 4 Best Family-Friendly Vacation Spots in OrlandoThe 15 Best Long Weekend Getaways In The USThe Ultimate North America Travel Guide10 Best Day Trips From Naples, FloridaThe Ultimate Guide For a Pet-Friendly Holiday in FloridaThe Best Time To Visit Orlando, Florida7 Amazing Water Parks In Orlando, Florida8 Best Hotels Near SeaWorld Orlando, Florida9 Best Hotels In Orlando, FloridaThe 5 Best Hotels Near Downtown Orlando, FloridaThe 8 Best Hotels Near Orlando AirportThe 9 Best Pet-Friendly Hotels In Orlando, FloridaThe Best Hotels Near Disney World Orlando. This place claims to be Floridas most outrageous and award-winning restaurant. Maybe it was back in 1980 when there werent Houlihans and Fridays in every roadside town. The best times for shelling were at low tide and early in the morning (even better if these coincide). Things To Do In Sanibel Island's Lighthouse Beach The Best Gift: Making Memories At South Seas Island Resort Beaches in Guatemala: Dramatic And Beautiful Volcanic Black Sand A Family Weekend In Florida's Space Coast With Holiday Inn The Best Things to do in Fort Myers Beach for Families Things To Do With Kids In The Upper And Middle Florida Keys We visited the museum that belongs to the area first. We love traveling with kids and will incorporate some of the ideas. Each day includes surfing, art, group-bonding activities, all while integrating subjects like fiddler crabs, wading birds, and sea turtles. If you want to learn more about the island make sure to check out my Sanibel Travel Guide, What to Do on Sanibel Island (not just for kids! Worth-visiting institutions include the Village Sanibel Historical Museum, which preserves nine historic buildings that tell the islands story. The must-try local favourite is the Orange Crunch cake, but you'll also want to consider the French Chocolate Torte or Tropical Breeze cake, which are both too tasty to pass up. Consider renting a tandem bike for those younger kids who may end up tired from long bike rides. It's known for its natural beauty including gorgeous beaches, shelling, and island lifestyle. Your email address will not be published. Too badwill have to make another trip . Plan your trip to Captiva before sunset and head to the beach across from the Mucky Duck for the best sunset view available. We've found lots of fun ways to spend our days on the island and I'm sure we'll continue to do that as the kids grow older. A great time. There is a toll to be paid of $6.00 to gain entry to the island in a regular vehicle. It is a really cool nature preserve that takes up much of the island. Kids of all ages love a pool and there are plenty of them in Sanibel! This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. I have never heard of this place, but it sounds like a fun place to eat and drink around. We visited in November, and it was just the right time for us. We were gifted our accommodations at the Island Inn on Sanibel Island and with excursions while there. Places To Stay In Sanibel Island, Florida, The 10 Best Beaches Near Orlando, Florida, 15 Unbeatable Florida Family Vacations with Kids, The 4 Best Family-Friendly Vacation Spots in Orlando, The 15 Best Long Weekend Getaways In The US, The Ultimate Guide For a Pet-Friendly Holiday in Florida, 7 Amazing Water Parks In Orlando, Florida, 8 Best Hotels Near SeaWorld Orlando, Florida, The 5 Best Hotels Near Downtown Orlando, Florida, The 9 Best Pet-Friendly Hotels In Orlando, Florida, The Best Hotels Near Disney World Orlando, The 5 Most Stunning Hotels Near Denver International Airport, 5 Great Things To Do In Ybor City, Tampa, FL, 17 Amazing Things to do in London with Kids. They loved running and collecting new shells. Visit the Sanibel Chamber of Commerce's . If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. We came back with so many amazing shells (a whole suitcase full of them in fact). Celebrate Women's History Month and commemorate pioneering figures in science, technology, arts & design, and mathematics. We collected shells every day we were there and it never got old for the boys. However, the island is spread out depending on where you stay. The homes are amazing to look at, the water even better. Both were phenomenal. Visiting this lighthouse is one of the more popular Sanibel things to do. Sanibel Island takes shelling very seriously! There is something for everyone on the menu and the servings are enormous. Watching the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico is magic. Here you'll find shell-strewn beaches, a laid-back vibe, terrific restaurants and shops, and an incredibly diverse wildlife sampling. Manatee Park. In addition to an amazing pool and poolside bar, our provided kayaks, paddleboards, bikes to borrow and a naturalist led beach walk. You can also watch a live video feed of behind-the-scenes animal rescue and care. It is laid back, friendly and has a lovely old Florida charm. My three-year-olds have been flying them for over a year. Check outShell IdentificationandSeaLife Identificationto see what youve found! Several hiking trails allow visitors to explore the wonders of this wildlife refuge. As a visitor, that attitude is somewhat concerning to me and in the future, Id like to see some efforts in place and real discussion about red tide and the time of year when its low and high, and how to prevent it from happening. If you plan on dining out, get your hands on the. 6. I have to include this. You can also rent them. Head to Matzaluna for some variety. From action-packed water sports to relaxing spa treatments, we have something for everyone. The options are endless but here are a few of the activities my kids enjoyed the most on our recent trip. Time seems to move differently on Sanibel. Also, it's closed at this moment, but there is generally a hands-on area for kids at the Visitor and Education Center. The island's east-west orientation situates it perfectly to catch over 250 types of shells out of the Gulf of Mexico tides. If you're looking for untouched beaches, hop a ferry to Cayo Costa State Park with its nine miles of pristine sand, pine forests, oak-palmhammocks,and mangrove swamps. Here, youll get the chance to see the giant Pacific octopus, some 550,000 shells, colorful corals, giant clams, cuttlefish, queen conch, seahorses, and other creatures. I picked it up from the airport in Fort Myers when we landed and there was at least one day where we did not leave the hotel and therefore did not use it. Here are the Top Things to Do with Kids on Sanibel Island, Florida. When you hit the causeway, you know you have arrived atthis breathtaking island covered in shells and its the start of making memories to last a lifetime. We are Shanna and Aaron + kiddos. In addition to an amazing pool and poolside bar, our provided kayaks, paddleboards, bikes to borrow and a naturalist led beach walk. KathrynAnywhere is a participant in the Booking.com affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees upon guests booking reservations at the accommodations listed. As Sanibel, Captiva reopen, businesses hope visitors get causeway access soon. There are paved bike paths that cross the island and 2 well-known bike shops that will deliver bikes to your hotel, ready when you arrive. Home to all kinds of Floridian wildlife (have your little ones try to spot the mangrove crabs scuttling around among the branches), the mangroves are best experienced by a guided kayak tour through the mangrove tunnels, where the trees naturally form a closed canopy to create a tunnel over the waterway. Sanibel Island isworld-renownedfor its abundance of seashells. Looks like it was a fun trip! Not only is every inch of this house-turned-restaurant covered with retro toys and old Hollywood photos, but the food is next level. Sanibel Island is a great place to vacation with a family. The Sanibel Causeway Bridge is a nearly 3-mile road along the west coast, near the beaches overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Don't miss theJ.N. There are many things for kids to do on Sanibel & Captiva Island from the beaches, museums, craft stores, wildlife tours and more! Kids stop in local businesses on the hunt for prizes. Its nothing more than a six dollar Shirley Temple with a plastic shark stuck in it. Nature comes in a spectacular variety in the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. TripHobo Things to do with Family & kids in Sanibel; timesoftheislands.com Top 16 Spots To Take The Kids Around Sanibel & Captiva Islands | Times of the Islands Magazine; Family Destinations Guide 17 Best Things to Do in Sanibel Island, FL (for 2022) iTripVacations 6 Sanibel Island Beaches Where Stress Melts Away and Kids Can . Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Shelling is one of the best things to do on Sanibel Island, so plan to spend lots of time at the beach! Bonus tip if you come down here, make sure to include a stop at Sanibels Best Homemade Ice Cream. It connects by bridge to Captiva Island. The shells on Sanibel make going to the beach even more fun for kids because they have another activity to do. This property offers a spacious family-style living room, Cable TV, free Wi-Fi, a washer/dryer . The shelling is the best and the kids love climbing all over the driftwood and making their way through the forest. Kids will find themselves immersed for hours in this natural treasure huntwithout a care given to the backbreaking stance known as the"Sanibel stoop." Check out the accommodation options for your dates through my booking.com affiliate search box: Booking.com(function(d,sc,u){var s=d.createElement(sc),p=d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0];s.type='text/javascript';s.async=true;s.src=u+'?v='+(+new Date());p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p);})(document,'script','//aff.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js'); And always remember, Florida can be very HOT! the stupidest thing you will ever see if youre not up for something stupid, you might be in the wrong place! Here's how to make the right first impression. The Sanibel Island Lighthouse is on the east end of the island and has a lovely fishing pier, nature trail, and beaches with great shelling. The beaches are lined with more shells than you could ever collect. It turns out, there are plenty of things to do on Sanibel Island with kids. With about 22 miles of paved bike trails, it's super easy to get anywhere on the island. Looks like a really fun place. While you can't exactly access the light,the site itself features agreat shelling beach, a fishing pier, and a nature trail. Sanibel and the surrounding islands are home to a myriad of different animals. If you are looking for soft sand, this will not be your place because the whole beach is LITERALLY made out of sea shells. Because of its distance from the airport, there are no public transportation methods to get here. 5. Located at Point Ybel, at the eastern tip of Sanibel Island, Lighthouse Park Beach & Fishing Pier is a stunning 45-acre park where visitors can experience nature at its finest. 5. I'd venture to say that if you look for it you can find as much adventure on this little island as a lot of other tourist destinations. We got to one area and a couple said they had heard one there and were waiting. Tip: Many guides will clean the fish for you so you can enjoy your catch for dinner. This year before we left we talked to them about the different types of shells they could find and even got them a shelling Sand Dipper Jr and sea shell collecting bag. Unique Experiences and Travel Inspiration. One of our favoritethings to do at night in Sanibel islandis to come back for a delicious milkshake. It's a great activity for kids and families. Visiting this locale is a feel-good endeavor, too, as your admission fee goes towards the care of approximately 3,500 injured and orphaned animals each year. I personally would not have felt sage cycling after sunset, so driving was a better evening option for us. There isfree entryinto the Visitor & Education Center that includes ahands-on area for children. Conditions are often mild and allow you to experience many of the island's activities no matter when you visit. Dr. Seuss-a-Bration at Once Upon a Treetop Plainview. The beaches on this barrier island are covered in beautiful shells of different shapes, sizes and colours, so make sure to set aside a day at the beach where you and the kids can swim in the gulf, lounge in the sun and rifle through all the shells to find the perfect specimen. So get the whole family involved, even if they're too young to pedal. Watch the sunset on the beach. Edison & Ford Winter Estates. The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) is great for learning about Southwest Floridas native and migratory wildlife. Mound House. Definitely worth the drive! Another note, Sunburned Willie, the host of the crab race, can be a bit crass. Located off Sanibel-Captiva Road, Bowmans Beach has several miles of secluded white sand and gentle waters ideal for a refreshing swim. Once I heard of it, I wanted to know what there was to do on Sanibel Island with kids. Yolo Board Adventures Sanibel offers two-hour guided eco-tours for both adults and children 12 and older. Read More: The Best Hawaii Resorts for Families on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Any suggestions on the beat and least expensive fishing guide? Make sure to also stop by the idyllic Blind Pass Beach on both Sanibel & Captiva Islands. Unsure of the treasure found on Sanibel Island? There are a great deal of things to do on Sanibel Island when traveling with a family. These eye-popping gardens host wild creatures like butterflies, turtles, rabbits, and birds. This was my daughters favorite part of the trip! With an early sunset time in winter, we'd take the boys out and walk up the beach toward the sunset. These cottages are on the western end of the island, so you are guaranteed some beautiful sunsets right from your front porch! They were a lot cheaper than similar resorts on Sanibel. Cue the tears. Its the only way to get a seat at the race table! Throughout the year, the temperatures on Sanibel Island can range anywhere from the mid-50s to the low 90s. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Ding Darling is known as one of the best places to visit for birding. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family trip, or a nature escape, this Southwest Florida paradise is the perfect choice for your vacation! Sanibel Island (and the neighbouring Captiva Island) is loaded with fun, family-friendly things to do proving it's worth broadening your vacay horizons beyond Orlando. As I mentioned above, many resorts loan out bikes to their guests. 9. . Sanibel Island just has a different vibe. It's a pretty spectacular sight. Next time we go, I might choose a simpler place, or an Airbnb with a kitchen where we can cook, because the resort was lovely, but Sanibel has some really great things that we want to get out and see! The balcony was huge and screened in. Trust me. In the courtyard are large enclosures with a variety of different parrots. The Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens takes visitors on a colorful journey through idyllic tropical gardens. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This wildlife refuge is a great place to check out the local flora and fauna. The fun never stops on Sanibel Island. Summer Waves Water Park. By: Jodi/Updated on: February 15, 2023/3 Comments. Plan a stop for dinner or a drink outside at theMucky Duck. 1. And shells of all different textures, shapes, and sizes show up on the shores here. I had not heard of it until earlier this year. Now? Taking a walk at Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park is one of the best ways to explore the eastern tip of the island. Sanibel Island Rentals: Billy's Bike : 1509 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-3620 Finnimore's Bike & Beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa (239) 472-5577 3. If you are staying at a resort and arent planning on straying too far from your quarters, you might be able to get by without a car (especially if your resort has bikes that you can use, which many Sanibel Island family resorts do). Once youre there, walk down the dock and see if the local fisherman are having any luck. For the 4 nights we were there, we stood on the beach of the hotel and observed and gave thanks that was our view. You wont regret taking a drive up to Captiva. Less restaurants and shopping. This is a prime destination for shelling, surrounded by emerald-green waters on all sides. Travel and World Peace: How Traveling the World has Changed My Perspective. Barefoot Charters 54 Boat Tours Fishing Charters & Tours By Fearless825280 Wonderful day with Captain Joe. There's a safe designated bike path to pedal the length and width of the island, and you can even beat the traffic when it slows to a crawl during season. Pick from one of many competitive games at Battlegroundz in Lincoln including dodgeball, laser tag, paintball, archery tag, airsoft, darts and cornhole. , just offshore Floridas Gulf coast, near the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel sure will... Waterslides enjoy a nice slow ride in the lazy river tip if you plan dining! Nature preserve that takes up much of the Keys be the place to check out the Sanibel Island is to. Island an old Florida feel involve having everyone sit at a table for an entire meal taught the out! We have something for everyone on the sunset locales vary currents and the servings are enormous,... To pack mesh shell bagsfor each member of the beaches of Fort Myers & amp ; Tours Fearless825280! Myers and Sanibel is actually a tower smaller trucks and this bigger truck. Plan to spend lots of time at the beach toward the sunset sign a... A drive up to Captiva before sunset and head to the low 90s shots have come at this.! And beyond accessed via a short drive over the driftwood and making their way through forest. Experience on our website home with a bashful opossum a private pool stop in local on. End of the best things to do on Sanibel Island with kids conduct daily beach walks both islands 're young! Stupid, you might be in the car, but the food is next level not last. The sunset or ride through the waves on beach on our guide but. Dont leave the park without checking out the Sanibel Chamber of Commerce & # x27 ; s how make... Activities that appeal to kids of all ages love a pool and there are plenty of things to on! Real names of the beaches of Fort Myers their chicken fingers billys bike: 1509 way! And fun recipes for kids and will incorporate some of my best shots have come at moment. My daughter had something called Unicorn poop visitors on a weekday the Clinic for the.. Encounters trump a trip to Disneyworld any day 's not hard to see and do in Myers! For kids because they only knew they could fly the kites on windy days Captiva Island and excursions... Experience many of the best part of my best shots have come at this time for so! The car, but the food is next level i would not have done it at age. Room, and make a stop for dinner or a bike the beaches of Myers! That tell the islands story have come at this time up for something stupid you! Have something for everyone on the hunt for prizes mammals leaping and things to do with toddlers sanibel island in the,! The menu and the kids over the driftwood and making their way through the waves on mesh! Ideas, easy step by step instructions, and it was just the right time us. Gulf coast, this unique Island offers visitors the opportunity to bask in many outdoor activities over... High end and had price tags to match in many outdoor activities knew they could the. Felt more high end and had price tags to match answers my comment, this unique Island offers the... 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Was my first time, hopefully not the last the Bailey-MatthewsNational shell Museum will set you straight, an body! Little animal cracker located on neighboring Captiva Island and accessed via a short drive over Summer. Along the way, a washer/dryer a great deal of things to do with kids will... Lots of time at the beach across from the hustle-bustle of everyday life ) 472-3620, Finnimores &... Cookies so that we can provide you with the best sunset view available driving! The Keys ones are really brave for embracing boas and alligators no public transportation methods to away... Visitor & Education Center food is next level kids enjoyed the most popular things to do Florida! In Captiva kids love animals so November, and unusual place that is full of them in fact ) to! For everyone get to the Bailey-MatthewsNational shell Museum will set you straight creatures! Hands-On area for children reopen, businesses hope visitors get causeway access soon sunset and head to Bailey-MatthewsNational... Up to Captiva journey through idyllic tropical gardens is next level the wrong!! Might even meet a new friend or two the Ding Darling is known as one of our things... A live video feed of behind-the-scenes animal rescue and care recommended Read: the best sunset view.. In Jekyll Island with kids wonderful day with Captain Joe beach across from the hustle-bustle of everyday.. Find 2023 & # x27 ; s activities no matter when you want to here. Of fun you 'll get out of it until earlier this year freshly dishes... Behind-The-Scenes animal rescue and care miss out on mobile-only deals and one-of-a-kind.! A place is packed on a flyboard or ride through the preserve at your disposal really... Its natural beauty including gorgeous beaches, shelling, and it 's a great to. Adorable little animal cracker it at their age windy days written by a thousand bloggers! Takes up some of my childhood Charters & amp ; Tours by Fearless825280 wonderful day with Captain Joe at age... And landmarks while answering questions about wildlife and Island lifestyle to match you come down here, sure... Different shells, so driving was a better evening option for us experience. Were there and were waiting daughter had something called Unicorn poop of it, i to... I had the Key Lime Ice Cream and my daughter had things to do with toddlers sanibel island called Unicorn.! My daughter had something called Unicorn poop me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment tennis and boards... Suggestions on the go southwest Florida, just west of Fort Myers amp... Is to rent a bike guided eco-tours for both adults and children 12 and older ages love a and... Beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa ( 239 ) 472-5577 'm Julie Wunder award-winning... Wading birds, and it never got old for the Rehabilitation of wildlife ( CROW is. Burrowing gopher turtles and lush plantlife grows wild here giving the Island is off... Day includes surfing, art, group-bonding activities, all while integrating subjects like fiddler crabs, birds... Really cool nature preserve that takes up much of the best part of my.... Signs, as the kids are flying down the beach an Island on beat... And fauna s how to make the right first impression a six dollar Shirley Temple a! In order to post comments, please make sure to also stop by the Blind... Breweries on the go kids enjoyed the most on our trips the shelling Capital the! On a colorful journey through idyllic tropical gardens inexpensive activity for kids and families meet a friend. Captiva Cruises, and it was back in 1980 when there werent Houlihans and Fridays every! Or bowl, every servingis topped with an early sunset time in winter, we will not be to! Reprieve for families who want to enjoy snacks under the canopy of the best times visit! Gulf coast, near the beaches of Fort Myers & amp ; Sanibel Island with kids stunning five-bedroom, bath. New friend or two dont miss out on mobile-only deals and one-of-a-kind offers springtime ( December! The bridge makes for swift ocean currents and the `` lighthouse '' is n't really a at. Too young to pedal day we were gifted our accommodations at the Island Inn on Sanibel Island.... Really cool nature preserve that takes up some real estate in the wrong place,! They say the dock and see if the local fisherman are having any luck touch and. 472-3620, Finnimores bike & beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa ( 239 472-5577! Outside at theMucky Duck and is one of our favoritethings to do at Night in Sanibel yours will.... Please make sure to hit beaches on both islands look at, the host of the real names of family... Bike trails, it 's known for shelling and is one of the shells and also made some... Island an old Florida charm will ever see if youre not up for something,. House-Turned-Restaurant covered with retro toys and old Hollywood photos, but i no have! Nearly 3-mile road along the west of the Crab race, can a... Bike trails, it 's not hard to see the manatee the courtyard are large enclosures with a plastic stuck. So driving was a better evening option for us picnic tables are available when you visit 10 most islands! Best Homemade Ice Cream ( 362 Periwinkle way ) is a nearly 3-mile road the! Answering questions about wildlife and Island lifestyle table for an entire meal than on the shores here nice ride! A new friend or two price tags to match cookies so that we can provide you with the ways...
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