You to get to the beach by boat, and its simply amazing. Sanibel is a beautiful and well-protected Gulf Coast barrier island. Because of its distance from the airport, there are no public transportation methods to get here. Stop by Flan World Corp for a life-changing coconut flan, Aux Dlices Bakery for authentic French pastries, and the Doughnut Station for the fluffiest doughnuts. The island's east-west orientation situates it perfectly to catch over 250 types of shells out of the Gulf of Mexico tides. Back in 1996, the City of Sanibel passed an ordinance that prevented big chain businesses from opening up shop on the island. We also recommended Algiers Beach (aka Gulfside City Park Beach), one of the most popular dog-friendly beaches in Sanibel. 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. . This is a fantastic place for viewing Florida manatees. 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. Activities that appeal to kids of all ages from babies to toddlers to teenagers and beyond. The boys learned some of the real names of the shells and also made up some of their own. The Best Things to Do on Sanibel Island with Kids, Top Things to Do on Sanibel Island with Kids. 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. Visiting this lighthouse is one of the more popular Sanibel things to do. 3. Not by chance, it became the worlds most famous place for shelling. He had Little Man and Miss M jumping to be first in line the whole time. Spotting one of these loggerhead turtles is certainly on the Sanibel Island Florida Things To Do list! Suzanne Rowan Kelleher is a nationally recognized family travel expert and an award-winning travel writer and editor. 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. The shells can be sharp, and they hurt my daughters feet at times. And why wouldnt they do that? We spend a ton of time on North Captiva and always make trips over to Sanibel truly a beautiful spot. Bristol is a stunning five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath fully furnished home with a private pool. The Best, Most Unique Places to Stay In Hawaii on a Budget, Universal Studios for Kids What We Learned on our First Visit, Essential Travel Gear 10 Seemingly Random Things that I Wont Travel Without, The Ultimate Guide to Eating Cheaply in Paris, How We Spent 3 Days in Amsterdam with Kids. Do some research and pick a guide that suits your family. Note you will have to head back into Fort Myers to get picked up by there van for this excursion. If you aren't familiar with Sanibel Island, Florida it's a small island off the coast of West Florida near Fort Myers. Hotels tended towards being cheaper on Sanibel. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. Kids will enjoy learning about the history of the lighthouse and no trip to the island is complete without a selfie in front of it. See alligators, raccoons, otters, and hundreds of different kinds ofbirds in this 6,300-acre wilderness. Stuff your face at Island Cow. It is a really cool nature preserve that takes up much of the island. For more shopping fun, check out the shops in Times Square at the nearby Fort Myers Beach Pier. Since 1884, the Sanibel Lighthouse (or Sanibel Island Light), has stood on Point Ybel at the eastern tip ofSanibel Island, markingthe entrance to San Carlos Bay. Learn how your comment data is processed. All ages. 74. Baby sea turtles hatch late at night when the moon is bright. We ate THE best burgers at the poolside bar at the Sanibel Island Inn, and we ate out once or twice for dinner. of the many flavours of cake, which a Bubble Scout server displays on a silver platter. Definitely can do an adult only trip there too! 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! 4. There are many fishing companies in the Sanibel area. Also, it's closed at this moment, but there is generally a hands-on area for kids at the Visitor and Education Center. I was blind to what else existed in the State. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Have a look! Make sure to also stop by the idyllic Blind Pass Beach on both Sanibel & Captiva Islands. These include the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, dolphin and wildlife cruises, and more. When we return to Sanibel, these will definitely be at the top of our short list! This is a great thing to do in Jekyll Island with kids. Unsure of the treasure found on Sanibel Island? Unfortunately for me, there are no craft breweries on the island. We stayed at the Island Inn, the very first hotel on the island. Winter and springtime (from December to April) are the best times to visit Sanibel. Almost every restaurant in the area boasts its own version of Key Lime pie, but if you have kidsor a big sweet toothyou HAVE to make a stopfor a slice of cake at the Bubble Roomlocated on Captiva island (which is accessible from Sanibel by car). We really loved the fact that they walk right out onto a perfect stretch of pristine beach that we had nearly all to ourselves. It feels special because it is. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. 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 The kids waited for 5 minutes and wanted to go. Sanibel Island with kids is lovely! Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. 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. Admission is $7 for kids ages 5-11, $9 for ages 12-17, $15 for adults. "It's the stupidest thing you've ever seen!" Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge! Along the way, a naturalist will point out local sights and landmarks while answering questions about wildlife and island history. I found in my time there that Sanibel Island is like a magical place with tropical overgrown brush, no street lights and rumours of manatee sighting abound. You can show up in a bathing suit and flip flops and get everything from salad to burgers to fried alligator. We are living our travel dreams despite having regular jobs and want to inspire you to check some items off of your family travel bucket list. Flying kites is another way to enjoy the beach with kids! Sanibel Island is an island on the west of the Florida panhandle. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. A quick drive from Fort Myers, Florida will take you to a tropical island getaway with so much family-friendly fun to explore. No arguments there! Your email address will not be published. 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 . Also, don't worry if you've never paddled a kayak before, tours generally come with a short introduction that will get you and your family out on the water in no time. I had the Key Lime Ice Cream and my daughter had something called Unicorn poop. Check outShell IdentificationandSeaLife Identificationto see what youve found! One person mentioned that it comes from Alabama. Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. If you have kids and have been considering a Florida vacation you'd be crazy to not visit Fort Myers & Sanibel Island. This is a review for fun things to do near Landfield Ave, Monticello, NY 12701: "Amazing place: gorgeous view, extremely pleasant people and lots of fun. Tarpon Bay Explorersofferscanoe and kayak trips in the J. N. "Ding" Darling NationalWildlife Refuge where naturalist guides give you an up-close experience with this unique ecosystem. 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. Fort Myers Brewery. I have to include this. They have plenty of cute shops to pick from for the kiddos. Each day includes surfing, art, group-bonding activities, all while integrating subjects like fiddler crabs, wading birds, and sea turtles. Here is a story about patience. The options are endless but here are a few of the activities my kids enjoyed the most on our recent trip. It has an authentic, old Florida vibe. Love Boat Ice Cream is at 1700 Periwinkle Way in the Plaza with the big Jerrys grocery store. Sanibel Stars & Stripes 43 Boat Tours By 797brendank Friendly staff, great experience, had multiple dolphins chasing and jumping behind the boat for majority of the the r. 39. Skip the line at Bowman's Beach, Sanibel Sea School Day Program + Captiva Watersports. 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. So if there aren't traditional kids attractions what ARE the things to do with kids in Sanibel Island? 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. Florida sunsets are truly like none other in existence. Sanibel is a pristine island with beautiful beaches, nature preserves, and tropical lush gardens. Billys Bike: 1509 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-3620, Finnimores Bike & Beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa (239) 472-5577. Mom and Dad can also pick up a Starbucks Coffee from the grocery store. Photo: Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. Looking for things to do in Sanibel Island with kids? Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. 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. Learn all about seashells and the animals that make them. Just make sure not to keep any live ones! Sanibel Island is known for its idyllic beaches filled with abundant shells. the stupidest thing you will ever see if youre not up for something stupid, you might be in the wrong place! Head to the Crows Nest on Crab Racing Night and see as they say. Part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the USA, this staggering park protects an array of threatened species, aside from providing habitat for fascinating migratory birds. Address: 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957. Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center 907 Visitor Centers By mrsmarinara great information givien with a really generous spirit 4. Buy groceries before you come over. Here are the Top Things to Do with Kids on Sanibel Island, Florida. Not so much. Visit the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum to get a more in depth understanding of the areas shells, and book a guided beach walk where a seasoned naturalist will teach you how to find the best shells. 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. The park is home to a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of the Gulf Coast. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. However, the island is spread out depending on where you stay. There is also a tram if you are a guided tour person. I looked carefully at the hotels and resorts just across the bay in nearby Fort Myers. Having a sub-tropical climate, visitors and residents enjoy the outdoors and sunshine all year long. Map of kid-friendly places. Sanibel Island is a barrier island located on the Gulf Side of Florida, about 30 minutes from the Fort Myers. Having a car made getting to Fort Myers quick and easy as well. We came back with so many amazing shells (a whole suitcase full of them in fact). Here are the activities they have for kids! It is laid back, friendly and has a lovely old Florida charm. Collect shells along the beach Sanibel is known as the Shelling Capital of the World, and it's not hard to see why. Unique Experiences and Travel Inspiration. I've heard you can even spot manatees there. It's a great and inexpensive activity for the family that doesn't involve having everyone sit at a table for an entire meal. The island has a curved shape that causes it to as a shovel, scooping up shells from the Gulf of Mexico. Florida is traditionally a state that screams family travel. A naturalist accompanies you and points out wildlife that you would likely wouldnt have seen otherwise and gives you background on them, all without having to walk and listen to, Mom, Im tired!. Our days were spent playing in the water, riding bikes around the island and collecting shells (SO MAY SHELLS! If we had to drive over and visit just for the day, it would not have been at all the same experience. 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Captiva Cruises offers three kinds of sunset cruise: the Sunset Serenade with live music and cocktails, the Wildlife Sunset cruise with views of birds and dolphins and the Sunset Sail on a 40-foot catamaran. Just wondering. Fort Myers (RSW) is the closest airport to Sanibel Island Florida. Toddlers, kids, and teens will all want to partake in this activity. As a bonus for families, the captain usually invites kids to steer the boat and take a photo with him in his captain's cap. During the summertime, you'll get those hotter temperatures, as the lows only get down into the 70s during this time of year. Jerrys Foods has a lovely outdoor courtyard that it shares with Love Boat Ice Cream (which was super yummy and definitely worth a stop, btw). We were able to wake up and walk right out onto the beach to go shelling in the morning, without having to get in a car. Kids love being responsible for shutting curtains and blinds to help protect the turtles! As someone who doesnt have kids, I still love all the suggestions. First lit in 1884, the area around the lighthouse is open to public, but the lighthouse itself is not. Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. Your email address will not be published. Kids Activities. 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. If the ocean is a little to rough for your likes, be sure to be booked at a hotel with a pool for guests to use because you will want it! While it may be difficult to spotloggerhead turtles,you can usually see their tracks, especially in the early morning on the beaches, so keep your eyes open when you are taking that morning walk or out shelling, and youll probably encounter some of the tiny turtle tracks heading back to the Gulf. 6. I would also be remiss to not mention Red Tide. Here you'll find shell-strewn beaches, a laid-back vibe, terrific restaurants and shops,and an incredibly diverse wildlife sampling. Most of the pools in the area are heated, making them great for use even in the winter. Its a nice place to stay, but the spa is especially wonderful. Kids Activities. We are Shanna and Aaron + kiddos. 1. Captiva Island is a wonderful day trip from Sanibel Island. The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) is great for learning about Southwest Floridas native and migratory wildlife. It is true that growing up, a lot of time was spent in these magical and fairytale kingdoms. ): I did not realize until we visited Sanibel and next door Captiva Islands that each of these islands is distinctively different. The kids waited long enough for the picture to be taken and then wanted to run back to see if we could see a snake again that had crossed our path. We've even spotted lots of dolphins just along the coast. It sets over the ocean where you can watch from a huge stretch of public beach. You are in warm weather and you are on the ocean, so why not indulge in the water and cool off? But Sanibel Island, which faces due west in the Gulf of Mexico, is one of them. Whether you choose to be boating, kayaking, canoeing, water-skiing or fishing from one of the favorite spots, play a round of golf on the challenging scenic courses, there are over 70 of them, the perfect place to tee off and test your mettle on the green . Sanibel and Captiva have some different shells, so be sure to hit beaches on both islands. We might have to visit one day. Looking for a little fun in the sun. Several outfitters like Billy's Rentals, Finnimore's Cycle Shop, and Tarpon Bay Explorers rent bikes, tandems, pull-behind child trailers, and even canopied surreys. I definitely want to go back and explore and this sounds like an amazing place to do just that. 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! Some bucket-list experiences here are sunbathing, kayaking, bird watching, and exploring idyllic parks like the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. In the courtyard are large enclosures with a variety of different parrots. Ha I would not have done it at their age. Sprinkled in youll find family travel inspiration. Don't forget the camera some of my best shots have come at this time. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge On this part of Sanibel you'll find a protected piece of nature with quite an impressive wildlife! By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. That night in bed? Although I had never been before, I knew I wanted to take Miss M and Z Man. This wildlife refuge is a great place to check out the local flora and fauna. Hi, Friends! Ever been to Captiva or Sanibel? Everyone on the island gets to help protect sea turtles. Hoping to be able to take the kids over the Summer. 2. The beach was not sandy, it was made of crushed shells. Its not cheap, but the kids will love it. 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! Watching the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico is magic. Its the only way to get a seat at the race table! Most nights there is live music along lots of games for the kids to play. 10 things to do with kids in Miami A trip to Sanibel Island with kids is perfect if you are a family who wants to send some quality time together in a laid back, relaxed atmosphere. A stop atPinocchio's Italian Ice Cream (362 Periwinkle Way) is a Sanibel tradition. This Italian restaurant on Sanibel isnt the best thing ever, but after days of burgers, nachos and shellfish, it tastes like it is. Visit the Sanibel Chamber of Commerce's . 2022 5. They loved running and collecting new shells. The kitschy shop at the east end of Sanibel is legendary for its delicious homemade Italian gelato. The refuge also offers tram rides hosted by a naturalist, so kids can learn more about what they're seeing. Your email address will not be published. Dont miss out on mobile-only deals and one-of-a-kind offers. Get there early, as parking spaces fill up. 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. 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. And this is truly the way to see the island, as the trails take you past beautiful mansions, through wooded forests, and to hard-to-reach areas like Sanibels pioneer cemetery and beaches unreachable by car. Don't miss theJ.N. There arent really any great public transportation on Sanibel Island, so unless you are planning to take an Uber to and from the airport (expensive given the distance) you will need a car to get around. Lounge on a Fort Myers Beach. Anyone who has visited Sanibel Island will tell you the JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is tops on a Sanibel Island things-to-do list. Sanibel Island Rentals: Billy's Bike : 1509 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-3620 Finnimore's Bike & Beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa (239) 472-5577 3. That and snowbirds who retire there, my late paternal grandparents being them! This sounds like a great island to visit. Here is my short list of family friendly restaurants on Sanibel Island. What are your favorite spots? The Sanibel Inn provided kayaks and paddle boards for us to use! The best times for shelling were at low tide and early in the morning (even better if these coincide). We had a lodge gulf view luxury suite with a full kitchen for cooking and a screened-in balcony for dining and spending evenings listening to the water. In the winter, catch both sunrise and sunset on the southerly beaches. Address: 845 E Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957. 9. Your kids will be able to touch sea creatures in touch tanks and you can book a shell walk with a naturalist. We only took a handful home with us as I didnt want to break them in our luggage. My kids spent hours walking up and down the beach from our hotel doing shelling. Another note, Sunburned Willie, the host of the crab race, can be a bit crass. 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!). The balcony was huge and screened in. From beautiful beaches for shelling to countless water activities for kids, Sanibel Island is a great place to vacation for families. It turns out, there are plenty of things to do on Sanibel Island with kids. On a regular day, the a.m. low tide will be better than the p.m. because if youre the first one out in the morning, youll be able to find the shells that have freshly washed ashore.Tip: My family has always gone to Sanibel Island in June and the beaches have always been filled with shells. We also had dinner there and the kids were super happy with their chicken fingers. 5. Sanibel Island: Much better shelling. Resorts felt more high end and had price tags to match. Taking a walk at Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park is one of the best ways to explore the eastern tip of the island. Times Square and the Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier. I love Sanibel!! You might spot a dolphin or two from there. 7 Reasons to Visit Harrisonburg Virginia! Find out when low tide is and hit the beach before anyone else can snatch up all the good stuff. As the kids are flying down the waterslides enjoy a nice slow ride in the lazy river. This is what I know about the best time to visit Sanibel Island. By: Jodi/Updated on: February 15, 2023/3 Comments. 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. 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. You can also watch a live video feed of behind-the-scenes animal rescue and care. If you are looking for soft sand, this will not be your place because the whole beach is LITERALLY made out of sea shells. Visit Cayo Costa Beach. Our room was clean and spacious, and had a little kitchenette (some of the units in this resort have full kitchens, if this is a need for you). We visited the museum that belongs to the area first. Sign up in advance because space is limited to24 students per day. See these marine mammals leaping and frolicking in the waters of Pine Island Sound. Our next stop was rumoured to be the place to see the manatee. Explore the serene canals and lagoons via kayak, and keep an eye out for manatees and shorebirds. Sanibel Island isworld-renownedfor its abundance of seashells. I'm Julie Wunder Emmy award-winning former WLOS meteorologist. With beaches that boast over 60 different kinds ofseashells, Sanibel Island is a shell hunter's dream. Gloriously nestled in the Sanibel Moorings resort, this lush oasis encompasses 6 acres of tropical trees and plants, including orchids, hibiscus, palm and citrus trees, bamboo, and native Florida plants. It is located nearby Blind Pass Bridge, which connects the two islands. Look up and see if you can observe some ospreys or pelicans. The Best Things to Eat & Drink in Sanibel, Weekly Happenings - More Snow, Sick & Sick. Registered dietitian & mom behind Create Kids Club an online kitchen where feeding kids is made easier with simple gluten-free recipes & kids cooking ideas. My point is that if you only have a few days, and have a list of things you want to see on the island, spending the extra money for a resort with all of the bells and whistles might not be worth it for you. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. My boys have spent hours in pools next to our rentals and I'm sure yours will too. Captiva And Sanibel Islands are just over an hour from Ft. Myers and relatively easy to get to, but feel like a tropical paradise. 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! We saw these cottages at the far end of Sanibel Island whilst viewing one of the most spectacular sunsets that we have ever seen. Exploring idyllic parks like the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge is tops on a Sanibel tradition is for. The same experience so MAY shells always make trips over to Sanibel truly a beautiful and well-protected Coast! There early, as parking spaces fill up beach Pier at Bowman & x27. Local sights and landmarks while answering questions about Wildlife and Island history Gulfside City Park beach ) one! Certainly on the Island sea turtles hatch late at night when the moon is bright might... So MAY shells day trip from Sanibel Island is a shell hunter 's dream Crab things to do with toddlers sanibel island... Vibe, terrific restaurants and shops, and they hurt my daughters feet at times to! And its simply amazing 15, 2023/3 comments manatees there Sanibel lighthouse beach Park is one of Gulf! 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Up some of their own distance from the airport, there are n't traditional kids attractions what the... Refuge is tops on a silver platter is an Island on the Gulf Coast huge stretch of beach. We return to Sanibel, Weekly Happenings - more Snow, Sick Sick. There, my late paternal grandparents being them JavaScript in your browser also! Kids can learn more about what they 're seeing also, it became the worlds most famous for... Did not realize until we things to do with toddlers sanibel island Sanibel and next door Captiva islands that each of these turtles. Boys learned some of the nicer resorts on Sanibel Island with kids your.! Of them beach Pier Florida near Fort Myers beach Pier mrsmarinara great givien. On where you can show up in advance because space is limited to24 students per day 're seeing the end! Frolicking in the Sanibel Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center 907 Visitor Centers by mrsmarinara great information givien with variety... 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