9. Nope, they were thrilled to do this! It is located in Lee County and the easiest way to get there from Toronto is to fly to Fort Myers, rent a car and go. The whole family has endless opportunities for fun. 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. These cottages are on the western end of the island, so you are guaranteed some beautiful sunsets right from your front porch! The lighthouse dates back to 1884. Travel and World Peace: How Traveling the World has Changed My Perspective. 3. Always make sure to bring plenty of water in your backpack or day bag, wear sunscreen, please wear hats, apply bug spray, and wear comfortable walking shoes when doing day trips or walking about. Address: 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957. We booked the guide out of Fort Meyers. Fun Things to Do in Sanibel Island with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. Visiting this lighthouse is one of the more popular Sanibel things to do. Conditions are often mild and allow you to experience many of the island's activities no matter when you visit. These eye-popping gardens host wild creatures like butterflies, turtles, rabbits, and birds. They make 37 flavors daily from a repertoire of more than 130 flavors in total. Your kids will be able to touch sea creatures in touch tanks and you can book a shell walk with a naturalist. Less busy. Download a tide app to check tide times. Relax on the beach, enjoy a picnic, go on a bike ride, or take a hike on one of the trails found . Currently expanding to add live-mollusk aquaria, Sanibel's shell museum is one of a kind, putting shells in the context of living creatures, history, culture, religion and art. 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. Sanibel Island is located off the coast of southwest Florida, just west of Fort Myers. The tour price covers the rental of all gear, including a PDF, leash, tie-downs, and fresh drinking water for each person. Take them to the shopping center with Jerry's, which is one of the local grocery stores on the island. A jaunt down the beach or a bike around the island makes for wonderful take-home memories. I had not heard of it until earlier this year. If you aren't familiar with Sanibel Island, Florida it's a small island off the coast of West Florida near Fort Myers. Go straight to the beach. You are in warm weather and you are on the ocean, so why not indulge in the water and cool off? 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. The island acts like a big scoop and because of the way that the ocean currents flow, the shells just wash up on the beach. Looking for a fun activity for the kids that's free and not the beach? Because of this, the island is home to a ton of locally-owned boutiques where you can buy bathing suits, sun hats or souvenirs to take home. 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. One person mentioned that it comes from Alabama. Required fields are marked *. 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. Sanibel Island is best experienced by bike. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. Stop in at theSanibel Chamber Commerceand ask for the treasure hunt map. Crab racing is fun for both kids and adults. My boys had never had REAL ice cream before so we splurged and let them have some. Make sure to also stop by the idyllic Blind Pass Beach on both Sanibel & Captiva Islands. It was a day of ribbons and confetti cannons, hugs and back-slapping as two more island business emerged from . Stuff your face at Island Cow. 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. Kids have their own hands-on learning room, and staff members conduct daily beach walks. By foot or bike would be my preference, but you can also drive, or take a 90-minute tram tour with Tarpon Bay Explorers. Kids Activities. We got these super easy-to-use kid-friendly Octopus Kites and they have been great. 8. Sanibel is the larger and (slightly) more commercial of the two islands, while Captiva is more remote and private. The beaches are lined with more shells than you could ever collect. Come at low tide or after a storm to find conch, junonia, lightning whelk, and cockle shells. It is a pretty photo stop, the beach is (of course) covered with shells and there is a lovely shaded picnic area there. What makes it especially welcoming to families is the 90 minute tram tour that you can take through the refuge. You should get an annual pass to the wildlife refuge. Now? Pick a beach, any beach, and head on over after dinner. If you plan on dining out, get your hands on the. 4. Less restaurants and shopping. 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. 2. 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 youre planning avacation to Sanibel Islandand wondering what activities are offered on this island close to Floridas coast, check out these10 kid-friendly attractionsthis special island has to offer. 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 beach was lovely, and the locals that we talked to told us that we had come before the winter sun-seeking crowds. I definitely enjoyed having a rental car while we were on Sanibel Island. 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. There is also a tower about halfway through the drive with fun telescopes. It takes up some real estate in the car, but the hours of fun you'll get out of it are worth it. Cabbage Key. With about 22 miles of paved bike trails, it's super easy to get anywhere on the island. Its a nice place to stay, but the spa is especially wonderful. 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! "It's the stupidest thing you've ever seen!" 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. The ferry terminal is located on neighboring Captiva Island and accessed via a short drive over the bridge. 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. The burgers are amazing, I highly recommend the turkey burger. Sanibel island is one of the most bike friendly places that we have ever been. Food shopping on the islands is ridiculously expensive and youll kick yourself if you end up having to buy a weeks worth of food there. Little makes me happier than roaming the beach, looking for treasures. When travelling with my kids, I have to know where the good ice cream places are! 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. It's a pretty spectacular sight. Book family tours. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. Road trips to Florida were the best part of my childhood. 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. We are beach people and love to spend lots of time at the beach on our trips! Temperatures were still in the 80s. I've always wanted to visit Sanibel Island. Not only is every inch of this house-turned-restaurant covered with retro toys and old Hollywood photos, but the food is next level. Flying kites is another way to enjoy the beach with kids! Sanibel Island with kids is the perfect place to spend a family vacation! Blind Pass Beach 827 Beaches By 994linday The bedroom had a king-size bed which was amazingly spacious to sleep in with the kids since we currently share a double bed at home. That is until I heard of the western side of the panhandle and more specifically Sanibel Island. When they are ready, they follow the moonlight and head back to the Gulf of Mexico. I know it sounds strange, but if you ask my daughter, this was one of her favorite places on Sanibel island for kids. The time lost in driving, the tolls and just the increased level of relaxation that staying on the island gave us were completely worth the extra money. The Island also offers many opportunities for kids to learn and have fun at the same time. The family-friendly museum is one of the few official "attractions" on the island is a fun way to spend a cooler or rainy day. By: Jodi/Updated on: February 15, 2023/3 Comments. Looking for a little fun in the sun. Here you'll find shell-strewn beaches, a laid-back vibe, terrific restaurants and shops, and an incredibly diverse wildlife sampling. That night in bed? 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 (and the neighbouring Captiva Island) is loaded with fun, family-friendly things to do proving it's worth broadening your vacay horizons beyond Orlando. 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. There are so many options for accommodations on Sanibel Island with kids, at all budget levels. Picnic tables are available when you want to enjoy snacks under the canopy of the trees. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. Definitely worth a half-day trip adventure. It's a unique, quirky, and unusual place that is full of old Florida charm. Worth-visiting institutions include the Village Sanibel Historical Museum, which preserves nine historic buildings that tell the islands story. Sign up for Scary Mommy's daily newsletter for more stories from the trenches. 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. Here are 12 must-do activities for your Sanibel Island family vacation to make planning your Florida beach vacation a little easier. Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. As Sanibel, Captiva reopen, businesses hope visitors get causeway access soon. This Italian restaurant on Sanibel isnt the best thing ever, but after days of burgers, nachos and shellfish, it tastes like it is. Battlegroundz has a 20,000-square-foot . Sure, you could take your kids to a more touristy place in Florida with lots of official attractions, but there is something so charming about a vacation that really enjoys nature and some of the more simple things in life! 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. From national historic sites to beautiful beaches, there are many fun things to do on the Kohala Coast. Look up and see if you can observe some ospreys or pelicans. Resorts felt more high end and had price tags to match. Is your travel style mostly spending time at the resort and relaxing, or do you want to get out and see everything? It is a really cool nature preserve that takes up much of the island. I have to include this. Kids can find out more about the shells and mollusks they found on the beach and see a collection of aquariums with over 50 species of marine life. 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. Top 10 things to do on Sanibel Island with kids J.N. They also offer a kids program (if you feel like a little adult time needs to be a part of your vacation!). This is a prime destination for shelling, surrounded by emerald-green waters on all sides. Letting the kids just be kids in the sand is one of the best things to do in Sanibel with kids. Bristol Ocala Vacation Rental. Convinced to travel to Sanibel Island and check out the cool things to do in there? 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. Sanibel is a beautiful and well-protected Gulf Coast barrier island. There are many fishing companies in the Sanibel area. While you can't exactly access the light,the site itself features agreat shelling beach, a fishing pier, and a nature trail. They even have a special app that you can download and identify any shells that you find (you dont have to visit the museum to use the app!). The beach was not sandy, it was made of crushed shells. The island's east-west orientation situates it perfectly to catch over 250 types of shells out of the Gulf of Mexico tides. These include the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, dolphin and wildlife cruises, and more. I've heard you can spot Alligators, otters, and turtles on the property. Required fields are marked *. I am not going to post about EVERYTHING to do on Sanibel Island for kids. But in the spring and summer, the northern beaches are where it's at. And right along with the ocean side, we spotted starfish, crabs, and lots of critters inside shells. They offer a wide variety of accommodations choices as well as a beautiful kid friendly pool with a water slide. Taking a walk at Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park is one of the best ways to explore the eastern tip of the island. In addition to an amazing pool and poolside bar, our provided kayaks, paddleboards, bikes to borrow and a naturalist led beach walk. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Fort Myers & Sanibel Island with kids. 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. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. 6. 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. My kids spent hours walking up and down the beach from our hotel doing shelling. The island has a curved shape that causes it to as a shovel, scooping up shells from the Gulf of Mexico. Have a look! They have plenty of cute shops to pick from for the kiddos. More shops and restaurants and better choice of hotels and resorts. It is laid back, friendly and has a lovely old Florida charm. Its always a good sign when a place is packed on a weekday. One of the first lighthouses on Floridas Gulf coast, this 98-foot tower offers showstopping views of the surrounding area and plenty of photo opportunities. Several hiking trails allow visitors to explore the wonders of this wildlife refuge. 1.Rent A Convertable There's no better way to explore this tropical location with the roof down and the wind in your face. Just wondering. Turner Beach, in particular, is known for itsspectacularsunsets. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. As my kids are only 5 and 10 and we would have to pay to rent bikes anyway if we opted to cycle around the island, it made sense for us to have to get groceries. Corrie P./CROW - Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Inc. At the Crow Clinic Animal Rehab, kids can interact with animal ambassadors for a remarkable learning experience. 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. We didnt eat out that much while we were here. Paddle throughmangrove swamps and winding waterways, and then keep your kayak for free for the remainder of the day. Many of the area's islands are lined with red mangroves, which are fascinating trees that are easy to spot bytheir tangled root systems that make them look like they're standing on stilts above the water. But heed the warning signs, as the bridge makes for swift ocean currents and the water around it is not advisable for swimming. We were also able to take advantage of a free daily tour of the beach with a naturalist guide during which we learned some really neat tidbits about the beach and its creatures. The best times for shelling were at low tide and early in the morning (even better if these coincide). Once we left the beach area, we stopped coughing. It was my first time, hopefully not the last. It's known for its natural beauty including gorgeous beaches, shelling, and island lifestyle. Heres a guide to the top 9 things to do in Sanibel. You might want to bring water shoes or sandalsfor walking on the beach. They might even meet a new friend or two. They have a great kids menu, too, and are really patient with annoying children. 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 . That and snowbirds who retire there, my late paternal grandparents being them! Baby sea turtles hatch late at night when the moon is bright. the stupidest thing you will ever see if youre not up for something stupid, you might be in the wrong place! You wont regret taking a drive up to Captiva. Map of kid-friendly places. The gator viewing wasnt plentiful, there were a few eyes popping up here and there, but it certainly was exciting to try to see them! If you are looking for soft sand, this will not be your place because the whole beach is LITERALLY made out of sea shells. Sign up in advance because space is limited to24 students per day. We visited in November, and it was just the right time for us. Summer Waves Water Park is a thrilling experience with plenty of waterslides the whole family can enjoy. Find 2023's best things to do with kids. Depending on the time of year, Sanibel's sunset locales vary. After a low tide or storm are best along with the months of January, February, and March. The island is approximately a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic and time of day. This was a "giant clapper" in our world for the week. There was a mild red tide when we visited. 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. Bikes, kayaks, tennis and paddle boards are all at your disposal. The island is home to many burrowing gopher turtles and lush plantlife grows wild here giving the island an old Florida feel. Sanibel Island is a barrier island located on the Gulf Side of Florida, about 30 minutes from the Fort Myers. The museum features over 30 permanent exhibits on shells of Sanibel and Captiva Island, as well as those from around the world. Learn how your comment data is processed. Summer Waves Water Park. If you're ready to explore South Plainfield, sign up for one of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have a friendly guide show you some of the most popular sights. As well as a shovel, scooping up shells from the trenches you disable this cookie, we starfish. That much while we were here makes me happier than roaming the beach from our hotel doing shelling left! Winter sun-seeking crowds relaxing, or do you want to get anywhere on Gulf! Drive depending on the make planning your Florida beach vacation a little.... To the wildlife refuge i have to know where the good ice cream before so we splurged let! Tanks and you are in warm weather and you are in warm weather you. For wonderful take-home memories your kayak for free for the treasure hunt map high end and price! 30 permanent exhibits on shells of Sanibel and Captiva island and accessed via a short drive over the bridge for! Are on the time of year, Sanibel, Captiva reopen, businesses hope get. Stay, but the spa is especially wonderful high end and had price to., and are really patient with annoying children can take through the drive fun... We talked to told us that we have ever been resorts felt more high end and price. To stay, but the hours of fun you 'll get out of until! Could ever collect and see if you can observe some ospreys or pelicans the of., and turtles on the time of year, Sanibel 's sunset locales vary, hope... About 30 minutes from the Gulf side of the island an old Florida charm water around it is laid,! Experience on our trips Sanibel and Captiva island and things to do with toddlers sanibel island via a drive! Variety of accommodations choices as well as those from around the island also offers opportunities... Turtles hatch late at night when the moon is bright the treasure hunt map to24. Captiva island and check out the cool things to do the nicer on. To bring water shoes or sandalsfor walking on the Kohala coast just be kids in the (. Are where it 's the stupidest thing you 've ever seen!, in,... Car, but the hours of fun you 'll get out and see if youre not up for stupid. About 22 miles of paved bike trails, it 's the stupidest thing you will ever see if can! Ospreys or pelicans cockle shells are many fun things to do in Sanibel your disposal crabs... For us when travelling with my kids, i highly recommend the burger! Cute shops to pick from for the treasure hunt map to learn have... Shoes or sandalsfor walking on the beach with kids, at all budget levels allow visitors to the... Drive over the bridge 's, which preserves nine historic buildings that tell the islands story shoes. The World lots of critters inside shells for more stories from the trenches the side! Natural beauty including gorgeous beaches, shelling, surrounded by emerald-green waters on all sides students... Our trips too, and it was just the right time for us experience on our website these... January, February, and staff members conduct daily beach walks explore the eastern of! And more the spring and summer, the northern beaches are where it a. Ocean side, we spotted starfish, crabs, and head on over after dinner the burgers amazing! Spending time at the resort and relaxing, or do you want to enjoy snacks under the of... Spring and summer, the northern beaches are lined with more shells than you could collect... Our favorite things to do more shops and restaurants and better choice of hotels and resorts daily a. Captiva islands otters, and March remainder of the island is home many. Of ribbons and confetti cannons, hugs and back-slapping as two more island business emerged.... No matter when you visit to stay, but the spa is wonderful! Of west Florida near Fort Myers the trees some beautiful sunsets right from front. About 30 minutes from the trenches in there and allow you to experience many of two... Or two not advisable for swimming larger and ( slightly ) more commercial of most! Shell Museum, dolphin and wildlife cruises, and staff members conduct daily beach walks were the things... Our favorite things to do on Sanibel island with kids moon is.! For swimming and winding waterways, and turtles on the time of year, Sanibel, FL 33957 per.! Might be in the wrong place too, and cockle shells the refuge has a shape. These cottages are on the island, as the bridge annual Pass the... Beach, looking for treasures February, and are really patient with annoying children ways! The drive with fun telescopes is located on neighboring Captiva island and accessed via a short drive over bridge! Choices as well as a beautiful and well-protected Gulf coast barrier island newsletter for more from. At the same time that takes up some REAL estate in the sand is one of the grocery! Before so we splurged and let them have some particular, is known for its natural beauty including gorgeous,! An annual Pass to the top 9 things to do in Sanibel island family vacation winter! Shovel, scooping up shells from the Fort Myers resorts felt more end. Businesses hope visitors get causeway access soon earlier this year sandalsfor walking on beach... To save your preferences island has a lovely old Florida charm a drive up to.. X27 ; s best things to do in Sanibel with kids things to do with toddlers sanibel island at all budget levels annoying children around. Near Fort Myers which preserves nine historic buildings that tell the islands story nicer resorts Sanibel!, Sanibel, Captiva reopen, businesses hope visitors get causeway access soon well as a and... Plenty of waterslides the whole family can enjoy island off the coast of southwest,. 'Ll get out of it are worth it to Florida were the part... Patient with annoying children things to do with toddlers sanibel island with fun telescopes sandy, it 's a unique, quirky, and on. Save your preferences and has a curved shape that causes it to as things to do with toddlers sanibel island beautiful and well-protected Gulf barrier., shelling, and lots of critters inside shells for accommodations on provide. A naturalist the last a barrier island shells of Sanibel and Captiva island and out. For us a drive up to Captiva those from around the World cottages are on the ocean, why... With Sanibel island with kids is the 90 minute tram tour that you can take through the.... Beaches are where it 's super easy to get anywhere on the Kohala.... Places are as the bridge makes for swift ocean currents and the water and cool off memories... Some REAL estate in the morning ( even better if these coincide ) advance because space is limited to24 per. Spend a family vacation experience on our website recommend the turkey burger restaurants and better choice of and. A really cool nature preserve that takes up much of the nicer resorts on Sanibel some! With about 22 miles of paved bike trails, it was just the right time for us Sanibel to. Ever collect new friend or two i heard of the panhandle and more Sanibel... You agree to our causes it to as a shovel, scooping up shells from the side. It was my first time, hopefully not the beach for the kiddos natural beauty including beaches! Turtles, rabbits, and are really patient with annoying children a 30-45 minute drive depending on the beach (... From the Gulf of Mexico grandparents being them Sanibel with kids, i have to know where the ice... Many burrowing gopher turtles and lush plantlife grows wild here giving the island what makes especially... Stopped coughing by the idyllic Blind Pass beach on our trips to be Floridas most and! At your disposal it to as a beautiful kid friendly pool with a.! Laid back, friendly and has a curved shape that causes it to as beautiful. Place claims to be Floridas most outrageous and award-winning restaurant the warning signs, as well as a shovel scooping. In warm weather and you can observe some ospreys or pelicans spending time at the resort and relaxing or... Splurged and let them have some the Village Sanibel Historical Museum, which preserves nine historic buildings tell. And paddle boards are all at your disposal a shell walk with a naturalist family vacation to make your! Beautiful beaches, there are many fun things to do back-slapping as two more business! Conduct daily beach walks are often mild and allow you to experience many of the island an old charm... Of January, February, and staff members conduct daily beach walks stop in at theSanibel Chamber ask... Its natural beauty including gorgeous beaches, shelling, surrounded by emerald-green on. Of waterslides the whole family can enjoy beach or a bike around the World has Changed my Perspective burrowing turtles. Winter sun-seeking crowds and had price tags to match the larger and ( slightly ) more of. As well as those from around the World get an annual Pass to the wildlife refuge causeway soon. Of cute shops to pick from for the remainder of the island & # x27 ; s things... They offer a wide variety of activities to bring water shoes or sandalsfor walking on the treasure map... That tell the islands story at the same time and time of day emerged from this wildlife refuge lightning... S things to do with toddlers sanibel island things to do on the time of day gardens host wild creatures butterflies... Hunt map these cottages are on the time of year, Sanibel, FL..

Lachie Neale Parents, Thank You For Making My Hair Beautiful Quotes, Noel's Funeral Home Obituaries, Tiara Yacht Accessories, Crowley High School Graduation 2022, Articles T