Sanibel Island has enough beautiful beaches to keep you busy for days. Collect shells along the beach Sanibel is known as the Shelling Capital of the World, and it's not hard to see why. One of thebest things to do on Captiva Islandis to watch the sunset. We stayed at the Island Inn, the very first hotel on the island. 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. Dont forget the camera some of my best shots have come at this time. Sanibel Island Rentals: Billy's Bike : 1509 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-3620 Finnimore's Bike & Beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa (239) 472-5577 3. And shells of all different textures, shapes, and sizes show up on the shores here. Shelling is one of the best things to do on Sanibel Island, so plan to spend lots of time at the beach! You wont regret taking a drive up to Captiva. Required fields are marked *. Here are a few that seem to welcome and appreciate kids. I have to include this. You are in warm weather and you are on the ocean, so why not indulge in the water and cool off? Really glad Ive been there now! This sounds like a great place for a family vacation and so many activities! You can also rent them. 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. Also, check out the show-stopping Captiva Pass, which is the strait that separates North Captiva Island from La Costa Island. They have a great kids menu, too, and are really patient with annoying children. Convinced to travel to Sanibel Island and check out the cool things to do in there? The Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens takes visitors on a colorful journey through idyllic tropical gardens. It takes up some real estate in the car, but the hours of fun you'll get out of it are worth it. Kids have their own hands-on learning room, and staff members conduct daily beach walks. As the kids are flying down the waterslides enjoy a nice slow ride in the lazy river. We only took a handful home with us as I didnt want to break them in our luggage. Make sure to bike to the east end of the island to see the Sanibel Lighthouse, and if you get hungry for some ice cream while you there, Pinocchio's Original Italian Ice Cream is right there for you on the way back. Come over and. Head to the Crows Nest on Crab Racing Night and see as they say. We stopped a few other places along the way to see birds and a gator. Bring a bottle of wine and let the kids get their feet wet. 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. We were gifted our accommodations at the Island Inn on Sanibel Island and with excursions while there. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. 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. I know it sounds strange, but if you ask my daughter, this was one of her favorite places on Sanibel island for kids. We are beach people and love to spend lots of time at the beach on our trips! Paddle throughmangrove swamps and winding waterways, and then keep your kayak for free for the remainder of the day. Joe is a great teacher, and storyteller. Some bucket-list experiences here are sunbathing, kayaking, bird watching, and exploring idyllic parks like the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. Kids Activities. This is a great thing to do in Jekyll Island with kids. But in the spring and summer, the northern beaches are where it's at. It is located nearby Blind Pass Bridge, which connects the two islands. Best Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend with Kids. The fun never stops on Sanibel Island. He had Little Man and Miss M jumping to be first in line the whole time. That way, you'll have room left over for a slice (or two!) Kids will find themselves immersed for hours in this natural treasure huntwithout a care given to the backbreaking stance known as the"Sanibel stoop." Hit the big grocery stores in Fort Myers on your way. 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. Read More: The Best Hawaii Resorts for Families on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. We came back with so many amazing shells (a whole suitcase full of them in fact). The Best Things to Eat & Drink on Sanibel. I was blind to what else existed in the State. As I am a big craft beer aficionado, I had to hit up Doc Fords Rum Bar & Grille. Go straight to the beach. The beaches are lined with more shells than you could ever collect. We got to one area and a couple said they had heard one there and were waiting. Plan your trip to Captiva before sunset and head to the beach across from the Mucky Duck for the best sunset view available. A 90-minute excursion on the Lady Chadwick with Captiva Cruises(located on neighboring Captiva Island) will guarantee bottlenose dolphin sightings. 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. There are several places for bike rentals on Sanibel Island, and 25 miles of trails to enjoy. Sunrise AND Sunset walks are some of my favorite things to do in Sanibel with kids. The Visitor and Education Centre offers free admission and is open every day except holidays from 9:00 am-4:00 pm year-round. Fort Myers (RSW) is the closest airport to Sanibel Island Florida. After 9:00 p.m on Sanibel, itsturtle time. We also recommended Algiers Beach (aka Gulfside City Park Beach), one of the most popular dog-friendly beaches in Sanibel. Make sure to also stop by the idyllic Blind Pass Beach on both Sanibel & Captiva Islands. There are shells all year long. My boys had never had REAL ice cream before so we splurged and let them have some. Sanibel and Captiva have some different shells, so be sure to hit beaches on both islands. Kids Activities. Is your travel style mostly spending time at the resort and relaxing, or do you want to get out and see everything? From national historic sites to beautiful beaches, there are many fun things to do on the Kohala Coast. Each time, we had to walk around and see the parrots (the naughty one on the end kept throwing his toys out of the cage and pouting as passersby to pick them upshe thought it was hilarious!) Sanibel Island is best experienced by bike. Have a look! Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. The kids were told that if they waited and were quiet, theres a good chance they could spot a manatee somewhere in the wildlife refuge. 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. Florida is traditionally a state that screams family travel. 8. Turner Beach, in particular, is known for itsspectacularsunsets. This is the first lighthouse north of the Keys. Sanibel has so much wildlife that spotting cool animals and birds is one of the best things to do in Sanibel with kids. You'll probably not be surprised to see this list includes enjoying the beaches fully with different beach activities, swimming, and even shelling! Having a sub-tropical climate, visitors and residents enjoy the outdoors and sunshine all year long. While the view is great on any of the two islands' west-facing beaches, watching the sun dip below the horizon while cruising on the water somehow makes the experience even more breathtaking. 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. If you aren't familiar with Sanibel Island, Florida it's a small island off the coast of West Florida near Fort Myers. Sanibel Island with kids is lovely! Why not try a different one each night? The kitschy shop at the east end of Sanibel is legendary for its delicious homemade Italian gelato. It's a cool way for them to understand what's beneath the ocean that they spent the week playing in. Florida always holds a special place in my heart and the more I explore, the more I love it too. Winter and springtime (from December to April) are the best times to visit Sanibel. We collected shells every day we were there and it never got old for the boys. And whether you order a cone or bowl, every servingis topped with an adorable little animal cracker. All Rights Reserved. Watch the sunset on the beach. Definitely worth the drive! Sanibel Island with kids really is a lovely vacation! This is a prime destination for shelling, surrounded by emerald-green waters on all sides. Each day the view was completely different and it made a wonderful activity with the entire family. Things to Do in Sanibel Island with Kids Dolphin Tour in Captiva Kids love animals so . Map of kid-friendly places. Stuff your face at Island Cow. Once youre there, walk down the dock and see if the local fisherman are having any luck. Book a ride with Captiva Cruises, and make a stop at Cabbage Key. From action-packed water sports to relaxing spa treatments, we have something for everyone. I definitely enjoyed having a rental car while we were on Sanibel Island. By: Jodi/Updated on: February 15, 2023/3 Comments. Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. Its located right on the beach in the premier spot for shelling. The Best Things to Eat & Drink in Sanibel, Weekly Happenings - More Snow, Sick & Sick. 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! No arguments there! Note you will have to head back into Fort Myers to get picked up by there van for this excursion. My three-year-olds have been flying them for over a year. You can also watch a live video feed of behind-the-scenes animal rescue and care. Head to Matzaluna for some variety. Beaches, Free TYPE 2 hours to Half Day TIME TO SPEND Bowman's is well known for having beautiful, unusual shells, but you'll have to put a. Bonus: Shelling is freeas long as you clean and dry the shells before you leave, they make the perfect souvenirs. 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. If you like a bit of history in your travels, then be sure to pay a visit to the lighthouse on the eastern tip of Sanibel Island. Captiva Island: Felt more off the beaten path and exclusive. Bristol is a stunning five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath fully furnished home with a private pool. 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. There was a mild red tide when we visited. They loved running and collecting new shells. Come at low tide or after a storm to find conch, junonia, lightning whelk, and cockle shells. Exploring Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island, The 9 Best Fort Myers Beach, Florida Hotels of 2023, 12 Best Things to Do in Fort Myers, Florida, 12 Fabulous Family Beach Vacations in the Southeast, 14 Top Things to Do in Vero Beach, Florida, The 6 Best Key West Snorkeling Tours of 2023, The 9 Best Florida Family Resortsof 2023, Top 17 Things to Do in Tampa Bay, Florida, 20 Top Things to Do With Kids in Miami, Florida, 10 Best Family-Friendly Beaches in Florida, The 26 Best Things to Do in Long Beach, California. We visited in November, and it was just the right time for us. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. It's a far cry from Disney, BUT I think this type of vacation can be just as lovely for kids of all ages. That's the tagline for the Captiva Island Crab Races, which are held twice a week in the Crow's Nest restaurant at'Tween Waters Island Resort. 8. Less busy. 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. Here's how to make the right first impression. I've heard you can even spot manatees there. There isfree entryinto the Visitor & Education Center that includes ahands-on area for children. They offer a wide variety of accommodations choices as well as a beautiful kid friendly pool with a water slide. 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. The shells can be sharp, and they hurt my daughters feet at times. But heed the warning signs, as the bridge makes for swift ocean currents and the water around it is not advisable for swimming. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge! Travel and World Peace: How Traveling the World has Changed My Perspective. Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd Street, Upper West Side. The park is home to a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of the Gulf Coast. 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. The boys learned some of the real names of the shells and also made up some of their own. I've heard you can spot Alligators, otters, and turtles on the property. I didnt realize when we arrived that because of the way that Sanibel Island is situated, the east end of the island has better sun rises, and the west end of the island has better sunsets. Just ask! Also, the water tended to be murky on Sanibel. Photo: Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel 1. No matter the time of year, Sanibel sees some brilliant sunsets. There are activities and family friendly places to visit for families of any size and children of any age. The french fries are really good. Head to Matzaluna for some variety. See Tripadvisor's 128,735 traveller reviews and photos of kid friendly Sanibel Island attractions It's known for its natural beauty including gorgeous beaches, shelling, and island lifestyle. I think we stopped here three times during our stay. We upgraded our regular beach toys to fun trucks that our boys love. 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. Sanibel Island just has a different vibe. It's a pretty spectacular sight. Unsure of the treasure found on Sanibel Island? Looking for something fun to do in Sanibel with kids? The beach here was beautiful white sand, and the water was a bright shade of beautiful blue. 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. With themed activities and hands-on experiences, children ages 6 to 13 can foster their love and appreciation for the ocean. You might want to bring water shoes or sandalsfor walking on the beach. 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. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. It's officially called Jerry's Tropical Galleria and it's filled with parrots and other gorgeous birds making it a fun place for them to pick up a souvenir. 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 your kids are particularly sensitive to teasing, maybe wait until they go to bed and come back for the adults-only late night race, which has even raunchier jokes. What are your favorite spots? Here you can learn all sorts of stuff about the animals and nature. In addition to an amazing pool and poolside bar, our provided kayaks, paddleboards, bikes to borrow and a naturalist led beach walk. We had a ton of fun just playing in the water. Sanibel Island takes shelling very seriously! The burgers are amazing, I highly recommend the turkey burger. Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. of the many flavours of cake, which a Bubble Scout server displays on a silver platter. 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!. 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. You'll soon find there's nothing quite like the calm and quiet beauty of being completely surrounded by natureeven kids will be too entranced to cause a ruckus. 2. The 9 Best Things to do on Sanibel Island, FL Lighthouse Beach Park 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. 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. 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). When the red tide is high, dead fish wash up on shore, some shellfish is unsafe to eat and humans, especially those with asthma, have trouble breathing. We spend a ton of time on North Captiva and always make trips over to Sanibel truly a beautiful spot. One person mentioned that it comes from Alabama. 9. Cue the tears. Kayaking through a mangrove swamp is a must-do activity while visiting this Florida island. Be sure to snap a pic of walls of the island's restaurant, which are covered in about $70,000 worth of one-dollar bills signed by past customers. Recommended Read: The 10 Most Beautiful Islands in Florida. Ding Darling is known as one of the best places to visit for birding. One day we went for a later brunch at the Lighthouse Cafe, which was very busy! Unfortunately for me, there are no craft breweries on the island. Flying kites is another way to enjoy the beach with kids! There are a lot of super kid-friendly restaurants on the island but there are some that specifically ask you not to bring tots online, so check ahead of time! Looks like a really fun place. You can drive through the preserve at your own pace and get out to spot wildlife. So if there aren't traditional kids attractions what ARE the things to do with kids in Sanibel Island? Join Little Learners for a Seuss-a-Bration at Once Upon a Treetop. 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! It's a great activity for kids and families. Visiting London with kids is an absolute joy. Do some research and pick a guide that suits your family. 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 . 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. They have plenty of cute shops to pick from for the kiddos. It is a really cool nature preserve that takes up much of the island. We ate breakfast in the room. Just make sure not to keep any live ones! Florida sunsets are truly like none other in existence. Friday, March 3. Sign up for simple dinner ideas, easy step by step instructions, and fun recipes for 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. 8 reasons to take the kids to Kissimmee Address: 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957. They didnt see a manatee. Copyright 2023 St. Joseph Communications. A good day on the water promises dolphins, manatee, and other sea life sightings. The twins and I also spotted this unique bird on the beach. It is laid back, friendly and has a lovely old Florida charm. 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. When travelling with my kids, I have to know where the good ice cream places are! With an early sunset time in winter, we'd take the boys out and walk up the beach toward the sunset. Temperatures were still in the 80s. Sanibel Island is known for its idyllic beaches filled with abundant shells. If there is, put it back. 5. Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center 907 Visitor Centers By mrsmarinara great information givien with a really generous spirit 4. Check outShell IdentificationandSeaLife Identificationto see what youve found! Now? 7. 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. It feels special because it is. Not only is every inch of this house-turned-restaurant covered with retro toys and old Hollywood photos, but the food is next level. It sets over the ocean where you can watch from a huge stretch of public beach. 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. In my personal experience, most family travel has been to the area where an infamous mouse hangs out. So will you. 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). 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. Watching the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico is magic. Go shelling. 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. Don't worry too much about the being out in sun while you're riding as most of the trails are shaded by the islands dense plant life (although it's probably still a good idea to put on some SPF and a hat). Kids stop in local businesses on the hunt for prizes. The island has a curved shape that causes it to as a shovel, scooping up shells from the Gulf of Mexico. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The island is approximately a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic and time of day. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Fort Myers & Sanibel Island with kids. Bristol Ocala Vacation Rental. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. Copyright 2023, Create Kids Club. During the summertime, you'll get those hotter temperatures, as the lows only get down into the 70s during this time of year. Sanibel Island Lighthouse 2,675 Lighthouses Open now By Anxsmomt The lighthouse is a public beach, plenty of parking. They dont seem startled one bit! As I mentioned above, many resorts loan out bikes to their guests. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. This should be enough to get you started (and if you have any favorites that you think I should add, please let me know! We booked the guide out of Fort Meyers. Conditions are often mild and allow you to experience many of the island's activities no matter when you visit. I offer tools, guides and resources to help you through all of the steps of planning meaningful, memorable family vacations. Looking for things to do in Sanibel Island with kids? Taking a walk at Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park is one of the best ways to explore the eastern tip of the island. The two ice cream places we tried on Sanibel Island are Joeys Custard and Love Boat Ice Cream. 10 things to do with kids in Miami This property offers a spacious family-style living room, Cable TV, free Wi-Fi, a washer/dryer . Sanibel Island in Florida offers a breathtaking reprieve for families who want to get away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. Its a nice place to stay, but the spa is especially wonderful. Whether your kids like seafood or more traditional food, there is something on the menu for everyone at these places. Sprinkled in youll find family travel inspiration. Looking for a little fun in the sun. Tip for Canadians Tim Hortons coffee is served at Joeys Custard! 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.
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