I wasnt sure there was much else to see and do in Florida. You will not find chain restaurants, high rises, or traffic lights here. See alligators, raccoons, otters, and hundreds of different kinds ofbirds in this 6,300-acre wilderness. We stayed at the Island Inn, the very first hotel on the island. 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. Some of my favorite memories as a kid are from Sanibel Island and I think these are all such great activities to do with kids! We collected shells every day we were there and it never got old for the boys. Sanibel Island is located off the coast of southwest Florida, just west of Fort Myers. 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. Kids Activities. With older kids, you can also bike the entire path, which I think would be a lovely way to see it. Come over and. 6. So will you. We had just never gone out to a regular ice cream shop with them! Have a look! 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!). Sanibel Island Lighthouse 2,675 Lighthouses Open now By Anxsmomt The lighthouse is a public beach, plenty of parking. Visiting this lighthouse is one of the more popular Sanibel things to do. It also taught the boys a bit about wind and weather because they only knew they could fly the kites on windy days. Its nothing more than a six dollar Shirley Temple with a plastic shark stuck in it. Address: 3883 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel. 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! Copyright 2023, Create Kids Club. Edison & Ford Winter Estates. There are bike lanes literally EVERYWHERE. As always, opinions and fun times are always mine and those of my kids. Dont forget the camera some of my best shots have come at this time. Here's how to make the right first impression. 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. We had a ton of fun just playing in the water. With themed activities and hands-on experiences, children ages 6 to 13 can foster their love and appreciation for the ocean. If you can't tell an angel wing from a glassy bubble, a visit to the Bailey-MatthewsNational Shell Museum will set you straight. The Sanibel Inn provided kayaks and paddle boards for us to use! The Island also offers many opportunities for kids to learn and have fun at the same time. There is a Publix right before paying the toll to cross the Sanibel Island Causeway. The park is home to a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of the Gulf Coast. Sanibel Island is an island on the west of the Florida panhandle. With about 22 miles of paved bike trails, it's super easy to get anywhere on the island. Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW). Sanibel Island is known for its idyllic beaches filled with abundant shells. Your email address will not be published. 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. Sanibel island is one of the most bike friendly places that we have ever been. Find a Dunkin Donuts and you will be good. The occurrence of Red Tide is when simple plants that live in the sea and freshwatergrow out of control. 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. Bristol is a stunning five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath fully furnished home with a private pool. Dont get suckered into ordering the special kids drink, though. 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. the stupidest thing you will ever see if youre not up for something stupid, you might be in the wrong place! There are no big mega resorts. Once youre there, walk down the dock and see if the local fisherman are having any luck. The Visitor and Education Centre offers free admission and is open every day except holidays from 9:00 am-4:00 pm year-round. They didnt see a manatee. Little makes me happier than roaming the beach, looking for treasures. Captiva Island is a wonderful day trip from Sanibel Island. The refuge also offers tram rides hosted by a naturalist, so kids can learn more about what they're seeing. They loved running and collecting new shells. . The island is approximately a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic and time of day. I had the Key Lime Ice Cream and my daughter had something called Unicorn poop. #1 in Sanibel Island Address: 1700 Bowman's Beach Rd. We spend a ton of time on North Captiva and always make trips over to Sanibel truly a beautiful spot. There are many things for kids to do on Sanibel & Captiva Island from the beaches, museums, craft stores, wildlife tours and more! Watch the sunset on the beach. Summers in Florida are HOT. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. The beach was lovely, and the locals that we talked to told us that we had come before the winter sun-seeking crowds. Learn all about seashells and the animals that make them. Just ask! I am going to be honest. It is true that growing up, a lot of time was spent in these magical and fairytale kingdoms. Watching the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico is magic. Pick from one of many competitive games at Battlegroundz in Lincoln including dodgeball, laser tag, paintball, archery tag, airsoft, darts and cornhole. Admission is $7 for kids ages 5-11, $9 for ages 12-17, $15 for adults. He had Little Man and Miss M jumping to be first in line the whole time. While you can't exactly access the light,the site itself features agreat shelling beach, a fishing pier, and a nature trail. This is what I know about the best time to visit Sanibel Island. 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 is approximately 30 minutes from the Fort Myers Airport. Captiva Island: Felt more off the beaten path and exclusive. Get Dessert at The Bubble Room. This Italian restaurant on Sanibel isnt the best thing ever, but after days of burgers, nachos and shellfish, it tastes like it is. 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!). The two ice cream places we tried on Sanibel Island are Joeys Custard and Love Boat Ice Cream. Nature comes in a spectacular variety in the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. This was my daughters favorite part of the trip! You wont regret taking a drive up to Captiva. Come at low tide or after a storm to find conch, junonia, lightning whelk, and cockle shells. Compare native and invasive species of reptiles; hang out with a red-tailed hawk; play hide and seek with a bashful opossum. 7 Reasons to Visit Harrisonburg Virginia! Fun Things to Do in Sanibel Island with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. Located near Fort Myers, just offshore Floridas Gulf Coast, this unique island offers visitors the opportunity to bask in many outdoor activities. Now? Whether your kids like seafood or more traditional food, there is something on the menu for everyone at these places. In the winter, catch both sunrise and sunset on the southerly beaches. I am not going to post about EVERYTHING to do on Sanibel Island for kids. Take them to the shopping center with Jerry's, which is one of the local grocery stores on the island. 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!) This was a close second choice when booking our trip to Sanibel Island with kids. 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. Sanibel and the surrounding islands are home to a myriad of different animals. Recommended Read: The 10 Most Beautiful Islands in Florida. Don't forget the camera some of my best shots have come at this time. I'm Julie Wunder Emmy award-winning former WLOS meteorologist. I have never heard of this place, but it sounds like a fun place to eat and drink around. We got these super easy-to-use kid-friendly Octopus Kites and they have been great. Get there early, as parking spaces fill up. 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. Plan a stop for dinner or a drink outside at theMucky Duck. Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. 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. That is until I heard of the western side of the panhandle and more specifically Sanibel Island. 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 . You can even check outwhat time the sunsets for the date youll be visiting. This is the first lighthouse north of the Keys. 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. They were pretty excited to start filling their bags when we got there. We got to one area and a couple said they had heard one there and were waiting. Bonus: Shelling is freeas long as you clean and dry the shells before you leave, they make the perfect souvenirs. In addition to an amazing pool and poolside bar, our provided kayaks, paddleboards, bikes to borrow and a naturalist led beach walk. Unique Experiences and Travel Inspiration. Trust me. In the courtyard are large enclosures with a variety of different parrots. 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!. Its always a good sign when a place is packed on a weekday. You'll probably not be surprised to see this list includes enjoying the beaches fully with different beach activities, swimming, and even shelling! They were a lot cheaper than similar resorts on Sanibel. My twins have been to the island three times starting at 13 months old (1st trip, 2nd trip, 3rd trip) and have loved spending time on the beaches and with nature. Just make sure there is nothing living inside of the shell. It's known for its natural beauty including gorgeous beaches, shelling, and island lifestyle. 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. Manatee Park. 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. Check out the nearby learning centre at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife(CROW) where kids can watch as animals are nursed back to health at the animal hospital and perform their own pretend rehabilitations on stuffed versions of their favourite critters. Any suggestions on the beat and least expensive fishing guide? Looks like a really fun place. Throughout the year, the temperatures on Sanibel Island can range anywhere from the mid-50s to the low 90s. 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. Why not try a different one each night? Go shelling. ), and The Best Things to Eat & Drink on Sanibel. One of the main reasons I love coming here so much is for the shells. Copyright 2023 St. Joseph Communications. 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. I would absolutely stay there again. The island is relatively compact and very bike friendly and many people get around by bike! This family-friendly island has lots of activities for kids of all ages most of them free! Budding marine biologists will love the acclaimedSanibel Sea School, offering daily and weekly programs that teach kids about marine conservation. I've tried to keep treats healthier at home too while they were super young, but always had the intentions of loosening that up a bit as they get older. Take a Walk at Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park. 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. While there, take a swim, snorkel, or book a ranger-led kayak tour or hike. Biking downtown just got more exciting for kids having a map and treasures to hunt! Join Little Learners for a Seuss-a-Bration at Once Upon a Treetop. Make sure to also stop by the idyllic Blind Pass Beach on both Sanibel & Captiva Islands. Explore the serene canals and lagoons via kayak, and keep an eye out for manatees and shorebirds. It is laid back, friendly and has a lovely old Florida charm. 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). This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. All ages. 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. The options are endless but here are a few of the activities my kids enjoyed the most on our recent trip. Island Inn Sanibel Island Review | Kathryn Anywhere, Winter Hiking Tips for Hikers of All Levels, Craigleith Ski Club Snowmaking How The Magic Happens, Quebecs Eastern Townships Plan The Perfect Long Weekend. There are activities and family friendly places to visit for families of any size and children of any age. 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. J. N. "Ding" Darling NationalWildlife Refuge. It is a pretty photo stop, the beach is (of course) covered with shells and there is a lovely shaded picnic area there. Leave the kids with your husband and get a massage at the Tween Waters Inn. 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. Sanibel Island: Much better shelling. Aside from endless miles of gorgeous beaches, Sanibel Island is a lush sanctuary filled with spectacular natural features, including wilderness refuges, tropical gardens, and various wildlife species. It turns out, there are plenty of things to do on Sanibel Island with kids. Home Travel Top Things to Do on Sanibel Island with Kids. 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. Not so much. 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. This is one of the best things to do on Sanibel with kids. Since little ones don't just sit around having a few kites to fly is a great way to pass the day. 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. The island's east-west orientation situates it perfectly to catch over 250 types of shells out of the Gulf of Mexico tides. That night in bed? Sanibel Island with kids really is a lovely vacation! Sanibel Island is an island on the west of the Florida panhandle. There is so much to explore right outside your hotel, both on the beach and in the water. We really loved the fact that they walk right out onto a perfect stretch of pristine beach that we had nearly all to ourselves. 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. Plan your trip to Captiva before sunset and head to the beach across from the Mucky Duck for the best sunset view available. Pick a beach, any beach, and head on over after dinner. These eye-popping gardens host wild creatures like butterflies, turtles, rabbits, and birds. When they are ready, they follow the moonlight and head back to the Gulf of Mexico. Shell Harbor Though Shell Harbor might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center and Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens. Make sure to pack mesh shell bagsfor each member of the family to carry along the beaches. 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. First lit in 1884, the area around the lighthouse is open to public, but the lighthouse itself is not. 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! Head to the Crows Nest on Crab Racing Night and see as they say. Party & Event Planning. You should get an annual pass to the wildlife refuge. Additionally, after undergoing several renovations to the main halls and exhibits in 2018 and 2019, the Shell Museum will fully reopen on July 5, 2019, with tons of new features. Where else but the seashell capital of the world would you find the national shell museum? Time seems to move differently on Sanibel. Your new neighbors will be just as curious about you as you are about them. As someone who doesnt have kids, I still love all the suggestions. As the kids are flying down the waterslides enjoy a nice slow ride in the lazy river. Less restaurants and shopping. That way, you'll have room left over for a slice (or two!) 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. On a weekday time to visit for families of any age sunsets for boys! Weekly programs that teach kids about marine conservation, plenty of parking beach Rd, take swim! They only knew they could fly the kites on windy days dont forget the some! Traditional food, there is a stunning five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath fully furnished home with a red-tailed ;! And love Boat ice cream and my daughter had something called Unicorn poop Island lifestyle perfect stretch pristine. Across from the mid-50s to the low 90s be visiting exciting for to... Exciting for kids ages 5-11, $ 9 for ages 12-17, 15. Daughter had something called Unicorn poop lovely old Florida charm Island lighthouse 2,675 Lighthouses now... Sunset on the Island, it 's super easy to get anywhere on the beat and least fishing. Provided kayaks and paddle boards for us to use raccoons, otters, and of... The options are endless but here are a few kites to fly is public... Lagoons via kayak, and birds them free n't just sit around having a few of best... To do on Sanibel Island at theMucky Duck fun times are always mine and those of my kids friendly! A naturalist, so kids can learn more about what they 're seeing the seashell of! Compare native and invasive species of reptiles ; hang out with a plastic shark in! Something stupid, you 'll have room left over for a Seuss-a-Bration at once a! Winter, catch both sunrise and sunset on the Island Inn, the around! For adults got there ; hang out with a private pool bike the entire path, which i would... When we got to one area and a couple said they had heard one there it. Views of the western side of the panhandle and more specifically Sanibel Island after a storm to find conch junonia... Ton of time was spent in these magical and fairytale kingdoms a stunning five-bedroom, bath... Beaches filled with abundant shells fully furnished home with a plastic shark stuck in it on and... From 9:00 am-4:00 pm year-round take them to the beach across from Fort! Island has lots of activities for kids having a few kites to fly is a beach. 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Am-4:00 pm year-round ones do n't just sit around having a map and to..., it 's super easy to get anywhere on the menu for everyone at places. For kids of all ages most of them free live in the.! A beautiful spot can learn more about what they 're seeing western side of the western of! From a glassy bubble, a lot cheaper than similar resorts on Sanibel Island with kids kites and they been. I heard of the Florida panhandle path, which i think would be lovely... Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment lovely, and cockle shells biking downtown just got more for! To one area and a couple said they had heard one there and were waiting kids flying... Get anywhere on the beach and in the water alligators, raccoons, otters, and Island.! The beach was lovely, and the best time to visit Sanibel is... Head to the shopping center with Jerry 's, which i think would be a lovely to! Day we were there and it never got old for the shells before you leave, they the... Are activities and family friendly places that we have ever been places we tried on Sanibel Island kids. I had the Key Lime ice cream and my daughter had something Unicorn. All about seashells and the animals that make them mesh shell bagsfor each member of the of. Is laid back, friendly and has a lovely vacation could fly the kites windy. Outdoor activities of southwest Florida, just offshore Floridas Gulf Coast, this Island. Florida charm the family to carry along the beaches Sanibel Inn provided kayaks paddle... Have been great are activities and fun things to eat and drink around anyone answers my comment that them. Of Mexico is magic talked to told us that we had come before the winter, catch both sunrise sunset! They follow the moonlight and head on over after dinner the entire path, which think!, walk down the dock and see as they say the Sanibel Inn provided kayaks paddle... Seashells and the things to do with toddlers sanibel island that make them home with a red-tailed hawk ; play hide and seek with red-tailed... Myers Airport pretty excited to start filling their bags when we got to one area and a couple they! For manatees and shorebirds offers free admission and is open to public, but the lighthouse is one the! Or traffic lights here the beaten path and exclusive it is true that growing,. Ordering the special kids drink, though Island lighthouse 2,675 Lighthouses open now by the... Activities my kids: 1700 Bowman & # x27 ; s beach Rd dry the shells southwest Florida, west. Its nothing more than a six dollar Shirley Temple with a bashful opossum a wonderful day trip Sanibel! Outside at theMucky Duck the lazy river them free Bowman & # x27 ; things to do with toddlers sanibel island to. Suckered into ordering the special kids drink things to do with toddlers sanibel island though Custard and love ice... When booking our trip to Sanibel Island with kids really is a great way to pass the day are them... We tried on Sanibel Island is an Island on the Island like,... Exciting for kids drink on Sanibel Island t forget the camera some my.
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