You can even check outwhat time the sunsets for the date youll be visiting. With an early sunset time in winter, we'd take the boys out and walk up the beach toward the sunset. Their learning lab is a great place for children to engage in hands-on play with displays, games, a tank with indigenous mollusks, and continuously-playing children's videos. I would also be remiss to not mention Red Tide. 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. Take a dolphin sight-seeing boat ride. Ive only been to the western side of Florida once and it was for a baseball game. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. 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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. 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. Cue the tears. Here is a story about patience. Another note, Sunburned Willie, the host of the crab race, can be a bit crass. Just make sure there is nothing living inside of the shell. There are activities and family friendly places to visit for families of any size and children of any age. Located near Fort Myers, just offshore Floridas Gulf Coast, this unique island offers visitors the opportunity to bask in many outdoor activities. Me and the kids love looking for shells too and it seems like there are a lot there! Bonus tip if you come down here, make sure to include a stop at Sanibels Best Homemade Ice Cream. 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. Sign up for Scary Mommy's daily newsletter for more stories from the trenches. They loved running and collecting new shells. Definitely skip dinner there, but head over for dessert and the photo opps outside. 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. However, the island is spread out depending on where you stay. They have plenty of cute shops to pick from for the kiddos. Its nothing more than a six dollar Shirley Temple with a plastic shark stuck in it. We stayed at the Island Inn, the very first hotel on the island. The shelling is the best and the kids love climbing all over the driftwood and making their way through the forest. Just make sure not to disturb their nests! While meandering through the colorful stalks of this vibrant farmers market, youll come across locally sourced meat, cheese, baked goods, fresh fruit smoothies, fish, art, jewelry, and more. 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. We visited the museum that belongs to the area first. It is laid back, friendly and has a lovely old Florida charm. 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. Kids stop in local businesses on the hunt for prizes. Sanibel Island is best experienced by bike. First lit in 1884, the area around the lighthouse is open to public, but the lighthouse itself is not. I am a travel agent and family travel expert who is PASSIONATE about planning amazing adventures for families. 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 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. If you have kids and have been considering a Florida vacation you'd be crazy to not visit Fort Myers & Sanibel Island. While the water is not clear, they will be able to find starfish, conch, and sand dollars. Book a ride with Captiva Cruises, and make a stop at Cabbage Key. Bring goggles for kids to get a good look at the sandy ocean bottom. 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. Sanibel Carts 32 Gear Rentals By michellelL2062DW Sanibel Carts is soooo much fun!! Convinced to travel to Sanibel Island and check out the cool things to do in there? 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. It has an authentic, old Florida vibe. 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. Its amazing! With an early sunset time in winter, we'd take the boys out and walk up the beach toward the sunset. Resorts felt more high end and had price tags to match. Heres something I wouldnt have done as a kid Hold boas, king snakes, pythons, alligators But our day guide Rhett? Sunrise AND Sunset walks are some of my favorite things to do in Sanibel with kids. One person mentioned that it comes from Alabama. Learn all about seashells and the animals that make them. )If this sound like a trip to Sanibel Island with kids is in your future, here are my best tips for planning the perfect escape! You can shell without the extra things, but we thought it was a fun addition to the trip. Here's how to make the right first impression. The beaches are lined with more shells than you could ever collect. 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). It also taught the boys a bit about wind and weather because they only knew they could fly the kites on windy days. The island is approximately a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic and time of day. These encounters trump a trip to Disneyworld any day. It is a really cool nature preserve that takes up much of the island. This should be enough to get you started (and if you have any favorites that you think I should add, please let me know! A jaunt down the beach or a bike around the island makes for wonderful take-home memories. Sanibel Island takes shelling very seriously! Bring a bottle of wine and let the kids get their feet wet. Explore the serene canals and lagoons via kayak, and keep an eye out for manatees and shorebirds. Fort Myers Brewery. 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. Flying kites is another way to enjoy the beach with kids! 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. This Italian restaurant on Sanibel isnt the best thing ever, but after days of burgers, nachos and shellfish, it tastes like it is. Conditions are often mild and allow you to experience many of the island's activities no matter when you visit. Visiting London with kids is an absolute joy. Taking a walk at Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park is one of the best ways to explore the eastern tip of the island. there is a wildlife refuge that you can either take a guided tram or drive yourself through. Address: 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957. Find Places To Stay In Sanibel Island, Florida. The ferry terminal is located on neighboring Captiva Island and accessed via a short drive over the bridge. 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 Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. March 4-26, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am - 5 pm. Sanibel isn't the only barrier island along the coast of Fort Myersthere are many others that are only accessible by boat. 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. Take them to the shopping center with Jerry's, which is one of the local grocery stores on the island. Battlegroundz has a 20,000-square-foot . Look up and see if you can observe some ospreys or pelicans. Just wondering. Located off Sanibel-Captiva Road, Bowmans Beach has several miles of secluded white sand and gentle waters ideal for a refreshing swim. Friday, March 3. 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. Once I heard of it, I wanted to know what there was to do on Sanibel Island with kids. 2. 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. 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. Part sporting event, part comedy dinner show, the crab races have guests select a hermit crab from a bowl, name it and then cheer it on as it races to the finish line. Your new neighbors will be just as curious about you as you are about them. Best Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend with Kids. 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. We saw these cottages at the far end of Sanibel Island whilst viewing one of the most spectacular sunsets that we have ever seen. Its a nice place to stay, but the spa is especially wonderful. 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! Book family tours. I have never heard of this place, but it sounds like a fun place to eat and drink around. We had just never gone out to a regular ice cream shop with them! 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. A good day on the water promises dolphins, manatee, and other sea life sightings. Our next stop was rumoured to be the place to see the manatee. Throughout the year, the temperatures on Sanibel Island can range anywhere from the mid-50s to the low 90s. There are so many options for accommodations on Sanibel Island with kids, at all budget levels. Sanibel is the larger and (slightly) more commercial of the two islands, while Captiva is more remote and private. Hotels tended towards being cheaper on Sanibel. Plan a stop for dinner or a drink outside at theMucky Duck. In addition to an amazing pool and poolside bar, our provided kayaks, paddleboards, bikes to borrow and a naturalist led beach walk. Bricks 4 Kidz - Piscataway. You can also rent them. This is definitely one of the best Sanibel Island activities for families, and one of the top reasons that many people plan a visit here. Watch the sunset on the beach. 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! Eat at RC Otters. Relax on the beach, enjoy a picnic, go on a bike ride, or take a hike on one of the trails found . Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. 4. There are several ways to explore the refuge. This sounds like a great island to visit. Question, why have they never had real ice cream before? Smaller dead fish washed up and we had mild coughs when spending extended periods of time on the beach and shore area. It's such a fun way to have even more fun at the beach with kids. 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! Our days were spent playing in the water, riding bikes around the island and collecting shells (SO MAY SHELLS! Dont leave the park without checking out the Sanibel Island Lighthouse. The Sanibel Inn offered the use of paddleboards, kayaks and bikes free of charge for their guests. By foot or bike would be my preference, but you can also drive, or take a 90-minute tram tour with Tarpon Bay Explorers. I'd highly these smaller trucks and this bigger dump truck and excavator. The whole family has endless opportunities for fun. Your email address will not be published. 9. Copyright 2023, Create Kids Club. Tip: Many guides will clean the fish for you so you can enjoy your catch for dinner. Picnic tables are available when you want to enjoy snacks under the canopy of the trees. It is located nearby Blind Pass Bridge, which connects the two islands. In my personal experience, most family travel has been to the area where an infamous mouse hangs out. Head to Matzaluna for some variety. There are several places for bike rentals on Sanibel Island, and 25 miles of trails to enjoy. 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. Sanibel Island with kids is the perfect place to let them play. 8 reasons to take the kids to Kissimmee Come at low tide or after a storm to find conch, junonia, lightning whelk, and cockle shells. These cottages are on the western end of the island, so you are guaranteed some beautiful sunsets right from your front porch! 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. 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. Why not try a different one each night? The balcony was huge and screened in. In the courtyard are large enclosures with a variety of different parrots. 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. 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. 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!. Stop in at theSanibel Chamber Commerceand ask for the treasure hunt map. 9. Biking downtown just got more exciting for kids having a map and treasures to hunt! 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 museum features over 30 permanent exhibits on shells of Sanibel and Captiva Island, as well as those from around the world. There are no big mega resorts. After your walk, you can enjoy a picnic lunch. 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. One day we went for a later brunch at the Lighthouse Cafe, which was very busy! 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. Mini Golf. Since little ones don't just sit around having a few kites to fly is a great way to pass the day. Also, check out the show-stopping Captiva Pass, which is the strait that separates North Captiva Island from La Costa Island. The park is home to a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of the Gulf Coast. I know it sounds strange, but if you ask my daughter, this was one of her favorite places on Sanibel island for kids. Pick a beach, any beach, and head on over after dinner. Looking for a little fun in the sun. I tried to find the information on our guide, but I no longer have it. These months offer the best weather, with comfortable temperatures and less rain, making it a joy to explore the island. You can also watch a live video feed of behind-the-scenes animal rescue and care. 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! Read More: The Best Hawaii Resorts for Families on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Dairy-Free (All recipes on CKC are gluten-free). Visiting this lighthouse is one of the more popular Sanibel things to do. The island is relatively compact and very bike friendly and many people get around by bike! Back in 1996, the City of Sanibel passed an ordinance that prevented big chain businesses from opening up shop on the island. A 90-minute excursion on the Lady Chadwick with Captiva Cruises(located on neighboring Captiva Island) will guarantee bottlenose dolphin sightings. Here, visit the otherworldly Captiva Beach, famous for its snow-white sand and shallow crystal-clear waters. I am going to be honest. Do you want amazing sunsets or sunrises? 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. 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). 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. 74. Nature comes in a spectacular variety in the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. 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. If you aren't familiar with Sanibel Island, Florida it's a small island off the coast of West Florida near Fort Myers. Dont get suckered into ordering the special kids drink, though. Time seems to move differently on Sanibel. The kids and I did an Everglades Gator and bird spotting tour withEverglades Day Safari Fort Myers in an airboat. 1. My kids spent hours walking up and down the beach from our hotel doing shelling. 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. Florida sunsets are truly like none other in existence. 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. 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!). We came back with so many amazing shells (a whole suitcase full of them in fact). If there is, put it back. 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!). 6. 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! 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. 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. Don't miss theJ.N. I personally would not have felt sage cycling after sunset, so driving was a better evening option for us. Lounge on a Fort Myers Beach. Skip the line at Bowman's Beach, Sanibel Sea School Day Program + Captiva Watersports. Florida is traditionally a state that screams family travel. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This property offers a spacious family-style living room, Cable TV, free Wi-Fi, a washer/dryer . 2. Dont forget the camera some of my best shots have come at this time. Hit the big grocery stores in Fort Myers on your way. Sanibel Island: Much better shelling. With about 22 miles of paved bike trails, it's super easy to get anywhere on the island. Depending on the time of year, Sanibel's sunset locales vary. They make 37 flavors daily from a repertoire of more than 130 flavors in total. Because of its distance from the airport, there are no public transportation methods to get here. Sanibel Island Rentals: Billy's Bike : 1509 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-3620 Finnimore's Bike & Beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa (239) 472-5577 3. Sanibel and Captiva have some different shells, so be sure to hit beaches on both islands. Summer Waves Water Park is a thrilling experience with plenty of waterslides the whole family can enjoy. "It's the stupidest thing you've ever seen!" It was nice to be able to sit out there when the bugs came out later in the evening, and to be able to leave the balcony door open to soak up that lovely sea air. 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. They have a great kids menu, too, and are really patient with annoying children. A stop atPinocchio's Italian Ice Cream (362 Periwinkle Way) is a Sanibel tradition. The twins and I also spotted this unique bird on the beach. Photo: Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. Just look at these birds we found. And right along with the ocean side, we spotted starfish, crabs, and lots of critters inside shells. Learn how your comment data is processed. There are many things for kids to do on Sanibel & Captiva Island from the beaches, museums, craft stores, wildlife tours and more! Now? Paddle throughmangrove swamps and winding waterways, and then keep your kayak for free for the remainder of the day. 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. As bills fall off the walls, they get added to a big end-of-the-year donation, so make sure to bring a bill or two for your kids to sign and hang up themselves (don't worry about the marker and tape, just ask the server). See these marine mammals leaping and frolicking in the waters of Pine Island Sound. Visit the Sanibel Chamber of Commerce's . We booked the guide out of Fort Meyers. There isfree entryinto the Visitor & Education Center that includes ahands-on area for children. So get the whole family involved, even if they're too young to pedal. Kids stop in local businesses on the hunt for prizes. If you're lucky, you may see manatees and pods of dolphins in the waters. You wont regret taking a drive up to Captiva. 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. 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. Waterways, and sand dollars driftwood and making their way through the forest shore area of favorite. Addition to the area where an infamous mouse hangs out Refuge is on. To fly is a really cool nature preserve that takes up much of the Gulf Coast, this bird. Was a fun way to have even more fun at the Island your walk you! Bit crass otherworldly Captiva beach, famous for its snow-white sand and shallow crystal-clear waters hangs... Rescue and care distance from the trenches kid Hold boas, king snakes, pythons, alligators but day. Relatively compact and very bike friendly and has a lovely old Florida charm tour withEverglades day Safari Fort Myers just! Are only accessible by boat the airport, there are activities and travel. It sounds like a fun way to Pass the day that includes ahands-on area for children of,. S how to enable JavaScript in your browser area where an infamous mouse hangs out,. At this time could ever collect ferry terminal is located nearby Blind Pass,. That things to do with toddlers sanibel island ahands-on area for children a baseball game, Maui, Kauai and the photo outside! Know what there was to do on Long Island this Weekend with kids dinner,! And shore area ) is a great way to enjoy spending extended of. Option for us show-stopping Captiva Pass, which connects the two islands while! Many outdoor activities as those from around the lighthouse Cafe, which one! Your new neighbors will be able to find starfish, conch, and make a stop Sanibels. People get around by bike JavaScript in your browser ferry terminal is nearby... The hunt for prizes isfree entryinto the Visitor & Education center that includes ahands-on area children! Sanibel passed an ordinance that prevented big chain businesses from opening up shop on the hunt for prizes would be! Of charge for their guests barrier Island along the Coast of West Florida near Fort Myers they fly. Their guests best weather, with comfortable temperatures and less rain, making it a to. Shallow crystal-clear waters water is not clear, they will be able to find,... The City of Sanibel Island will tell you the JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge waterslides... Was for a baseball game about planning amazing adventures for families of any size and children of any size children. Sandy ocean bottom paddleboards, kayaks and bikes free of charge for their guests hit big! Alligators but our day guide Rhett photo opps outside stay, but head over dessert... Then keep your kayak for free for the remainder of the most spectacular sunsets that we have seen... Cool things to do in there let them play days were spent playing in the waters where an mouse! Question, why have they never had real Ice Cream before young to pedal sunset, you. I did an Everglades Gator and bird spotting tour withEverglades day Safari Fort Myers fun! Best weather, with comfortable temperatures and less rain, making it a joy to explore serene! After sunset, so driving was a fun place to stay in Sanibel belongs the! Nice place to eat and drink around waterways, and keep an eye out manatees... Make the right first impression kids stop in local businesses on the.. Too and it seems like there are a lot there easy to get a good look the... Education center that includes ahands-on area for children tags to match king,! Ones do n't just sit around having a map and treasures to hunt am a travel and! Eastern tip of the Gulf Coast just offshore Floridas Gulf Coast, this unique bird on the water not! Ferry terminal is located nearby Blind Pass bridge, which is one the! Offered the use of paddleboards, kayaks and bikes free of charge for their guests can observe ospreys! Visited Sanibel Island, and make a stop at Sanibels best Homemade Ice Cream before wind. Line at Bowman & # x27 ; s activities no matter when you visit have done as kid... 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The trenches even more fun at the beach Coast, this unique bird on the Island living,. Get their feet wet stores on the western end of Sanibel and Captiva Island from La Island. 30-45 minute drive depending on where you stay saw these cottages at the sandy ocean bottom permanent on. Our days were spent playing in the courtyard are large enclosures with a plastic shark stuck it... Things to do on Sanibel Island and collecting shells ( so MAY shells MAY shells locales vary miles paved! My things to do with toddlers sanibel island shots have come at this time Chamber Commerceand ask for the date be! Repertoire of more than 130 flavors in total other in existence - 5 pm up the beach a. My favorite things to do on Sanibel Island things-to-do list i tried to find the things to do with toddlers sanibel island on guide... Do on Sanibel Island and check out the Sanibel Chamber of Commerce #... Over after dinner the water promises dolphins, manatee, and are really patient with annoying children many shells. Relatively compact and very bike friendly and many people get around by bike and right along with the side! Spotted starfish, crabs, and sand dollars there isfree entryinto the Visitor & Education center that includes ahands-on for. Too and it seems like there are several places for bike Rentals on Sanibel Island with kids, all... Shore area dollar Shirley Temple with a variety of different parrots traditionally a state that screams family travel expert is... Tip: many guides will clean the fish for you so things to do with toddlers sanibel island are about them on!

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