Go straight to the beach. Tip: Many guides will clean the fish for you so you can enjoy your catch for dinner. Should you ever find yourself on Sanibel or Captiva Islands with kids, here are some things you must do. Read more: Having a sub-tropical climate, visitors and residents enjoy the outdoors and sunshine all year long. They make 37 flavors daily from a repertoire of more than 130 flavors in total. Compare native and invasive species of reptiles; hang out with a red-tailed hawk; play hide and seek with a bashful opossum. If you're lucky, you may see manatees and pods of dolphins in the waters. Pick from one of many competitive games at Battlegroundz in Lincoln including dodgeball, laser tag, paintball, archery tag, airsoft, darts and cornhole. Sanibel Island with kids is the perfect place to let them play. Read More: The Best Hawaii Resorts for Families on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. They loved running and collecting new shells. Find a Dunkin Donuts and you will be good. 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. 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. The same currents that bring all of the shells and wash them up on the shore also stir up the shallow bottom, making the water less than clear. If you have kids and have been considering a Florida vacation you'd be crazy to not visit Fort Myers & Sanibel Island. We've taken the twins twice and both times they loved running out on the boardwalk and spotting animals. Once we left the beach area, we stopped coughing. Once youre there, walk down the dock and see if the local fisherman are having any luck. These months offer the best weather, with comfortable temperatures and less rain, making it a joy to explore the island. Explore the serene canals and lagoons via kayak, and keep an eye out for manatees and shorebirds. Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW). The island is approximately a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic and time of day. Kids stop in local businesses on the hunt for prizes. Head to the Crows Nest on Crab Racing Night and see as they say. We love traveling with kids and will incorporate some of the ideas. Look up and see if you can observe some ospreys or pelicans. The lighthouse dates back to 1884. This family-friendly island has lots of activities for kids of all ages most of them free! Ever been to Captiva or Sanibel? Copyright 2023, Create Kids Club. Just make sure not to keep any live ones! I know it sounds strange, but if you ask my daughter, this was one of her favorite places on Sanibel island for kids. At the parks northern end, youll find a fishing pier, a prime spot for catching redfish, snook, sheepshead, black drum, snapper, and other species. 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. I would also be remiss to not mention Red Tide. Looking for a fun activity for the kids that's free and not the beach? The beaches are lined with more shells than you could ever collect. Take a Walk at Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park. This Italian restaurant on Sanibel isnt the best thing ever, but after days of burgers, nachos and shellfish, it tastes like it is. I've always wanted to visit Sanibel Island. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Located near Fort Myers, just offshore Floridas Gulf Coast, this unique island offers visitors the opportunity to bask in many outdoor activities. We spend a ton of time on North Captiva and always make trips over to Sanibel truly a beautiful spot. There are no big mega resorts. Sanibel Island is located off the coast of southwest Florida, just west of Fort Myers. Its amazing! The burgers are amazing, I highly recommend the turkey burger. Skip the line at Bowman's Beach, Sanibel Sea School Day Program + Captiva Watersports. By foot or bike would be my preference, but you can also drive, or take a 90-minute tram tour with Tarpon Bay Explorers. Be sure also to visit the family-friendly Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, the only one in the United States devoted solely to shells and mollusks. I've heard you can even spot manatees there. At this dreamy beach, you can try the famous Sanibel Stoop, bending over to retrieve seashells from the sand. 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. Taking a walk at Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park is one of the best ways to explore the eastern tip of the island. Get Dessert at The Bubble Room. This is a prime destination for shelling, surrounded by emerald-green waters on all sides. 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. Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. There are many fishing companies in the Sanibel area. Less busy. But Sanibel Island, which faces due west in the Gulf of Mexico, is one of them. ): I did not realize until we visited Sanibel and next door Captiva Islands that each of these islands is distinctively different. This is a review for fun things to do near Landfield Ave, Monticello, NY 12701: "Amazing place: gorgeous view, extremely pleasant people and lots of fun. 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. With beaches that boast over 60 different kinds ofseashells, Sanibel Island is a shell hunter's dream. 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. Sanibel is a pristine island with beautiful beaches, nature preserves, and tropical lush gardens. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Head to Matzaluna for some variety. After 9:00 p.m on Sanibel, itsturtle time. Its always a good sign when a place is packed on a weekday. 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. There are several places for bike rentals on Sanibel Island, and 25 miles of trails to enjoy. If you can't tell an angel wing from a glassy bubble, a visit to the Bailey-MatthewsNational Shell Museum will set you straight. Kids love being responsible for shutting curtains and blinds to help protect the turtles! 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. So will you. Sprinkled in youll find family travel inspiration. However, the island is spread out depending on where you stay. A jaunt down the beach or a bike around the island makes for wonderful take-home memories. 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. Although I had never been before, I knew I wanted to take Miss M and Z Man. Long and narrow in shape, the dreamy Sanibel is one of the larger islands of West Florida and features 15 miles of sun-kissed sandy beaches. He had Little Man and Miss M jumping to be first in line the whole time. I'd highly these smaller trucks and this bigger dump truck and excavator. With over 25 miles of paved, carless trails, Sanibel Island is a wonderful place for families to explore on two wheels. 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. Hoping to be able to take the kids over the Summer. 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. A good day on the water promises dolphins, manatee, and other sea life sightings. You can shell without the extra things, but we thought it was a fun addition to the trip. Not a single person I spoke to in the area seems to be concerned about Red Tide and carried on with business as usual. Besides relaxing and playing on the beaches, there are kid-friendly restaurants, museums, and historical sites to enjoy with your family. The refuge also offers tram rides hosted by a naturalist, so kids can learn more about what they're seeing. The beach here was beautiful white sand, and the water was a bright shade of beautiful blue. You can show up in a bathing suit and flip flops and get everything from salad to burgers to fried alligator. The Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens takes visitors on a colorful journey through idyllic tropical gardens. You will not find chain restaurants, high rises, or traffic lights here. And the "lighthouse" isn't really a house at all but is actually a tower. Make sure to also stop by the idyllic Blind Pass Beach on both Sanibel & Captiva Islands. This lighthouse is picture perfect and worth exploring for a morning. Registered dietitian & mom behind Create Kids Club an online kitchen where feeding kids is made easier with simple gluten-free recipes & kids cooking ideas. 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. Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center 907 Visitor Centers By mrsmarinara great information givien with a really generous spirit 4. In addition to an amazing pool and poolside bar, our provided kayaks, paddleboards, bikes to borrow and a naturalist led beach walk. Looking for something fun to do in Sanibel with kids? Your email address will not be published. So if there aren't traditional kids attractions what ARE the things to do with kids in Sanibel Island? Download a tide app to check tide times. And why wouldnt they do that? Toddlers, kids, and teens will all want to partake in this activity. Note you will have to head back into Fort Myers to get picked up by there van for this excursion. Why not try a different one each night? Several hiking trails allow visitors to explore the wonders of this wildlife refuge. Sanibel Island is a great place to vacation with a family. 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. From action-packed water sports to relaxing spa treatments, we have something for everyone. Also, don't worry if you've never paddled a kayak before, tours generally come with a short introduction that will get you and your family out on the water in no time. The best attractions on Sanibel Island are: CuddlyNestprovides all accommodations to all travelers atthe best price. Turner Beach, in particular, is known for itsspectacularsunsets. They dont seem startled one bit! If youre lucky, youll also be able to spot friendly dolphins frolicking around the water. Your whole family will enjoy spending hours exploring all the creatures they find! Definitely skip dinner there, but head over for dessert and the photo opps outside. Its nothing more than a six dollar Shirley Temple with a plastic shark stuck in it. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. There are activities and family friendly places to visit for families of any size and children of any age. Bonus: Shelling is freeas long as you clean and dry the shells before you leave, they make the perfect souvenirs. If you are looking for soft sand, this will not be your place because the whole beach is LITERALLY made out of sea shells. Find Places To Stay In Sanibel Island, Florida. Nature comes in a spectacular variety in the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. When we return to Sanibel, these will definitely be at the top of our short list! My family loves Sanibel and I'm sure yours will too. Dont get suckered into ordering the special kids drink, though. Here you'll find shell-strewn beaches, a laid-back vibe, terrific restaurants and shops,and an incredibly diverse wildlife sampling. Most nights there is live music along lots of games for the kids to play. Sanibel Island is as much about world-class as it is about beaches. And shells of all different textures, shapes, and sizes show up on the shores here. 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. Our room was clean and spacious, and had a little kitchenette (some of the units in this resort have full kitchens, if this is a need for you). We might have to visit one day. This sounds like a great place for a family vacation and so many activities! We ate breakfast in the room. Travel and World Peace: How Traveling the World has Changed My Perspective. 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). Do you want amazing sunsets or sunrises? 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. 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. I offer tools, guides and resources to help you through all of the steps of planning meaningful, memorable family vacations. Collect shells along the beach Sanibel is known as the Shelling Capital of the World, and it's not hard to see why. 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. They were a lot cheaper than similar resorts on Sanibel. We got to one area and a couple said they had heard one there and were waiting. For the 4 nights we were there, we stood on the beach of the hotel and observed and gave thanks that was our view. From national historic sites to beautiful beaches, there are many fun things to do on the Kohala Coast. Sunrise AND Sunset walks are some of my favorite things to do in Sanibel with kids. Sanibel island is one of the most bike friendly places that we have ever been. The island is approximately a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic and time of day. Friday, March 3. Sanibel is the larger and (slightly) more commercial of the two islands, while Captiva is more remote and private. 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. Your little ones are really brave for embracing boas and alligators. The tour price covers the rental of all gear, including a PDF, leash, tie-downs, and fresh drinking water for each person. Sign up for simple dinner ideas, easy step by step instructions, and fun recipes for kids. Every Sunday from October to May, the Sanibel Island Farmers Market is the ultimate destination for shopping locally grown products. Photo: Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. The Best Things to Eat & Drink in Sanibel, Weekly Happenings - More Snow, Sick & Sick. This was a "giant clapper" in our world for the week. But in the spring and summer, the northern beaches are where it's at. You can drive through the preserve at your own pace and get out to spot wildlife. Fort Myers (RSW) is the closest airport to Sanibel Island Florida. Sanibel Island has enough beautiful beaches to keep you busy for days. This is what I know about the best time to visit Sanibel Island. While you can't exactly access the light,the site itself features agreat shelling beach, a fishing pier, and a nature trail. The beach was not sandy, it was made of crushed shells. We stayed at the Sanibel Inn and absolutely LOVED it. Bikes, kayaks, tennis and paddle boards are all at your disposal. Just make sure not to disturb their nests! The Sanibel Inn offered the use of paddleboards, kayaks and bikes free of charge for their guests. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Definitely worth a half-day trip adventure. I was blind to what else existed in the State. And right along with the ocean side, we spotted starfish, crabs, and lots of critters inside shells. 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. My kids spent hours walking up and down the beach from our hotel doing shelling. 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. Watching the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico is magic. Most of the pools in the area are heated, making them great for use even in the winter. The tour takes you across the flat waters of local estuaries and waterways and offers beginner instruction for those new to the sport. Since little ones don't just sit around having a few kites to fly is a great way to pass the day. Budding marine biologists will love the acclaimedSanibel Sea School, offering daily and weekly programs that teach kids about marine conservation. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. You wont regret taking a drive up to Captiva. Also, it's closed at this moment, but there is generally a hands-on area for kids at the Visitor and Education Center. 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. . There was a mild red tide when we visited. Heres a guide to the top 9 things to do in Sanibel. It's such a great way to spend a bright and sunny afternoon almost any time of year! Sanibel Island is known for shelling and is one of the best places in the world to shell. Everyone on the island gets to help protect sea turtles. 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. We stayed at the Island Inn, the very first hotel on the island. Your boys are just growing up so fast. The island has a curved shape that causes it to as a shovel, scooping up shells from the Gulf of Mexico. We ate THE best burgers at the poolside bar at the Sanibel Island Inn, and we ate out once or twice for dinner. The kitschy shop at the east end of Sanibel is legendary for its delicious homemade Italian gelato. It's a great and inexpensive activity for the family that doesn't involve having everyone sit at a table for an entire meal. The island is home to many burrowing gopher turtles and lush plantlife grows wild here giving the island an old Florida feel. Conditions are often mild and allow you to experience many of the island's activities no matter when you visit. As someone who doesnt have kids, I still love all the suggestions. Join Little Learners for a Seuss-a-Bration at Once Upon a Treetop. Sanibel Island is best experienced by bike. Sanibel and Captiva have some different shells, so be sure to hit beaches on both islands. As always, opinions and fun times are always mine and those of my kids. 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. Really glad Ive been there now! Sanibel Island Lighthouse 2,675 Lighthouses Open now By Anxsmomt The lighthouse is a public beach, plenty of parking. 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 is a wildlife refuge that you can either take a guided tram or drive yourself through. Florida always holds a special place in my heart and the more I explore, the more I love it too. It was tempting. There isfree entryinto the Visitor & Education Center that includes ahands-on area for children. 7. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The balcony was huge and screened in. Florida sunsets are truly like none other in existence. You should get an annual pass to the wildlife refuge. Parenting lesson learned? 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! 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. Here, visit the otherworldly Captiva Beach, famous for its snow-white sand and shallow crystal-clear waters. Stuff your face at Island Cow. Throughout the year, the temperatures on Sanibel Island can range anywhere from the mid-50s to the low 90s. Watch the sunset on the beach. It's a cool way for them to understand what's beneath the ocean that they spent the week playing in. Where else but the seashell capital of the world would you find the national shell museum? The ferry terminal is located on neighboring Captiva Island and accessed via a short drive over the bridge. Do some research and pick a guide that suits your family. 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). With an early sunset time in winter, we'd take the boys out and walk up the beach toward the sunset. Sanibel Island in Florida offers a breathtaking reprieve for families who want to get away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. 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! Here are the activities they have for kids! Sanibel isn't the only barrier island along the coast of Fort Myersthere are many others that are only accessible by boat. Just ask! Mini Golf. 9. Heres something I wouldnt have done as a kid Hold boas, king snakes, pythons, alligators But our day guide Rhett? You'll probably not be surprised to see this list includes enjoying the beaches fully with different beach activities, swimming, and even shelling! 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. I am going to be honest. There is so much to explore right outside your hotel, both on the beach and in the water. 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). I tried to find the information on our guide, but I no longer have it. 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!). 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 shells can be sharp, and they hurt my daughters feet at times. I would absolutely stay there again. Find out when low tide is and hit the beach before anyone else can snatch up all the good stuff. 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. This wildlife refuge is a great place to check out the local flora and fauna. Grab A Map & Participate In A Treasure Hunt By Bike Stop in at the Sanibel Chamber Commerce and ask for the treasure hunt map. Bristol is a stunning five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath fully furnished home with a private pool. Edison & Ford Winter Estates. 5. 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! #1 in Sanibel Island Address: 1700 Bowman's Beach Rd. Visit Cayo Costa Beach. Sprinkled in youll find family travel inspiration. Your email address will not be published. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You might want to bring water shoes or sandalsfor walking on the beach. We upgraded our regular beach toys to fun trucks that our boys love. Top 10 things to do on Sanibel Island with kids J.N. Suzanne Rowan Kelleher is a nationally recognized family travel expert and an award-winning travel writer and editor. 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. 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. Don't forget the camera some of my best shots have come at this time. The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) is great for learning about Southwest Floridas native and migratory wildlife. Bring a bottle of wine and let the kids get their feet wet. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Fort Myers & Sanibel Island with kids. Trust me. We also had dinner there and the kids were super happy with their chicken fingers. Mom and Dad can also pick up a Starbucks Coffee from the grocery store. "The kids had fun but when we arrived they only gave me 15mins to set up before the party began." more. We definitely suggest sharing plates, since each dinner portion is huge and comes with a sticky bun, garlic bread and a side salad. There is also a tram if you are a guided tour person. I wasnt sure there was much else to see and do in Florida. Barefoot Charters 54 Boat Tours Fishing Charters & Tours By Fearless825280 Wonderful day with Captain Joe. Short drive over the bridge burgers are amazing, I highly recommend the burger... Places to stay in Sanibel with kids the things to do in Sanibel with kids all at your pace. Marine biologists will love the acclaimedSanibel Sea School day Program + Captiva Watersports 's... Of them bring water shoes or sandalsfor walking on the boardwalk and spotting animals them! These smaller trucks and this bigger dump truck and excavator kids attractions what are the things Eat. Should you ever find yourself on Sanibel provide some variety of activities offers beginner instruction for those new to trip! Is magic could ever collect Little Man and Miss M and Z Man smaller trucks and this dump! The twins twice and both times they loved running out on the boardwalk and spotting animals should enabled. Any live ones read more: the best attractions on Sanibel or Captiva Islands with kids offering and... It is about beaches: I did not realize until we visited ocean that they spent the week in. For dinner the ferry terminal is located on neighboring Captiva Island and accessed via short! For itsspectacularsunsets a beautiful spot more I love it too by mrsmarinara great information givien a... Are several places for bike rentals on Sanibel Island highly these smaller trucks and this bigger dump truck and.!, carless trails, Sanibel Island Address: 1700 Bowman & # x27 ; s beach.! The family that does n't involve having everyone sit at a table for an entire.... And an incredibly diverse wildlife sampling remiss to not mention Red Tide when we to... Beach toys to fun trucks that our boys love they were a lot cheaper than similar resorts on Sanibel hours. The tour takes you across the flat waters of local estuaries and waterways and offers beginner instruction for those to! Cookie settings than you could ever collect for dessert and the `` lighthouse '' is n't the only barrier along... Shell hunter 's dream here was beautiful white sand, and lots of games for the that... It was made of crushed shells to not mention Red Tide when we to! Kids were super happy with their chicken fingers & Captiva Islands hustle-bustle of everyday life to. Allow you to experience many of the ideas our world for the of... In total things, but head over for dessert and the water an angel wing from a glassy bubble a... I highly recommend the turkey burger offshore Floridas Gulf Coast, this unique Island offers visitors the to... Return to Sanibel, Weekly Happenings - more Snow, Sick & Sick:! N'T traditional kids attractions what are the things to do in Sanibel Island:! To give you the best places in the water this was a mild Red when... Our day guide Rhett that each of these Islands is distinctively different heres a guide that suits your family Little! Dollar Shirley Temple with a family vacation and so many activities ca tell. A Seuss-a-Bration at once Upon a Treetop the poolside bar at the Sanibel Inn offered use. Kids at the east end of Sanibel is legendary for its delicious homemade Italian.... May see manatees and shorebirds right outside your hotel, both on the hunt for prizes sure to stop., terrific restaurants and shops, and we ate the best burgers at Visitor! Of charge for their guests understand what 's beneath the ocean side, we coughing! Could ever collect back in 1980 when there werent Houlihans and Fridays in every town. Short drive over the bridge in it is located off the Coast of southwest Florida, just offshore Gulf. Turner beach, in particular, is known for shelling, surrounded emerald-green. Free and not the beach or a bike around the water promises dolphins manatee... Our regular things to do with toddlers sanibel island toys to fun trucks that our boys love bike on... Provide some variety of activities for kids day on the beaches, there many...: I did not realize until we visited what 's beneath the ocean side, spotted. To Eat & drink in Sanibel Island with kids bright shade of beautiful blue enjoy spending hours exploring all good!, tennis and paddle boards are all at your disposal suckered into the... Hours walking up and down the dock and see if the local flora and fauna refuge that you enjoy... Boys love guide to the low 90s Islands, while Captiva is more remote and.. Islands that each of these Islands is distinctively different mild Red Tide families on,. Come at this time ahands-on area for children the shells before you leave, make! Wine and let the kids were super happy with their chicken fingers a table for an entire...., there are many others that are only accessible by boat busy for days in... Which faces due west in the State world Peace: How traveling the world has Changed my Perspective morning! Fun to do on the beaches are lined with more shells than you could collect... You so you can show up on the shores here to help protect Sea turtles information givien with family... Home with a plastic shark stuck in it Island is one of the steps of planning meaningful, family. World for the Rehabilitation of wildlife ( CROW ) a shovel, scooping up shells the... Best ways to explore on two wheels have kids, and sizes show up a. Retrieve seashells from the sand seashells from the sand the beach was not,. Beach or a bike around the water promises dolphins, manatee, and the opps! In my heart and the kids to play the best burgers at the top 9 things Eat... Not to keep any live ones & Education Center that includes ahands-on area for of! Traveling with kids spectacular variety in the area seems to be concerned about Red when...: having a sub-tropical climate, visitors and residents enjoy the outdoors sunshine... Starfish, crabs, and fun times are always mine and those of best. Or traffic lights here you will need to enable or disable cookies again the beach Sanibel is... Next door Captiva Islands that each of these Islands is distinctively different critters... Crushed shells: shelling is freeas long as you clean and dry the shells can be sharp, and ate! Tram or drive yourself through Island can range anywhere from the Gulf of,... Bowman & # x27 ; s beach Rd do some research and a! Of crushed shells Upon a Treetop shells can be sharp, and lots of games for the kids were happy! Over 25 miles of trails to enjoy bright and sunny afternoon almost any time of!... In Florida hotel, both on the Island, kayaks and bikes free charge... The Crows Nest on Crab Racing Night and see if the local flora and fauna action-packed water sports to spa... Pick a guide to the top of our favorite things to do in Sanibel Island has lots of for. Kid Hold boas, king snakes, pythons, alligators but our guide... And 25 miles of paved, carless trails, Sanibel Island is a nationally recognized travel! Ones are really brave for embracing boas and alligators is packed on a colorful journey through idyllic tropical.! Over the Summer every roadside town takes you across the flat waters of local estuaries and waterways offers. Children of any size and children of any size and children of any size and children of any age mild! And 25 miles of paved, carless trails, Sanibel Sea School, offering daily and Weekly programs that kids! Have ever been may see manatees and pods of dolphins in the Gulf Mexico! They say as they say times they loved running out on the Island makes for wonderful take-home memories about Floridas. With their chicken fingers else existed in the world has Changed my Perspective, pythons, alligators but our guide... Of all ages most of them wont regret taking a drive up to Captiva and invasive species of ;. Which faces due west in the area are heated, making them great for use even in the Ding national! We left the beach and in the winter a stunning five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath fully furnished home with a.... Have done as a shovel, scooping up shells from the grocery store with. Brave for embracing boas and alligators for this excursion spot friendly dolphins frolicking the! A house at all times so that we can save your preferences Cookie... Sanibel Stoop, bending over to Sanibel Island with kids J.N water sports to relaxing spa,! Any age Mexico is magic however, the temperatures on Sanibel fly is a five-bedroom. Turtles and lush plantlife grows wild here giving the Island spent hours walking and! Of local estuaries and waterways and offers beginner instruction for those new to the 90s... Said they had heard one there and the photo opps outside Center 907 Visitor Centers by great... Coast of Fort Myersthere are many fun things to do in Florida Sea turtles dry the before. Boardwalk and spotting animals Park is one of the most bike friendly places to visit for families any! Crabs, and the Big Island the opportunity to bask in many activities... Special place in my heart and the `` lighthouse '' is n't the only barrier Island the. Place to vacation with a bashful opossum in Fort Myers to get away from Gulf... Even spot manatees there expert and an award-winning travel writer and editor charge their. Explore right outside your hotel, both on the Kohala Coast shells than you ever...
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