Kayaking through a mangrove swamp is a must-do activity while visiting this Florida island. Sanibel and Captiva have some different shells, so be sure to hit beaches on both islands. Your whole family will enjoy spending hours exploring all the creatures they find! My boys had never had REAL ice cream before so we splurged and let them have some. 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 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!) 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). These include the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, dolphin and wildlife cruises, and more. Bristol is a stunning five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath fully furnished home with a private pool. Sanibel Island is located off the coast of southwest Florida, just west of Fort Myers. The refuge also offers tram rides hosted by a naturalist, so kids can learn more about what they're seeing. Sanibel Island is as much about world-class as it is about beaches. )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! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Sanibel Island is an island on the west of the Florida panhandle. 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!. I picked it up from the airport in Fort Myers when we landed and there was at least one day where we did not leave the hotel and therefore did not use it. Download a tide app to check tide times. One of the main reasons I love coming here so much is for the shells. Located near Fort Myers, just offshore Floridas Gulf Coast, this unique island offers visitors the opportunity to bask in many outdoor activities. This is a prime destination for shelling, surrounded by emerald-green waters on all sides. Sanibel Island has enough beautiful beaches to keep you busy for days. Mound House. Sanibel Island with kids really is a lovely vacation! Don't miss theJ.N. 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. Your Sanibel Island vacation rental lets you enjoy 15 miles of pristine beaches, 22 miles of bike paths, and zero traffic lights. With about 22 miles of paved bike trails, it's super easy to get anywhere on the island. We had a fun morning riding out to see the Sanibel lighthouse. It is a really cool nature preserve that takes up much of the island. And right along with the ocean side, we spotted starfish, crabs, and lots of critters inside shells. Sanibel Island is best experienced by bike. I had not heard of it until earlier this year. Pick from one of many competitive games at Battlegroundz in Lincoln including dodgeball, laser tag, paintball, archery tag, airsoft, darts and cornhole. 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. Here, visit the otherworldly Captiva Beach, famous for its snow-white sand and shallow crystal-clear waters. We stopped a few other places along the way to see birds and a gator. 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. Because of its distance from the airport, there are no public transportation methods to get here. This should be enough to get you started (and if you have any favorites that you think I should add, please let me know! Head to Matzaluna for some variety. Definitely can do an adult only trip there too! The Visitor and Education Centre offers free admission and is open every day except holidays from 9:00 am-4:00 pm year-round. 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. Captiva Island: Felt more off the beaten path and exclusive. 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. Watching the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico is magic. And Lord knows youll need an hour of relaxation being away with your family. Picnic tables are available when you want to enjoy snacks under the canopy of the trees. What a great way to vacation around Sanibel! The museum features over 30 permanent exhibits on shells of Sanibel and Captiva Island, as well as those from around the world. We upgraded our regular beach toys to fun trucks that our boys love. While you can't exactly access the light,the site itself features agreat shelling beach, a fishing pier, and a nature trail. . Its perfectly legal and encouraged to head down to the beach with a bucket and scoop up as many beauties as you can. 10 things to do with kids in Miami Go straight to the beach. One day we went for a later brunch at the Lighthouse Cafe, which was very busy! Unsure of the treasure found on Sanibel Island? You never know what will be on the end of that line! 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). I tried to find the information on our guide, but I no longer have it. Here are the activities they have for kids! But Sanibel Island, which faces due west in the Gulf of Mexico, is one of them. The beach here was beautiful white sand, and the water was a bright shade of beautiful blue. 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. Ever been to Captiva or Sanibel? No arguments there! It takes justone visittoSanibel Islandbefore youll start planning yournext trip back. Home Travel Top Things to Do on Sanibel Island with Kids. Kids of all ages love a pool and there are plenty of them in Sanibel! Definitely worth the drive! It is laid back, friendly and has a lovely old Florida charm. More shops and restaurants and better choice of hotels and resorts. Its nothing more than a six dollar Shirley Temple with a plastic shark stuck in it. Indulge in the Signature Arabian Rose treatment, an all-over body scrub, or a deep tissue massage at the spa. The kids waited for 5 minutes and wanted to go. As someone who doesnt have kids, I still love all the suggestions. Cue the tears. 2022 5. For the 4 nights we were there, we stood on the beach of the hotel and observed and gave thanks that was our view. Having a sub-tropical climate, visitors and residents enjoy the outdoors and sunshine all year long. There are many fishing companies in the Sanibel area. Not so much. The beaches are lined with more shells than you could ever collect. Lounge on a Fort Myers Beach. Eat at RC Otters. Manatee Park. We got these super easy-to-use kid-friendly Octopus Kites and they have been great. There is a Publix right before paying the toll to cross the Sanibel Island Causeway. Its amazing! This is Tampa's Ybor City is a National Historic Landmark District. See Tripadvisor's 128,735 traveller reviews and photos of kid friendly Sanibel Island attractions Also, the water tended to be murky on Sanibel. Looking for things to do in Sanibel Island with kids? Each day the view was completely different and it made a wonderful activity with the entire family. Question, why have they never had real ice cream before? 2. As always, opinions and fun times are always mine and those of my kids. I definitely want to go back and explore and this sounds like an amazing place to do just that. I'm Julie Wunder Emmy award-winning former WLOS meteorologist. If you aren't familiar with Sanibel Island, Florida it's a small island off the coast of West Florida near Fort Myers. I have to include this. Ding Darling is known as one of the best places to visit for birding. With over 25 miles of paved, carless trails, Sanibel Island is a wonderful place for families to explore on two wheels. I have never heard of this place, but it sounds like a fun place to eat and drink around. 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. Unique Experiences and Travel Inspiration. 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. The options are endless but here are a few of the activities my kids enjoyed the most on our recent trip. Dont leave the park without checking out the Sanibel Island Lighthouse. Here are a few that seem to welcome and appreciate kids. Watch the sunset on the beach. Bring goggles for kids to get a good look at the sandy ocean bottom. The best attractions on Sanibel Island are: CuddlyNestprovides all accommodations to all travelers atthe best price. Here you'll find shell-strewn beaches, a laid-back vibe, terrific restaurants and shops, and an incredibly diverse wildlife sampling. 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. Go shelling. The Best Things to Eat & Drink on Sanibel. Turner Beach, in particular, is known for itsspectacularsunsets. 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. The Best, Most Unique Places to Stay In Hawaii on a Budget, Universal Studios for Kids What We Learned on our First Visit, Essential Travel Gear 10 Seemingly Random Things that I Wont Travel Without, The Ultimate Guide to Eating Cheaply in Paris, How We Spent 3 Days in Amsterdam with Kids. Book a ride with Captiva Cruises, and make a stop at Cabbage Key. Afamily vacation to Florida is usually synonymous with Disney, but it doesn't have to be. Not only is every inch of this house-turned-restaurant covered with retro toys and old Hollywood photos, but the food is next level. A jaunt down the beach or a bike around the island makes for wonderful take-home memories. 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. You will not find chain restaurants, high rises, or traffic lights here. 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. The homes are amazing to look at, the water even better. We are beach people and love to spend lots of time at the beach on our trips! Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. Top 10 things to do on Sanibel Island with kids J.N. And shells of all different textures, shapes, and sizes show up on the shores here. With an early sunset time in winter, we'd take the boys out and walk up the beach toward the sunset. Fun Things to Do in Sanibel Island with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. 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! Get Dessert at The Bubble Room. Party & Event Planning. The whole family has endless opportunities for fun. 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. From beautiful beaches for shelling to countless water activities for kids, Sanibel Island is a great place to vacation for families. That night in bed? Here's how to make the right first impression. The lighthouse dates back to 1884. It's a pretty spectacular sight. Less restaurants and shopping. The Sanibel Island Lighthouse is on the east end of the island and has a lovely fishing pier, nature trail, and beaches with great shelling. Why not try a different one each night? As I am a big craft beer aficionado, I had to hit up Doc Fords Rum Bar & Grille. The Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens takes visitors on a colorful journey through idyllic tropical gardens. Heres a guide to the top 9 things to do in Sanibel. Your boys are just growing up so fast. From action-packed water sports to relaxing spa treatments, we have something for everyone. Red Tide is a name given to an algae that are harmful to fish and humans. 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. They also offer a kids program (if you feel like a little adult time needs to be a part of your vacation!). This is one of the best things to do on Sanibel with kids. You can also rent them. 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. Sanibel Island isworld-renownedfor its abundance of seashells. Whether you choose to be boating, kayaking, canoeing, water-skiing or fishing from one of the favorite spots, play a round of golf on the challenging scenic courses, there are over 70 of them, the perfect place to tee off and test your mettle on the green . Sanibel Island is an island on the west of the Florida panhandle. As I mentioned above, many resorts loan out bikes to their guests. Best Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend with Kids. We got to one area and a couple said they had heard one there and were waiting. Thats awesome. 10. 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. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge! Read More: The Best Hawaii Resorts for Families on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. We saw these cottages at the far end of Sanibel Island whilst viewing one of the most spectacular sunsets that we have ever seen. 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. If we had to drive over and visit just for the day, it would not have been at all the same experience. 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. My family loves Sanibel and I'm sure yours will too. Pick a beach, any beach, and head on over after dinner. One of the first lighthouses on Floridas Gulf coast, this 98-foot tower offers showstopping views of the surrounding area and plenty of photo opportunities. Looking for a little fun in the sun. Tip for Canadians Tim Hortons coffee is served at Joeys Custard! Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd Street, Upper West Side. We also had dinner there and the kids were super happy with their chicken fingers. During the summertime, you'll get those hotter temperatures, as the lows only get down into the 70s during this time of year. It was a day of ribbons and confetti cannons, hugs and back-slapping as two more island business emerged from . And the "lighthouse" isn't really a house at all but is actually a tower. It has an authentic, old Florida vibe. Mini Golf. Sanibel is the larger and (slightly) more commercial of the two islands, while Captiva is more remote and private. 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! Tip: Check with your hotel or condo because some units come with bikes. Since little ones don't just sit around having a few kites to fly is a great way to pass the day. When we return to Sanibel, these will definitely be at the top of our short list! Warm Gulf waters and calm surf make most of the island's beaches great for families withsmall children. Mom and Dad can also pick up a Starbucks Coffee from the grocery store. Looking for a fun activity for the kids that's free and not the beach? And while you won't find theme parks or children's museums to keep your kids entertained, instead, give them the opportunity to spot dolphins, hold small sea creatures, and kayak through the mangroves. Some bucket-list experiences here are sunbathing, kayaking, bird watching, and exploring idyllic parks like the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. 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. 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. 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). With an early sunset time in winter, we'd take the boys out and walk up the beach toward the sunset. Along the way, a naturalist will point out local sights and landmarks while answering questions about wildlife and island history. Stop by Flan World Corp for a life-changing coconut flan, Aux Dlices Bakery for authentic French pastries, and the Doughnut Station for the fluffiest doughnuts. Plan your trip to Captiva before sunset and head to the beach across from the Mucky Duck for the best sunset view available. We were able to wake up and walk right out onto the beach to go shelling in the morning, without having to get in a car. The fun never stops on Sanibel Island. It takes up some real estate in the car, but the hours of fun you'll get out of it are worth it. One of thebest things to do on Captiva Islandis to watch the sunset. #1 in Sanibel Island Address: 1700 Bowman's Beach Rd. 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. 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. Heads up, you'll want to arrive early as spots fill up quickly. 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. Paddle throughmangrove swamps and winding waterways, and then keep your kayak for free for the remainder of the day. 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. This is a great thing to do in Jekyll Island with kids. I was blind to what else existed in the State. We've even spotted lots of dolphins just along the coast. They offer a wide variety of accommodations choices as well as a beautiful kid friendly pool with a water slide. 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!). This property offers a spacious family-style living room, Cable TV, free Wi-Fi, a washer/dryer . These encounters trump a trip to Disneyworld any day. Convinced to travel to Sanibel Island and check out the cool things to do in there? 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. 5. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Kids stop in local businesses on the hunt for prizes. My three-year-olds have been flying them for over a year. Learn how your comment data is processed. Whether your kids like seafood or more traditional food, there is something on the menu for everyone at these places. Find out when low tide is and hit the beach before anyone else can snatch up all the good stuff. Sunbathing in the sugar white sand, shelling, kayaking, and swimming in the oceans emerald waters are some of the top activities here. 7 Reasons to Visit Harrisonburg Virginia! We are Shanna and Aaron + kiddos. This was my daughters favorite part of the trip! Copyright 2023, Create Kids Club. 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. We love traveling with kids and will incorporate some of the ideas. Denver is quickly becoming one of the most traveled destinations in the USA. Definitely skip dinner there, but head over for dessert and the photo opps outside. I've heard you can spot Alligators, otters, and turtles on the property. Required fields are marked *. Sanibel Island is known for its idyllic beaches filled with abundant shells. Friday, March 3. Each day includes surfing, art, group-bonding activities, all while integrating subjects like fiddler crabs, wading birds, and sea turtles. We had just never gone out to a regular ice cream shop with them! Collect shells along the beach Sanibel is known as the Shelling Capital of the World, and it's not hard to see why. 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. Visiting London with kids is an absolute joy. The best times for shelling were at low tide and early in the morning (even better if these coincide). Your little ones are really brave for embracing boas and alligators. Dr. Seuss-a-Bration at Once Upon a Treetop Plainview. Dont forget the camera some of my best shots have come at this time. Bring a bottle of wine and let the kids get their feet wet. Sunrise AND Sunset walks are some of my favorite things to do in Sanibel with kids. Looks like a really fun place. Battlegroundz has a 20,000-square-foot . Letting the kids just be kids in the sand is one of the best things to do in Sanibel with kids. Things to Do in Sanibel with Kids Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Map Traveler favorites All things to do 1 place sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 2022 1. Blind Pass Beach 827 Beaches By 994linday Address: 3883 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel. Recommended Read: The 10 Most Beautiful Islands in Florida. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge On this part of Sanibel you'll find a protected piece of nature with quite an impressive wildlife! 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. Address: 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957. There are shells all year long. There arent really any great public transportation on Sanibel Island, so unless you are planning to take an Uber to and from the airport (expensive given the distance) you will need a car to get around. That and snowbirds who retire there, my late paternal grandparents being them! Sure, you could take your kids to a more touristy place in Florida with lots of official attractions, but there is something so charming about a vacation that really enjoys nature and some of the more simple things in life! Photo: Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel 1. 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. Once we left the beach area, we stopped coughing. Winter and springtime (from December to April) are the best times to visit Sanibel. It turns out, there are plenty of things to do on Sanibel Island with kids. 8. Sign up for Scary Mommy's daily newsletter for more stories from the trenches. Get there early, as parking spaces fill up. It's a far cry from Disney, BUT I think this type of vacation can be just as lovely for kids of all ages. Your email address will not be published. Next time we go, I might choose a simpler place, or an Airbnb with a kitchen where we can cook, because the resort was lovely, but Sanibel has some really great things that we want to get out and see! We stayed at the Sanibel Inn and absolutely LOVED it. There are many things for kids to do on Sanibel & Captiva Island from the beaches, museums, craft stores, wildlife tours and more! 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. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. You can drive through the preserve at your own pace and get out to spot wildlife. First lit in 1884, the area around the lighthouse is open to public, but the lighthouse itself is not. 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. 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. Sign up in advance because space is limited to24 students per day. Corrie P./CROW - Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Inc. At the Crow Clinic Animal Rehab, kids can interact with animal ambassadors for a remarkable learning experience. I am going to be honest. Besides relaxing and playing on the beaches, there are kid-friendly restaurants, museums, and historical sites to enjoy with your family. The island acts like a big scoop and because of the way that the ocean currents flow, the shells just wash up on the beach. Yolo Board Adventures Sanibel offers two-hour guided eco-tours for both adults and children 12 and older. 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Whether your kids like seafood or more traditional food, there is a great thing to on. Shops and restaurants and better choice of hotels and resorts: 3883 Sanibel Captiva,! More commercial of the best times for shelling, surrounded by emerald-green waters on sides! Abundant shells being them sports to relaxing spa treatments, we 'd take the boys out and walk the. 1700 Bowman & # x27 ; s Museum of Manhattan, 212 west 83rd Street, Upper west side this..., Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, dolphin and Wildlife cruises, and historical sites to enjoy snacks the...