): I did not realize until we visited Sanibel and next door Captiva Islands that each of these islands is distinctively different. We are Shanna and Aaron + kiddos. Sanibel Island isworld-renownedfor its abundance of seashells. With an early sunset time in winter, we'd take the boys out and walk up the beach toward the sunset. Beaches, Free TYPE 2 hours to Half Day TIME TO SPEND Bowman's is well known for having beautiful, unusual shells, but you'll have to put a. Here are a few things to think about when narrowing down the best Sanibel Island family resorts for your vacation. Road trips to Florida were the best part of my childhood. 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. Manatee Park. Recommended Read: The 10 Most Beautiful Islands in Florida. Fully Equipped with an upgraded kitchen featuring stainless steel, Sunzero Wolf appliances, and quartz countertops. Any suggestions on the beat and least expensive fishing guide? 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. With themed activities and hands-on experiences, children ages 6 to 13 can foster their love and appreciation for the ocean. We got to one area and a couple said they had heard one there and were waiting. Find Places To Stay In Sanibel Island, Florida. I would absolutely stay there again. Less busy. Watching the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico is magic. Having a sub-tropical climate, visitors and residents enjoy the outdoors and sunshine all year long. The occurrence of Red Tide is when simple plants that live in the sea and freshwatergrow out of control. Note you will have to head back into Fort Myers to get picked up by there van for this excursion. Your kids will be able to touch sea creatures in touch tanks and you can book a shell walk with a naturalist. There is a toll to be paid of $6.00 to gain entry to the island in a regular vehicle. 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. 3. It takes up some real estate in the car, but the hours of fun you'll get out of it are worth it. This is a prime destination for shelling, surrounded by emerald-green waters on all sides. As I am a big craft beer aficionado, I had to hit up Doc Fords Rum Bar & Grille. 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. Pick a beach, any beach, and head on over after dinner. I wasnt sure there was much else to see and do in Florida. 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. I know it sounds strange, but if you ask my daughter, this was one of her favorite places on Sanibel island for kids. Get there early, as parking spaces fill up. This is Tampa's Ybor City is a National Historic Landmark District. No matter the time of year, Sanibel sees some brilliant sunsets. Question, why have they never had real ice cream before? One of thebest things to do on Captiva Islandis to watch the sunset. Fun Things to Do in Sanibel Island with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. There isfree entryinto the Visitor & Education Center that includes ahands-on area for children. There was a mild red tide when we visited. Each day includes surfing, art, group-bonding activities, all while integrating subjects like fiddler crabs, wading birds, and sea turtles. Eat at RC Otters. 8 reasons to take the kids to Kissimmee Bristol is a stunning five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath fully furnished home with a private pool. Florida always holds a special place in my heart and the more I explore, the more I love it too. Sanibel is the larger and (slightly) more commercial of the two islands, while Captiva is more remote and private. I love Sanibel!! 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. Afamily vacation to Florida is usually synonymous with Disney, but it doesn't have to be. Its a nice place to stay, but the spa is especially wonderful. Find a Dunkin Donuts and you will be good. The park is home to a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of the Gulf Coast. The must-try local favourite is the Orange Crunch cake, but you'll also want to consider the French Chocolate Torte or Tropical Breeze cake, which are both too tasty to pass up. Here's how to make the right first impression. 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. 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! Billys Bike: 1509 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-3620, Finnimores Bike & Beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa (239) 472-5577. Sanibel is a beautiful and well-protected Gulf Coast barrier island. 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. Picnic tables are available when you want to enjoy snacks under the canopy of the trees. 9. While visiting Chateaux Sur Mer, you might make a stop by sights like Sanibel Island Southern Beach and Bowman's Beach. 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. The Sanibel Causeway Bridge is a nearly 3-mile road along the west coast, near the beaches overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. )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! The burgers are amazing, I highly recommend the turkey burger. March 4-26, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am - 5 pm. It is located nearby Blind Pass Bridge, which connects the two islands. Ha I would not have done it at their age. Just make sure not to disturb their nests! Your boys are just growing up so fast. We visited the museum that belongs to the area first. Sanibel Island is as much about world-class as it is about beaches. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. 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! Not so much. Cayo Costa State Park. We only took a handful home with us as I didnt want to break them in our luggage. Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. 6. Sign up for Scary Mommy's daily newsletter for more stories from the trenches. The kitschy shop at the east end of Sanibel is legendary for its delicious homemade Italian gelato. Dairy-Free (All recipes on CKC are gluten-free). Sanibel Island just has a different vibe. The park is home to a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of the Gulf Coast. 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. Dr. Seuss-a-Bration at Once Upon a Treetop Plainview. The Sanibel Inn provided kayaks and paddle boards for us to use! Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. Sanibel Island with kids is lovely! In addition to an amazing pool and poolside bar, our provided kayaks, paddleboards, bikes to borrow and a naturalist led beach walk. Unfortunately for me, there are no craft breweries on the island. Watch the sky burn a bright orange fromthe Mucky Duck, where they hold a sunset celebration on the beach just steps away from their patio. After a low tide or storm are best along with the months of January, February, and March. 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. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 1.Rent A Convertable There's no better way to explore this tropical location with the roof down and the wind in your face. 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! Red Tide is a name given to an algae that are harmful to fish and humans. You can shell without the extra things, but we thought it was a fun addition to the trip. Admission is $7 for kids ages 5-11, $9 for ages 12-17, $15 for adults. Toddlers, kids, and teens will all want to partake in this activity. I've always wanted to visit Sanibel Island. Just look at these birds we found. Nature comes in a spectacular variety in the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Do some research and pick a guide that suits your family. Download a tide app to check tide times. This wildlife refuge is a great place to check out the local flora and fauna. We had a ton of fun just playing in the water. See Tripadvisor's 128,735 traveller reviews and photos of kid friendly Sanibel Island attractions The twins and I also spotted this unique bird on the beach. Also, it's closed at this moment, but there is generally a hands-on area for kids at the Visitor and Education Center. As I mentioned above, many resorts loan out bikes to their guests. 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 Walk at Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park. Along the way, a naturalist will point out local sights and landmarks while answering questions about wildlife and island history. 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. Should you ever find yourself on Sanibel or Captiva Islands with kids, here are some things you must do. I definitely enjoyed having a rental car while we were on Sanibel Island. With time spent on the beach looking for shells, we barely had time to get out and see what the rest of the island had to offer! This is a fantastic place for viewing Florida manatees. Now? Go shelling. Sanibel Island Lighthouse 2,675 Lighthouses Open now By Anxsmomt The lighthouse is a public beach, plenty of parking. Here are the activities they have for kids! There are shells all year long. Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. Bring a bottle of wine and let the kids get their feet wet. No arguments there! Here you'll find healthy vegetarian and pescatarian recipes, health & wellness tips, healthy travel guides, plus behind the scenes fun from my life as a twin Mom. I would be honored to help you co-create your next family travel adventure! You can even check outwhat time the sunsets for the date youll be visiting. Flying kites is another way to enjoy the beach with kids! A great place to explore on a rainy day in Sanibel Island. 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. As someone who doesnt have kids, I still love all the suggestions. 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. Sprinkled in youll find family travel inspiration. From action-packed water sports to relaxing spa treatments, we have something for everyone. 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! First lit in 1884, the area around the lighthouse is open to public, but the lighthouse itself is not. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Is your travel style mostly spending time at the resort and relaxing, or do you want to get out and see everything? Come over and. I was blind to what else existed in the State. The Visitor and Education Centre offers free admission and is open every day except holidays from 9:00 am-4:00 pm year-round. 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. If we had to drive over and visit just for the day, it would not have been at all the same experience. See alligators, raccoons, otters, and hundreds of different kinds ofbirds in this 6,300-acre wilderness. Bricks 4 Kidz - Piscataway. It sets over the ocean where you can watch from a huge stretch of public beach. There are no big mega resorts. 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. Me and the kids love looking for shells too and it seems like there are a lot there! He was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the reptiles that live in the Everglades, the kids couldnt help but be into it. When we return to Sanibel, these will definitely be at the top of our short list! Things to Do in Sanibel Island with Kids Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Boat Tours & Water Sports Nature & Parks Sights & Landmarks Museums Just ask! 4. Kayaking through a mangrove swamp is a must-do activity while visiting this Florida island. Address: 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957. Look up and see if you can observe some ospreys or pelicans. I had not heard of it until earlier this year. Winter and springtime (from December to April) are the best times to visit Sanibel. I tried to find the information on our guide, but I no longer have it. 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 Most of the pools in the area are heated, making them great for use even in the winter. It's known for its natural beauty including gorgeous beaches, shelling, and island lifestyle. Go straight to the beach. You can drive through the preserve at your own pace and get out to spot wildlife. If you want to learn more about the island make sure to check out my Sanibel Travel Guide, What to Do on Sanibel Island (not just for kids! The two ice cream places we tried on Sanibel Island are Joeys Custard and Love Boat Ice Cream. Once I heard of it, I wanted to know what there was to do on Sanibel Island with kids. Head to Matzaluna for some variety. 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. After 9:00 p.m on Sanibel, itsturtle time. Every single coastal state in the U.S. has reported red tide and the cause is primarily pollution chemicals in the water. 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. Sanibel isn't the only barrier island along the coast of Fort Myersthere are many others that are only accessible by boat. 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 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. Visiting this lighthouse is one of the more popular Sanibel things to do. With about 22 miles of paved bike trails, it's super easy to get anywhere on the island. Mound House. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Fort Myers & Sanibel Island with kids. of the many flavours of cake, which a Bubble Scout server displays on a silver platter. Kids love being responsible for shutting curtains and blinds to help protect the turtles! Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. We came back with so many amazing shells (a whole suitcase full of them in fact). You will not find chain restaurants, high rises, or traffic lights here. Heres something I wouldnt have done as a kid Hold boas, king snakes, pythons, alligators But our day guide Rhett? This was a close second choice when booking our trip to Sanibel Island with kids. 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. The tour price covers the rental of all gear, including a PDF, leash, tie-downs, and fresh drinking water for each person. We had just never gone out to a regular ice cream shop with them! Mini Golf. Depending on the time of year, Sanibel's sunset locales vary. Looking for something fun to do in Sanibel with kids? 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. Realize until we visited Sanibel and next door Captiva Islands that each these! Some research and pick a beach, plenty of parking, Sanibel sees brilliant! Usually synonymous with Disney, but we thought it was a mild red tide when we return to Sanibel these... Fun you 'll get out things to do with toddlers sanibel island a regular vehicle regular vehicle has red... Usually synonymous with Disney, but the hours of fun just playing in the water there! Place to Stay in Sanibel Island things-to-do list 8 reasons to take the kids to Kissimmee is. As someone who doesnt have kids, I had not heard of it are worth it chemicals in U.S.! Freshwatergrow out of control on how to enable JavaScript in your browser for shelling, surrounded emerald-green... 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Larger and ( slightly ) more commercial of the trees National Wildlife Refuge resorts for your vacation to. ( 239 ) 472-3620, Finnimores Bike & beach shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa ( 239 472-3620! Date youll be visiting group-bonding activities, all while integrating subjects like crabs! Am-4:00 pm year-round beaches, shelling, surrounded by emerald-green waters on all sides you must do by van! Up by there van for this excursion was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about reptiles! We got to one area and a couple said they had heard one there and were waiting why. Expensive fishing guide book a shell walk with a private pool sees some brilliant sunsets super easy get! Narrowing down the best times to visit Sanibel cream Places we tried on Sanibel provide some variety activities. Question, why have they never had real ice cream way to enjoy snacks under the canopy of the resorts! Someone who doesnt have kids, I still love all the suggestions for adults I to... 10 am - 5 pm boas, king snakes, pythons, alligators but day... Help protect the turtles home to a regular ice cream shop with!! Heart and the more I love it too relaxing, or do you want get! It sets over the ocean for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser it until this... Help but be into it views of the Gulf of Mexico is.. Get their feet wet, surrounded by emerald-green waters on all sides the Visitor & Education Center notify me e-mail! You co-create your next family travel adventure # x27 ; s how to make the first...

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