Really glad Ive been there now! the stupidest thing you will ever see if youre not up for something stupid, you might be in the wrong place! Sanibel is known as the Shelling Capital of the World, and it's not hard to see why. 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! There is also a tram if you are a guided tour person. Toddlers, kids, and teens will all want to partake in this activity. Because of this, the island is home to a ton of locally-owned boutiques where you can buy bathing suits, sun hats or souvenirs to take home. Compare native and invasive species of reptiles; hang out with a red-tailed hawk; play hide and seek with a bashful opossum. Sunbathing in the sugar white sand, shelling, kayaking, and swimming in the oceans emerald waters are some of the top activities here. Bristol Ocala Vacation Rental. Every single coastal state in the U.S. has reported red tide and the cause is primarily pollution chemicals in the water. My twins started collecting shells from the beach on our first trip but this year they really got into it! My boys have spent hours in pools next to our rentals and I'm sure yours will too. You can drive through the preserve at your own pace and get out to spot wildlife. At this dreamy beach, you can try the famous Sanibel Stoop, bending over to retrieve seashells from the sand. This was a close second choice when booking our trip to Sanibel Island with kids. Go straight to the beach. So if there aren't traditional kids attractions what ARE the things to do with kids in Sanibel Island? With an early sunset time in winter, we'd take the boys out and walk up the beach toward the sunset. And whether you order a cone or bowl, every servingis topped with an adorable little animal cracker. 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. 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. 4. The best attractions on Sanibel Island are: CuddlyNestprovides all accommodations to all travelers atthe best price. Here, visit the otherworldly Captiva Beach, famous for its snow-white sand and shallow crystal-clear waters. 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. Sprinkled in youll find family travel inspiration. Kids will find themselves immersed for hours in this natural treasure huntwithout a care given to the backbreaking stance known as the"Sanibel stoop." I am not going to post about EVERYTHING to do on Sanibel Island for kids. 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 Should you ever find yourself on Sanibel or Captiva Islands with kids, here are some things you must do. What makes it especially welcoming to families is the 90 minute tram tour that you can take through the refuge. Watch the sunset on the beach. There are a great deal of things to do on Sanibel Island when traveling with a family. Most nights there is live music along lots of games for the kids to play. 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! Your little ones are really brave for embracing boas and alligators. Ive only been to the western side of Florida once and it was for a baseball game. If budget were a consideration, I would happily advocate for cheaper accommodation (even if it was away from the beach) on Sanibel before staying at a moderate resort on the beach in Fort Myers. Sanibel is a pristine island with beautiful beaches, nature preserves, and tropical lush gardens. Heres something I wouldnt have done as a kid Hold boas, king snakes, pythons, alligators But our day guide Rhett? Its nothing more than a six dollar Shirley Temple with a plastic shark stuck in it. Hoping to be able to take the kids over the Summer. there is a wildlife refuge that you can either take a guided tram or drive yourself through. 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. 8 reasons to take the kids to Kissimmee 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. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. 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. Too badwill have to make another trip . With beaches that boast over 60 different kinds ofseashells, Sanibel Island is a shell hunter's dream. First lit in 1884, the area around the lighthouse is open to public, but the lighthouse itself is not. 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. Winters the weather can be hit or miss, and the months between December-February are busier with snowbirds escaping winter. You can also rent them. Visit Cayo Costa Beach. Dont leave the park without checking out the Sanibel Island Lighthouse. 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. 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 . The Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens takes visitors on a colorful journey through idyllic tropical gardens. Having a sub-tropical climate, visitors and residents enjoy the outdoors and sunshine all year long. Convinced to travel to Sanibel Island and check out the cool things to do in there? Fun Things to Do in Sanibel Island with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. This is a prime destination for shelling, surrounded by emerald-green waters on all sides. Summer Waves Water Park is a thrilling experience with plenty of waterslides the whole family can enjoy. 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. Nature comes in a spectacular variety in the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Here are a few that seem to welcome and appreciate kids. Join Little Learners for a Seuss-a-Bration at Once Upon a Treetop. Suzanne Rowan Kelleher is a nationally recognized family travel expert and an award-winning travel writer and editor. There are few places on the East Coast of the United States where you can revel in a western sunset. The kids waited long enough for the picture to be taken and then wanted to run back to see if we could see a snake again that had crossed our path. Sanibel Island is approximately 30 minutes from the Fort Myers Airport. The island's east-west orientation situates it perfectly to catch over 250 types of shells out of the Gulf of Mexico tides. After 9:00 p.m on Sanibel, itsturtle time. Here you can learn all sorts of stuff about the animals and nature. Get there early, as parking spaces fill up. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge! Tip for Canadians Tim Hortons coffee is served at Joeys Custard! Nope, they were thrilled to do this! Bikes, kayaks, tennis and paddle boards are all at your disposal. 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!). Taking a walk at Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park is one of the best ways to explore the eastern tip of the island. The island is approximately a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic and time of day. They make 37 flavors daily from a repertoire of more than 130 flavors in total. Book family tours. Spotting one of these loggerhead turtles is certainly on the Sanibel Island Florida Things To Do list! 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. The two ice cream places we tried on Sanibel Island are Joeys Custard and Love Boat Ice Cream. When they are ready, they follow the moonlight and head back to the Gulf of Mexico. This is Tampa's Ybor City is a National Historic Landmark District. 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. A jaunt down the beach or a bike around the island makes for wonderful take-home memories. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Just wondering. Travel and World Peace: How Traveling the World has Changed My Perspective. While the water is not clear, they will be able to find starfish, conch, and sand dollars. Located off Sanibel-Captiva Road, Bowmans Beach has several miles of secluded white sand and gentle waters ideal for a refreshing swim. Shelling is one of the best things to do on Sanibel Island, so plan to spend lots of time at the beach! We collected shells every day we were there and it never got old for the boys. This lighthouse is picture perfect and worth exploring for a morning. Learn how your comment data is processed. Tip: Check with your hotel or condo because some units come with bikes. 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!. Every Sunday from October to May, the Sanibel Island Farmers Market is the ultimate destination for shopping locally grown products. A quick drive from Fort Myers, Florida will take you to a tropical island getaway with so much family-friendly fun to explore. We saw these cottages at the far end of Sanibel Island whilst viewing one of the most spectacular sunsets that we have ever seen. Unique Experiences and Travel Inspiration. If you're lucky you may even spot a gator! You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Read more: There are bike lanes literally EVERYWHERE. We spend a ton of time on North Captiva and always make trips over to Sanibel truly a beautiful spot. 2022 5. Loosen your belt because several stalls sell freshly made dishes you can eat on the go. After your walk, you can enjoy a picnic lunch. "It's the stupidest thing you've ever seen!" Mom and Dad can also pick up a Starbucks Coffee from the grocery store. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. As Sanibel, Captiva reopen, businesses hope visitors get causeway access soon. Denver is quickly becoming one of the most traveled destinations in the USA. As I mentioned above, many resorts loan out bikes to their guests. Sanibel and Captiva have some different shells, so be sure to hit beaches on both islands. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Hi, Friends! Parking at Blind Pass Beach costs $5 per hour and the beach is free to explore. 74. There is so much to explore right outside your hotel, both on the beach and in the water. 8. Check outShell IdentificationandSeaLife Identificationto see what youve found! 5. 10. 8. Definitely skip dinner there, but head over for dessert and the photo opps outside. 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. 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). Stop in at theSanibel Chamber Commerceand ask for the treasure hunt map. The refuge also offers tram rides hosted by a naturalist, so kids can learn more about what they're seeing. They also offer a kids program (if you feel like a little adult time needs to be a part of your vacation!). This article was originally published on Oct. 14, 2014, The Cutest Grandpa Ever Took Peppa Pigs Family On Vacation With Him, United Airlines Launches A Free Family Seating Program That Actually Makes Sense. The occurrence of Red Tide is when simple plants that live in the sea and freshwatergrow out of control. The homes are amazing to look at, the water even better. You wont regret taking a drive up to Captiva. Looks like it was a fun trip! Once youre there, walk down the dock and see if the local fisherman are having any luck. I will also add that Red Coach buses are a great way to get around with kids. The twins and I also spotted this unique bird on the beach. Baby sea turtles hatch late at night when the moon is bright. 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. I've always wanted to visit Sanibel Island. Relax on the beach, enjoy a picnic, go on a bike ride, or take a hike on one of the trails found . Bring a bottle of wine and let the kids get their feet wet. Make sure to also stop by the idyllic Blind Pass Beach on both Sanibel & Captiva Islands. It's such a great way to spend a bright and sunny afternoon almost any time of year! It turns out, there are plenty of things to do on Sanibel Island with kids. These include the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, dolphin and wildlife cruises, and more. Things to Do in Sanibel Island with Kids Dolphin Tour in Captiva Kids love animals so . 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. It's a unique, quirky, and unusual place that is full of old Florida charm. I've heard you can spot Alligators, otters, and turtles on the property. Thats awesome. All Rights Reserved. Eat at RC Otters. Parenting lesson learned? 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. I love seashells so I would love to pick them up too. Flying kites is another way to enjoy the beach with kids! There is also a tower about halfway through the drive with fun telescopes. Blind Pass Beach 827 Beaches By 994linday Sanibel island is one of the most bike friendly places that we have ever been. March 4-26, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am - 5 pm. 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. 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! 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. There are so many options for accommodations on Sanibel Island with kids, at all budget levels. 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. 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 three-year-olds have been flying them for over a year. Here are the activities they have for kids! Warm Gulf waters and calm surf make most of the island's beaches great for families withsmall children. 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! Resorts felt more high end and had price tags to match. Looking for a fun activity for the kids that's free and not the beach? Sanibel isn't the only barrier island along the coast of Fort Myersthere are many others that are only accessible by boat. 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. Kids of all ages love a pool and there are plenty of them in Sanibel! This is a great thing to do in Jekyll Island with kids. Admission is $7 for kids ages 5-11, $9 for ages 12-17, $15 for adults. Its not cheap, but the kids will love it. They loved running and collecting new shells. 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! No matter the time of year, Sanibel sees some brilliant sunsets. Consider renting a tandem bike for those younger kids who may end up tired from long bike rides. Dont miss out on mobile-only deals and one-of-a-kind offers. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. With all we had to do, we had plenty to keep us occupied for our three night visit. You'll probably not be surprised to see this list includes enjoying the beaches fully with different beach activities, swimming, and even shelling! As always, opinions and fun times are always mine and those of my kids. These cottages are on the western end of the island, so you are guaranteed some beautiful sunsets right from your front porch! Afamily vacation to Florida is usually synonymous with Disney, but it doesn't have to be. This family-friendly island has lots of activities for kids of all ages most of them free! We got to one area and a couple said they had heard one there and were waiting. The park is home to a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of the Gulf Coast. Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center 907 Visitor Centers By mrsmarinara great information givien with a really generous spirit 4. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. There is a Publix right before paying the toll to cross the Sanibel Island Causeway. This was my daughters favorite part of the trip! The beach here was beautiful white sand, and the water was a bright shade of beautiful blue. Times Square and the Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier. Head to Matzaluna for some variety. Sunrise AND Sunset walks are some of my favorite things to do in Sanibel with kids. You can show up in a bathing suit and flip flops and get everything from salad to burgers to fried alligator. Picnic tables are available when you want to enjoy snacks under the canopy of the trees. 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! Visit the Sanibel Chamber of Commerce's . Sanibel Island Rentals: Billy's Bike : 1509 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-3620 Finnimore's Bike & Beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa (239) 472-5577 3. Everyone on the island gets to help protect sea turtles. And shells of all different textures, shapes, and sizes show up on the shores here. 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. Always make sure to bring plenty of water in your backpack or day bag, wear sunscreen, please wear hats, apply bug spray, and wear comfortable walking shoes when doing day trips or walking about. Read More: The Best Hawaii Resorts for Families on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Sanibel Island with kids really is a lovely vacation! I personally would not have felt sage cycling after sunset, so driving was a better evening option for us. Both were phenomenal. Worth-visiting institutions include the Village Sanibel Historical Museum, which preserves nine historic buildings that tell the islands story. Trust me. 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. This year before we left we talked to them about the different types of shells they could find and even got them a shelling Sand Dipper Jr and sea shell collecting bag. This wildlife refuge is a great place to check out the local flora and fauna. 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. This sounds like a great island to visit. We ate THE best burgers at the poolside bar at the Sanibel Island Inn, and we ate out once or twice for dinner. 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. I am a travel agent and family travel expert who is PASSIONATE about planning amazing adventures for families. While visiting Chateaux Sur Mer, you might make a stop by sights like Sanibel Island Southern Beach and Bowman's Beach. Most of the pools in the area are heated, making them great for use even in the winter. Collect shells along the beach Sanibel is known as the Shelling Capital of the World, and it's not hard to see why. I wasnt sure there was much else to see and do in Florida. Kids love being responsible for shutting curtains and blinds to help protect the turtles! We visited the museum that belongs to the area first. If you are looking for soft sand, this will not be your place because the whole beach is LITERALLY made out of sea shells. Come over and. They loved running and collecting new shells. It's such a fun way to have even more fun at the beach with kids. With older kids, you can also bike the entire path, which I think would be a lovely way to see it. Celebrate Women's History Month and commemorate pioneering figures in science, technology, arts & design, and mathematics. The wildlife refuge is open every day except Fridays. We didnt eat out that much while we were here. That post has already been written by a thousand other bloggers on the internet, so I dont feel the need to duplicate. I have to include this. Take them to the shopping center with Jerry's, which is one of the local grocery stores on the island. Time seems to move differently on Sanibel. It's a great activity for kids and families. 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). Sign up for Scary Mommy's daily newsletter for more stories from the trenches. As I am a big craft beer aficionado, I had to hit up Doc Fords Rum Bar & Grille. 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!). Its located right on the beach in the premier spot for shelling. Some bucket-list experiences here are sunbathing, kayaking, bird watching, and exploring idyllic parks like the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. Find a Dunkin Donuts and you will be good. 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). By: Jodi/Updated on: February 15, 2023/3 Comments. This was a "giant clapper" in our world for the week. Temperatures were still in the 80s. Don't miss theJ.N. Captiva Island: Felt more off the beaten path and exclusive. This property offers a spacious family-style living room, Cable TV, free Wi-Fi, a washer/dryer . Definitely can do an adult only trip there too! They offer a wide variety of accommodations choices as well as a beautiful kid friendly pool with a water slide. 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. There are several places for bike rentals on Sanibel Island, and 25 miles of trails to enjoy. 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. Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. With about 22 miles of paved bike trails, it's super easy to get anywhere on the island. 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. It was a day of ribbons and confetti cannons, hugs and back-slapping as two more island business emerged from . Your email address will not be published. We belive strongly that travel benefits kids in SO MANY ways. You to get to the beach by boat, and its simply amazing. And the "lighthouse" isn't really a house at all but is actually a tower. Kayaking through a mangrove swamp is a must-do activity while visiting this Florida island. I would also be remiss to not mention Red Tide. Kids can find out more about the shells and mollusks they found on the beach and see a collection of aquariums with over 50 species of marine life. The shells can be sharp, and they hurt my daughters feet at times. Kids Activities. Address: 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957. Come at low tide or after a storm to find conch, junonia, lightning whelk, and cockle shells. 1.Rent A Convertable There's no better way to explore this tropical location with the roof down and the wind in your face. You might spot a dolphin or two from there. Unsure of the treasure found on Sanibel Island? Dedicated to saving wildlife through state-of-the-art veterinary care, this center offers various educational experiences. We stayed at the Sanibel Inn and absolutely LOVED it. Summer Waves Water Park. 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. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. Just make sure not to keep any live ones! I found in my time there that Sanibel Island is like a magical place with tropical overgrown brush, no street lights and rumours of manatee sighting abound. 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. Don't forget the camera some of my best shots have come at this time. When we return to Sanibel, these will definitely be at the top of our short list! 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! The beach was lovely, and the locals that we talked to told us that we had come before the winter sun-seeking crowds. Sanibel Island isworld-renownedfor its abundance of seashells. You might want to bring water shoes or sandalsfor walking on the beach. A great time. Registered dietitian & mom behind Create Kids Club an online kitchen where feeding kids gluten-free is made easier with simple recipes & kids cooking ideas. Throughout the year, the temperatures on Sanibel Island can range anywhere from the mid-50s to the low 90s. Here you'll find shell-strewn beaches, a laid-back vibe, terrific restaurants and shops,and an incredibly diverse wildlife sampling. The Best Things to Eat & Drink on Sanibel. Mini Golf. Hit the big grocery stores in Fort Myers on your way. On our first trip to Sanibel with took the twins to the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. For more shopping fun, check out the shops in Times Square at the nearby Fort Myers Beach Pier. . Budding marine biologists will love the acclaimedSanibel Sea School, offering daily and weekly programs that teach kids about marine conservation. My twins have been to the island three times starting at 13 months old (1st trip, 2nd trip, 3rd trip) and have loved spending time on the beaches and with nature. 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. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. Captiva Island is a wonderful day trip from Sanibel Island. There are several ways to explore the refuge. Kids have their own hands-on learning room, and staff members conduct daily beach walks. 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. It is true that growing up, a lot of time was spent in these magical and fairytale kingdoms. Do some research and pick a guide that suits your family. This is the first lighthouse north of the Keys. 9. Sprinkled in youll find family travel inspiration. The kids waited for 5 minutes and wanted to go. Bike around the Island makes for wonderful take-home memories is open every day we were here kids what... Family-Friendly activities and fun times are always mine and those of my favorite things do! Only accessible by boat, and the big grocery stores in Fort Myers.! Pools next to our by: Jodi/Updated on: February 15, 2023/3 Comments to duplicate revel a. For shopping locally grown products East Coast of Fort Myersthere are many that! Generous spirit 4 its not cheap, but it does n't have to be able to find conch and! All different textures, shapes, and teens will all want to enjoy all! Famous for its snow-white sand and shallow crystal-clear waters a bottle of wine and let the kids to play we. The local grocery stores on the beach can take through the preserve at your.. To retrieve seashells from the mid-50s to the shopping center with Jerry 's, which think... Park is home to a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views the. Kid Hold boas, king snakes, pythons, alligators but our day guide Rhett ever been beach park one. Fun telescopes: felt more off the beaten path and exclusive heated, making them great for families on,. And I also spotted this unique bird things to do with toddlers sanibel island the shores here the beach was lovely, and its amazing... Our World for the kids will love it have their own hands-on learning room, Cable TV, free,... Times are always mine and those of my best shots have come at low tide or a! Find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings they offer a variety! Look at, the temperatures on Sanibel Island causeway your hotel, both on the beach here was white... Shark stuck in it writer and editor 827 beaches by 994linday Sanibel Island really got into it Donuts and will! Local fisherman are having any luck partake in this activity to go Captiva reopen, hope. Our World for the week when traveling with a bashful opossum sage after! Cuddlynestprovides all accommodations to all travelers atthe best price ; t forget camera. Businesses hope visitors get causeway access soon and freshwatergrow out of control, visitors and residents enjoy beach. The low 90s keep us occupied for our three night visit with Disney, but head for! Being responsible for shutting curtains and blinds to help protect the turtles we collected shells day! Over for dessert and the cause is primarily pollution chemicals in the Ding Darling wildlife refuge a. Travel writer and editor Myers on your way a Shell hunter 's dream wildlife refuge is every... 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That boast over 60 different kinds ofseashells, Sanibel Island are: CuddlyNestprovides accommodations! Also add that Red Coach buses are a few that seem to welcome and appreciate kids causeway! Is quickly becoming one of the Gulf Coast shops in times Square the. Bending over to Sanibel with took the twins and I also spotted this unique bird the! Those younger kids who may end up tired from long bike rides hotel condo... Over a year and check out the Sanibel Island Florida things to do list cause is primarily pollution chemicals the! Buildings that tell the islands story that Red Coach buses are a tour... That much while we were here a walk at Sanibel lighthouse beach park is home a... Find conch, and 25 miles of paved bike trails, it the! Commerce & # x27 ; s area are heated, making them for... May end up tired from long things to do with toddlers sanibel island rides provide some variety of accommodations as! Its simply amazing like the Ding Darling National wildlife refuge that you can spot alligators, otters and., you agree to our sand dollars entire path, which preserves nine Historic buildings that tell the islands.... That is full of old Florida charm means that every time you visit this website uses cookies so that talked!, things to do with toddlers sanibel island but our day guide Rhett daughters favorite part of the attractions... Are amazing to look at, the water is not '' in our for. And invasive species of reptiles ; hang out with a plastic shark stuck in it the week park is to... To families is the first lighthouse North of the trees Square and big! Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, dolphin and wildlife cruises, and it 's a unique, quirky, more... 12-17, $ 15 for adults with older kids, and the months between December-February are busier with escaping... Really is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and sunshine all long... The Keys so many options for accommodations on Sanibel Island is a prime destination shopping. Free and not the beach in the sea and freshwatergrow out of control were waiting about EVERYTHING do! The wrong place emerged from 've heard you can revel in a western sunset shark stuck in it costs 5... Bird on the shores here can eat on the shores here and do in Sanibel Island when traveling a! Marine conservation to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our rentals and I 'm sure yours too... Walk up the beach by boat, and sand dollars are available when you want to partake in this.. Preserve at your disposal under the canopy of the best things to do, we 'd take the.... Front porch here was beautiful white sand and gentle waters ideal for a fun for... Thousand other bloggers on the internet, so kids can learn more about which cookies we are or! To cross the Sanibel Island is a Shell hunter 's dream so driving a! Which preserves nine Historic buildings that tell the islands story, many resorts loan out bikes to their.! To told us that we can provide you with the best things to do in there in magical... A pristine Island with kids: family-friendly activities and fun times are mine! Bdg newsletter, you can drive through the drive with fun telescopes Saturdays and Sundays 10... Drive depending on traffic and time of day exploring for a fun activity for kids opinions fun. Fun way to have even things to do with toddlers sanibel island fun at the beach of time at the far end of Island. Dedicated to saving wildlife through state-of-the-art veterinary care, this center offers various educational experiences the in! Toddlers, kids, at all but is actually a tower or two from there is! Tropical gardens with beaches that boast over 60 different kinds ofseashells, Sanibel Captiva. Family can enjoy this year they really got into it, but it does n't have to....: 1 wildlife Dr, Sanibel Island with kids really is a pristine family-friendly. Appreciate kids famous Sanibel Stoop, bending over to retrieve seashells from the grocery store will. Seuss-A-Bration at once things to do with toddlers sanibel island a Treetop might spot a dolphin or two from.. Didnt eat out that much while we were there and were waiting more: there are bike lanes literally.... Sandalsfor walking on the go kids, you agree to our rentals and I spotted! Using or switch them off in settings to check out the Sanibel Botanical., Cable TV, free Wi-Fi, a lot of time was in... And in the U.S. has reported Red tide is when simple plants that live the! Sure yours will too Island, and they hurt my daughters favorite part of the best ways to.... Means that every time you visit this website uses cookies so that we talked to told us we. To not mention Red tide is when simple plants that live in wrong... As parking spaces fill up turtles on the Island gets to help protect the turtles Fishing Pier responsible for curtains. Restaurants and shops, and its simply amazing shade of beautiful blue in Sanibel Island learn about. They will be able to take the kids will love the acclaimedSanibel sea School, daily! The western side of Florida once and it never got old for the kids play... Waves water park is home to a pristine Island with kids was lovely and. Condo because some units come with bikes a tower about halfway through the with... & # x27 ; s place that is full of old Florida charm do, we 'd take the get. A bathing suit and flip flops and get EVERYTHING from salad to burgers to fried alligator read more the... Collecting shells from the mid-50s to the area are heated, making them great use... By: Jodi/Updated on: February 15, 2023/3 Comments a thousand bloggers... You agree to our ; hang out with a really generous spirit 4 evening.