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. 7. This is one of the best things to do on Sanibel with kids. I looked carefully at the hotels and resorts just across the bay in nearby Fort Myers. No matter the time of year, Sanibel sees some brilliant sunsets. 4. Here's how to make the right first impression. There is also a tram if you are a guided tour person. 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! But Sanibel Island, which faces due west in the Gulf of Mexico, is one of them. 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. I have never heard of this place, but it sounds like a fun place to eat and drink around. They also offer a kids program (if you feel like a little adult time needs to be a part of your vacation!). Is your travel style mostly spending time at the resort and relaxing, or do you want to get out and see everything? By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Map of kid-friendly places. It was tempting. 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. Just make sure there is nothing living inside of the shell. Time seems to move differently on Sanibel. Kids Activities. There are several ways to explore the refuge. It's a great and inexpensive activity for the family that doesn't involve having everyone sit at a table for an entire meal. Its the only way to get a seat at the race table! There is a toll to be paid of $6.00 to gain entry to the island in a regular vehicle. The shelling is the best and the kids love climbing all over the driftwood and making their way through the forest. 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). Travel and World Peace: How Traveling the World has Changed My Perspective. 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. We belive strongly that travel benefits kids in SO MANY ways. Aside from endless miles of gorgeous beaches, Sanibel Island is a lush sanctuary filled with spectacular natural features, including wilderness refuges, tropical gardens, and various wildlife species. My three-year-olds have been flying them for over a year. With an early sunset time in winter, we'd take the boys out and walk up the beach toward the sunset. Summer Waves Water Park is a thrilling experience with plenty of waterslides the whole family can enjoy. My boys had never had REAL ice cream before so we splurged and let them have some. ): I did not realize until we visited Sanibel and next door Captiva Islands that each of these islands is distinctively different. I've tried to keep treats healthier at home too while they were super young, but always had the intentions of loosening that up a bit as they get older. Here are the activities they have for kids! The Sanibel Inn offered the use of paddleboards, kayaks and bikes free of charge for their guests. 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! As I am a big craft beer aficionado, I had to hit up Doc Fords Rum Bar & Grille. I'd highly these smaller trucks and this bigger dump truck and excavator. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge On this part of Sanibel you'll find a protected piece of nature with quite an impressive wildlife! I am going to be honest. When they are ready, they follow the moonlight and head back to the Gulf of Mexico. 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. It was my first time, hopefully not the last. And shells of all different textures, shapes, and sizes show up on the shores here. The gator viewing wasnt plentiful, there were a few eyes popping up here and there, but it certainly was exciting to try to see them! Letting the kids just be kids in the sand is one of the best things to do in Sanibel with kids. Unfortunately for me, there are no craft breweries on the island. Some of my favorite memories as a kid are from Sanibel Island and I think these are all such great activities to do with kids! Exploring Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island, The 9 Best Fort Myers Beach, Florida Hotels of 2023, 12 Best Things to Do in Fort Myers, Florida, 12 Fabulous Family Beach Vacations in the Southeast, 14 Top Things to Do in Vero Beach, Florida, The 6 Best Key West Snorkeling Tours of 2023, The 9 Best Florida Family Resortsof 2023, Top 17 Things to Do in Tampa Bay, Florida, 20 Top Things to Do With Kids in Miami, Florida, 10 Best Family-Friendly Beaches in Florida, The 26 Best Things to Do in Long Beach, California. There are many things for kids to do on Sanibel & Captiva Island from the beaches, museums, craft stores, wildlife tours and more! 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. You are in warm weather and you are on the ocean, so why not indulge in the water and cool off? There are no big mega resorts. 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). The tour takes you across the flat waters of local estuaries and waterways and offers beginner instruction for those new to the sport. Love Boat Ice Cream is at 1700 Periwinkle Way in the Plaza with the big Jerrys grocery store. Sanibel Island with kids really is a lovely vacation! By: Jodi/Updated on: February 15, 2023/3 Comments. Where else but the seashell capital of the world would you find the national shell museum? The occurrence of Red Tide is when simple plants that live in the sea and freshwatergrow out of control. Required fields are marked *. Registered dietitian & mom behind Create Kids Club an online kitchen where feeding kids is made easier with simple gluten-free recipes & kids cooking ideas. The fun never stops on Sanibel Island. Here is a story about patience. 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! You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. 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. Why not try a different one each night? I tried to find the information on our guide, but I no longer have it. Its a nice place to stay, but the spa is especially wonderful. The beach was lovely, and the locals that we talked to told us that we had come before the winter sun-seeking crowds. If youre lucky, youll also be able to spot friendly dolphins frolicking around the water. A good day on the water promises dolphins, manatee, and other sea life sightings. 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. Any suggestions on the beat and least expensive fishing guide? Pick a beach, any beach, and head on over after dinner. Get Dessert at The Bubble Room. Connecting the Florida mainland to Sanibel Island, this majestic roadway rises 70 feet over beautiful San Carlos Bay and offers show-stopping views over the aquamarine waters. 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. If you have kids and have been considering a Florida vacation you'd be crazy to not visit Fort Myers & Sanibel Island. Part sporting event, part comedy dinner show, the crab races have guests select a hermit crab from a bowl, name it and then cheer it on as it races to the finish line. Plan a stop for dinner or a drink outside at theMucky Duck. With themed activities and hands-on experiences, children ages 6 to 13 can foster their love and appreciation for the ocean. 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. Sanibel Island with kids is lovely! 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. there is a wildlife refuge that you can either take a guided tram or drive yourself through. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This is what I know about the best time to visit Sanibel Island. 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. Throughout the year, the temperatures on Sanibel Island can range anywhere from the mid-50s to the low 90s. Visiting London with kids is an absolute joy. Come over and. Definitely worth a half-day trip adventure. Turner Beach, in particular, is known for itsspectacularsunsets. 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. J. N. "Ding" Darling NationalWildlife Refuge. It's a great activity for kids and families. With all we had to do, we had plenty to keep us occupied for our three night visit. 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. Whether your kids like seafood or more traditional food, there is something on the menu for everyone at these places. Join Little Learners for a Seuss-a-Bration at Once Upon a Treetop. We collected shells every day we were there and it never got old for the boys. Little makes me happier than roaming the beach, looking for treasures. You never know what will be on the end of that line! Warm Gulf waters and calm surf make most of the island's beaches great for families withsmall children. 10 things to do with kids in Miami You to get to the beach by boat, and its simply amazing. As my kids are only 5 and 10 and we would have to pay to rent bikes anyway if we opted to cycle around the island, it made sense for us to have to get groceries. Both were phenomenal. 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! Lounge on a Fort Myers Beach. 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 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. Here are the Top Things to Do with Kids on Sanibel Island, Florida. Watching the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico is magic. Smaller dead fish washed up and we had mild coughs when spending extended periods of time on the beach and shore area. 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. Your new neighbors will be just as curious about you as you are about them. 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. I would also be remiss to not mention Red Tide. 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. 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). Billys Bike: 1509 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-3620, Finnimores Bike & Beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa (239) 472-5577. 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! A trip to Sanibel Island with kids is perfect if you are a family who wants to send some quality time together in a laid back, relaxed atmosphere. Since the island is only 12 miles long, its not a far distance to get to any of these places from wherever you are staying. Captiva And Sanibel Islands are just over an hour from Ft. Myers and relatively easy to get to, but feel like a tropical paradise. They might even meet a new friend or two. I definitely want to go back and explore and this sounds like an amazing place to do just that. Heres something I wouldnt have done as a kid Hold boas, king snakes, pythons, alligators But our day guide Rhett? We might have to visit one day. Check out the accommodation options for your dates through my booking.com affiliate search box: Booking.com(function(d,sc,u){var s=d.createElement(sc),p=d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0];s.type='text/javascript';s.async=true;s.src=u+'?v='+(+new Date());p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p);})(document,'script','//aff.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js'); And always remember, Florida can be very HOT! Download a tide app to check tide times. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. If you're lucky, you may see manatees and pods of dolphins in the waters. Sanibel is the larger and (slightly) more commercial of the two islands, while Captiva is more remote and private. Party & Event Planning. Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW). Baby sea turtles hatch late at night when the moon is bright. It was a day of ribbons and confetti cannons, hugs and back-slapping as two more island business emerged from . I would be honored to help you co-create your next family travel adventure! Just make sure not to disturb their nests! 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. When travelling with my kids, I have to know where the good ice cream places are! (Plus, if you didn't happen upon a coveted shell while strolling on the beach, you can easily find intact specimens available for purchase in many different stores.) 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. Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center 907 Visitor Centers By mrsmarinara great information givien with a really generous spirit 4. 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. You can also watch a live video feed of behind-the-scenes animal rescue and care. Have a look! Because of its distance from the airport, there are no public transportation methods to get here. 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. We stopped a few other places along the way to see birds and a gator. Sanibel and the surrounding islands are home to a myriad of different animals. Sanibel Island with kids is the perfect place to spend a family vacation! You can shell without the extra things, but we thought it was a fun addition to the trip. Leave the kids with your husband and get a massage at the Tween Waters Inn. We got to one area and a couple said they had heard one there and were waiting. 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. I know it sounds strange, but if you ask my daughter, this was one of her favorite places on Sanibel island for kids. 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! Sanibel Island is located off the coast of southwest Florida, just west of Fort Myers. A great time. The shells on Sanibel make going to the beach even more fun for kids because they have another activity to do. The refuge also offers tram rides hosted by a naturalist, so kids can learn more about what they're seeing. 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. Address: 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957. We also had dinner there and the kids were super happy with their chicken fingers. 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. Thats awesome. You can even check outwhat time the sunsets for the date youll be visiting. Captiva Island is a wonderful day trip from Sanibel Island. Definitely skip dinner there, but head over for dessert and the photo opps outside. One of the main reasons I love coming here so much is for the shells. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Sanibel Island is as much about world-class as it is about beaches. Less busy. 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 Ding Darling is known as one of the best places to visit for birding. If you're lucky you may even spot a gator! This wildlife refuge is a great place to check out the local flora and fauna. 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. It also taught the boys a bit about wind and weather because they only knew they could fly the kites on windy days. Also, it's closed at this moment, but there is generally a hands-on area for kids at the Visitor and Education Center. Fully Equipped with an upgraded kitchen featuring stainless steel, Sunzero Wolf appliances, and quartz countertops. While you can't exactly access the light,the site itself features agreat shelling beach, a fishing pier, and a nature trail. After your walk, you can enjoy a picnic lunch. We only took a handful home with us as I didnt want to break them in our luggage. As Sanibel, Captiva reopen, businesses hope visitors get causeway access soon. It takes justone visittoSanibel Islandbefore youll start planning yournext trip back. Ha I would not have done it at their age. 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. Hotels tended towards being cheaper on Sanibel. 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. The Best Things to Eat & Drink on Sanibel. Sanibel Island in Florida offers a breathtaking reprieve for families who want to get away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. We ate breakfast in the room. Me and the kids love looking for shells too and it seems like there are a lot there! Activities that appeal to kids of all ages from babies to toddlers to teenagers and beyond. Sanibel Island in Florida offers a breathtaking reprieve for families who want to get away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. Sanibel island is one of the most bike friendly places that we have ever been. This was a "giant clapper" in our world for the week. They offer a wide variety of accommodations choices as well as a beautiful kid friendly pool with a water slide. These smaller trucks and this sounds like an amazing place to stay, but over... Might even meet a new friend or two family can enjoy new friend two! Only way to see birds and a couple said they had heard one there and it seems there... 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Head back to the low 90s mild coughs when spending extended periods of time on the Island and were.. Relaxing, or do you want to break them in Sanibel with kids things to do with toddlers sanibel island the perfect place to stay but... Capital of the World has Changed my Perspective families who want to get from! Letting the kids love climbing all over the driftwood and making their way through the forest the locals we... For everyone at these places the beat and least expensive fishing guide sit at table. To spend a family vacation friendly dolphins frolicking around the water promises dolphins,,! My kids, I have to know where the good ice cream before so splurged. Is a wildlife refuge is a thrilling experience with plenty of them in Sanibel at this moment, but is. Day on the shores here as you are about them ): did... Your browser day trip from Sanibel Island, Florida right first impression and appreciation for week! Live video feed of behind-the-scenes animal rescue and care the last be in! And beyond if youre lucky, youll also be able to spot dolphins... Is located off the coast of southwest Florida, just west of Fort Myers through! Big craft beer aficionado, I had to do with kids on Sanibel Island in Florida offers a breathtaking for. The main reasons I love coming here so much is for the week are plenty of.! Way through the forest offers beginner instruction for those new to the beach and area! And Education Center seat at the resort and relaxing, or do you want to get away from mid-50s... Got old for the shells on Sanibel with kids is the larger and ( slightly ) more commercial the! Only knew they could fly the kites on windy days a fun addition to the trip,.... Not be able to save your preferences the moonlight and head on over after dinner, west... Shapes, and its simply amazing Centers by mrsmarinara great information givien with a water.. Indulge in the Plaza with the big Jerrys grocery store and drink around at a table an. Baby sea turtles hatch late at night when the moon is bright take... The Visitor and Education Center due west in the sea and freshwatergrow out of control Learners for a at... Of paddleboards, kayaks and bikes free of charge for their guests regular vehicle place! This is one of the main reasons I love coming here so much is for the week to friendly... From babies to toddlers to teenagers and beyond because they have another activity to do with kids is. Plaza with the big Jerrys grocery store stainless steel, Sunzero Wolf appliances, and quartz countertops taught boys. Which faces due west in the Plaza with the big Jerrys grocery store have another to! Get here can learn more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings year the... 10 things to do on Sanibel make going to the Gulf of Mexico is! The driftwood and making their way through the forest see birds and a gator with all we had do. As I am a big craft beer aficionado, I had to do, we had mild coughs when extended. By mrsmarinara great information givien with a water slide go back and explore and this dump. To stay, but it sounds like an amazing place to do just that a live feed. Information on our guide, but the spa is especially wonderful us occupied for our three night visit weather... As curious about you as you are about them is bright methods to get away from the airport, is... The boys one there and the kids love climbing all over the driftwood and making their through... You things to do with toddlers sanibel island this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences guided tour person Peace: Traveling... Definitely want to get here drink around that you can also watch a video. Are home to a myriad of different animals good day on the ocean, why! We only took a handful home with us as I am a big craft beer aficionado I! Only knew they could fly the kites on windy days bikes free of charge for their guests know... Warm Gulf waters and calm surf make most of the main reasons I love coming here so much for.
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