With beaches that boast over 60 different kinds ofseashells, Sanibel Island is a shell hunter's dream. Where else but the seashell capital of the world would you find the national shell museum? Stuff your face at Island Cow. They are almost all the way to Captiva, so if you are wanting to visit both islands, this is an ideal place to base yourself. #1 in Sanibel Island Address: 1700 Bowman's Beach Rd. My twins started collecting shells from the beach on our first trip but this year they really got into it! Sanibel Island is a barrier island located on the Gulf Side of Florida, about 30 minutes from the Fort Myers. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. I've heard you can even spot manatees there. Top 10 things to do on Sanibel Island with kids J.N. 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. 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. So if there aren't traditional kids attractions what ARE the things to do with kids in Sanibel Island? . It is a pretty photo stop, the beach is (of course) covered with shells and there is a lovely shaded picnic area there. 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. A great place to explore on a rainy day in Sanibel Island. They were a lot cheaper than similar resorts on Sanibel. This family-friendly island has lots of activities for kids of all ages most of them free! In addition to an amazing pool and poolside bar, our provided kayaks, paddleboards, bikes to borrow and a naturalist led beach walk. We are beach people and love to spend lots of time at the beach on our trips! Edison & Ford Winter Estates. We upgraded our regular beach toys to fun trucks that our boys love. 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. After a low tide or storm are best along with the months of January, February, and March. This wildlife refuge is a great place to check out the local flora and fauna. We ate breakfast in the room. Sanibel is known as the Shelling Capital of the World, and it's not hard to see why. We came back with so many amazing shells (a whole suitcase full of them in fact). So get the whole family involved, even if they're too young to pedal. In the winter, catch both sunrise and sunset on the southerly beaches. Once youre there, walk down the dock and see if the local fisherman are having any luck. There is a Publix right before paying the toll to cross the Sanibel Island Causeway. Heads up, you'll want to arrive early as spots fill up quickly. Kayaking through a mangrove swamp is a must-do activity while visiting this Florida island. Required fields are marked *. We've found lots of fun ways to spend our days on the island and I'm sure we'll continue to do that as the kids grow older. )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! 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. Its located right on the beach in the premier spot for shelling. Resorts felt more high end and had price tags to match. 1.Rent A Convertable There's no better way to explore this tropical location with the roof down and the wind in your face. I think we stopped here three times during our stay. Looking for things to do in Sanibel Island with 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! There are so many options for accommodations on Sanibel Island with kids, at all budget levels. Kids have their own hands-on learning room, and staff members conduct daily beach walks. Sanibel Island is known for shelling and is one of the best places in the world to shell. Another note, Sunburned Willie, the host of the crab race, can be a bit crass. 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. Your new neighbors will be just as curious about you as you are about them. And right along with the ocean side, we spotted starfish, crabs, and lots of critters inside shells. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Baby sea turtles hatch late at night when the moon is bright. 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. 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. Sanibel Island is known for its idyllic beaches filled with abundant shells. Check out the nearby learning centre at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife(CROW) where kids can watch as animals are nursed back to health at the animal hospital and perform their own pretend rehabilitations on stuffed versions of their favourite critters. Eat at RC Otters. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {31 fun activities in South Plainfield fun activities in South Plainfield } are also worth a look. Nature comes in a spectacular variety in the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Sanibel Island in Florida offers a breathtaking reprieve for families who want to get away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. There are activities that appeal to all age groups and makes for a really nice family vacation. Leave the kids with your husband and get a massage at the Tween Waters Inn. "The kids had fun but when we arrived they only gave me 15mins to set up before the party began." more. What are your favorite spots? I wasnt sure there was much else to see and do in Florida. Hit the big grocery stores in Fort Myers on your way. 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. 6. From action-packed water sports to relaxing spa treatments, we have something for everyone. Question, why have they never had real ice cream before? Registered dietitian & mom behind Create Kids Club an online kitchen where feeding kids gluten-free is made easier with simple recipes & kids cooking ideas. Time seems to move differently on Sanibel. In addition to an amazing pool and poolside bar, our provided kayaks, paddleboards, bikes to borrow and a naturalist led beach walk. 7. The homes are amazing to look at, the water even better. 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. Copyright 2023, Create Kids Club. Find Places To Stay In Sanibel Island, Florida. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge! It takes justone visittoSanibel Islandbefore youll start planning yournext trip back. I will also add that Red Coach buses are a great way to get around with kids. Little makes me happier than roaming the beach, looking for treasures. By foot or bike would be my preference, but you can also drive, or take a 90-minute tram tour with Tarpon Bay Explorers. 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. ): I did not realize until we visited Sanibel and next door Captiva Islands that each of these islands is distinctively different. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. 3. It has an authentic, old Florida vibe. there is a wildlife refuge that you can either take a guided tram or drive yourself through. Ive only been to the western side of Florida once and it was for a baseball game. 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. We belive strongly that travel benefits kids in SO MANY ways. So will you. 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. Celebrate Women's History Month and commemorate pioneering figures in science, technology, arts & design, and mathematics. We've even spotted lots of dolphins just along the coast. 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. The Best Things to Do on Sanibel Island with Kids, Top Things to Do on Sanibel Island with Kids. Buy groceries before you come over. 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 We visited the museum that belongs to the area first. Parking at Blind Pass Beach costs $5 per hour and the beach is free to explore. Sanibel and Captiva have some different shells, so be sure to hit beaches on both islands. It turns out, there are plenty of things to do on Sanibel Island with kids. You can show up in a bathing suit and flip flops and get everything from salad to burgers to fried alligator. Kids Activities. A stop atPinocchio's Italian Ice Cream (362 Periwinkle Way) is a Sanibel tradition. I am not going to post about EVERYTHING to do on Sanibel Island for kids. "It's the stupidest thing you've ever seen!" Here are the activities they have for kids! These months offer the best weather, with comfortable temperatures and less rain, making it a joy to explore the island. There are a great deal of things to do on Sanibel Island when traveling with a family. 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. There are no big mega resorts. The island is relatively compact and very bike friendly and many people get around by bike! We spend a ton of time on North Captiva and always make trips over to Sanibel truly a beautiful spot. We didnt eat out that much while we were here. On our first trip to Sanibel with took the twins to the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. Here you'll find shell-strewn beaches, a laid-back vibe, terrific restaurants and shops, and an incredibly diverse wildlife sampling. Having a car made getting to Fort Myers quick and easy as well. It's a pretty spectacular sight. 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. 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. I'd highly these smaller trucks and this bigger dump truck and excavator. The beach was not sandy, it was made of crushed shells. Toddlers, kids, and teens will all want to partake in this activity. Definitely can do an adult only trip there too! 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! 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. For more shopping fun, check out the shops in Times Square at the nearby Fort Myers Beach Pier. This is a great thing to do in Jekyll Island with kids. Kids will find themselves immersed for hours in this natural treasure huntwithout a care given to the backbreaking stance known as the"Sanibel stoop." Captiva Island: Felt more off the beaten path and exclusive. 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. They even have a special app that you can download and identify any shells that you find (you dont have to visit the museum to use the app!). The kids were told that if they waited and were quiet, theres a good chance they could spot a manatee somewhere in the wildlife refuge. 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! Sprinkled in youll find family travel inspiration. The island is approximately a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic and time of day. 9. Times Square and the Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier. 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. We booked the guide out of Fort Meyers. I am going to be honest. 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. Here's how to make the right first impression. 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. Head to Matzaluna for some variety. Mound House. After 9:00 p.m on Sanibel, itsturtle time. 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. Map of kid-friendly places. 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. Friday, March 3. Sanibel Island with kids is the perfect place to let them play. You can also watch a live video feed of behind-the-scenes animal rescue and care. One of the most popular things to do on Sanibel Island is to rent a bike. If we had to drive over and visit just for the day, it would not have been at all the same experience. Here are the Top Things to Do with Kids on Sanibel Island, Florida. As someone who doesnt have kids, I still love all the suggestions. Sunrise AND Sunset walks are some of my favorite things to do in Sanibel with kids. Skip the line at Bowman's Beach, Sanibel Sea School Day Program + Captiva Watersports. The balcony was huge and screened in. 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. Whether your kids like seafood or more traditional food, there is something on the menu for everyone at these places. Consider renting a tandem bike for those younger kids who may end up tired from long bike rides. Billys Bike: 1509 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-3620, Finnimores Bike & Beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa (239) 472-5577. What a great way to vacation around Sanibel! While the view is great on any of the two islands' west-facing beaches, watching the sun dip below the horizon while cruising on the water somehow makes the experience even more breathtaking. The museum features over 30 permanent exhibits on shells of Sanibel and Captiva Island, as well as those from around the world. This is a fantastic place for viewing Florida manatees. 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 . Find a Dunkin Donuts and you will be good. Bikes, kayaks, tennis and paddle boards are all at your disposal. This should be enough to get you started (and if you have any favorites that you think I should add, please let me know! Once we left the beach area, we stopped coughing. Hustle-Bustle of everyday life low tide or storm are best along with the ocean,... Beach, Sanibel sea School day Program + Captiva Watersports lots of dolphins just the... Can provide you with the best weather, with comfortable temperatures and less,! 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