You might spot a dolphin or two from there. I would absolutely stay there again. I had not heard of it until earlier this year. Kids of all ages love a pool and there are plenty of them in Sanibel! Kayaking through a mangrove swamp is a must-do activity while visiting this Florida island. After your walk, you can enjoy a picnic lunch. I think we stopped here three times during our stay. 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. I personally would not have felt sage cycling after sunset, so driving was a better evening option for us. Home Travel Top Things to Do on Sanibel Island with Kids. I offer tools, guides and resources to help you through all of the steps of planning meaningful, memorable family vacations. There are bike lanes literally EVERYWHERE. Your new neighbors will be just as curious about you as you are about them. 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. Bristol Ocala Vacation Rental. You'll probably not be surprised to see this list includes enjoying the beaches fully with different beach activities, swimming, and even shelling! What's a beach trip without ice cream? We are beach people and love to spend lots of time at the beach on our trips! With over 25 miles of paved, carless trails, Sanibel Island is a wonderful place for families to explore on two wheels. Really glad Ive been there now! Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Sanibel Island is a barrier island located on the Gulf Side of Florida, about 30 minutes from the Fort Myers. 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. There are activities that appeal to all age groups and makes for a really nice family vacation. That and snowbirds who retire there, my late paternal grandparents being them! Our next stop was rumoured to be the place to see the manatee. So will you. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Jerrys Foods has a lovely outdoor courtyard that it shares with Love Boat Ice Cream (which was super yummy and definitely worth a stop, btw). All ages. Times Square and the Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier. Cayo Costa State Park. Loosen your belt because several stalls sell freshly made dishes you can eat on the go. Just make sure not to disturb their nests! One of thebest things to do on Captiva Islandis to watch the sunset. I am not going to post about EVERYTHING to do on Sanibel Island for kids. Winter and springtime (from December to April) are the best times to visit Sanibel. These cottages are on the western end of the island, so you are guaranteed some beautiful sunsets right from your front porch! 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. Sanibel Island is best experienced by bike. My point is that if you only have a few days, and have a list of things you want to see on the island, spending the extra money for a resort with all of the bells and whistles might not be worth it for you. Although I had never been before, I knew I wanted to take Miss M and Z Man. Here, visit the otherworldly Captiva Beach, famous for its snow-white sand and shallow crystal-clear waters. Back in 1996, the City of Sanibel passed an ordinance that prevented big chain businesses from opening up shop on the island. We upgraded our regular beach toys to fun trucks that our boys love. I definitely want to go back and explore and this sounds like an amazing place to do just that. It was tempting. Watch the sunset on the beach. Is your travel style mostly spending time at the resort and relaxing, or do you want to get out and see everything? If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Captiva Island is a wonderful day trip from Sanibel Island. Most of the pools in the area are heated, making them great for use even in the winter. Copyright 2023, Create Kids Club. We visited the museum that belongs to the area first. 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. You can show up in a bathing suit and flip flops and get everything from salad to burgers to fried alligator. In the winter, catch both sunrise and sunset on the southerly beaches. I know it sounds strange, but if you ask my daughter, this was one of her favorite places on Sanibel island for kids. No arguments there! Lounge on a Fort Myers Beach. Watching the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico is magic. Ever been to Captiva or Sanibel? Kids stop in local businesses on the hunt for prizes. We were gifted our accommodations at the Island Inn on Sanibel Island and with excursions while there. Pick a beach, any beach, and head on over after dinner. The island is home to many burrowing gopher turtles and lush plantlife grows wild here giving the island an old Florida feel. 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. Baby sea turtles hatch late at night when the moon is bright. The Visitor and Education Centre offers free admission and is open every day except holidays from 9:00 am-4:00 pm year-round. Learn how your comment data is processed. There are shells all year long. Some bucket-list experiences here are sunbathing, kayaking, bird watching, and exploring idyllic parks like the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. Also, the water tended to be murky on Sanibel. 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. 7. After a low tide or storm are best along with the months of January, February, and March. 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). I'm Julie Wunder Emmy award-winning former WLOS meteorologist. Here you can learn all sorts of stuff about the animals and nature. 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. Its the only way to get a seat at the race table! Its amazing! They were pretty excited to start filling their bags when we got there. So if there aren't traditional kids attractions what ARE the things to do with kids in Sanibel Island? Sunbathing in the sugar white sand, shelling, kayaking, and swimming in the oceans emerald waters are some of the top activities here. 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! Sanibel Island with kids is the perfect place to spend a family vacation! the stupidest thing you will ever see if youre not up for something stupid, you might be in the wrong place! We also recommended Algiers Beach (aka Gulfside City Park Beach), one of the most popular dog-friendly beaches in Sanibel. A great place to explore on a rainy day in Sanibel Island. 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. The balcony was huge and screened in. Travel and World Peace: How Traveling the World has Changed My Perspective. The beach here was beautiful white sand, and the water was a bright shade of beautiful blue. Captiva Island: Felt more off the beaten path and exclusive. However, the island is spread out depending on where you stay. 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. 10. See these marine mammals leaping and frolicking in the waters of Pine Island Sound. Hotels tended towards being cheaper on Sanibel. 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. With all we had to do, we had plenty to keep us occupied for our three night visit. Its a nice place to stay, but the spa is especially wonderful. We love traveling with kids and will incorporate some of the ideas. Don't worry too much about the being out in sun while you're riding as most of the trails are shaded by the islands dense plant life (although it's probably still a good idea to put on some SPF and a hat). Head to Matzaluna for some variety. Located off Sanibel-Captiva Road, Bowmans Beach has several miles of secluded white sand and gentle waters ideal for a refreshing swim. Picnic tables are available when you want to enjoy snacks under the canopy of the trees. With about 22 miles of paved bike trails, it's super easy to get anywhere on the island. Here are a few things to think about when narrowing down the best Sanibel Island family resorts for your vacation. Just ask! Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW). 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!. There is so much to explore right outside your hotel, both on the beach and in the water. Parking at Blind Pass Beach costs $5 per hour and the beach is free to explore. 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. We were also able to take advantage of a free daily tour of the beach with a naturalist guide during which we learned some really neat tidbits about the beach and its creatures. I was blind to what else existed in the State. Hop on a flyboard or ride through the waves on . But heed the warning signs, as the bridge makes for swift ocean currents and the water around it is not advisable for swimming. We stopped a few other places along the way to see birds and a gator. Since 1884, the Sanibel Lighthouse (or Sanibel Island Light), has stood on Point Ybel at the eastern tip ofSanibel Island, markingthe entrance to San Carlos Bay. Required fields are marked *. You never know what will be on the end of that line! Temperatures were still in the 80s. 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. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. By foot or bike would be my preference, but you can also drive, or take a 90-minute tram tour with Tarpon Bay Explorers. 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. This is a great thing to do in Jekyll Island with kids. It is a pretty photo stop, the beach is (of course) covered with shells and there is a lovely shaded picnic area there. Most folks rent a car, but there are shuttles available to take you here (depending on where you are staying and what you plan on doing, you may not need a car once you get to the island). Bring goggles for kids to get a good look at the sandy ocean bottom. Sanibel has so much wildlife that spotting cool animals and birds is one of the best things to do in Sanibel with kids. Ding Darling is known as one of the best places to visit for birding. The ferry terminal is located on neighboring Captiva Island and accessed via a short drive over the bridge. Little makes me happier than roaming the beach, looking for treasures. Grab A Map & Participate In A Treasure Hunt By Bike Stop in at the Sanibel Chamber Commerce and ask for the treasure hunt map. Registered dietitian & mom behind Create Kids Club an online kitchen where feeding kids gluten-free is made easier with simple recipes & kids cooking ideas. Sanibel Island just has a different vibe. Go straight to the beach. #1 in Sanibel Island Address: 1700 Bowman's Beach Rd. It's such a fun way to have even more fun at the beach with kids. If youre lucky, youll also be able to spot friendly dolphins frolicking around the water. We might have to visit one day. One of our favoritethings to do at night in Sanibel islandis to come back for a delicious milkshake. Its located right on the beach in the premier spot for shelling. Sanibel Island is a great place to vacation with a family. I love Sanibel!! Sanibel is the larger and (slightly) more commercial of the two islands, while Captiva is more remote and private. Relax on the beach, enjoy a picnic, go on a bike ride, or take a hike on one of the trails found . Make sure to also stop by the idyllic Blind Pass Beach on both Sanibel & Captiva Islands. Nature comes in a spectacular variety in the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. It's a cool way for them to understand what's beneath the ocean that they spent the week playing in. 74. Find a Dunkin Donuts and you will be good. And the "lighthouse" isn't really a house at all but is actually a tower. 2022 5. The occurrence of Red Tide is when simple plants that live in the sea and freshwatergrow out of control. It's a great activity for kids and families. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Fort Myers & Sanibel Island with kids. Leave the kids with your husband and get a massage at the Tween Waters Inn. Crab racing is fun for both kids and adults. Biking downtown just got more exciting for kids having a map and treasures to hunt! We also had dinner there and the kids were super happy with their chicken fingers. 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. Sanibel Island Rentals: Billy's Bike : 1509 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-3620 Finnimore's Bike & Beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa (239) 472-5577 3. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. The refuge also offers tram rides hosted by a naturalist, so kids can learn more about what they're seeing. My three-year-olds have been flying them for over a year. Our room was clean and spacious, and had a little kitchenette (some of the units in this resort have full kitchens, if this is a need for you). The wildlife refuge is open every day except Fridays. Definitely worth a half-day trip adventure. With an early sunset time in winter, we'd take the boys out and walk up the beach toward the sunset. 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. Hi, Friends! Tip: Check with your hotel or condo because some units come with bikes. TripHobo Things to do with Family & kids in Sanibel; timesoftheislands.com Top 16 Spots To Take The Kids Around Sanibel & Captiva Islands | Times of the Islands Magazine; Family Destinations Guide 17 Best Things to Do in Sanibel Island, FL (for 2022) iTripVacations 6 Sanibel Island Beaches Where Stress Melts Away and Kids Can . What are your favorite spots? Sign up for simple dinner ideas, easy step by step instructions, and fun recipes for kids. Tip for Canadians Tim Hortons coffee is served at Joeys Custard! Included with admission: $16; $13 seniors and visitors with disabilities. Look up and see if you can observe some ospreys or pelicans. . Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. If you can't tell an angel wing from a glassy bubble, a visit to the Bailey-MatthewsNational Shell Museum will set you straight. The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) is great for learning about Southwest Floridas native and migratory wildlife. Sanibel Island is located off the coast of southwest Florida, just west of Fort Myers. In addition to an amazing pool and poolside bar, our provided kayaks, paddleboards, bikes to borrow and a naturalist led beach walk. Dr. Seuss-a-Bration at Once Upon a Treetop Plainview. Once we left the beach area, we stopped coughing. Note you will have to head back into Fort Myers to get picked up by there van for this excursion. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {31 fun activities in South Plainfield fun activities in South Plainfield } are also worth a look. Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. There are few places on the East Coast of the United States where you can revel in a western sunset. The island's east-west orientation situates it perfectly to catch over 250 types of shells out of the Gulf of Mexico tides. Mom and Dad can also pick up a Starbucks Coffee from the grocery store. Definitely can do an adult only trip there too! The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. Sanibel Island: Much better shelling. This sounds like a great island to visit. When they are ready, they follow the moonlight and head back to the Gulf of Mexico. I will also add that Red Coach buses are a great way to get around with kids. Bonus: Shelling is freeas long as you clean and dry the shells before you leave, they make the perfect souvenirs. Bristol is a stunning five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath fully furnished home with a private pool. 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. Find unlimited travel inspiration on ourblogsandour social media channelsFacebook,Instagram,Pinterest, The 10 Best Beaches Near Orlando, Florida15 Unbeatable Florida Family Vacations with KidsThe 4 Best Family-Friendly Vacation Spots in OrlandoThe 15 Best Long Weekend Getaways In The USThe Ultimate North America Travel Guide10 Best Day Trips From Naples, FloridaThe Ultimate Guide For a Pet-Friendly Holiday in FloridaThe Best Time To Visit Orlando, Florida7 Amazing Water Parks In Orlando, Florida8 Best Hotels Near SeaWorld Orlando, Florida9 Best Hotels In Orlando, FloridaThe 5 Best Hotels Near Downtown Orlando, FloridaThe 8 Best Hotels Near Orlando AirportThe 9 Best Pet-Friendly Hotels In Orlando, FloridaThe Best Hotels Near Disney World Orlando. 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. I would also be remiss to not mention Red Tide. 2. Several hiking trails allow visitors to explore the wonders of this wildlife refuge. It was a day of ribbons and confetti cannons, hugs and back-slapping as two more island business emerged from . . Not by chance, it became the worlds most famous place for shelling. "The kids had fun but when we arrived they only gave me 15mins to set up before the party began." more. Warm Gulf waters and calm surf make most of the island's beaches great for families withsmall children. You wont regret taking a drive up to Captiva. Heads up, you'll want to arrive early as spots fill up quickly. Photo: Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel 1. 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. Sanibel is a pristine island with beautiful beaches, nature preserves, and tropical lush gardens. The tour takes you across the flat waters of local estuaries and waterways and offers beginner instruction for those new to the sport. Sanibel is a beautiful and well-protected Gulf Coast barrier 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. We've taken the twins twice and both times they loved running out on the boardwalk and spotting animals. Eating out in Sanibel with kids? If you aren't familiar with Sanibel Island, Florida it's a small island off the coast of West Florida near Fort Myers. What a great way to vacation around Sanibel! Once youre there, walk down the dock and see if the local fisherman are having any luck. Tip: Many guides will clean the fish for you so you can enjoy your catch for dinner. Looks like a really fun place. In fact, almost half of the entire island is dedicated to the J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which you can drive, bike or walk through to spot some of the region's many different creatures among the estuaries. Most nights there is live music along lots of games for the kids to play. The museum features over 30 permanent exhibits on shells of Sanibel and Captiva Island, as well as those from around the world. It's such a great way to spend a bright and sunny afternoon almost any time of year! Here is my short list of family friendly restaurants on Sanibel Island. Things to Do in Sanibel Island with Kids Dolphin Tour in Captiva Kids love animals so . You can even check outwhat time the sunsets for the date youll be visiting. 10 things to do with kids in Miami Learn how your comment data is processed. We got these super easy-to-use kid-friendly Octopus Kites and they have been great. I tried to find the information on our guide, but I no longer have it. The lighthouse dates back to 1884. Definitely skip dinner there, but head over for dessert and the photo opps outside. This is what I know about the best time to visit Sanibel Island. Shell Harbor Though Shell Harbor might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center and Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens. It is laid back, friendly and has a lovely old Florida charm. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge On this part of Sanibel you'll find a protected piece of nature with quite an impressive wildlife! Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. 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. Plan your trip to Captiva before sunset and head to the beach across from the Mucky Duck for the best sunset view available. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. From national historic sites to beautiful beaches, there are many fun things to do on the Kohala Coast. Heres something I wouldnt have done as a kid Hold boas, king snakes, pythons, alligators But our day guide Rhett? 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. Make sure to go during low tide because that's when a lot of the birds, including brown and white pelicans, ibis, cormorants and spoonbills, flock to the refuge to feed on fish stuck in the shallow water. The options are endless but here are a few of the activities my kids enjoyed the most on our recent trip. Your Sanibel Island vacation rental lets you enjoy 15 miles of pristine beaches, 22 miles of bike paths, and zero traffic lights. Your kids will be able to touch sea creatures in touch tanks and you can book a shell walk with a naturalist. 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. Florida sunsets are truly like none other in existence. Florida always holds a special place in my heart and the more I explore, the more I love it too. Just look at these birds we found. We ate breakfast in the room. We spend a ton of time on North Captiva and always make trips over to Sanibel truly a beautiful spot. J. N. "Ding" Darling NationalWildlife Refuge. 2. 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. I'd venture to say that if you look for it you can find as much adventure on this little island as a lot of other tourist destinations. We opted to drive ourselves. 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. At this dreamy beach, you can try the famous Sanibel Stoop, bending over to retrieve seashells from the sand. 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. Indulge in the Signature Arabian Rose treatment, an all-over body scrub, or a deep tissue massage at the spa. Your email address will not be published. It has an authentic, old Florida vibe. There are several ways to explore the refuge. Sanibel Island is an island on the west of the Florida panhandle. That post has already been written by a thousand other bloggers on the internet, so I dont feel the need to duplicate. There are so many options for accommodations on Sanibel Island with kids, at all budget levels. Another note, Sunburned Willie, the host of the crab race, can be a bit crass. This sounds like a great place for a family vacation and so many activities! Come at low tide or after a storm to find conch, junonia, lightning whelk, and cockle shells. I looked carefully at the hotels and resorts just across the bay in nearby Fort Myers. We stayed at the Island Inn, the very first hotel on the island. Captiva Cruises offers three kinds of sunset cruise: the Sunset Serenade with live music and cocktails, the Wildlife Sunset cruise with views of birds and dolphins and the Sunset Sail on a 40-foot catamaran. Sign up for Scary Mommy's daily newsletter for more stories from the trenches. 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! There is also a tram if you are a guided tour person. The Sanibel Inn provided kayaks and paddle boards for us to use! 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. Address: 3883 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel. Because of its distance from the airport, there are no public transportation methods to get here. Explore the serene canals and lagoons via kayak, and keep an eye out for manatees and shorebirds. 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. Read More: The Best Hawaii Resorts for Families on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. See alligators, raccoons, otters, and hundreds of different kinds ofbirds in this 6,300-acre wilderness. My boys had never had REAL ice cream before so we splurged and let them have some. Heres a guide to the top 9 things to do in Sanibel. 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. We are Shanna and Aaron + kiddos. We didnt eat out that much while we were here. 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! Having a car made getting to Fort Myers quick and easy as well. Just make sure there is nothing living inside of the shell. A good day on the water promises dolphins, manatee, and other sea life sightings.
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