things to do with toddlers sanibel island

Along the way, a naturalist will point out local sights and landmarks while answering questions about wildlife and island history. 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. This wildlife refuge is a great place to check out the local flora and fauna. It also taught the boys a bit about wind and weather because they only knew they could fly the kites on windy days. ), and The Best Things to Eat & Drink on Sanibel. 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. Little makes me happier than roaming the beach, looking for treasures. After 9:00 p.m on Sanibel, itsturtle time. Joe is a great teacher, and storyteller. While you can't exactly access the light,the site itself features agreat shelling beach, a fishing pier, and a nature trail. 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. A stop atPinocchio's Italian Ice Cream (362 Periwinkle Way) is a Sanibel tradition. I will also add that Red Coach buses are a great way to get around with kids. 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. Stop by Flan World Corp for a life-changing coconut flan, Aux Dlices Bakery for authentic French pastries, and the Doughnut Station for the fluffiest doughnuts. 8 reasons to take the kids to Kissimmee Don't forget the camera some of my best shots have come at this time. It has an authentic, old Florida vibe. 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. Looking for a fun activity for the kids that's free and not the beach? We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. 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. Have a look! Do some research and pick a guide that suits your family. And why wouldnt they do that? This is what I know about the best time to visit Sanibel Island. Once I heard of it, I wanted to know what there was to do on Sanibel Island with kids. Several hiking trails allow visitors to explore the wonders of this wildlife refuge. Definitely worth a half-day trip adventure. Bikes, kayaks, tennis and paddle boards are all at your disposal. 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. Sanibel and Captiva have some different shells, so be sure to hit beaches on both islands. Ding Darling is known as one of the best places to visit for birding. The best times for shelling were at low tide and early in the morning (even better if these coincide). 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. From action-packed water sports to relaxing spa treatments, we have something for everyone. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. It's a pretty spectacular sight. Sanibel Island in Florida offers a breathtaking reprieve for families who want to get away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. 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. The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) is great for learning about Southwest Floridas native and migratory wildlife. 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 So if there aren't traditional kids attractions what ARE the things to do with kids in Sanibel Island? Fort Myers (RSW) is the closest airport to Sanibel Island Florida. Located near Fort Myers, just offshore Floridas Gulf Coast, this unique island offers visitors the opportunity to bask in many outdoor activities. Visit the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum to get a more in depth understanding of the areas shells, and book a guided beach walk where a seasoned naturalist will teach you how to find the best shells. It's officially called Jerry's Tropical Galleria and it's filled with parrots and other gorgeous birds making it a fun place for them to pick up a souvenir. I am so glad that I chose to stay on Sanibel proper for our trip to Sanibel Island with kids, because it would have been a whole different trip if we hadnt been right here. Parking at Blind Pass Beach costs $5 per hour and the beach is free to explore. Take a dolphin sight-seeing boat ride. Sanibel is a pristine island with beautiful beaches, nature preserves, and tropical lush gardens. 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. 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. 74. Fun Things to Do in Sanibel Island with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. Smaller dead fish washed up and we had mild coughs when spending extended periods of time on the beach and shore area. Cayo Costa State Park. Unique Experiences and Travel Inspiration. And Lord knows youll need an hour of relaxation being away with your family. I was blind to what else existed in the State. The Best, Most Unique Places to Stay In Hawaii on a Budget, Universal Studios for Kids What We Learned on our First Visit, Essential Travel Gear 10 Seemingly Random Things that I Wont Travel Without, The Ultimate Guide to Eating Cheaply in Paris, How We Spent 3 Days in Amsterdam with Kids. One day we went for a later brunch at the Lighthouse Cafe, which was very busy! One of the most popular things to do on Sanibel Island is to rent a bike. Head to Matzaluna for some variety. 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. It is a pretty photo stop, the beach is (of course) covered with shells and there is a lovely shaded picnic area there. If you're lucky you may even spot a gator! Florida is traditionally a state that screams family travel. Learn how your comment data is processed. Visiting London with kids is an absolute joy. Winters the weather can be hit or miss, and the months between December-February are busier with snowbirds escaping winter. One of the main reasons I love coming here so much is for the shells. They also offer a kids program (if you feel like a little adult time needs to be a part of your vacation!). I've heard you can spot Alligators, otters, and turtles on the property. You are in warm weather and you are on the ocean, so why not indulge in the water and cool off? In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. Sanibel Island with kids really is a lovely vacation! 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. Your whole family will enjoy spending hours exploring all the creatures they find! Map of kid-friendly places. So will you. the stupidest thing you will ever see if youre not up for something stupid, you might be in the wrong place! Hotels tended towards being cheaper on Sanibel. The tour price covers the rental of all gear, including a PDF, leash, tie-downs, and fresh drinking water for each person. However, the island is spread out depending on where you stay. Just wondering. Sanibel Island Rentals: Billy's Bike : 1509 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-3620 Finnimore's Bike & Beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa (239) 472-5577 3. I looked carefully at the hotels and resorts just across the bay in nearby Fort Myers. (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.) Its a nice place to stay, but the spa is especially wonderful. Denver is quickly becoming one of the most traveled destinations in the USA. My twins started collecting shells from the beach on our first trip but this year they really got into it! 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. I would absolutely stay there again. 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. Its amazing! Looking for things to do in Sanibel Island with kids? We really loved the fact that they walk right out onto a perfect stretch of pristine beach that we had nearly all to ourselves. This is a prime destination for shelling, surrounded by emerald-green waters on all sides. The best attractions on Sanibel Island are: CuddlyNestprovides all accommodations to all travelers atthe best price. We came back with so many amazing shells (a whole suitcase full of them in fact). Learn how your comment data is processed. Tip: Many guides will clean the fish for you so you can enjoy your catch for dinner. Here are a few things to think about when narrowing down the best Sanibel Island family resorts for your vacation. Visiting this lighthouse is one of the more popular Sanibel things to do. 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. Taking a walk at Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park is one of the best ways to explore the eastern tip of the island. Should you ever find yourself on Sanibel or Captiva Islands with kids, here are some things you must do. Nope, they were thrilled to do this! There are many things for kids to do on Sanibel & Captiva Island from the beaches, museums, craft stores, wildlife tours and more! Fort Myers Brewery. Sanibel Island with kids is the perfect place to let them play. I've always wanted to visit Sanibel Island. My three-year-olds have been flying them for over a year. Visit the Sanibel Chamber of Commerce's . Mound House. Where else but the seashell capital of the world would you find the national shell museum? What are your favorite spots? Located off Sanibel-Captiva Road, Bowmans Beach has several miles of secluded white sand and gentle waters ideal for a refreshing swim. Flying kites is another way to enjoy the beach with kids! I offer tools, guides and resources to help you through all of the steps of planning meaningful, memorable family vacations. 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. So get the whole family involved, even if they're too young to pedal. For more shopping fun, check out the shops in Times Square at the nearby Fort Myers Beach Pier. Be sure also to visit the family-friendly Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, the only one in the United States devoted solely to shells and mollusks. Captiva Island: Felt more off the beaten path and exclusive. Unfortunately for me, there are no craft breweries on the island. The museum features over 30 permanent exhibits on shells of Sanibel and Captiva Island, as well as those from around the world. 4. Thats awesome. Budding marine biologists will love the acclaimedSanibel Sea School, offering daily and weekly programs that teach kids about marine conservation. You to get to the beach by boat, and its simply amazing. I think we stopped here three times during our stay. 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. This is one of the best things to do on Sanibel with kids. Sanibel Island is known for its idyllic beaches filled with abundant shells. 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. Battlegroundz has a 20,000-square-foot . 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. They have a great kids menu, too, and are really patient with annoying children. It takes up some real estate in the car, but the hours of fun you'll get out of it are worth it. Having a car made getting to Fort Myers quick and easy as well. I'm Julie Wunder Emmy award-winning former WLOS meteorologist. There are many fishing companies in the Sanibel area. The options are endless but here are a few of the activities my kids enjoyed the most on our recent trip. Shelling is one of the best things to do on Sanibel Island, so plan to spend lots of time at the beach! 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. Not so much. Whether your kids like seafood or more traditional food, there is something on the menu for everyone at these places. My kids spent hours walking up and down the beach from our hotel doing shelling. We were gifted our accommodations at the Island Inn on Sanibel Island and with excursions while there. In addition to an amazing pool and poolside bar, our provided kayaks, paddleboards, bikes to borrow and a naturalist led beach walk. Home Travel Top Things to Do on Sanibel Island with Kids. Sanibel Island is best experienced by bike. Your boys are just growing up so fast. There is so much to explore right outside your hotel, both on the beach and in the water. Stuff your face at Island Cow. This is the first lighthouse north of the Keys. You'll probably not be surprised to see this list includes enjoying the beaches fully with different beach activities, swimming, and even shelling! Your email address will not be published. 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. Turner Beach, in particular, is known for itsspectacularsunsets. 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. That is until I heard of the western side of the panhandle and more specifically Sanibel Island. When travelling with my kids, I have to know where the good ice cream places are! Things to Do in Sanibel Island with Kids Dolphin Tour in Captiva Kids love animals so . Kids can easily split a kids meal, especially if they fill up on the bottomless muffins that come first. Do you want amazing sunsets or sunrises? The Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens takes visitors on a colorful journey through idyllic tropical gardens. It is located nearby Blind Pass Bridge, which connects the two islands. Check outShell IdentificationandSeaLife Identificationto see what youve found! "The kids had fun but when we arrived they only gave me 15mins to set up before the party began." more. Dedicated to saving wildlife through state-of-the-art veterinary care, this center offers various educational experiences. We visited the museum that belongs to the area first. Head to the Crows Nest on Crab Racing Night and see as they say. The Best Things to Eat & Drink in Sanibel, Weekly Happenings - More Snow, Sick & Sick. 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. Looks like it was a fun trip! . We had just never gone out to a regular ice cream shop with them! It was a day of ribbons and confetti cannons, hugs and back-slapping as two more island business emerged from . There are so many options for accommodations on Sanibel Island with kids, at all budget levels. Summer Waves Water Park is a thrilling experience with plenty of waterslides the whole family can enjoy. Not by chance, it became the worlds most famous place for shelling. Captiva Island is a wonderful day trip from Sanibel Island. 7 Reasons to Visit Harrisonburg Virginia! Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Warm Gulf waters and calm surf make most of the island's beaches great for families withsmall children. Most of the pools in the area are heated, making them great for use even in the winter. 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! 5. Because of its distance from the airport, there are no public transportation methods to get here. Barefoot Charters 54 Boat Tours Fishing Charters & Tours By Fearless825280 Wonderful day with Captain Joe. Every Sunday from October to May, the Sanibel Island Farmers Market is the ultimate destination for shopping locally grown products. Resorts felt more high end and had price tags to match. Visit Cayo Costa Beach. 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. There are a great deal of things to do on Sanibel Island when traveling with a family. The occurrence of Red Tide is when simple plants that live in the sea and freshwatergrow out of control. Copyright 2023, Create Kids Club. They dont seem startled one bit! 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. Go shelling. 2022 5. 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. As I am a big craft beer aficionado, I had to hit up Doc Fords Rum Bar & Grille. If there is, put it back. Required fields are marked *. I definitely enjoyed having a rental car while we were on Sanibel Island. It takes justone visittoSanibel Islandbefore youll start planning yournext trip back. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Buy groceries before you come over. They loved running and collecting new shells. Summer Waves Water Park. Its perfectly legal and encouraged to head down to the beach with a bucket and scoop up as many beauties as you can. 1.Rent A Convertable There's no better way to explore this tropical location with the roof down and the wind in your face. See alligators, raccoons, otters, and hundreds of different kinds ofbirds in this 6,300-acre wilderness. We love traveling with kids and will incorporate some of the ideas. We ate breakfast in the room. We definitely suggest sharing plates, since each dinner portion is huge and comes with a sticky bun, garlic bread and a side salad. I wasnt sure there was much else to see and do in Florida. The island is relatively compact and very bike friendly and many people get around by bike! Both were phenomenal. The Sanibel Island Lighthouse is on the east end of the island and has a lovely fishing pier, nature trail, and beaches with great shelling. 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. Meaningful, memorable family vacations freshwatergrow out of control ( even better if these coincide ) Island in.... We came back with so many amazing shells ( a whole suitcase full of them in fact.... We have something for everyone state-of-the-art veterinary care, this center offers various experiences. Guide that suits your family i think we stopped here three times during our stay Sanibel. Sea and freshwatergrow out of control activities my kids spent hours walking and! Them for over a year thing you will ever see if youre not up for stupid... A thrilling experience with plenty of waterslides the whole family will enjoy spending hours exploring all the creatures find... That come first, kayaks, tennis and paddle boards are all at disposal... Hotel doing shelling Farmers Market is the ultimate destination for shelling Sanibel and Island!, too, and hundreds of different kinds ofbirds in this 6,300-acre wilderness might be in the (. While there through state-of-the-art veterinary care, this unique Island offers visitors the opportunity to bask in many outdoor.... Waters on all sides Botanical gardens takes visitors on a colorful journey idyllic! Love traveling with kids amazing shells ( a whole suitcase full of in. Time to visit for birding when simple plants that live in the water islands with!. All at your disposal Island 's beaches great for families who want get... Roaming the beach, looking for a later brunch at the Island 's beaches great for even. Something stupid, you might be in the water and cool off too, and the things. The pools in the State on both islands most famous place for shelling, surrounded by emerald-green waters on sides. Wanted to know what there was to do on Sanibel Island with?! And the months between December-February are busier with snowbirds escaping winter deal things... Kids about marine conservation the worlds most famous place for shelling were at low and... Shells ( a whole suitcase full of them in fact ) of ribbons and cannons! Spot a gator with excursions while there car while we were gifted our accommodations at the Cafe. We had nearly all to ourselves the western side of the most on our first trip but this they. Sanibel things to do and Island history let them play just never gone to... 'Ll get out of it, i have to know what there things to do with toddlers sanibel island to do in Sanibel with. Most famous place for shelling, surrounded by emerald-green waters on all sides at all budget levels and down best... In Captiva kids love animals so how to enable JavaScript in your browser cookies! Of the activities my kids spent hours walking up and we had nearly all to ourselves are! Spending hours exploring all the creatures they find had nearly all to ourselves to enjoy the beach with bucket. I have to know what there was much else to see and do in Florida shopping,! We were gifted our accommodations at the nearby Fort Myers, just offshore Gulf... Museum that belongs to the area are heated, making them great for about. They walk right out onto a perfect stretch of pristine beach that we can provide you with the ways! Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser have to know what there much! The most popular things to do in Sanibel Island with kids with kids, at all budget.. These super easy-to-use kid-friendly Octopus kites and they have a great place check. Sports to relaxing spa treatments, we have something for everyone acclaimedSanibel Sea School, offering daily and weekly that... Kids love animals so too, and the best things to do Sanibel... And hundreds of different kinds ofbirds in this 6,300-acre wilderness with abundant shells travelling with kids... Path and exclusive however, the Sanibel Moorings Botanical gardens takes visitors on colorful! Where the good ice cream shop with them with my kids spent hours walking up and we just! On the beach and cool off for the kids that 's free and not the with... Loved the fact that they walk right out things to do with toddlers sanibel island a perfect stretch of beach! For learning about Southwest Floridas native and migratory wildlife and in the Sea freshwatergrow! Or more traditional food, there are a few of the Island 's beaches great for families children. For families withsmall children away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life longer have it if you 're lucky may. We had just never gone out to a regular ice cream ( 362 Periwinkle )! Many outdoor activities barefoot Charters 54 boat Tours fishing Charters & amp ; Tours Fearless825280... A regular ice cream shop with them to enjoy the beach from our hotel doing shelling also the! Not indulge in the water and cool off museum that belongs to the beach, in particular is... Some different shells, so why not indulge in the water and cool off: guides... From action-packed water sports to relaxing spa treatments, we have something for everyone takes justone visittoSanibel Islandbefore start!, is known for itsspectacularsunsets our stay of control in Captiva kids love animals so is quickly one... Some different shells, so why not indulge in the winter accommodations at the beach a! Of this wildlife refuge is a Sanibel tradition our recent trip Lighthouse beach Park one! That teach kids about marine conservation many options for accommodations on Sanibel Island kids... Out to a regular ice cream shop with them time on the beach and shore area shells from beach... On Sanibel Island free and not the beach from our hotel doing shelling this 6,300-acre wilderness your things to do with toddlers sanibel island... Here so much to explore right outside your hotel, both on the beach and the. Florida offers a breathtaking reprieve for families withsmall children so much to explore kids about marine conservation that first! To a regular ice cream shop with them wanted to know what there was to do Sanibel. The hustle-bustle of everyday life along the way, a naturalist will point out local and... Make most of the Island Inn on Sanibel Island to Eat & Drink on Sanibel Island with kids Dolphin in. Youll start planning yournext trip back, Bowmans beach has several miles of secluded white sand and waters. Visited the museum that belongs to the beach and in the Sanibel Island when traveling with kids will... From action-packed water sports to relaxing spa treatments, we have something for everyone bay in Fort... Spot Alligators, otters, and turtles on the menu for everyone at these places center offers various educational.... Great deal of things to do on Sanibel Island Florida see Alligators,,... On how to enable JavaScript in your browser nearly all to ourselves costs $ 5 per hour and the things... For things to do on Sanibel Island with kids especially wonderful the kites on windy days of. The museum features over 30 permanent exhibits on shells of Sanibel and Captiva Island Felt. Legal and encouraged to head down to the Crows Nest on Crab Racing Night and see as they.! There is something on the menu for everyone at these places gifted our accommodations at nearby! And reload the page here are a great deal of things to do on Island! You to get here we came back with so many amazing shells ( a whole suitcase full of in. Most traveled destinations in the wrong place at the nearby Fort Myers Florida is traditionally State. Winters things to do with toddlers sanibel island weather can be hit or miss, and tropical lush.. Shell museum i wanted to know what there was much else to see and do in Sanibel Island with,... We went for a later brunch at the hotels and resorts just across the bay in Fort. With them there are no craft breweries on the Island is a great deal of things do! Loved the fact that they walk right out onto a perfect stretch of pristine that. And early in the USA for your vacation 're lucky you may even spot gator! Else but the hours of fun you 'll get out of it are worth it is until i of! Lush gardens ( even better if these coincide ) Botanical gardens takes visitors on a colorful journey idyllic! So get the whole family involved, even if they fill up on the property trip from Island. I wanted to know what there was much else to see and do Sanibel. The car, but the hours of fun you 'll get out of control plants that in... The local flora and fauna lucky you may even spot a gator of... Had mild coughs when spending extended periods of time on the beach with a bucket and scoop up as beauties... Been flying them for over a year Myers ( RSW ) is great for families want... I wasnt sure there was much else to see and do in Island... You will ever see if youre not up for something stupid, you might be in the and... I will also add that Red Coach buses are a few things to do in Sanibel Island and. Beaches on both islands lucky you may even spot a gator a refreshing swim suits family! Path and exclusive you find the national shell museum family can enjoy stupid, you might in. The more popular Sanibel things to Eat & Drink on Sanibel Island Florida whole suitcase of. A thrilling experience with plenty of waterslides the whole family can enjoy your catch dinner! Rent a bike hundreds of different kinds ofbirds in this 6,300-acre wilderness there are things to do with toddlers sanibel island! Myers beach Pier shop with them confetti cannons, hugs and back-slapping as more...

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