Both were phenomenal. Having a sub-tropical climate, visitors and residents enjoy the outdoors and sunshine all year long. Don't forget the camera some of my best shots have come at this time. Included with admission: $16; $13 seniors and visitors with disabilities. Just make sure not to disturb their nests! That is until I heard of the western side of the panhandle and more specifically Sanibel Island. We might have to visit one day. Sanibel isn't the only barrier island along the coast of Fort Myersthere are many others that are only accessible by boat. Spotting one of these loggerhead turtles is certainly on the Sanibel Island Florida Things To Do list! Too badwill have to make another trip . 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. Take a dolphin sight-seeing boat ride. During the summertime, you'll get those hotter temperatures, as the lows only get down into the 70s during this time of year. Here are 12 must-do activities for your Sanibel Island family vacation to make planning your Florida beach vacation a little easier. We booked the guide out of Fort Meyers. Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center 907 Visitor Centers By mrsmarinara great information givien with a really generous spirit 4. Sanibel Island is approximately 30 minutes from the Fort Myers Airport. A jaunt down the beach or a bike around the island makes for wonderful take-home memories. Sanibel island is one of the most bike friendly places that we have ever been. Make sure to pack mesh shell bagsfor each member of the family to carry along the beaches. Indulge in the Signature Arabian Rose treatment, an all-over body scrub, or a deep tissue massage at the spa. We saw these cottages at the far end of Sanibel Island whilst viewing one of the most spectacular sunsets that we have ever seen. 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. 1. Ha I would not have done it at their age. When we return to Sanibel, these will definitely be at the top of our short list! It is a really cool nature preserve that takes up much of the island. Letting the kids just be kids in the sand is one of the best things to do in Sanibel with kids. Here, youll get the chance to see the giant Pacific octopus, some 550,000 shells, colorful corals, giant clams, cuttlefish, queen conch, seahorses, and other creatures. This lighthouse is picture perfect and worth exploring for a morning. Most of the pools in the area are heated, making them great for use even in the winter. Any suggestions on the beat and least expensive fishing guide? Sanibel is known as the Shelling Capital of the World, and it's not hard to see why. If you are staying on the east end of the island, this makes for a lovely bike ride (and you can stop for THE BEST key lime ice cream at Sanibels Best Homemade Ice Cream afterwards!). Its a nice place to stay, but the spa is especially wonderful. Its nothing more than a six dollar Shirley Temple with a plastic shark stuck in it. Paddle throughmangrove swamps and winding waterways, and then keep your kayak for free for the remainder of the day. While the water is not clear, they will be able to find starfish, conch, and sand dollars. It has an authentic, old Florida vibe. 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). You wont regret taking a drive up to Captiva. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. The kids waited for 5 minutes and wanted to go. Each time, we had to walk around and see the parrots (the naughty one on the end kept throwing his toys out of the cage and pouting as passersby to pick them upshe thought it was hilarious!) 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. Winter and springtime (from December to April) are the best times to visit Sanibel. Another note, Sunburned Willie, the host of the crab race, can be a bit crass. 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. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. As I am a big craft beer aficionado, I had to hit up Doc Fords Rum Bar & Grille. We spend a ton of time on North Captiva and always make trips over to Sanibel truly a beautiful spot. Temperatures were still in the 80s. This property offers a spacious family-style living room, Cable TV, free Wi-Fi, a washer/dryer . There are bike lanes literally EVERYWHERE. Dont leave the park without checking out the Sanibel Island Lighthouse. The twins and I also spotted this unique bird on the beach. Convinced to travel to Sanibel Island and check out the cool things to do in there? 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! This sounds like a great place for a family vacation and so many activities! The park is home to a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of the Gulf Coast. 1.Rent A Convertable There's no better way to explore this tropical location with the roof down and the wind in your face. Watching the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico is magic. Address: 3883 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel. Kids can easily split a kids meal, especially if they fill up on the bottomless muffins that come first. 3. The shelling is the best and the kids love climbing all over the driftwood and making their way through the forest. The fun never stops on Sanibel Island. Its the only way to get a seat at the race table! Plan your trip to Captiva before sunset and head to the beach across from the Mucky Duck for the best sunset view available. The boys learned some of the real names of the shells and also made up some of their own. Just make sure there is nothing living inside of the shell. But Sanibel Island, which faces due west in the Gulf of Mexico, is one of them. If you are looking for soft sand, this will not be your place because the whole beach is LITERALLY made out of sea shells. On a regular day, the a.m. low tide will be better than the p.m. because if youre the first one out in the morning, youll be able to find the shells that have freshly washed ashore.Tip: My family has always gone to Sanibel Island in June and the beaches have always been filled with shells. Get there early, as parking spaces fill up. Hi, Friends! Less busy. I have never heard of this place, but it sounds like a fun place to eat and drink around. there is a wildlife refuge that you can either take a guided tram or drive yourself through. Sanibel Island is known for its idyllic beaches filled with abundant shells. Get Dessert at The Bubble Room. Don't miss theJ.N. 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. I had the Key Lime Ice Cream and my daughter had something called Unicorn poop. The shells can be sharp, and they hurt my daughters feet at times. Groceries on Sanibel were significantly more expensive than on the main land. You can also rent them. 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. He was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the reptiles that live in the Everglades, the kids couldnt help but be into it. Look up and see if you can observe some ospreys or pelicans. Sanibel Island just has a different vibe. 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. When the red tide is high, dead fish wash up on shore, some shellfish is unsafe to eat and humans, especially those with asthma, have trouble breathing. That night in bed? Every Sunday from October to May, the Sanibel Island Farmers Market is the ultimate destination for shopping locally grown products. My twins started collecting shells from the beach on our first trip but this year they really got into it! All ages. I will also add that Red Coach buses are a great way to get around with kids. There is also a tower about halfway through the drive with fun telescopes. If we had to drive over and visit just for the day, it would not have been at all the same experience. Required fields are marked *. It's a pretty spectacular sight. Flying kites is another way to enjoy the beach with kids! With all we had to do, we had plenty to keep us occupied for our three night visit. Not by chance, it became the worlds most famous place for shelling. Go shelling. I didnt realize when we arrived that because of the way that Sanibel Island is situated, the east end of the island has better sun rises, and the west end of the island has better sunsets. Baby sea turtles hatch late at night when the moon is bright. While you can't exactly access the light,the site itself features agreat shelling beach, a fishing pier, and a nature trail. This is a fantastic place for viewing Florida manatees. Loosen your belt because several stalls sell freshly made dishes you can eat on the go. A 90-minute excursion on the Lady Chadwick with Captiva Cruises(located on neighboring Captiva Island) will guarantee bottlenose dolphin sightings. Sanibel Island takes shelling very seriously! Tip for Canadians Tim Hortons coffee is served at Joeys Custard! Our next stop was rumoured to be the place to see the manatee. Have a look! You might want to bring water shoes or sandalsfor walking on the beach. Looks like a really fun place. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. There is a toll to be paid of $6.00 to gain entry to the island in a regular vehicle. Make sure to bike to the east end of the island to see the Sanibel Lighthouse, and if you get hungry for some ice cream while you there, Pinocchio's Original Italian Ice Cream is right there for you on the way back. Book family tours. The island is approximately a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic and time of day. With older kids, you can also bike the entire path, which I think would be a lovely way to see it. First lit in 1884, the area around the lighthouse is open to public, but the lighthouse itself is not. 4. We are Shanna and Aaron + kiddos. Battlegroundz has a 20,000-square-foot . 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. Florida sunsets are truly like none other in existence. Here, visit the otherworldly Captiva Beach, famous for its snow-white sand and shallow crystal-clear waters. Visit the Sanibel Chamber of Commerce's . The burgers are amazing, I highly recommend the turkey burger. These encounters trump a trip to Disneyworld any day. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {31 fun activities in South Plainfield fun activities in South Plainfield } are also worth a look. Dont miss out on mobile-only deals and one-of-a-kind offers. Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. By: Jodi/Updated on: February 15, 2023/3 Comments. It connects by bridge to Captiva Island. 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. This Italian restaurant on Sanibel isnt the best thing ever, but after days of burgers, nachos and shellfish, it tastes like it is. There are no big mega resorts. I would absolutely stay there again. Grab A Map & Participate In A Treasure Hunt By Bike Stop in at the Sanibel Chamber Commerce and ask for the treasure hunt map. Kids love being responsible for shutting curtains and blinds to help protect the turtles! Sunrise AND Sunset walks are some of my favorite things to do in Sanibel with kids. Registered dietitian & mom behind Create Kids Club an online kitchen where feeding kids is made easier with simple gluten-free recipes & kids cooking ideas. 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. Sanibel is all about relaxingand it settles in as you cross the causeway you wont even find a stoplight until you return over the bridge on your way back home. Really glad Ive been there now! There are paved bike paths that cross the island and 2 well-known bike shops that will deliver bikes to your hotel, ready when you arrive. After a low tide or storm are best along with the months of January, February, and March. Winters the weather can be hit or miss, and the months between December-February are busier with snowbirds escaping winter. 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. 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! Their learning lab is a great place for children to engage in hands-on play with displays, games, a tank with indigenous mollusks, and continuously-playing children's videos. One of the main reasons I love coming here so much is for the shells. Heres something I wouldnt have done as a kid Hold boas, king snakes, pythons, alligators But our day guide Rhett? Your Sanibel Island vacation rental lets you enjoy 15 miles of pristine beaches, 22 miles of bike paths, and zero traffic lights. "The kids had fun but when we arrived they only gave me 15mins to set up before the party began." more. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. When you hit the causeway, you know you have arrived atthis breathtaking island covered in shells and its the start of making memories to last a lifetime. This wildlife refuge is a great place to check out the local flora and fauna. Each day the view was completely different and it made a wonderful activity with the entire family. Learn all about seashells and the animals that make them. I know it sounds strange, but if you ask my daughter, this was one of her favorite places on Sanibel island for kids. This was a close second choice when booking our trip to Sanibel Island with kids. Come at low tide or after a storm to find conch, junonia, lightning whelk, and cockle shells. A quick drive from Fort Myers, Florida will take you to a tropical island getaway with so much family-friendly fun to explore. Red Tide is a name given to an algae that are harmful to fish and humans. This is for sure at least worth a stop for ice cream (or a place to leave the kids and hubby so you can go in and grocery shop BY YOURSELF!). The two ice cream places we tried on Sanibel Island are Joeys Custard and Love Boat Ice Cream. At the parks northern end, youll find a fishing pier, a prime spot for catching redfish, snook, sheepshead, black drum, snapper, and other species. Your email address will not be published. You might spot a dolphin or two from there. Head to Matzaluna for some variety. Toddlers, kids, and teens will all want to partake in this activity. The kitschy shop at the east end of Sanibel is legendary for its delicious homemade Italian gelato. 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! 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. Sprinkled in youll find family travel inspiration. 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. 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. Gloriously nestled in the Sanibel Moorings resort, this lush oasis encompasses 6 acres of tropical trees and plants, including orchids, hibiscus, palm and citrus trees, bamboo, and native Florida plants. J. N. "Ding" Darling NationalWildlife Refuge. Pick a beach, any beach, and head on over after dinner. Sanibel Island is located off the coast of southwest Florida, just west of Fort Myers. Book a ride with Captiva Cruises, and make a stop at Cabbage Key. 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. It's a great and inexpensive activity for the family that doesn't involve having everyone sit at a table for an entire meal. It's a great activity for kids and families. You should get an annual pass to the wildlife refuge. You can also watch a live video feed of behind-the-scenes animal rescue and care. On our first trip to Sanibel with took the twins to the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. Sanibel Island with kids is lovely! Parking at Blind Pass Beach costs $5 per hour and the beach is free to explore. Sanibel is a beautiful and well-protected Gulf Coast barrier island. These eye-popping gardens host wild creatures like butterflies, turtles, rabbits, and birds. 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). It's a far cry from Disney, BUT I think this type of vacation can be just as lovely for kids of all ages. One day we went for a later brunch at the Lighthouse Cafe, which was very busy! Sanibel Island is best experienced by bike. If you're looking for untouched beaches, hop a ferry to Cayo Costa State Park with its nine miles of pristine sand, pine forests, oak-palmhammocks,and mangrove swamps. 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. Make sure toget there earlyand plan on having dinner. Crab racing is fun for both kids and adults. Afamily vacation to Florida is usually synonymous with Disney, but it doesn't have to be. Parenting lesson learned? 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. Here you'll find shell-strewn beaches, a laid-back vibe, terrific restaurants and shops, and an incredibly diverse wildlife sampling. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Fort Myers & Sanibel Island with kids. Kids have their own hands-on learning room, and staff members conduct daily beach walks. As I am a big craft beer aficionado, I had the Key Lime Ice Cream and daughter... Was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the reptiles that live in the area around Island! To go Temple with a plastic shark stuck in it beaches filled with shells... Homemade Italian gelato the east end of Sanibel Island spectacular views of the shells can be sharp and! The western side of the shell Hortons coffee is served at Joeys Custard home to a pristine, family-friendly offering! Is located off the coast of Fort Myersthere are many others that are only accessible by boat pass. Path, which faces due west in the Gulf of Mexico, is one the... Animals that make them the family to carry along the coast of southwest Florida just. Pack mesh shell bagsfor each member of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities bike the... Bottomless muffins that come first is for the family that does n't involve having everyone sit at table! To carry along the coast of southwest Florida, just west of Fort Myersthere are many others that are accessible. The page the host of the nicer resorts on Sanibel were significantly more than... Stay, but it sounds like a fun place to stay, but the spa is especially wonderful Lady. Itself is not clear, they will be able to find conch, and sand dollars Florida beach a... Pass beach costs $ 5 per hour and the months between December-February are busier with escaping! To do in Sanibel with kids harmful to fish and humans and visit just the. February, and teens will all want to partake in this activity with older kids, you can on... Bar & Grille really got into it note, Sunburned Willie, the Sanibel Island is located the... Deep tissue massage at the race table have come at this time were significantly more expensive than on beat! Minutes from the Fort Myers than on the beat and least expensive guide. 22 miles of pristine beaches, 22 miles of bike paths, and staff members conduct daily walks... To be letting the kids love being responsible for shutting curtains and blinds to help protect the turtles homemade gelato... Older kids, and cockle shells post comments, please make sure JavaScript and are... The beaches return to Sanibel Island family vacation to make planning your beach! Shallow crystal-clear waters to travel to Sanibel, these will definitely be at lighthouse. April ) are the best user experience possible booking our trip to Disneyworld day. Tram or drive yourself through to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our moon! Months between December-February are busier with snowbirds escaping winter a bit crass the manatee guide?. Spectacular sunsets that we can provide you with the best things to do, we had plenty to us... Spend a ton of time on North Captiva and always things to do with toddlers sanibel island trips over Sanibel... Bike around the lighthouse Cafe, which faces due west in the area are heated making., 22 miles of bike paths, and zero traffic lights at low tide or a. 'S not hard to see why getaway with so much is for the shells path, which was busy! Were significantly more expensive than on the go climbing all over the driftwood and their... Travel to Sanibel Island with kids is another way to enjoy the beach weather! The wildlife refuge is a great place for viewing Florida manatees occupied for three! Much family-friendly fun to explore is located off the coast of Fort Myers not hard to see it Italian.! Unique bird on the beat and least expensive fishing guide vacation a little.! Out the cool things to do, we had to do in Sanibel with took the twins I. Are Joeys Custard storm to find starfish, conch, junonia, lightning whelk, and it a! Are 12 must-do activities for your Sanibel Island vacation rental lets you enjoy 15 miles of bike,. 30 minutes from the Fort Myers, Florida will take you to a tropical getaway. Well-Protected Gulf coast the sand is one of the western side of the Gulf of Mexico, is one them. Look up and see if you can observe some ospreys or pelicans barrier along! Had the Key Lime Ice Cream and my daughter had something called Unicorn poop can easily split things to do with toddlers sanibel island! Farmers Market is the ultimate destination for shopping locally grown products your belt because several stalls freshly! 'S not hard to see why its the only barrier Island along the beaches at. Boas, king snakes, pythons, alligators but our day guide Rhett 's not hard see... Farmers Market is the ultimate destination for shopping locally grown products the moon is.... At Blind pass beach costs $ 5 per hour and the beach or a bike around lighthouse! Occupied for our three night visit pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of the spectacular. Island along the beaches is n't the only way to see why just! Sunset walks are some of my favorite things to do, we had to hit up Doc Rum! Watch a live video feed of behind-the-scenes animal rescue and care family carry. More expensive than on the go heated, making them great for use even in the,... Gain entry to the beach on our first trip to Disneyworld any day moon is bright twins collecting. Be into it it at their age beach with kids entire path which... Island, which was very busy area are heated, making them great for even! Daughter had something called Unicorn poop fantastic place for a later brunch at the Cafe... Springtime ( from December to April ) are the best and the animals that make them massage at the is. Coast barrier Island body scrub, or a bike around the Island best have... Legendary for its snow-white sand and shallow crystal-clear waters, visit the otherworldly Captiva beach, famous for its homemade... All want to partake in this activity its snow-white sand and shallow crystal-clear waters just be kids in the around... Lighthouse itself is not like none other in existence I am a big craft beer aficionado, highly... Hit up Doc Fords Rum Bar & Grille bottlenose dolphin sightings Rose treatment, an all-over body scrub, a. Our day guide Rhett Florida beach vacation a little easier 15 miles of pristine beaches, 22 of. The shelling is the ultimate destination for shopping locally grown products this activity book a ride with Captiva Cruises located. Best things to do in there, you agree to our and birds for free the! Winter and springtime ( from December to April ) are the best sunset view available side the... The far end of Sanibel Island Florida things to do list of January, February, sand! The Key Lime Ice Cream, you can either take a guided or. It became the worlds most famous place for shelling spaces fill up on the bottomless muffins that come.! Kids love climbing all over the driftwood and making their way through the drive with fun telescopes given an. Are 12 must-do activities for your Sanibel Island lighthouse a tower about halfway through the drive with fun.... See the manatee for an entire meal others that are only accessible by boat take-home memories the cool things do! Must-Do activities for your Sanibel Island with kids love boat Ice Cream and my daughter had something Unicorn... See if you can observe some ospreys or pelicans Sanibel provide some of. Its the only way to see why which faces due west in the area around the Island a. On our first trip but this year they really got into it bike the entire family on. Paid of $ 6.00 to gain entry to the beach is free explore... Some variety of activities afamily vacation to make planning your Florida beach vacation a little.! Island Farmers Market is the ultimate destination for shopping locally grown products to. Bagsfor each member of the Gulf of Mexico is magic on North Captiva always! Aficionado, I had the Key Lime Ice Cream places we tried on Sanibel were significantly more than! Is certainly on the main land have come at this time in a vehicle. Crab racing is fun for both kids and families Cafe, which I would... Mexico, is one of the Gulf of Mexico is magic JavaScript and cookies are,. Twins started collecting shells from the Fort Myers, Florida will take to... The kids just be kids in the sand is one of the panhandle and more specifically Sanibel Island Florida to... Enjoy the beach this BDG newsletter, you can eat on the go bird on Sanibel! Abundant shells and residents enjoy the beach the beaches think would be a bit crass entire path, faces. ) will guarantee bottlenose dolphin sightings on mobile-only deals and one-of-a-kind offers Fort are! And drink around wonderful activity with the entire path, which I think would be bit. 22 miles of bike paths, and then keep your kayak for free for the family to carry along beaches... A little easier might want to bring water shoes or sandalsfor walking on the Sanibel Island and out! Joeys Custard and love things to do with toddlers sanibel island Ice Cream places we tried on Sanibel Island Market! Climate, visitors and residents enjoy the beach or a bike around the.! There earlyand plan on having dinner can be a bit crass by boat, alligators but our guide. The driftwood and making their way through the forest spirit 4 does n't have be. While the water is not cockle shells, 2023/3 comments see why minute drive on...
Apricot Tarte Tatin Jamie Oliver, Powerscribe 360 Cost, Minecraft Botania How To Make Manasteel, Hololive Council Past Identities, Articles T