All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. Definitely worth a half-day trip adventure. Tip for Canadians Tim Hortons coffee is served at Joeys Custard! Here is a story about patience. Map of kid-friendly places. Sign up in advance because space is limited to24 students per day. You will not find chain restaurants, high rises, or traffic lights here. Visiting this locale is a feel-good endeavor, too, as your admission fee goes towards the care of approximately 3,500 injured and orphaned animals each year. You should get an annual pass to the wildlife refuge. Also, check out the show-stopping Captiva Pass, which is the strait that separates North Captiva Island from La Costa Island. 9. However, the island is spread out depending on where you stay. If there is, put it back. Time seems to move differently on Sanibel. Along the way, a naturalist will point out local sights and landmarks while answering questions about wildlife and island history. Top 10 things to do on Sanibel Island with kids J.N. Bristol is a stunning five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath fully furnished home with a private pool. 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. As someone who doesnt have kids, I still love all the suggestions. With older kids, you can also bike the entire path, which I think would be a lovely way to see it. And the "lighthouse" isn't really a house at all but is actually a tower. So get the whole family involved, even if they're too young to pedal. This is a prime destination for shelling, surrounded by emerald-green waters on all sides. 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. Address: 3883 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel. Get there early, as parking spaces fill up. Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center 907 Visitor Centers By mrsmarinara great information givien with a really generous spirit 4. There are activities that appeal to all age groups and makes for a really nice family vacation. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. 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. Sanibel and the surrounding islands are home to a myriad of different animals. 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. You might spot a dolphin or two from there. March 4-26, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am - 5 pm. The Best Things to Eat & Drink on Sanibel. We stayed at the Island Inn, the very first hotel on the island. Depending on the time of year, Sanibel's sunset locales vary. Be sure to snap a pic of walls of the island's restaurant, which are covered in about $70,000 worth of one-dollar bills signed by past customers. Places To Stay In Sanibel Island, Florida, The 10 Best Beaches Near Orlando, Florida, 15 Unbeatable Florida Family Vacations with Kids, The 4 Best Family-Friendly Vacation Spots in Orlando, The 15 Best Long Weekend Getaways In The US, The Ultimate Guide For a Pet-Friendly Holiday in Florida, 7 Amazing Water Parks In Orlando, Florida, 8 Best Hotels Near SeaWorld Orlando, Florida, The 5 Best Hotels Near Downtown Orlando, Florida, The 9 Best Pet-Friendly Hotels In Orlando, Florida, The Best Hotels Near Disney World Orlando, The 5 Most Stunning Hotels Near Denver International Airport, 5 Great Things To Do In Ybor City, Tampa, FL, 17 Amazing Things to do in London with Kids. Bikes, kayaks, tennis and paddle boards are all at your disposal. 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. The Sanibel Inn provided kayaks and paddle boards for us to use! The ferry terminal is located on neighboring Captiva Island and accessed via a short drive over the bridge. There is a toll to be paid of $6.00 to gain entry to the island in a regular vehicle. I will also add that Red Coach buses are a great way to get around with kids. Friday, March 3. That night in bed? Once I heard of it, I wanted to know what there was to do on Sanibel Island with kids. Florida sunsets are truly like none other in existence. If you are looking for soft sand, this will not be your place because the whole beach is LITERALLY made out of sea shells. It's a unique, quirky, and unusual place that is full of old Florida charm. Find out when low tide is and hit the beach before anyone else can snatch up all the good stuff. Each day includes surfing, art, group-bonding activities, all while integrating subjects like fiddler crabs, wading birds, and sea turtles. Mom and Dad can also pick up a Starbucks Coffee from the grocery store. Baby sea turtles hatch late at night when the moon is bright. Sanibel Island is known for shelling and is one of the best places in the world to shell. It was my first time, hopefully not the last. Download a tide app to check tide times. 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. With an early sunset time in winter, we'd take the boys out and walk up the beach toward the sunset. They also offer a kids program (if you feel like a little adult time needs to be a part of your vacation!). If you plan on dining out, get your hands on the. They might even meet a new friend or two. We really loved the fact that they walk right out onto a perfect stretch of pristine beach that we had nearly all to ourselves. I was blind to what else existed in the State. 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. 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. We collected shells every day we were there and it never got old for the boys. Bring goggles for kids to get a good look at the sandy ocean bottom. Sanibel Island with kids really is a lovely vacation! Every Sunday from October to May, the Sanibel Island Farmers Market is the ultimate destination for shopping locally grown products. I offer tools, guides and resources to help you through all of the steps of planning meaningful, memorable family vacations. The balcony was huge and screened in. Red Tide is a name given to an algae that are harmful to fish and humans. The two ice cream places we tried on Sanibel Island are Joeys Custard and Love Boat Ice Cream. As the kids are flying down the waterslides enjoy a nice slow ride in the lazy river. After your walk, you can enjoy a picnic lunch. 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. Little makes me happier than roaming the beach, looking for treasures. A 90-minute excursion on the Lady Chadwick with Captiva Cruises(located on neighboring Captiva Island) will guarantee bottlenose dolphin sightings. Just wondering. 8. Spotting one of these loggerhead turtles is certainly on the Sanibel Island Florida Things To Do list! This sounds like a great island to visit. I think we stopped here three times during our stay. Its the only way to get a seat at the race table! We love traveling with kids and will incorporate some of the ideas. Another note, Sunburned Willie, the host of the crab race, can be a bit crass. They have plenty of cute shops to pick from for the kiddos. No arguments there! 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. Love Boat Ice Cream is at 1700 Periwinkle Way in the Plaza with the big Jerrys grocery store. And Lord knows youll need an hour of relaxation being away with your family. Biking downtown just got more exciting for kids having a map and treasures to hunt! Turner Beach, in particular, is known for itsspectacularsunsets. 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! It turns out, there are plenty of things to do on Sanibel Island with kids. Currently expanding to add live-mollusk aquaria, Sanibel's shell museum is one of a kind, putting shells in the context of living creatures, history, culture, religion and art. A stop atPinocchio's Italian Ice Cream (362 Periwinkle Way) is a Sanibel tradition. 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. We upgraded our regular beach toys to fun trucks that our boys love. Required fields are marked *. Your little ones are really brave for embracing boas and alligators. They were a lot cheaper than similar resorts on Sanibel. Pick from one of many competitive games at Battlegroundz in Lincoln including dodgeball, laser tag, paintball, archery tag, airsoft, darts and cornhole. Sanibel Island is a barrier island located on the Gulf Side of Florida, about 30 minutes from the Fort Myers. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. Warm Gulf waters and calm surf make most of the island's beaches great for families withsmall children. And shells of all different textures, shapes, and sizes show up on the shores here. . Flying kites is another way to enjoy the beach with kids! Your email address will not be published. Bricks 4 Kidz - Piscataway. Mini Golf. They loved running and collecting new shells. In addition to an amazing pool and poolside bar, our provided kayaks, paddleboards, bikes to borrow and a naturalist led beach walk. Afamily vacation to Florida is usually synonymous with Disney, but it doesn't have to be. 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. Dont get suckered into ordering the special kids drink, though. Located near Fort Myers, just offshore Floridas Gulf Coast, this unique island offers visitors the opportunity to bask in many outdoor activities. There are many fishing companies in the Sanibel area. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. Tip: Many guides will clean the fish for you so you can enjoy your catch for dinner. Activities that appeal to kids of all ages from babies to toddlers to teenagers and beyond. Not so much. We also had dinner there and the kids were super happy with their chicken fingers. See Tripadvisor's 128,735 traveller reviews and photos of kid friendly Sanibel Island attractions It sets over the ocean where you can watch from a huge stretch of public beach. Once youre there, walk down the dock and see if the local fisherman are having any luck. 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. I would be honored to help you co-create your next family travel adventure! It's known for its natural beauty including gorgeous beaches, shelling, and island lifestyle. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Lounge on a Fort Myers Beach. It takes up some real estate in the car, but the hours of fun you'll get out of it are worth it. Additionally, after undergoing several renovations to the main halls and exhibits in 2018 and 2019, the Shell Museum will fully reopen on July 5, 2019, with tons of new features. Read more: 1.Rent A Convertable There's no better way to explore this tropical location with the roof down and the wind in your face. Plan your trip to Captiva before sunset and head to the beach across from the Mucky Duck for the best sunset view available. Stuff your face at Island Cow. Parking at Blind Pass Beach costs $5 per hour and the beach is free to explore. Head to the Crows Nest on Crab Racing Night and see as they say. Sanibel Island is a great place to vacation with a family. We've taken the twins twice and both times they loved running out on the boardwalk and spotting animals. Its a nice place to stay, but the spa is especially wonderful. It has an authentic, old Florida vibe. Thats awesome. It is a pretty photo stop, the beach is (of course) covered with shells and there is a lovely shaded picnic area there. Battlegroundz has a 20,000-square-foot . Not by chance, it became the worlds most famous place for shelling. As a visitor, that attitude is somewhat concerning to me and in the future, Id like to see some efforts in place and real discussion about red tide and the time of year when its low and high, and how to prevent it from happening. The occurrence of Red Tide is when simple plants that live in the sea and freshwatergrow out of control. Just look at these birds we found. Find a Dunkin Donuts and you will be good. One of thebest things to do on Captiva Islandis to watch the sunset. Look up and see if you can observe some ospreys or pelicans. This is a great thing to do in Jekyll Island with kids. Captiva Island is a wonderful day trip from Sanibel Island. What's a beach trip without ice cream? If you can't tell an angel wing from a glassy bubble, a visit to the Bailey-MatthewsNational Shell Museum will set you straight. Sanibel Carts 32 Gear Rentals By michellelL2062DW Sanibel Carts is soooo much fun!! Joe is a great teacher, and storyteller. Pick a beach, any beach, and head on over after dinner. 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. Here you'll find shell-strewn beaches, a laid-back vibe, terrific restaurants and shops,and an incredibly diverse wildlife sampling. The beach was not sandy, it was made of crushed shells. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Fort Myers & Sanibel Island with kids. The tour price covers the rental of all gear, including a PDF, leash, tie-downs, and fresh drinking water for each person. 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. Trust me. 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. It was tempting. Go straight to the beach. of the many flavours of cake, which a Bubble Scout server displays on a silver platter. This is a review for fun things to do near Landfield Ave, Monticello, NY 12701: "Amazing place: gorgeous view, extremely pleasant people and lots of fun. A jaunt down the beach or a bike around the island makes for wonderful take-home memories. Fort Myers Brewery. Mound House. 2. The beach was lovely, and the locals that we talked to told us that we had come before the winter sun-seeking crowds. Taking a walk at Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park is one of the best ways to explore the eastern tip of the island. Just make sure there is nothing living inside of the shell. Nature comes in a spectacular variety in the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. If youre lucky, youll also be able to spot friendly dolphins frolicking around the water. Fully Equipped with an upgraded kitchen featuring stainless steel, Sunzero Wolf appliances, and quartz countertops. Address: 845 E Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957. It was nice to be able to sit out there when the bugs came out later in the evening, and to be able to leave the balcony door open to soak up that lovely sea air. One of the most famous is the Wildlife and Education Boardwalk, which provides excellent views of freshwater areas inhabited by alligators and nesting birds. From beautiful beaches for shelling to countless water activities for kids, Sanibel Island is a great place to vacation for families. We only took a handful home with us as I didnt want to break them in our luggage. It was a day of ribbons and confetti cannons, hugs and back-slapping as two more island business emerged from . Besides relaxing and playing on the beaches, there are kid-friendly restaurants, museums, and historical sites to enjoy with your family. 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! 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. By foot or bike would be my preference, but you can also drive, or take a 90-minute tram tour with Tarpon Bay Explorers. Kids love being responsible for shutting curtains and blinds to help protect the turtles! 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 are several ways to explore the refuge. Summers in Florida are HOT. Times Square and the Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier. First lit in 1884, the area around the lighthouse is open to public, but the lighthouse itself is not. If you have kids and have been considering a Florida vacation you'd be crazy to not visit Fort Myers & Sanibel Island. Summer Waves Water Park is a thrilling experience with plenty of waterslides the whole family can enjoy. Your email address will not be published. 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. The Sanibel Causeway Bridge is a nearly 3-mile road along the west coast, near the beaches overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Do you want amazing sunsets or sunrises? Required fields are marked *. 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. You can also watch a live video feed of behind-the-scenes animal rescue and care. 8 reasons to take the kids to Kissimmee These encounters trump a trip to Disneyworld any day. Cayo Costa State Park. They make 37 flavors daily from a repertoire of more than 130 flavors in total. Here are a few that seem to welcome and appreciate kids. It's a great and inexpensive activity for the family that doesn't involve having everyone sit at a table for an entire meal. There are a lot of super kid-friendly restaurants on the island but there are some that specifically ask you not to bring tots online, so check ahead of time! Looking for a fun activity for the kids that's free and not the beach? 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). Recommended Read: The 10 Most Beautiful Islands in Florida. During the summertime, you'll get those hotter temperatures, as the lows only get down into the 70s during this time of year. 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. Sunrise AND Sunset walks are some of my favorite things to do in Sanibel with kids. There are few places on the East Coast of the United States where you can revel in a western sunset. One of our favoritethings to do at night in Sanibel islandis to come back for a delicious milkshake. I definitely want to go back and explore and this sounds like an amazing place to do just that. With all we had to do, we had plenty to keep us occupied for our three night visit. Resorts felt more high end and had price tags to match. 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). 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. Its not cheap, but the kids will love it. That is until I heard of the western side of the panhandle and more specifically Sanibel Island. I have to include this. Bristol Ocala Vacation Rental. The tour takes you across the flat waters of local estuaries and waterways and offers beginner instruction for those new to the sport. All ages. We saw these cottages at the far end of Sanibel Island whilst viewing one of the most spectacular sunsets that we have ever seen. It's such a great way to spend a bright and sunny afternoon almost any time of year! On our first trip to Sanibel with took the twins to the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. You wont regret taking a drive up to Captiva. the stupidest thing you will ever see if youre not up for something stupid, you might be in the wrong place! The Island also offers many opportunities for kids to learn and have fun at the same time. 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. The kitschy shop at the east end of Sanibel is legendary for its delicious homemade Italian gelato. There are a great deal of things to do on Sanibel Island when traveling with a family. Located off Sanibel-Captiva Road, Bowmans Beach has several miles of secluded white sand and gentle waters ideal for a refreshing swim. 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. Any suggestions on the beat and least expensive fishing guide? Where else but the seashell capital of the world would you find the national shell museum? Smaller dead fish washed up and we had mild coughs when spending extended periods of time on the beach and shore area. Sanibel Island in Florida offers a breathtaking reprieve for families who want to get away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. 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. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Admission is $7 for kids ages 5-11, $9 for ages 12-17, $15 for adults. Pick a beach, any beach, and head on over after dinner. In addition to an amazing pool and poolside bar, our provided kayaks, paddleboards, bikes to borrow and a naturalist led beach walk. 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. 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. Sanibel Island is approximately 30 minutes from the Fort Myers Airport. Skip the line at Bowman's Beach, Sanibel Sea School Day Program + Captiva Watersports. Sanibel Island is known for its idyllic beaches filled with abundant shells. We might have to visit one day. They have a great kids menu, too, and are really patient with annoying children. It's such a fun way to have even more fun at the beach with kids. Kids Activities. Parenting lesson learned? We visited the museum that belongs to the area first. The wildlife refuge is open every day except Fridays. 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. Every single coastal state in the U.S. has reported red tide and the cause is primarily pollution chemicals in the water. Here are the activities they have for kids! 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. 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. Sanibel Island isworld-renownedfor its abundance of seashells. Sanibel Island with kids is the perfect place to let them play. 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. Suzanne Rowan Kelleher is a nationally recognized family travel expert and an award-winning travel writer and editor. 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. But heed the warning signs, as the bridge makes for swift ocean currents and the water around it is not advisable for swimming. The shells on Sanibel make going to the beach even more fun for kids because they have another activity to do. This family-friendly island has lots of activities for kids of all ages most of them free! Sanibel Island takes shelling very seriously! Worth-visiting institutions include the Village Sanibel Historical Museum, which preserves nine historic buildings that tell the islands story. Now? Sanibel Island has enough beautiful beaches to keep you busy for days. Kids Activities. Bring a bottle of wine and let the kids get their feet wet. 4. He had Little Man and Miss M jumping to be first in line the whole time. If we had to drive over and visit just for the day, it would not have been at all the same experience. Edison & Ford Winter Estates. 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. At the parks northern end, youll find a fishing pier, a prime spot for catching redfish, snook, sheepshead, black drum, snapper, and other species. A repertoire of more than 130 flavors in total, Sunzero Wolf appliances, Island... Of year, Sanibel 's sunset locales vary 's known for its idyllic beaches filled with abundant shells hatch! Your trip to Captiva before sunset and head to the Bailey-Matthews shell Museum before winter... 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