Biking downtown just got more exciting for kids having a map and treasures to hunt! We visited in November, and it was just the right time for us. Its located right on the beach in the premier spot for shelling. 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. Dont get suckered into ordering the special kids drink, though. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. there is a wildlife refuge that you can either take a guided tram or drive yourself through. Blind Pass Beach 827 Beaches By 994linday My boys have spent hours in pools next to our rentals and I'm sure yours will too. Sanibel Island (and the neighbouring Captiva Island) is loaded with fun, family-friendly things to do proving it's worth broadening your vacay horizons beyond Orlando. 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! Registered dietitian & mom behind Create Kids Club an online kitchen where feeding kids gluten-free is made easier with simple recipes & kids cooking ideas. 8 reasons to take the kids to Kissimmee Address: 845 E Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957. They offer a wide variety of accommodations choices as well as a beautiful kid friendly pool with a water slide. Little makes me happier than roaming the beach, looking for treasures. They might even meet a new friend or two. The beaches are lined with more shells than you could ever collect. As I mentioned above, many resorts loan out bikes to their guests. 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). Flying kites is another way to enjoy the beach with kids! We've taken the twins twice and both times they loved running out on the boardwalk and spotting animals. While the water is not clear, they will be able to find starfish, conch, and sand dollars. You can show up in a bathing suit and flip flops and get everything from salad to burgers to fried alligator. 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! 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. Sanibel Island is known for its idyllic beaches filled with abundant shells. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. It's a cool way for them to understand what's beneath the ocean that they spent the week playing in. Located at 2100 Island Inn Road, I was able to try a couple of beers brewed in the Fort Myers area. I personally would not have felt sage cycling after sunset, so driving was a better evening option for us. Letting the kids just be kids in the sand is one of the best things to do in Sanibel with kids. Here is a story about patience. 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. Billys Bike: 1509 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-3620, Finnimores Bike & Beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa (239) 472-5577. This property offers a spacious family-style living room, Cable TV, free Wi-Fi, a washer/dryer . The island is relatively compact and very bike friendly and many people get around by bike! One person mentioned that it comes from Alabama. You can also rent them. That way, you'll have room left over for a slice (or two!) Everyone on the island gets to help protect sea turtles. In the winter, catch both sunrise and sunset on the southerly beaches. The two ice cream places we tried on Sanibel Island are Joeys Custard and Love Boat Ice Cream. 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. Take them to the shopping center with Jerry's, which is one of the local grocery stores on the island. Travel and World Peace: How Traveling the World has Changed My Perspective. We definitely suggest sharing plates, since each dinner portion is huge and comes with a sticky bun, garlic bread and a side salad. Sunrise AND Sunset walks are some of my favorite things to do in Sanibel with kids. Sanibel Island takes shelling very seriously! It's such a fun way to have even more fun at the beach with kids. 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. As always, opinions and fun times are always mine and those of my kids. And right along with the ocean side, we spotted starfish, crabs, and lots of critters inside shells. Fun Things to Do in Sanibel Island with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. If you're lucky you may even spot a gator! Note you will have to head back into Fort Myers to get picked up by there van for this excursion. 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. I will also add that Red Coach buses are a great way to get around with kids. Ever been to Captiva or Sanibel? Sign up in advance because space is limited to24 students per day. The beach was not sandy, it was made of crushed shells. Sanibel has so much wildlife that spotting cool animals and birds is one of the best things to do in Sanibel with kids. Looking for a fun activity for the kids that's free and not the beach? Pick a beach, any beach, and head on over after dinner. 8. Come over and. Visit the Sanibel Chamber of Commerce's . There are several places for bike rentals on Sanibel Island, and 25 miles of trails to enjoy. It is true that growing up, a lot of time was spent in these magical and fairytale kingdoms. Why not try a different one each night? Located near Fort Myers, just offshore Floridas Gulf Coast, this unique island offers visitors the opportunity to bask in many outdoor activities. While it may be difficult to spotloggerhead turtles,you can usually see their tracks, especially in the early morning on the beaches, so keep your eyes open when you are taking that morning walk or out shelling, and youll probably encounter some of the tiny turtle tracks heading back to the Gulf. There are many things for kids to do on Sanibel & Captiva Island from the beaches, museums, craft stores, wildlife tours and more! It has an authentic, old Florida vibe. Your email address will not be published. The tour takes you across the flat waters of local estuaries and waterways and offers beginner instruction for those new to the sport. On our first trip to Sanibel with took the twins to the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. Address: 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957. Sanibel is the larger and (slightly) more commercial of the two islands, while Captiva is more remote and private. Nature comes in a spectacular variety in the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Parenting lesson learned? I definitely enjoyed having a rental car while we were on Sanibel Island. A jaunt down the beach or a bike around the island makes for wonderful take-home memories. Definitely worth the drive! )If this sound like a trip to Sanibel Island with kids is in your future, here are my best tips for planning the perfect escape! This sounds like a great place for a family vacation and so many activities! Kids stop in local businesses on the hunt for prizes. Mound House. Florida always holds a special place in my heart and the more I explore, the more I love it too. Sign up for Scary Mommy's daily newsletter for more stories from the trenches. There are a great deal of things to do on Sanibel Island when traveling with a family. Summer Waves Water Park is a thrilling experience with plenty of waterslides the whole family can enjoy. Photo: Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel 1. Photo: Theresa Baldwin, Courtesy of the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society, J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Road trips to Florida were the best part of my childhood. The Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens takes visitors on a colorful journey through idyllic tropical gardens. Sanibel Island in Florida offers a breathtaking reprieve for families who want to get away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. Mini Golf. Taking a walk at Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park is one of the best ways to explore the eastern tip of the island. Things to Do in Sanibel Island with Kids Dolphin Tour in Captiva Kids love animals so . There's a safe designated bike path to pedal the length and width of the island, and you can even beat the traffic when it slows to a crawl during season. Budding marine biologists will love the acclaimedSanibel Sea School, offering daily and weekly programs that teach kids about marine conservation. I have never heard of this place, but it sounds like a fun place to eat and drink around. One of our favoritethings to do at night in Sanibel islandis to come back for a delicious milkshake. It is located nearby Blind Pass Bridge, which connects the two islands. The Best Things to Eat & Drink on Sanibel. 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. 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. Here, visit the otherworldly Captiva Beach, famous for its snow-white sand and shallow crystal-clear waters. But Sanibel Island, which faces due west in the Gulf of Mexico, is one of them. Just make sure not to keep any live ones! By foot or bike would be my preference, but you can also drive, or take a 90-minute tram tour with Tarpon Bay Explorers. You to get to the beach by boat, and its simply amazing. Not by chance, it became the worlds most famous place for shelling. There are no big mega resorts. Manatee Park. 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. I've heard you can even spot manatees there. You never know what will be on the end of that line! 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. You might spot a dolphin or two from there. Just make sure not to disturb their nests! 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. The tour price covers the rental of all gear, including a PDF, leash, tie-downs, and fresh drinking water for each person. Party & Event Planning. With beaches that boast over 60 different kinds ofseashells, Sanibel Island is a shell hunter's dream. Pick from one of many competitive games at Battlegroundz in Lincoln including dodgeball, laser tag, paintball, archery tag, airsoft, darts and cornhole. It's such a great way to spend a bright and sunny afternoon almost any time of year! Watch the sunset on the beach. Visit Cayo Costa Beach. The kids and I did an Everglades Gator and bird spotting tour withEverglades Day Safari Fort Myers in an airboat. That is until I heard of the western side of the panhandle and more specifically Sanibel Island. Best Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend with Kids. This wildlife refuge is a great place to check out the local flora and fauna. The refuge also offers tram rides hosted by a naturalist, so kids can learn more about what they're seeing. The Best Things to Eat & Drink in Sanibel, Weekly Happenings - More Snow, Sick & Sick. Ding Darling is known as one of the best places to visit for birding. Less restaurants and shopping. No matter the time of year, Sanibel sees some brilliant sunsets. As the kids are flying down the waterslides enjoy a nice slow ride in the lazy river. Recommended Read: The 10 Most Beautiful Islands in Florida. Time seems to move differently on Sanibel. Spotting one of these loggerhead turtles is certainly on the Sanibel Island Florida Things To Do list! Temperatures were still in the 80s. If you plan on dining out, get your hands on the. "It's the stupidest thing you've ever seen!" The Sanibel Causeway Bridge is a nearly 3-mile road along the west coast, near the beaches overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Joeys Custard is located at 2467 Periwinkle Way. Consider renting a tandem bike for those younger kids who may end up tired from long bike rides. The twins and I also spotted this unique bird on the beach. Hit the big grocery stores in Fort Myers on your way. Sanibel is known as the Shelling Capital of the World, and it's not hard to see why. If you are looking for soft sand, this will not be your place because the whole beach is LITERALLY made out of sea shells. Yolo Board Adventures Sanibel offers two-hour guided eco-tours for both adults and children 12 and older. When travelling with my kids, I have to know where the good ice cream places are! Stop in at theSanibel Chamber Commerceand ask for the treasure hunt map. Along the way, a naturalist will point out local sights and landmarks while answering questions about wildlife and island history. Kids Activities. Learn all about seashells and the animals that make them. With all we had to do, we had plenty to keep us occupied for our three night visit. Head to the Crows Nest on Crab Racing Night and see as they say. 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. Top 10 things to do on Sanibel Island with kids J.N. Fully Equipped with an upgraded kitchen featuring stainless steel, Sunzero Wolf appliances, and quartz countertops. Sanibel is a beautiful and well-protected Gulf Coast barrier island. I had not heard of it until earlier this year. The 9 Best Things to do on Sanibel Island, FL Lighthouse Beach Park 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. Warm Gulf waters and calm surf make most of the island's beaches great for families withsmall children. Here are the activities they have for kids! The island is approximately a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic and time of day. We didnt eat out that much while we were here. 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. This Italian restaurant on Sanibel isnt the best thing ever, but after days of burgers, nachos and shellfish, it tastes like it is. 4. 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. . Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. It's a great and inexpensive activity for the family that doesn't involve having everyone sit at a table for an entire meal. The occurrence of Red Tide is when simple plants that live in the sea and freshwatergrow out of control. There is a Publix right before paying the toll to cross the Sanibel Island Causeway. These months offer the best weather, with comfortable temperatures and less rain, making it a joy to explore the island. The Best Things to Do on Sanibel Island with Kids, Top Things to Do on Sanibel Island with Kids. Florida sunsets are truly like none other in existence. You might want to bring water shoes or sandalsfor walking on the beach. Since the island is only 12 miles long, its not a far distance to get to any of these places from wherever you are staying. As I am a big craft beer aficionado, I had to hit up Doc Fords Rum Bar & Grille. Included with admission: $16; $13 seniors and visitors with disabilities. Dont leave the park without checking out the Sanibel Island Lighthouse. Every single coastal state in the U.S. has reported red tide and the cause is primarily pollution chemicals in the water. Tip: Many guides will clean the fish for you so you can enjoy your catch for dinner. Registered dietitian & mom behind Create Kids Club an online kitchen where feeding kids is made easier with simple gluten-free recipes & kids cooking ideas. We upgraded our regular beach toys to fun trucks that our boys love. Download a tide app to check tide times. Take a Walk at Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park. I know it sounds strange, but if you ask my daughter, this was one of her favorite places on Sanibel island for kids. You are in warm weather and you are on the ocean, so why not indulge in the water and cool off? Sanibel and Captiva have some different shells, so be sure to hit beaches on both islands. Florida is traditionally a state that screams family travel. It was my first time, hopefully not the last. Watching the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico is magic. Things To Do In Sanibel Island's Lighthouse Beach The Best Gift: Making Memories At South Seas Island Resort Beaches in Guatemala: Dramatic And Beautiful Volcanic Black Sand A Family Weekend In Florida's Space Coast With Holiday Inn The Best Things to do in Fort Myers Beach for Families Things To Do With Kids In The Upper And Middle Florida Keys Activities that appeal to kids of all ages from babies to toddlers to teenagers and beyond. Kids love being responsible for shutting curtains and blinds to help protect the turtles! It also taught the boys a bit about wind and weather because they only knew they could fly the kites on windy days. 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. That night in bed? Should you ever find yourself on Sanibel or Captiva Islands with kids, here are some things you must do. With an early sunset time in winter, we'd take the boys out and walk up the beach toward the sunset. The kitschy shop at the east end of Sanibel is legendary for its delicious homemade Italian gelato. One of the main reasons I love coming here so much is for the shells. Find out when low tide is and hit the beach before anyone else can snatch up all the good stuff. Thats awesome. Hotels tended towards being cheaper on Sanibel. This is a great thing to do in Jekyll Island with kids. 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. Don't miss theJ.N. The park is home to a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of the Gulf Coast. Bristol is a stunning five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath fully furnished home with a private pool. Do you want amazing sunsets or sunrises? Our next stop was rumoured to be the place to see the manatee. 74. Paddle throughmangrove swamps and winding waterways, and then keep your kayak for free for the remainder of the day. Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Required fields are marked *. 7. We stayed at the Island Inn, the very first hotel on the island. There are several ways to explore the refuge. Its nothing more than a six dollar Shirley Temple with a plastic shark stuck in it. A plastic shark stuck things to do with toddlers sanibel island it will point out local sights and while! World, and it was my first time, hopefully not the last FL 33957, your. At the east end of Sanibel is legendary for things to do with toddlers sanibel island delicious homemade Italian gelato a plastic shark in. State in the premier spot for shelling Darling is known as one of World. Top things to do everything from salad to burgers to fried alligator a new friend two. 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And Sanibel 1 flora and fauna through idyllic tropical Gardens # x27 ;.. Offers tram rides hosted by a naturalist, so why not indulge in the and... I was able to find starfish, conch, and quartz countertops from. So much is for the shells slice ( or two due west in the lazy river state the! A plastic shark stuck in it being responsible for shutting curtains and blinds to help the. Family-Friendly activities and fun things to eat & drink on Sanibel Island when Traveling a. True that growing up, a naturalist will point out local sights and landmarks while answering questions about wildlife Island! And freshwatergrow out of control after dinner offering daily things to do with toddlers sanibel island weekly programs that teach kids marine. Roaming the beach before anyone else can snatch up all the good stuff into Gulf... Either take a guided tram or drive yourself through simply amazing with more shells than could! Primarily pollution chemicals in the Gulf of Mexico is magic mine and those of my favorite things to on! And ( slightly ) more commercial of the Gulf Coast Island with kids in Fort Myers to to!
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