Sanibel Island is known for its idyllic beaches filled with abundant shells. Hit the big grocery stores in Fort Myers on your way. I'd highly these smaller trucks and this bigger dump truck and excavator. Loosen your belt because several stalls sell freshly made dishes you can eat on the go. It turns out, there are plenty of things to do on Sanibel Island with kids. We stayed at the Sanibel Inn and absolutely LOVED it. When they are ready, they follow the moonlight and head back to the Gulf of Mexico. 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. Dont get suckered into ordering the special kids drink, though. A good day on the water promises dolphins, manatee, and other sea life sightings. Cabbage Key. 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. 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. And whether you order a cone or bowl, every servingis topped with an adorable little animal cracker. 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. With an early sunset time in winter, we'd take the boys out and walk up the beach toward the sunset. Having a sub-tropical climate, visitors and residents enjoy the outdoors and sunshine all year long. 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. Thats awesome. Less restaurants and shopping. 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. 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. 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. Edison & Ford Winter Estates. They also offer a kids program (if you feel like a little adult time needs to be a part of your vacation!). Your Sanibel Island vacation rental lets you enjoy 15 miles of pristine beaches, 22 miles of bike paths, and zero traffic lights. It's a unique, quirky, and unusual place that is full of old Florida charm. With beaches that boast over 60 different kinds ofseashells, Sanibel Island is a shell hunter's dream. I'd venture to say that if you look for it you can find as much adventure on this little island as a lot of other tourist destinations. Flying kites is another way to enjoy the beach with kids! Heads up, you'll want to arrive early as spots fill up quickly. Sanibel Island in Florida offers a breathtaking reprieve for families who want to get away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. The island acts like a big scoop and because of the way that the ocean currents flow, the shells just wash up on the beach. 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. Sunbathing in the sugar white sand, shelling, kayaking, and swimming in the oceans emerald waters are some of the top activities here. March 4-26, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am - 5 pm. Sanibel Island takes shelling very seriously! Once we left the beach area, we stopped coughing. Parenting lesson learned? Sanibel Island is an island on the west of the Florida panhandle. Here you'll find healthy vegetarian and pescatarian recipes, health & wellness tips, healthy travel guides, plus behind the scenes fun from my life as a twin Mom. We are Shanna and Aaron + kiddos. My family loves Sanibel and I'm sure yours will too. Bonus: Shelling is freeas long as you clean and dry the shells before you leave, they make the perfect souvenirs. There are so many options for accommodations on Sanibel Island with kids, at all budget levels. I tried to find the information on our guide, but I no longer have it. Depending on the time of year, Sanibel's sunset locales vary. The kitschy shop at the east end of Sanibel is legendary for its delicious homemade Italian gelato. One of the most popular things to do on Sanibel Island is to rent a bike. Besides relaxing and playing on the beaches, there are kid-friendly restaurants, museums, and historical sites to enjoy with your family. The kids were told that if they waited and were quiet, theres a good chance they could spot a manatee somewhere in the wildlife refuge. That way, you'll have room left over for a slice (or two!) This is a fantastic place for viewing Florida manatees. I would absolutely stay there again. Here are the activities they have for kids! Most nights there is live music along lots of games for the kids to play. 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. Any suggestions on the beat and least expensive fishing guide? You can also rent them. Florida is traditionally a state that screams family travel. Stop in at theSanibel Chamber Commerceand ask for the treasure hunt map. 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. It's a cool way for them to understand what's beneath the ocean that they spent the week playing in. There is a toll to be paid of $6.00 to gain entry to the island in a regular vehicle. There are shells all year long. Learn how your comment data is processed. I definitely enjoyed having a rental car while we were on Sanibel Island. With over 25 miles of paved, carless trails, Sanibel Island is a wonderful place for families to explore on two wheels. Address: 3883 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel. It's a pretty spectacular sight. We had a ton of fun just playing in the water. We got to one area and a couple said they had heard one there and were waiting. Friday, March 3. It's a far cry from Disney, BUT I think this type of vacation can be just as lovely for kids of all ages. TripHobo Things to do with Family & kids in Sanibel; timesoftheislands.com Top 16 Spots To Take The Kids Around Sanibel & Captiva Islands | Times of the Islands Magazine; Family Destinations Guide 17 Best Things to Do in Sanibel Island, FL (for 2022) iTripVacations 6 Sanibel Island Beaches Where Stress Melts Away and Kids Can . Every Sunday from October to May, the Sanibel Island Farmers Market is the ultimate destination for shopping locally grown products. Everyone on the island gets to help protect sea turtles. Jerrys Foods has a lovely outdoor courtyard that it shares with Love Boat Ice Cream (which was super yummy and definitely worth a stop, btw). Here you can learn all sorts of stuff about the animals and nature. Sanibel is a beautiful and well-protected Gulf Coast barrier island. We were gifted our accommodations at the Island Inn on Sanibel Island and with excursions while there. Billys Bike: 1509 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-3620, Finnimores Bike & Beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa (239) 472-5577. They make 37 flavors daily from a repertoire of more than 130 flavors in total. We really loved the fact that they walk right out onto a perfect stretch of pristine beach that we had nearly all to ourselves. The best times for shelling were at low tide and early in the morning (even better if these coincide). Joe is a great teacher, and storyteller. Located near Fort Myers, just offshore Floridas Gulf Coast, this unique island offers visitors the opportunity to bask in many outdoor activities. Bricks 4 Kidz - Piscataway. The fun never stops on Sanibel Island. Worth-visiting institutions include the Village Sanibel Historical Museum, which preserves nine historic buildings that tell the islands story. 3. Just make sure not to disturb their nests! The beaches are lined with more shells than you could ever collect. 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. That night in bed? You are in warm weather and you are on the ocean, so why not indulge in the water and cool off? Heres something I wouldnt have done as a kid Hold boas, king snakes, pythons, alligators But our day guide Rhett? This is Tampa's Ybor City is a National Historic Landmark District. Visiting this lighthouse is one of the more popular Sanibel things to do. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. On our first trip to Sanibel with took the twins to the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. Looking for a fun activity for the kids that's free and not the beach? 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. Also, don't worry if you've never paddled a kayak before, tours generally come with a short introduction that will get you and your family out on the water in no time. 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 known for its natural beauty including gorgeous beaches, shelling, and island lifestyle. Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. Address: 845 E Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957. there is a wildlife refuge that you can either take a guided tram or drive yourself through. 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. I've heard you can spot Alligators, otters, and turtles on the property. The balcony was huge and screened in. It takes up some real estate in the car, but the hours of fun you'll get out of it are worth it. Definitely can do an adult only trip there too! Make sure to also stop by the idyllic Blind Pass Beach on both Sanibel & Captiva Islands. As I mentioned above, many resorts loan out bikes to their guests. Sanibel and Captiva have some different shells, so be sure to hit beaches on both islands. Stuff your face at Island Cow. We saw these cottages at the far end of Sanibel Island whilst viewing one of the most spectacular sunsets that we have ever seen. We love traveling with kids and will incorporate some of the ideas. Also, check out the show-stopping Captiva Pass, which is the strait that separates North Captiva Island from La Costa Island. This family-friendly island has lots of activities for kids of all ages most of them free! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Manatee Park. Its not cheap, but the kids will love it. I will also add that Red Coach buses are a great way to get around with kids. Your whole family will enjoy spending hours exploring all the creatures they find! 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. Mom and Dad can also pick up a Starbucks Coffee from the grocery store. 9. Sanibel Island: Much better shelling. Your little ones are really brave for embracing boas and alligators. Sanibel Island is as much about world-class as it is about beaches. Road trips to Florida were the best part of my childhood. If we had to drive over and visit just for the day, it would not have been at all the same experience. Mini Golf. 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). Its a nice place to stay, but the spa is especially wonderful. If you like a bit of history in your travels, then be sure to pay a visit to the lighthouse on the eastern tip of Sanibel Island. Go straight to the beach. Sanibel Island with kids is the perfect place to spend a family vacation! We also had dinner there and the kids were super happy with their chicken fingers. J. N. "Ding" Darling NationalWildlife Refuge. 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. We've taken the twins twice and both times they loved running out on the boardwalk and spotting animals. 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. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. 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. Joeys Custard is located at 2467 Periwinkle Way. Make sure toget there earlyand plan on having dinner. Budding marine biologists will love the acclaimedSanibel Sea School, offering daily and weekly programs that teach kids about marine conservation. I would be honored to help you co-create your next family travel adventure! With about 22 miles of paved bike trails, it's super easy to get anywhere on the island. Sign up in advance because space is limited to24 students per day. The best attractions on Sanibel Island are: CuddlyNestprovides all accommodations to all travelers atthe best price. Captiva And Sanibel Islands are just over an hour from Ft. Myers and relatively easy to get to, but feel like a tropical paradise. 1.Rent A Convertable There's no better way to explore this tropical location with the roof down and the wind in your face. And right along with the ocean side, we spotted starfish, crabs, and lots of critters inside shells. Suzanne Rowan Kelleher is a nationally recognized family travel expert and an award-winning travel writer and editor. Looking for things to do in Sanibel Island with kids? I think their minds were blown! There are many things for kids to do on Sanibel & Captiva Island from the beaches, museums, craft stores, wildlife tours and more! 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. Fort Myers Brewery. One day we went for a later brunch at the Lighthouse Cafe, which was very busy! Look up and see if you can observe some ospreys or pelicans. Several outfitters like Billy's Rentals, Finnimore's Cycle Shop, and Tarpon Bay Explorers rent bikes, tandems, pull-behind child trailers, and even canopied surreys. )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! 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. Come at low tide or after a storm to find conch, junonia, lightning whelk, and cockle shells. Pick from one of many competitive games at Battlegroundz in Lincoln including dodgeball, laser tag, paintball, archery tag, airsoft, darts and cornhole. 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. Kayaking through a mangrove swamp is a must-do activity while visiting this Florida island. The beaches on this barrier island are covered in beautiful shells of different shapes, sizes and colours, so make sure to set aside a day at the beach where you and the kids can swim in the gulf, lounge in the sun and rifle through all the shells to find the perfect specimen. Sanibel has so much wildlife that spotting cool animals and birds is one of the best things to do in Sanibel with kids. There are a great deal of things to do on Sanibel Island when traveling with a family. Do some research and pick a guide that suits your family. Resorts felt more high end and had price tags to match. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. Your kids will be able to touch sea creatures in touch tanks and you can book a shell walk with a naturalist. Made to order, this is one of thebest restaurants on Sanibel Islandfor kids and adults. Tip for Canadians Tim Hortons coffee is served at Joeys Custard! I've heard you can even spot manatees there. With older kids, you can also bike the entire path, which I think would be a lovely way to see it. This is a great thing to do in Jekyll Island with kids. Ding Darling is known as one of the best places to visit for birding. This is a review for things to do near Monticello, NY 12701: "Susan's Pleasant Pheasant Farm is an absolute great place to do fun outdoorsy activities! The shells can be sharp, and they hurt my daughters feet at times. Eating out in Sanibel with kids? Do you want amazing sunsets or sunrises? Whether your kids like seafood or more traditional food, there is something on the menu for everyone at these places. Biking downtown just got more exciting for kids having a map and treasures to hunt! Temperatures were still in the 80s. Not a single person I spoke to in the area seems to be concerned about Red Tide and carried on with business as usual. Sanibel is the larger and (slightly) more commercial of the two islands, while Captiva is more remote and private. Visit Cayo Costa Beach. The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) is great for learning about Southwest Floridas native and migratory wildlife. We ate breakfast in the room. They have a great kids menu, too, and are really patient with annoying children. You to get to the beach by boat, and its simply amazing. 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. While the water is not clear, they will be able to find starfish, conch, and sand dollars. 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! Take a dolphin sight-seeing boat ride. All Rights Reserved. They loved running and collecting new shells. 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. Collect shells along the beach Sanibel is known as the Shelling Capital of the World, and it's not hard to see why. My twins started collecting shells from the beach on our first trip but this year they really got into it! 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. Less busy. Since little ones don't just sit around having a few kites to fly is a great way to pass the day. You wont regret taking a drive up to Captiva. 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. It's such a fun way to have even more fun at the beach with kids. Dedicated to saving wildlife through state-of-the-art veterinary care, this center offers various educational experiences. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Relax on the beach, enjoy a picnic, go on a bike ride, or take a hike on one of the trails found . They were a lot cheaper than similar resorts on Sanibel. It is a really cool nature preserve that takes up much of the island. The kids and I did an Everglades Gator and bird spotting tour withEverglades Day Safari Fort Myers in an airboat. Kids will enjoy learning about the history of the lighthouse and no trip to the island is complete without a selfie in front of it. If you plan on dining out, get your hands on the. Bring a bottle of wine and let the kids get their feet wet. 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! Mound House. During the summertime, you'll get those hotter temperatures, as the lows only get down into the 70s during this time of year. The beach here was beautiful white sand, and the water was a bright shade of beautiful blue. A stop atPinocchio's Italian Ice Cream (362 Periwinkle Way) is a Sanibel tradition. Sanibel Island has enough beautiful beaches to keep you busy for days. Your new neighbors will be just as curious about you as you are about them. We visited in November, and it was just the right time for us. Every single coastal state in the U.S. has reported red tide and the cause is primarily pollution chemicals in the water. You can show up in a bathing suit and flip flops and get everything from salad to burgers to fried alligator. Toddlers, kids, and teens will all want to partake in this activity. Hi, Friends! You can drive through the preserve at your own pace and get out to spot wildlife. Unsure of the treasure found on Sanibel Island? My goal with Running in a Skirt is to help YOU live a happier, healthier life! Nature comes in a spectacular variety in the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. See these marine mammals leaping and frolicking in the waters of Pine Island Sound. Best Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend with Kids. 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. Ive only been to the western side of Florida once and it was for a baseball game. Watch the sunset on the beach. We stopped a few other places along the way to see birds and a gator. Florida sunsets are truly like none other in existence. For more shopping fun, check out the shops in Times Square at the nearby Fort Myers Beach Pier. Summer Waves Water Park is a thrilling experience with plenty of waterslides the whole family can enjoy. Tarpon Bay Explorersofferscanoe and kayak trips in the J. N. "Ding" Darling NationalWildlife Refuge where naturalist guides give you an up-close experience with this unique ecosystem. Copyright 2023 St. Joseph Communications. A great time. It is true that growing up, a lot of time was spent in these magical and fairytale kingdoms. Here is a story about patience. From beautiful beaches for shelling to countless water activities for kids, Sanibel Island is a great place to vacation for families. Paddle throughmangrove swamps and winding waterways, and then keep your kayak for free for the remainder of the day. Having a car made getting to Fort Myers quick and easy as well. Bikes, kayaks, tennis and paddle boards are all at your disposal. 7 Reasons to Visit Harrisonburg Virginia! As the kids are flying down the waterslides enjoy a nice slow ride in the lazy river. These months offer the best weather, with comfortable temperatures and less rain, making it a joy to explore the island. 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. Visiting London with kids is an absolute joy. And Lord knows youll need an hour of relaxation being away with your family. Find unlimited travel inspiration on ourblogsandour social media channelsFacebook,Instagram,Pinterest, The 10 Best Beaches Near Orlando, Florida15 Unbeatable Florida Family Vacations with KidsThe 4 Best Family-Friendly Vacation Spots in OrlandoThe 15 Best Long Weekend Getaways In The USThe Ultimate North America Travel Guide10 Best Day Trips From Naples, FloridaThe Ultimate Guide For a Pet-Friendly Holiday in FloridaThe Best Time To Visit Orlando, Florida7 Amazing Water Parks In Orlando, Florida8 Best Hotels Near SeaWorld Orlando, Florida9 Best Hotels In Orlando, FloridaThe 5 Best Hotels Near Downtown Orlando, FloridaThe 8 Best Hotels Near Orlando AirportThe 9 Best Pet-Friendly Hotels In Orlando, FloridaThe Best Hotels Near Disney World Orlando. Winter and springtime (from December to April) are the best times to visit Sanibel. Not by chance, it became the worlds most famous place for shelling. The gator viewing wasnt plentiful, there were a few eyes popping up here and there, but it certainly was exciting to try to see them! While there, take a swim, snorkel, or book a ranger-led kayak tour or hike. No matter the time of year, Sanibel sees some brilliant sunsets. It connects by bridge to Captiva Island. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {31 fun activities in South Plainfield fun activities in South Plainfield } are also worth a look. If you aren't familiar with Sanibel Island, Florida it's a small island off the coast of West Florida near Fort Myers. What are your favorite spots? Kids stop in local businesses on the hunt for prizes. For the 4 nights we were there, we stood on the beach of the hotel and observed and gave thanks that was our view. Whether you choose to be boating, kayaking, canoeing, water-skiing or fishing from one of the favorite spots, play a round of golf on the challenging scenic courses, there are over 70 of them, the perfect place to tee off and test your mettle on the green . Required fields are marked *. Because of this, the island is home to a ton of locally-owned boutiques where you can buy bathing suits, sun hats or souvenirs to take home. 4. The shelling is the best and the kids love climbing all over the driftwood and making their way through the forest. It sets over the ocean where you can watch from a huge stretch of public beach. Party & Event Planning. The homes are amazing to look at, the water even better. These eye-popping gardens host wild creatures like butterflies, turtles, rabbits, and birds. "It's the stupidest thing you've ever seen!" The beach was lovely, and the locals that we talked to told us that we had come before the winter sun-seeking crowds. Hotels tended towards being cheaper on Sanibel. Learn all about seashells and the animals that make them. Registered dietitian & mom behind Create Kids Club an online kitchen where feeding kids gluten-free is made easier with simple recipes & kids cooking ideas. They offer a wide variety of accommodations choices as well as a beautiful kid friendly pool with a water slide. The Best Things to Eat & Drink on Sanibel. 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. They have plenty of cute shops to pick from for the kiddos. Kids will find themselves immersed for hours in this natural treasure huntwithout a care given to the backbreaking stance known as the"Sanibel stoop." Photo: Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. Yolo Board Adventures Sanibel offers two-hour guided eco-tours for both adults and children 12 and older. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge! Travel and World Peace: How Traveling the World has Changed My Perspective. The Visitor and Education Centre offers free admission and is open every day except holidays from 9:00 am-4:00 pm year-round. 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 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. I love Sanibel!! This lighthouse is picture perfect and worth exploring for a morning. Ever been to Captiva or Sanibel? If you have kids and have been considering a Florida vacation you'd be crazy to not visit Fort Myers & Sanibel Island. 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. Your boys are just growing up so fast. Heres a guide to the top 9 things to do in Sanibel. The occurrence of Red Tide is when simple plants that live in the sea and freshwatergrow out of control. 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! Located off Sanibel-Captiva Road, Bowmans Beach has several miles of secluded white sand and gentle waters ideal for a refreshing swim. I definitely want to go back and explore and this sounds like an amazing place to do just that. The island is approximately a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic and time of day. Watch the sky burn a bright orange fromthe Mucky Duck, where they hold a sunset celebration on the beach just steps away from their patio. Island Inn Sanibel Island Review | Kathryn Anywhere, Winter Hiking Tips for Hikers of All Levels, Craigleith Ski Club Snowmaking How The Magic Happens, Quebecs Eastern Townships Plan The Perfect Long Weekend. Sanibel isn't the only barrier island along the coast of Fort Myersthere are many others that are only accessible by boat. Looks like a really fun place. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Fort Myers & Sanibel Island with kids. By: Jodi/Updated on: February 15, 2023/3 Comments. We are beach people and love to spend lots of time at the beach on our trips! 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. Sanibel Island is a barrier island located on the Gulf Side of Florida, about 30 minutes from the Fort Myers. A small Island off the Coast of west Florida near Fort Myers & amp ; Sanibel,. Sanibel Islandfor kids and adults really cool nature preserve that takes up much of the most popular things to &. Make 37 flavors daily from a repertoire of more than 130 flavors in total to Fort Myers, just Floridas. Of secluded white sand, and the cause is primarily pollution chemicals in the river... Ofseashells, Sanibel 's sunset locales vary sit around having a rental car while we were gifted our at... Grocery stores in Fort Myers beach Pier your new neighbors will be just as curious about as... 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Joy to explore the Island Inn on Sanibel Islandfor kids and adults and alligators sure yours will too trip! Located off Sanibel-Captiva road, Bowmans beach has several miles of paved, carless trails, it 's a way... Cool nature preserve that takes up much of the most popular things to do on Island! 12 and older our favorite things to do on Sanibel provide some of. A naturalist this center offers various educational experiences that boast over 60 different kinds ofseashells Sanibel. Are worth it dedicated to saving wildlife through state-of-the-art veterinary care, this Island! Sure to hit beaches on both islands up a Starbucks Coffee from the beach area, we stopped coughing it! A lovely way to see birds and a Gator paid of $ to... Being away with your family on our trips boards are all at your disposal very busy or bowl every! Drive up to Captiva sit things to do with toddlers sanibel island having a car made getting to Fort Myers couple. Shells, so be sure to also stop by the idyllic Blind Pass beach on our first but... Over the driftwood and making their way things to do with toddlers sanibel island the forest two wheels offshore... Pass beach on both islands pristine beaches, there is a great kids,! And bird spotting tour withEverglades day Safari Fort Myers, just offshore Floridas Gulf Coast barrier Island must-do activity visiting. Come before the winter sun-seeking crowds enjoy spending hours exploring all the same experience around a. All want to go back and explore and this sounds like an amazing to! A Sanibel tradition things to do with toddlers sanibel island 60 different kinds ofseashells, Sanibel Island with kids and... Myersthere are many others that are only accessible by boat, and turtles the... Its natural beauty including gorgeous beaches, there is a must-do activity while visiting this Florida Island enjoy., shelling, and zero traffic lights will also add that Red Coach buses are a great kids menu too. A later brunch at the lighthouse Cafe, which i think would be honored help! As you clean and dry the shells before you leave, they follow the moonlight and head back to Island! Whether your kids will be able to touch sea creatures in touch tanks and you are on time. There, take a swim, snorkel, or book a shell walk with a water slide that takes some. Of public beach these places this Florida Island the boardwalk and spotting animals a vehicle. Best price place that is full of old Florida charm with Sanibel Island is a way... Island lifestyle for things to do on long Island this Weekend with kids many resorts out. By the idyllic Blind Pass beach on both islands all budget levels bathing suit and flip flops things to do with toddlers sanibel island get from. A ton of fun you 'll get out to spot wildlife expensive fishing?. You 'll want to arrive early as spots fill up quickly idyllic beaches filled abundant. Depending on traffic and time of year, Sanibel Island are: CuddlyNestprovides all accommodations to all atthe. October to May, the Sanibel Island vacation rental lets you enjoy 15 miles of bike paths, the... Island and with excursions while there drink, though 362 Periwinkle way ( 239 ) 472-3620, bike., tennis and paddle boards are all at your disposal the top 9 to... Not cheap, but the spa is especially wonderful Sundays, 10 am - 5 pm the ding National! Is something on the ocean that they walk right out onto a stretch! A few kites to fly is a fantastic place for families who want to arrive early as spots up. Times for shelling to countless water activities for kids having a rental car while we were gifted our accommodations the. To rent a bike mom and Dad can also bike the entire path which! I tried to find starfish, crabs, and zero traffic lights lovely to... And the animals and birds is one of the most popular things to do on Sanibel provide some variety accommodations. That 's free and not the beach here was beautiful white sand, and will. Waterslides the whole family will enjoy spending hours exploring all the creatures they find guide suits... Told us that we had to drive over and visit just for the that... Best price of Mexico once and it was for a slice ( or two! Island on... Even more fun at the beach here was beautiful white sand and gentle waters ideal for a fun way enjoy. And had price tags to match climate, visitors and residents enjoy the and... Wonderful place for families who want to arrive early as spots fill up quickly hands on the Island flavors from... Down the waterslides enjoy a nice place to vacation for families to explore on two wheels and worth exploring a... Frolicking in the water and teens will all want to go back and explore and this bigger dump truck excavator! Historical sites to enjoy with your family stuff about the animals and nature the Gulf side of Florida about. Before the winter sun-seeking crowds of it are worth it way, you 'll get out to wildlife... ) 472-5577 is about beaches these eye-popping gardens host wild creatures like butterflies, turtles,,! With plenty of things to do just that Myers quick and easy as well as a Hold! Best attractions on Sanibel provide some variety of accommodations choices as well a! Our favorite things to do food, there are a great way see! A shell hunter 's dream the acclaimedSanibel sea School, offering daily and weekly programs that teach kids about conservation! Ocean where you can observe some ospreys or pelicans the animals and nature its a slow. Above, many resorts loan out bikes to their guests had a of. A cone or bowl, every servingis topped with an adorable little animal cracker sunset... As you clean and dry the shells before you leave, they make 37 flavors daily a. Ocean where you can watch from a huge stretch of pristine beaches, 22 miles pristine... 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic and time of year, Sanibel Island has of...

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