I will also add that Red Coach buses are a great way to get around with kids. We really loved the fact that they walk right out onto a perfect stretch of pristine beach that we had nearly all to ourselves. (Plus, if you didn't happen upon a coveted shell while strolling on the beach, you can easily find intact specimens available for purchase in many different stores.) There are few places on the East Coast of the United States where you can revel in a western sunset. Why not try a different one each night? Flying kites is another way to enjoy the beach with kids! Cabbage Key. A quick drive from Fort Myers, Florida will take you to a tropical island getaway with so much family-friendly fun to explore. Download a tide app to check tide times. My boys have spent hours in pools next to our rentals and I'm sure yours will too. 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. What a great way to vacation around Sanibel! It was my first time, hopefully not the last. It was tempting. Denver is quickly becoming one of the most traveled destinations in the USA. Kids Activities. Once youre there, walk down the dock and see if the local fisherman are having any luck. Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. We were able to wake up and walk right out onto the beach to go shelling in the morning, without having to get in a car. It takes justone visittoSanibel Islandbefore youll start planning yournext trip back. 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. In the winter, catch both sunrise and sunset on the southerly beaches. Captiva And Sanibel Islands are just over an hour from Ft. Myers and relatively easy to get to, but feel like a tropical paradise. Sanibel has so much wildlife that spotting cool animals and birds is one of the best things to do in Sanibel with kids. Sanibel is known as the Shelling Capital of the World, and it's not hard to see why. 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. See alligators, raccoons, otters, and hundreds of different kinds ofbirds in this 6,300-acre wilderness. It is true that growing up, a lot of time was spent in these magical and fairytale kingdoms. There are a great deal of things to do on Sanibel Island when traveling with a family. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family trip, or a nature escape, this Southwest Florida paradise is the perfect choice for your vacation! If youre lucky, youll also be able to spot friendly dolphins frolicking around the water. They even have a special app that you can download and identify any shells that you find (you dont have to visit the museum to use the app!). You to get to the beach by boat, and its simply amazing. Head to the Crows Nest on Crab Racing Night and see as they say. And whether you order a cone or bowl, every servingis topped with an adorable little animal cracker. Here you'll find shell-strewn beaches, a laid-back vibe, terrific restaurants and shops, and an incredibly diverse wildlife sampling. Everyone on the island gets to help protect sea turtles. Edison & Ford Winter Estates. 2022 5. Parking at Blind Pass Beach costs $5 per hour and the beach is free to explore. Sign up in advance because space is limited to24 students per day. Sanibel Island: Much better shelling. It takes up some real estate in the car, but the hours of fun you'll get out of it are worth it. Reach out to me using this form and lets start brainstorming and planning your next amazing escapebecause to me it is more than just a vacation. 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. 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. Not a single person I spoke to in the area seems to be concerned about Red Tide and carried on with business as usual. 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. 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. Several hiking trails allow visitors to explore the wonders of this wildlife refuge. We got to one area and a couple said they had heard one there and were waiting. They have a great kids menu, too, and are really patient with annoying children. Hit the big grocery stores in Fort Myers on your way. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. 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. Photo: Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel 1. Kids stop in local businesses on the hunt for prizes. With older kids, you can also bike the entire path, which I think would be a lovely way to see it. In fact, almost half of the entire island is dedicated to the J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which you can drive, bike or walk through to spot some of the region's many different creatures among the estuaries. Looks like a really fun place. Beaches, Free TYPE 2 hours to Half Day TIME TO SPEND Bowman's is well known for having beautiful, unusual shells, but you'll have to put a. 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. Skip the line at Bowman's Beach, Sanibel Sea School Day Program + Captiva Watersports. Spotting one of these loggerhead turtles is certainly on the Sanibel Island Florida Things To Do list! I've tried to keep treats healthier at home too while they were super young, but always had the intentions of loosening that up a bit as they get older. No arguments there! Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. 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. Sanibel Island is as much about world-class as it is about beaches. Pick a beach, any beach, and head on over after dinner. The burgers are amazing, I highly recommend the turkey burger. The whole family has endless opportunities for fun. And why wouldnt they do that? Sanibel Island is approximately 30 minutes from the Fort Myers Airport. Unsure of the treasure found on Sanibel Island? I have to include this. Here you'll find shell-strewn beaches, a laid-back vibe, terrific restaurants and shops,and an incredibly diverse wildlife sampling. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Road trips to Florida were the best part of my childhood. Things to Do in Sanibel Island with Kids Dolphin Tour in Captiva Kids love animals so . That is until I heard of the western side of the panhandle and more specifically Sanibel Island. 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. Just make sure not to disturb their nests! A good day on the water promises dolphins, manatee, and other sea life sightings. We love traveling with kids and will incorporate some of the ideas. 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. I am not going to post about EVERYTHING to do on Sanibel Island for kids. There was a mild red tide when we visited. Florida is traditionally a state that screams family travel. The Best Things to Do on Sanibel Island with Kids, Top Things to Do on Sanibel Island with Kids. Ding Darling is known as one of the best places to visit for birding. Visit Cayo Costa Beach. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge On this part of Sanibel you'll find a protected piece of nature with quite an impressive wildlife! Copyright 2023, Create Kids Club. 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. 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!. 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. Once I heard of it, I wanted to know what there was to do on Sanibel Island with kids. Its the only way to get a seat at the race table! If you are staying at a resort and arent planning on straying too far from your quarters, you might be able to get by without a car (especially if your resort has bikes that you can use, which many Sanibel Island family resorts do). This sounds like a great island to visit. 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. Having a sub-tropical climate, visitors and residents enjoy the outdoors and sunshine all year long. The beach was lovely, and the locals that we talked to told us that we had come before the winter sun-seeking crowds. Here are a few things to think about when narrowing down the best Sanibel Island family resorts for your vacation. 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. From action-packed water sports to relaxing spa treatments, we have something for everyone. This is one of the best things to do on Sanibel with kids. The Sanibel Inn provided kayaks and paddle boards for us to use! Looking for a fun activity for the kids that's free and not the beach? Watching the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico is magic. 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. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. It's a great and inexpensive activity for the family that doesn't involve having everyone sit at a table for an entire meal. Kayaking through a mangrove swamp is a must-do activity while visiting this Florida island. Billys Bike: 1509 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-3620, Finnimores Bike & Beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa (239) 472-5577. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Almost every restaurant in the area boasts its own version of Key Lime pie, but if you have kidsor a big sweet toothyou HAVE to make a stopfor a slice of cake at the Bubble Roomlocated on Captiva island (which is accessible from Sanibel by car). If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. The two ice cream places we tried on Sanibel Island are Joeys Custard and Love Boat Ice Cream. Its amazing! Located near Fort Myers, just offshore Floridas Gulf Coast, this unique island offers visitors the opportunity to bask in many outdoor activities. I had not heard of it until earlier this year. While visiting Chateaux Sur Mer, you might make a stop by sights like Sanibel Island Southern Beach and Bowman's Beach. Just ask! They are almost all the way to Captiva, so if you are wanting to visit both islands, this is an ideal place to base yourself. The park is home to a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of the Gulf Coast. 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. 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 . 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! Make sure to go during low tide because that's when a lot of the birds, including brown and white pelicans, ibis, cormorants and spoonbills, flock to the refuge to feed on fish stuck in the shallow water. With about 22 miles of paved bike trails, it's super easy to get anywhere on the island. Its located right on the beach in the premier spot for shelling. Bonus: Shelling is freeas long as you clean and dry the shells before you leave, they make the perfect souvenirs. I think we stopped here three times during our stay. After your walk, you can enjoy a picnic lunch. I offer tools, guides and resources to help you through all of the steps of planning meaningful, memorable family vacations. 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. One of our favoritethings to do at night in Sanibel islandis to come back for a delicious milkshake. Unfortunately for me, there are no craft breweries on the island. Throughout the year, the temperatures on Sanibel Island can range anywhere from the mid-50s to the low 90s. He was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the reptiles that live in the Everglades, the kids couldnt help but be into it. Sanibel Island takes shelling very seriously! Bikes, kayaks, tennis and paddle boards are all at your disposal. Here you can learn all sorts of stuff about the animals and nature. Our days were spent playing in the water, riding bikes around the island and collecting shells (SO MAY SHELLS! You will not find chain restaurants, high rises, or traffic lights here. Sanibel Island with kids is the perfect place to spend a family vacation! They were pretty excited to start filling their bags when we got there. Make sure toget there earlyand plan on having dinner. The island is approximately a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic and time of day. They loved running and collecting new shells. On our first trip to Sanibel with took the twins to the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. They loved running and collecting new shells. Kids can easily split a kids meal, especially if they fill up on the bottomless muffins that come first. Required fields are marked *. If you can't tell an angel wing from a glassy bubble, a visit to the Bailey-MatthewsNational Shell Museum will set you straight. We collected shells every day we were there and it never got old for the boys. Depending on the time of year, Sanibel's sunset locales vary. Heres a guide to the top 9 things to do in Sanibel. 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. Also, check out the show-stopping Captiva Pass, which is the strait that separates North Captiva Island from La Costa Island. Too badwill have to make another trip . The island is home to many burrowing gopher turtles and lush plantlife grows wild here giving the island an old Florida feel. 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. 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. Here is my short list of family friendly restaurants on Sanibel Island. 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. This lighthouse is picture perfect and worth exploring for a morning. 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