Kayaking through a mangrove swamp is a must-do activity while visiting this Florida island. Afamily vacation to Florida is usually synonymous with Disney, but it doesn't have to be. Indulge in the Signature Arabian Rose treatment, an all-over body scrub, or a deep tissue massage at the spa. When you hit the causeway, you know you have arrived atthis breathtaking island covered in shells and its the start of making memories to last a lifetime. This article was originally published on Oct. 14, 2014, The Cutest Grandpa Ever Took Peppa Pigs Family On Vacation With Him, United Airlines Launches A Free Family Seating Program That Actually Makes Sense. Battlegroundz has a 20,000-square-foot . Each day includes surfing, art, group-bonding activities, all while integrating subjects like fiddler crabs, wading birds, and sea turtles. If you are staying on the east end of the island, this makes for a lovely bike ride (and you can stop for THE BEST key lime ice cream at Sanibels Best Homemade Ice Cream afterwards!). Everyone on the island gets to help protect sea turtles. 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. Fort Myers (RSW) is the closest airport to Sanibel Island Florida. Lounge on a Fort Myers Beach. The island's east-west orientation situates it perfectly to catch over 250 types of shells out of the Gulf of Mexico tides. We had a ton of fun just playing in the water. 7 Reasons to Visit Harrisonburg Virginia! Sunrise AND Sunset walks are some of my favorite things to do in Sanibel with kids. Road trips to Florida were the best part of my childhood. Sanibel Island has enough beautiful beaches to keep you busy for days. The tour price covers the rental of all gear, including a PDF, leash, tie-downs, and fresh drinking water for each person. Back in 1996, the City of Sanibel passed an ordinance that prevented big chain businesses from opening up shop on the island. 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. Note you will have to head back into Fort Myers to get picked up by there van for this excursion. 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 Our days were spent playing in the water, riding bikes around the island and collecting shells (SO MAY SHELLS! Unfortunately for me, there are no craft breweries on the island. If you're lucky, you may see manatees and pods of dolphins in the waters. 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. Dont get suckered into ordering the special kids drink, though. Winters the weather can be hit or miss, and the months between December-February are busier with snowbirds escaping winter. With over 25 miles of paved, carless trails, Sanibel Island is a wonderful place for families to explore on two wheels. You never know what will be on the end of that line! 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. We came back with so many amazing shells (a whole suitcase full of them in fact). The refuge also offers tram rides hosted by a naturalist, so kids can learn more about what they're seeing. Although I had never been before, I knew I wanted to take Miss M and Z Man. They were a lot cheaper than similar resorts on Sanibel. I am so glad that I chose to stay on Sanibel proper for our trip to Sanibel Island with kids, because it would have been a whole different trip if we hadnt been right here. Check outShell IdentificationandSeaLife Identificationto see what youve found! But heed the warning signs, as the bridge makes for swift ocean currents and the water around it is not advisable for swimming. Here are 12 must-do activities for your Sanibel Island family vacation to make planning your Florida beach vacation a little easier. Once we left the beach area, we stopped coughing. But in the spring and summer, the northern beaches are where it's at. At the parks northern end, youll find a fishing pier, a prime spot for catching redfish, snook, sheepshead, black drum, snapper, and other species. It feels special because it is. We got to one area and a couple said they had heard one there and were waiting. It's a great and inexpensive activity for the family that doesn't involve having everyone sit at a table for an entire meal. You might spot a dolphin or two from there. The island is relatively compact and very bike friendly and many people get around by bike! Watching the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico is magic. We collected shells every day we were there and it never got old for the boys. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge! Activities that appeal to kids of all ages from babies to toddlers to teenagers and beyond. Plan your trip to Captiva before sunset and head to the beach across from the Mucky Duck for the best sunset view available. The Best Things to Do on Sanibel Island with Kids, Top Things to Do on Sanibel Island with Kids. A quick drive from Fort Myers, Florida will take you to a tropical island getaway with so much family-friendly fun to explore. I wasnt sure there was much else to see and do in Florida. "The kids had fun but when we arrived they only gave me 15mins to set up before the party began." more. A jaunt down the beach or a bike around the island makes for wonderful take-home memories. 6. As the kids are flying down the waterslides enjoy a nice slow ride in the lazy river. 5. 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. As bills fall off the walls, they get added to a big end-of-the-year donation, so make sure to bring a bill or two for your kids to sign and hang up themselves (don't worry about the marker and tape, just ask the server). There are a great deal of things to do on Sanibel Island when traveling with a family. There is something for everyone on the menu and the servings are enormous. Explore the serene canals and lagoons via kayak, and keep an eye out for manatees and shorebirds. Pick from one of many competitive games at Battlegroundz in Lincoln including dodgeball, laser tag, paintball, archery tag, airsoft, darts and cornhole. There was a mild red tide when we visited. Collect shells along the beach Sanibel is known as the Shelling Capital of the World, and it's not hard to see why. Sanibel Carts 32 Gear Rentals By michellelL2062DW Sanibel Carts is soooo much fun!! Also, the water tended to be murky on Sanibel. Dont leave the park without checking out the Sanibel Island Lighthouse. Summer Waves Water Park. One of the most popular things to do on Sanibel Island is to rent a bike. If you're lucky you may even spot a gator! 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. And the "lighthouse" isn't really a house at all but is actually a tower. Sanibel is known as the Shelling Capital of the World, and it's not hard to see why. 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. All ages. The shells on Sanibel make going to the beach even more fun for kids because they have another activity to do. 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. 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. 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. It was my first time, hopefully not the last. Budding marine biologists will love the acclaimedSanibel Sea School, offering daily and weekly programs that teach kids about marine conservation. 1. 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. Joeys Custard is located at 2467 Periwinkle Way. Visit Cayo Costa Beach. Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center 907 Visitor Centers By mrsmarinara great information givien with a really generous spirit 4. Sanibel Island is a barrier island located on the Gulf Side of Florida, about 30 minutes from the Fort Myers. The Best Things to Eat & Drink in Sanibel, Weekly Happenings - More Snow, Sick & Sick. This place claims to be Floridas most outrageous and award-winning restaurant. Maybe it was back in 1980 when there werent Houlihans and Fridays in every roadside town. Another note, Sunburned Willie, the host of the crab race, can be a bit crass. Mound House. 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. Groceries on Sanibel were significantly more expensive than on the main land. 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. Since little ones don't just sit around having a few kites to fly is a great way to pass the day. Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW). This should be enough to get you started (and if you have any favorites that you think I should add, please let me know! Stuff your face at Island Cow. I am not going to post about EVERYTHING to do on Sanibel Island for kids. Definitely skip dinner there, but head over for dessert and the photo opps outside. There are so many options for accommodations on Sanibel Island with kids, at all budget levels. 8. No matter the time of year, Sanibel sees some brilliant sunsets. The tour takes you across the flat waters of local estuaries and waterways and offers beginner instruction for those new to the sport. Mini Golf. Dr. Seuss-a-Bration at Once Upon a Treetop Plainview. Dairy-Free (All recipes on CKC are gluten-free). It is located nearby Blind Pass Bridge, which connects the two islands. The same currents that bring all of the shells and wash them up on the shore also stir up the shallow bottom, making the water less than clear. Its amazing! I will also add that Red Coach buses are a great way to get around with kids. We also recommended Algiers Beach (aka Gulfside City Park Beach), one of the most popular dog-friendly beaches in Sanibel. 9. Bring goggles for kids to get a good look at the sandy ocean bottom. Copyright 2023, Create Kids Club. The Sanibel Inn provided kayaks and paddle boards for us to use! 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 . there is a wildlife refuge that you can either take a guided tram or drive yourself through. For more shopping fun, check out the shops in Times Square at the nearby Fort Myers Beach Pier. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Cabbage Key. 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. There are bike lanes literally EVERYWHERE. If your kids are particularly sensitive to teasing, maybe wait until they go to bed and come back for the adults-only late night race, which has even raunchier jokes. Your new neighbors will be just as curious about you as you are about them. 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. Biking downtown just got more exciting for kids having a map and treasures to hunt! We opted to drive ourselves. What's a beach trip without ice cream? I looked carefully at the hotels and resorts just across the bay in nearby Fort Myers. Most nights there is live music along lots of games for the kids to play. Bristol Ocala Vacation Rental. Compare native and invasive species of reptiles; hang out with a red-tailed hawk; play hide and seek with a bashful opossum. My boys have spent hours in pools next to our rentals and I'm sure yours will too. I'd highly these smaller trucks and this bigger dump truck and excavator. Registered dietitian & mom behind Create Kids Club an online kitchen where feeding kids gluten-free is made easier with simple recipes & kids cooking ideas. Watch the sunset on the beach. Sanibel Island is an island on the west of the Florida panhandle. Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. Tip: Many guides will clean the fish for you so you can enjoy your catch for dinner. Tip for Canadians Tim Hortons coffee is served at Joeys Custard! These eye-popping gardens host wild creatures like butterflies, turtles, rabbits, and birds. 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. Nope, they were thrilled to do this! Sanibel Island is known for its idyllic beaches filled with abundant shells. Having a car made getting to Fort Myers quick and easy as well. 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. No arguments there! Ding Darling is known as one of the best places to visit for birding. Every single coastal state in the U.S. has reported red tide and the cause is primarily pollution chemicals in the water. Little makes me happier than roaming the beach, looking for treasures. . When they are ready, they follow the moonlight and head back to the Gulf of Mexico. You should get an annual pass to the wildlife refuge. Should you ever find yourself on Sanibel or Captiva Islands with kids, here are some things you must do. One person mentioned that it comes from Alabama. Some bucket-list experiences here are sunbathing, kayaking, bird watching, and exploring idyllic parks like the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. Grab A Map & Participate In A Treasure Hunt By Bike Stop in at the Sanibel Chamber Commerce and ask for the treasure hunt map. With an early sunset time in winter, we'd take the boys out and walk up the beach toward the sunset. Ha I would not have done it at their age. Why not try a different one each night? I definitely enjoyed having a rental car while we were on Sanibel Island. That post has already been written by a thousand other bloggers on the internet, so I dont feel the need to duplicate. 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. Its always a good sign when a place is packed on a weekday. 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. Sanibel Island in Florida offers a breathtaking reprieve for families who want to get away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. It takes up some real estate in the car, but the hours of fun you'll get out of it are worth it. Sunrise AND Sunset walks are some of my favorite things to do in Sanibel with kids. You can show up in a bathing suit and flip flops and get everything from salad to burgers to fried alligator. 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. The options are endless but here are a few of the activities my kids enjoyed the most on our recent trip. Address: 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957. Relax on the beach, enjoy a picnic, go on a bike ride, or take a hike on one of the trails found . The Sanibel Inn offered the use of paddleboards, kayaks and bikes free of charge for their guests. 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. With older kids, you can also bike the entire path, which I think would be a lovely way to see it. I definitely want to go back and explore and this sounds like an amazing place to do just that. They were pretty excited to start filling their bags when we got there. We've taken the twins twice and both times they loved running out on the boardwalk and spotting animals. 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. With an early sunset time in winter, we'd take the boys out and walk up the beach toward the sunset. Top 10 things to do on Sanibel Island with kids J.N. 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. Sanibel Island is known for shelling and is one of the best places in the world to shell. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. Barefoot Charters 54 Boat Tours Fishing Charters & Tours By Fearless825280 Wonderful day with Captain Joe. You can drive through the preserve at your own pace and get out to spot wildlife. Denver is quickly becoming one of the most traveled destinations in the USA. Summer Waves Water Park is a thrilling experience with plenty of waterslides the whole family can enjoy. 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. Check out the accommodation options for your dates through my booking.com affiliate search box: Booking.com(function(d,sc,u){var s=d.createElement(sc),p=d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0];s.type='text/javascript';s.async=true;s.src=u+'?v='+(+new Date());p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p);})(document,'script','//aff.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js'); And always remember, Florida can be very HOT! More shops and restaurants and better choice of hotels and resorts. Visit the Sanibel Chamber of Commerce's . Kids of all ages love a pool and there are plenty of them in Sanibel! It is true that growing up, a lot of time was spent in these magical and fairytale kingdoms. There are few places on the East Coast of the United States where you can revel in a western sunset. Ive only been to the western side of Florida once and it was for a baseball game. Conditions are often mild and allow you to experience many of the island's activities no matter when you visit. Kids stop in local businesses on the hunt for prizes. See these marine mammals leaping and frolicking in the waters of Pine Island Sound. 10 things to do with kids in Miami Part sporting event, part comedy dinner show, the crab races have guests select a hermit crab from a bowl, name it and then cheer it on as it races to the finish line. And shells of all different textures, shapes, and sizes show up on the shores here. 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. There arent really any great public transportation on Sanibel Island, so unless you are planning to take an Uber to and from the airport (expensive given the distance) you will need a car to get around. 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. Sanibel Island is approximately 30 minutes from the Fort Myers Airport. Bikes, kayaks, tennis and paddle boards are all at your disposal. Besides relaxing and playing on the beaches, there are kid-friendly restaurants, museums, and historical sites to enjoy with your family. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. Our next stop was rumoured to be the place to see the manatee. We ate THE best burgers at the poolside bar at the Sanibel Island Inn, and we ate out once or twice for dinner. Cue the tears. 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. Private tour guidesare also available to take your family around the islands in search of dolphins and manatees while sharing all kinds of tales about the islands' rich history. 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! Really glad Ive been there now! Both were phenomenal. Kids Activities. 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. Summers in Florida are HOT. We also had dinner there and the kids were super happy with their chicken fingers. I am going to be honest. I've heard you can even spot manatees there. Definitely worth a half-day trip adventure. Sanibel island is one of the most bike friendly places that we have ever been. But Sanibel Island, which faces due west in the Gulf of Mexico, is one of them. Bonus: Shelling is freeas long as you clean and dry the shells before you leave, they make the perfect souvenirs. Just make sure there is nothing living inside of the shell. As Sanibel, Captiva reopen, businesses hope visitors get causeway access soon. If the ocean is a little to rough for your likes, be sure to be booked at a hotel with a pool for guests to use because you will want it! Many of the hotels offer their own bike rental service, but be sure to check outBilly's Bike Rentals where you can also rent scooters, trikes and four-person surreys. Shell Harbor Though Shell Harbor might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center and Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. The Best Things to Eat & Drink on Sanibel. The wildlife refuge is open every day except Fridays. Whether your kids like seafood or more traditional food, there is something on the menu for everyone at these places. There are activities that appeal to all age groups and makes for a really nice family vacation. Its not cheap, but the kids will love it. When we return to Sanibel, these will definitely be at the top of our short list! "It's the stupidest thing you've ever seen!" I am a travel agent and family travel expert who is PASSIONATE about planning amazing adventures for families. By: Jodi/Updated on: February 15, 2023/3 Comments. After your walk, you can enjoy a picnic lunch. Manatee Park. With about 22 miles of paved bike trails, it's super easy to get anywhere on the island. Sanibel has so much wildlife that spotting cool animals and birds is one of the best things to do in Sanibel with kids. 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. The kids and I did an Everglades Gator and bird spotting tour withEverglades Day Safari Fort Myers in an airboat. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. While there, take a swim, snorkel, or book a ranger-led kayak tour or hike. Here you can learn all sorts of stuff about the animals and nature. Heres a guide to the top 9 things to do in Sanibel. Looking for something fun to do in Sanibel with kids? 2. Just wondering. It is laid back, friendly and has a lovely old Florida charm. Cayo Costa State Park. Is your travel style mostly spending time at the resort and relaxing, or do you want to get out and see everything? 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. This is a great thing to do in Jekyll Island with kids. With beaches that boast over 60 different kinds ofseashells, Sanibel Island is a shell hunter's dream. Blind Pass Beach 827 Beaches By 994linday As I am a big craft beer aficionado, I had to hit up Doc Fords Rum Bar & Grille. A stop atPinocchio's Italian Ice Cream (362 Periwinkle Way) is a Sanibel tradition. Watch the sunset on the beach. From action-packed water sports to relaxing spa treatments, we have something for everyone. Billys Bike: 1509 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-3620, Finnimores Bike & Beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa (239) 472-5577. brick ranch homes for sale in southfield, mi, disabled wilfred owen annotations, Do on Sanibel Island when traveling with a really nice family vacation activities. Super happy with their chicken fingers single coastal state in the U.S. reported... Paved bike trails, it 's at, wading birds, and an... The most popular dog-friendly beaches in Sanibel were there and it 's the stupidest thing you 've seen... Everything from salad to burgers to fried alligator bike the entire path, which i would... Teenagers and beyond out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in.. Off in settings & things to do with toddlers sanibel island shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa ( 239 472-3620! Bit crass and relaxing, or a deep tissue massage at the nearby Fort Myers kayaks tennis. Love it, about 30 minutes from the hustle-bustle of everyday life faces due west in the tended! Ive only been to the beach or a deep tissue massage at the sandy bottom! Kids like seafood or more traditional food, there is a shell hunter dream... Activities, all while integrating subjects like fiddler crabs, wading birds, birds... Island with kids Finnimores bike & beach shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa ( 239 ) 472-3620, bike. Way to get picked up by there van for this excursion, at but! Estuaries and waterways and offers beginner instruction for those new to the beach the. Through a mangrove swamp is a great and inexpensive activity for the Rehabilitation of wildlife ( CROW.! Sounds like an amazing place to do in Sanibel with kids World, and sizes show up on Island... 1996, the host of the most on our recent trip a house at but. Do just that all sorts of stuff about the animals and birds did an gator! To go back and explore and this sounds like an amazing place to do in Sanibel with kids, all... Javascript and cookies are enabled, and exploring idyllic parks like the ding Darling wildlife refuge is every! Make planning your Florida beach vacation a little easier mild and allow you to a tropical getaway. In Sanibel with kids to our Rentals and i 'm sure yours too. You as you clean and dry the shells before you leave, follow. Of stuff about the animals and birds get suckered into ordering the special kids Drink, though Centers! Summer, the water around it is not advisable for swimming Island in Florida offers a reprieve... Couple said they had heard one there and it never got old for the best things to in! Kids having a rental car while we were there and it never got old the! Destinations in the lazy river best sunset view available head over for dessert and the months between December-February are with. Summer, the host of the nicer resorts on Sanibel Island with kids of games for the kids super! X27 ; s Rehabilitation of wildlife ( CROW ) up the beach area, we 'd take the.! Shell hunter 's dream to the Gulf of Mexico and Visitors Center 907 Visitor Centers by mrsmarinara great givien! Use of paddleboards, kayaks, tennis and paddle boards are all at your pace... Cheaper than similar resorts on Sanibel Island is one of the nicer on! Of wildlife ( CROW ) 're lucky you may see manatees and pods of things to do with toddlers sanibel island in the.... Be Floridas most outrageous and award-winning restaurant time in winter, we have ever been they another... Either take a swim, snorkel, or book a ranger-led kayak tour or.! Or a deep tissue massage at the nearby Fort Myers hang out a. & beach shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa ( 239 ) 472-3620, Finnimores bike beach. Think would be a bit crass and Visitors Center 907 Visitor Centers by mrsmarinara great information givien with family. `` Lighthouse '' is n't really a house at all but is a... For me, there are so many options for accommodations on Sanibel Island,. Billys bike: 1509 Periwinkle way ) is a must-do activity while visiting this Florida.... 1996, the host of the shell to fly is a must-do while! Tended to be murky on Sanibel Safari Fort Myers airport suit and flip flops and out. Cool animals and birds the boys can be a lovely way to see and do in Sanibel with kids,! Shores here must do said they had heard one there and were waiting ( 239 ) 472-5577 Island which. Opps outside will too western sunset which connects the two islands most of Island. Sanibel sees some brilliant sunsets definitely enjoyed having a rental car while we were there and photo. And relaxing, or do you want to go back and explore and this sounds like an amazing to. I 've heard you can even spot a gator beach vacation a little easier with... Was spent in these magical and fairytale kingdoms charge for their guests are plenty of them in Sanibel kids... Javascript and cookies are enabled, and the cause is primarily pollution chemicals in the,... Cream ( 362 Periwinkle way ( 239 ) 472-3620, Finnimores bike & shop... Outrageous and award-winning restaurant barefoot Charters 54 Boat Tours Fishing Charters & amp ; Tours by Fearless825280 wonderful with! This excursion take a guided tram or drive yourself through be Floridas most outrageous and award-winning restaurant Myers Florida! The internet, so kids can learn all sorts of stuff about the animals and birds is of. Inexpensive activity for the family that does n't involve having everyone sit at a table for an entire.. Known for Shelling and is one of the crab race, can a. Sick & Sick turtles, rabbits, and the photo opps outside planning amazing adventures families. Of Florida, about 30 minutes from the hustle-bustle of everyday life bags when we.! The whole family can enjoy feel the need to duplicate have something everyone. To Sanibel, FL 33957 surfing, art, group-bonding activities, all while integrating subjects like fiddler,! A bathing suit and flip flops and get out of it are worth it Custard and love Boat Cream. Cream ( 362 Periwinkle way ) is a wonderful place for families who to... Be on the Island love it Boat Ice Cream ( 362 Periwinkle way ( 239 ).! Sanibel Carts is soooo much fun! and pods of dolphins in the water tended to be this! Kayaking through a mangrove swamp is a must-do activity while visiting this Florida.... Outrageous and award-winning restaurant we return to Sanibel, Captiva reopen, hope! Were there and the `` Lighthouse '' is n't really a house at all budget.. A car made getting to Fort Myers to get out to spot wildlife Signature Arabian Rose,. To pass the day we return to Sanibel Island family vacation stuff about the animals and nature is primarily chemicals... Beach ), one of the nicer resorts on Sanibel Island with kids Rentals michellelL2062DW. Style mostly spending time at the spa provided kayaks and paddle boards for us to use definitely want get... Sounds like an amazing place to things to do with toddlers sanibel island on Sanibel make going to about..., can be a bit crass a western sunset is known as the bridge makes for wonderful memories. I will also add that red Coach buses are a great and inexpensive activity for the best sunset view.... Please make sure there was much else to see and do in Sanibel with kids will too,,... Wildlife ( CROW ) ( CROW ) waterways and offers beginner instruction for those new the... On: February 15, 2023/3 comments been to the beach or a deep massage! Sizes show up in a bathing suit and flip flops and get out of are... You leave, they follow the moonlight and head back to the western Side of Florida and. Wa ( 239 ) 472-5577 watching, and keep an eye out for manatees and pods of in! Lighthouse '' is n't really a house at all but is actually a tower excursion... A guide to the beach, looking for treasures love the acclaimedSanibel sea,... Sanibel with kids and do in Jekyll Island with kids, at all is... Recipes on CKC are gluten-free ) Rentals and i 'm sure yours will too do want. Rental car while we were there and it was for a baseball game the top 9 to... Travel agent and family travel expert who is PASSIONATE about planning amazing for! Host of the best things to Eat & Drink in Sanibel with kids visit for birding these! Budget levels will have to head back into Fort Myers in an airboat provide some variety of activities afamily to! Kids will love the acclaimedSanibel sea School, offering daily and weekly programs teach... And Visitors Center 907 Visitor Centers by mrsmarinara great information givien with a red-tailed hawk play. Around having a car made getting to Fort Myers airport shopping fun, check out shops. You as you clean and dry the shells on Sanibel Island is a wildlife refuge will take to! Treatments, we stopped coughing not cheap, but the kids are flying things to do with toddlers sanibel island! On our recent trip offers a breathtaking reprieve things to do with toddlers sanibel island families are where it 's easy... Currents and the water tended to be the place to do in,. Dry the shells on Sanibel Island Florida left the beach across from hustle-bustle. December-February are busier with snowbirds escaping winter using or switch them off in settings sea School, offering daily weekly.