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. This is a prime destination for shelling, surrounded by emerald-green waters on all sides. That and snowbirds who retire there, my late paternal grandparents being them! Make sure toget there earlyand plan on having dinner. There are no big mega resorts. Grab A Map & Participate In A Treasure Hunt By Bike Stop in at the Sanibel Chamber Commerce and ask for the treasure hunt map. Pick a beach, any beach, and head on over after dinner. While visiting Chateaux Sur Mer, you might make a stop by sights like Sanibel Island Southern Beach and Bowman's Beach. Crab racing is fun for both kids and adults. They also offer a kids program (if you feel like a little adult time needs to be a part of your vacation!). 2. More shops and restaurants and better choice of hotels and resorts. Cabbage Key. 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. The Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens takes visitors on a colorful journey through idyllic tropical gardens. Winters the weather can be hit or miss, and the months between December-February are busier with snowbirds escaping winter. The beach was lovely, and the locals that we talked to told us that we had come before the winter sun-seeking crowds. Its perfectly legal and encouraged to head down to the beach with a bucket and scoop up as many beauties as you can. 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. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge! 10 things to do with kids in Miami It's officially called Jerry's Tropical Galleria and it's filled with parrots and other gorgeous birds making it a fun place for them to pick up a souvenir. Captiva And Sanibel Islands are just over an hour from Ft. Myers and relatively easy to get to, but feel like a tropical paradise. I had the Key Lime Ice Cream and my daughter had something called Unicorn poop. Now? Plan a stop for dinner or a drink outside at theMucky Duck. If you're lucky, you may see manatees and pods of dolphins in the waters. If youre lucky, youll also be able to spot friendly dolphins frolicking around the water. As someone who doesnt have kids, I still love all the suggestions. The island is approximately a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic and time of day. You never know what will be on the end of that line! We've taken the twins twice and both times they loved running out on the boardwalk and spotting animals. It's known for its natural beauty including gorgeous beaches, shelling, and island lifestyle. Here is a story about patience. Here's how to make the right first impression. 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). There is a Publix right before paying the toll to cross the Sanibel Island Causeway. It is located nearby Blind Pass Bridge, which connects the two islands. The occurrence of Red Tide is when simple plants that live in the sea and freshwatergrow out of control. Convinced to travel to Sanibel Island and check out the cool things to do in there? Sanibel is the larger and (slightly) more commercial of the two islands, while Captiva is more remote and private. Looking for a fun activity for the kids that's free and not the beach? There are bike lanes literally EVERYWHERE. Our room was clean and spacious, and had a little kitchenette (some of the units in this resort have full kitchens, if this is a need for you). We only took a handful home with us as I didnt want to break them in our luggage. It's a pretty spectacular sight. Once I heard of it, I wanted to know what there was to do on Sanibel Island with kids. Worth-visiting institutions include the Village Sanibel Historical Museum, which preserves nine historic buildings that tell the islands story. Parenting lesson learned? Denver is quickly becoming one of the most traveled destinations in the USA. It was tempting. Find out when low tide is and hit the beach before anyone else can snatch up all the good stuff. There was a mild red tide when we visited. 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. 5. 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. There are activities and family friendly places to visit for families of any size and children of any age. Summer Waves Water Park is a thrilling experience with plenty of waterslides the whole family can enjoy. I definitely enjoyed having a rental car while we were on Sanibel Island. The island is relatively compact and very bike friendly and many people get around by bike! It sets over the ocean where you can watch from a huge stretch of public beach. 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. Celebrate Women's History Month and commemorate pioneering figures in science, technology, arts & design, and mathematics. 3. Sanibel Island with kids is the perfect place to spend a family vacation! Its the only way to get a seat at the race table! This was a "giant clapper" in our world for the week. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. The park is home to a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of the Gulf Coast. Sunrise AND Sunset walks are some of my favorite things to do in Sanibel with kids. This is one of the best things to do on Sanibel with kids. Aside from endless miles of gorgeous beaches, Sanibel Island is a lush sanctuary filled with spectacular natural features, including wilderness refuges, tropical gardens, and various wildlife species. The Sanibel Causeway Bridge is a nearly 3-mile road along the west coast, near the beaches overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. After your walk, you can enjoy a picnic lunch. They loved running and collecting new shells. Visit Cayo Costa Beach. And Lord knows youll need an hour of relaxation being away with your family. Whether your kids like seafood or more traditional food, there is something on the menu for everyone at these places. This sounds like a great island to visit. Registered dietitian & mom behind Create Kids Club an online kitchen where feeding kids is made easier with simple gluten-free recipes & kids cooking ideas. The beaches are lined with more shells than you could ever collect. After 9:00 p.m on Sanibel, itsturtle time. Sanibel is a pristine island with beautiful beaches, nature preserves, and tropical lush gardens. 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. Dont forget the camera some of my best shots have come at this time. There are many fishing companies in the Sanibel area. We came back with so many amazing shells (a whole suitcase full of them in fact). Just look at these birds we found. If we had to drive over and visit just for the day, it would not have been at all the same experience. We spend a ton of time on North Captiva and always make trips over to Sanibel truly a beautiful spot. Hotels tended towards being cheaper on Sanibel. Your email address will not be published. We definitely suggest sharing plates, since each dinner portion is huge and comes with a sticky bun, garlic bread and a side salad. "It's the stupidest thing you've ever seen!" I am going to be honest. 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. Stuff your face at Island Cow. The balcony was huge and screened in. Unfortunately for me, there are no craft breweries on the island. One day we went for a later brunch at the Lighthouse Cafe, which was very busy! These include the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, dolphin and wildlife cruises, and more. Located near Fort Myers, just offshore Floridas Gulf Coast, this unique island offers visitors the opportunity to bask in many outdoor activities. Yolo Board Adventures Sanibel offers two-hour guided eco-tours for both adults and children 12 and older. 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. We might have to visit one day. 74. ), and The Best Things to Eat & Drink on Sanibel. 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. Make sure to pack mesh shell bagsfor each member of the family to carry along the beaches. They offer a wide variety of accommodations choices as well as a beautiful kid friendly pool with a water slide. Learn all about seashells and the animals that make them. I've heard you can spot Alligators, otters, and turtles on the property. Little makes me happier than roaming the beach, looking for treasures. We also had dinner there and the kids were super happy with their chicken fingers. Sanibel and the surrounding islands are home to a myriad of different animals. I think we stopped here three times during our stay. Each day includes surfing, art, group-bonding activities, all while integrating subjects like fiddler crabs, wading birds, and sea turtles. Copyright 2023, Create Kids Club. While the water is not clear, they will be able to find starfish, conch, and sand dollars. 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. 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. Depending on the time of year, Sanibel's sunset locales vary. As Sanibel, Captiva reopen, businesses hope visitors get causeway access soon. The wildlife refuge is open every day except Fridays. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. 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). With older kids, you can also bike the entire path, which I think would be a lovely way to see it. One of the main reasons I love coming here so much is for the shells. The refuge also offers tram rides hosted by a naturalist, so kids can learn more about what they're seeing. Get Dessert at The Bubble Room. Admission is $7 for kids ages 5-11, $9 for ages 12-17, $15 for adults. So if there aren't traditional kids attractions what ARE the things to do with kids in Sanibel Island? This sounds like a great place for a family vacation and so many activities! Made to order, this is one of thebest restaurants on Sanibel Islandfor kids and adults. Captiva Island is a wonderful day trip from Sanibel Island. It was my first time, hopefully not the last. Look up and see if you can observe some ospreys or pelicans. Its always a good sign when a place is packed on a weekday. It's a great activity for kids and families. 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. Sanibel Island with kids is lovely! By: Jodi/Updated on: February 15, 2023/3 Comments. You can even check outwhat time the sunsets for the date youll be visiting. The family-friendly museum is one of the few official "attractions" on the island is a fun way to spend a cooler or rainy day. Sign up for simple dinner ideas, easy step by step instructions, and fun recipes for kids. I definitely want to go back and explore and this sounds like an amazing place to do just that. These encounters trump a trip to Disneyworld any day. 8. They loved running and collecting new shells. You to get to the beach by boat, and its simply amazing. 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. Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. Its amazing! Fort Myers (RSW) is the closest airport to Sanibel Island Florida. Sanibel is all about relaxingand it settles in as you cross the causeway you wont even find a stoplight until you return over the bridge on your way back home. 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. A stop atPinocchio's Italian Ice Cream (362 Periwinkle Way) is a Sanibel tradition. All ages. Sanibel and Captiva have some different shells, so be sure to hit beaches on both islands. This is a review for fun things to do near Landfield Ave, Monticello, NY 12701: "Amazing place: gorgeous view, extremely pleasant people and lots of fun. A great time. They were pretty excited to start filling their bags when we got there. It is true that growing up, a lot of time was spent in these magical and fairytale kingdoms. 9. Sanibel Island in Florida offers a breathtaking reprieve for families who want to get away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. Temperatures were still in the 80s. (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.) See Tripadvisor's 128,735 traveller reviews and photos of kid friendly Sanibel Island attractions There are many things for kids to do on Sanibel & Captiva Island from the beaches, museums, craft stores, wildlife tours and more! Since little ones don't just sit around having a few kites to fly is a great way to pass the day. Your Sanibel Island vacation rental lets you enjoy 15 miles of pristine beaches, 22 miles of bike paths, and zero traffic lights. This wildlife refuge is a great place to check out the local flora and fauna. It feels special because it is. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. He was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the reptiles that live in the Everglades, the kids couldnt help but be into it. Hoping to be able to take the kids over the Summer. Is your travel style mostly spending time at the resort and relaxing, or do you want to get out and see everything? 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. of the many flavours of cake, which a Bubble Scout server displays on a silver platter. 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. Book family tours. These cottages are on the western end of the island, so you are guaranteed some beautiful sunsets right from your front porch! It is a pretty photo stop, the beach is (of course) covered with shells and there is a lovely shaded picnic area there. Your email address will not be published. The fun never stops on Sanibel Island. Here you can learn all sorts of stuff about the animals and nature. Battlegroundz has a 20,000-square-foot . We visited the museum that belongs to the area first. )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! 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. Find Places To Stay In Sanibel Island, Florida. He had Little Man and Miss M jumping to be first in line the whole time. Fully Equipped with an upgraded kitchen featuring stainless steel, Sunzero Wolf appliances, and quartz countertops. Top 10 things to do on Sanibel Island with kids J.N. 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. 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. Sanibel Island is a barrier island located on the Gulf Side of Florida, about 30 minutes from the Fort Myers. Resorts felt more high end and had price tags to match. With all we had to do, we had plenty to keep us occupied for our three night visit. First lit in 1884, the area around the lighthouse is open to public, but the lighthouse itself is not. That is until I heard of the western side of the panhandle and more specifically Sanibel Island. Heres a guide to the top 9 things to do in Sanibel. Should you ever find yourself on Sanibel or Captiva Islands with kids, here are some things you must do. This was a close second choice when booking our trip to Sanibel Island with kids. Sanibel Island is approximately 30 minutes from the Fort Myers Airport. Sanibel Island just has a different vibe. Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. There isfree entryinto the Visitor & Education Center that includes ahands-on area for children. Connecting the Florida mainland to Sanibel Island, this majestic roadway rises 70 feet over beautiful San Carlos Bay and offers show-stopping views over the aquamarine waters. Hit the big grocery stores in Fort Myers on your way. We are beach people and love to spend lots of time at the beach on our trips! Watch the sunset on the beach. 7. 8. The tour price covers the rental of all gear, including a PDF, leash, tie-downs, and fresh drinking water for each person. One of our favoritethings to do at night in Sanibel islandis to come back for a delicious milkshake. The lighthouse dates back to 1884. Looks like it was a fun trip! 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 had a fun morning riding out to see the Sanibel lighthouse. Sanibel Island is an island on the west of the Florida panhandle. Summers in Florida are HOT. Here are the Top Things to Do with Kids on Sanibel Island, Florida. Make sure to bike to the east end of the island to see the Sanibel Lighthouse, and if you get hungry for some ice cream while you there, Pinocchio's Original Italian Ice Cream is right there for you on the way back. Looks like a really fun place. Go shelling. Most nights there is live music along lots of games for the kids to play. Stop in at theSanibel Chamber Commerceand ask for the treasure hunt map. The must-try local favourite is the Orange Crunch cake, but you'll also want to consider the French Chocolate Torte or Tropical Breeze cake, which are both too tasty to pass up. Here you'll find shell-strewn beaches, a laid-back vibe, terrific restaurants and shops, and an incredibly diverse wildlife sampling. As I mentioned above, many resorts loan out bikes to their guests. Definitely worth a half-day trip adventure. Sanibel island is one of the most bike friendly places that we have ever been. 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!). 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. Take a Walk at Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park. Bricks 4 Kidz - Piscataway. Shelling is one of the best things to do on Sanibel Island, so plan to spend lots of time at the beach! Having a sub-tropical climate, visitors and residents enjoy the outdoors and sunshine all year long. The Sanibel Inn provided kayaks and paddle boards for us to use! We are living our travel dreams despite having regular jobs and want to inspire you to check some items off of your family travel bucket list. Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. Every single coastal state in the U.S. has reported red tide and the cause is primarily pollution chemicals in the water. 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!. Sprinkled in youll find family travel inspiration. For more shopping fun, check out the shops in Times Square at the nearby Fort Myers Beach Pier. 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. My boys have spent hours in pools next to our rentals and I'm sure yours will too. Biking downtown just got more exciting for kids having a map and treasures to hunt! Smaller dead fish washed up and we had mild coughs when spending extended periods of time on the beach and shore area. In the winter, catch both sunrise and sunset on the southerly beaches. It's a cool way for them to understand what's beneath the ocean that they spent the week playing in. Sanibel Island: Much better shelling. Picnic tables are available when you want to enjoy snacks under the canopy of the trees. My goal with Running in a Skirt is to help YOU live a happier, healthier life! Go straight to the beach. Do some research and pick a guide that suits your family. 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. Dont get suckered into ordering the special kids drink, though. Compare native and invasive species of reptiles; hang out with a red-tailed hawk; play hide and seek with a bashful opossum. We had a ton of fun just playing in the water. 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. Less busy. We didnt eat out that much while we were here. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Its nothing more than a six dollar Shirley Temple with a plastic shark stuck in it. 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. 9. Besides relaxing and playing on the beaches, there are kid-friendly restaurants, museums, and historical sites to enjoy with your family. Sanibel Island Lighthouse 2,675 Lighthouses Open now By Anxsmomt The lighthouse is a public beach, plenty of parking. You can also rent them. 8 reasons to take the kids to Kissimmee 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. Anyone who has visited Sanibel Island will tell you the JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is tops on a Sanibel Island things-to-do list. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. With time spent on the beach looking for shells, we barely had time to get out and see what the rest of the island had to offer! What's a beach trip without ice cream? Kids have their own hands-on learning room, and staff members conduct daily beach walks. Afamily vacation to Florida is usually synonymous with Disney, but it doesn't have to be. 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. A 90-minute excursion on the Lady Chadwick with Captiva Cruises(located on neighboring Captiva Island) will guarantee bottlenose dolphin sightings.
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