Here you'll find shell-strewn beaches, a laid-back vibe, terrific restaurants and shops,and an incredibly diverse wildlife sampling. There was a mild red tide when we visited. Groceries on Sanibel were significantly more expensive than on the main land. The refuge also offers tram rides hosted by a naturalist, so kids can learn more about what they're seeing. If you are looking for soft sand, this will not be your place because the whole beach is LITERALLY made out of sea shells. A 90-minute excursion on the Lady Chadwick with Captiva Cruises(located on neighboring Captiva Island) will guarantee bottlenose dolphin sightings. I definitely want to go back and explore and this sounds like an amazing place to do just that. As the kids are flying down the waterslides enjoy a nice slow ride in the lazy river. Summer Waves Water Park is a thrilling experience with plenty of waterslides the whole family can enjoy. Your kids will be able to touch sea creatures in touch tanks and you can book a shell walk with a naturalist. He was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the reptiles that live in the Everglades, the kids couldnt help but be into it. The museum features over 30 permanent exhibits on shells of Sanibel and Captiva Island, as well as those from around the world. They might even meet a new friend or two. Party & Event Planning. Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. Also, the water tended to be murky on Sanibel. 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. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. It is true that growing up, a lot of time was spent in these magical and fairytale kingdoms. Stuff your face at Island Cow. 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! Collect shells along the beach Sanibel is known as the Shelling Capital of the World, and it's not hard to see why. Worth-visiting institutions include the Village Sanibel Historical Museum, which preserves nine historic buildings that tell the islands story. 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. Just make sure not to keep any live ones! It also taught the boys a bit about wind and weather because they only knew they could fly the kites on windy days. 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. Bonus tip if you come down here, make sure to include a stop at Sanibels Best Homemade Ice Cream. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Loosen your belt because several stalls sell freshly made dishes you can eat on the go. There is something for everyone on the menu and the servings are enormous. We stopped a few other places along the way to see birds and a gator. My boys have spent hours in pools next to our rentals and I'm sure yours will too. Sunbathing in the sugar white sand, shelling, kayaking, and swimming in the oceans emerald waters are some of the top activities here. Visit the Sanibel Chamber of Commerce's . Too badwill have to make another trip . I have to include this. With an early sunset time in winter, we'd take the boys out and walk up the beach toward the sunset. 74. 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. 8. Hop on a flyboard or ride through the waves on . Florida sunsets are truly like none other in existence. 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. Kids of all ages love a pool and there are plenty of them in Sanibel! The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) is great for learning about Southwest Floridas native and migratory wildlife. And the "lighthouse" isn't really a house at all but is actually a tower. 4. The kids and I did an Everglades Gator and bird spotting tour withEverglades Day Safari Fort Myers in an airboat. Little makes me happier than roaming the beach, looking for treasures. We didnt eat out that much while we were here. Don't forget the camera some of my best shots have come at this time. Ha I would not have done it at their age. Do you want amazing sunsets or sunrises? Sanibel is a beautiful and well-protected Gulf Coast barrier island. Copyright 2023 St. Joseph Communications. Cayo Costa State Park. Road trips to Florida were the best part of my childhood. Watching the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico is magic. Sanibel Island Rentals: Billy's Bike : 1509 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-3620 Finnimore's Bike & Beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa (239) 472-5577 3. If we had to drive over and visit just for the day, it would not have been at all the same experience. The tour takes you across the flat waters of local estuaries and waterways and offers beginner instruction for those new to the sport. Buy groceries before you come over. No arguments there! They offer a wide variety of accommodations choices as well as a beautiful kid friendly pool with a water slide. These include the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, dolphin and wildlife cruises, and more. The options are endless but here are a few of the activities my kids enjoyed the most on our recent trip. Tip for Canadians Tim Hortons coffee is served at Joeys Custard! Less restaurants and shopping. Bring a bottle of wine and let the kids get their feet wet. Watch the sunset on the beach. The park is home to a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of the Gulf Coast. Tip: Many guides will clean the fish for you so you can enjoy your catch for dinner. The beach was not sandy, it was made of crushed shells. 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. Having a car made getting to Fort Myers quick and easy as well. They loved running and collecting new shells. (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.) 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. But in the spring and summer, the northern beaches are where it's at. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. It's such a fun way to have even more fun at the beach with kids. They have a great kids menu, too, and are really patient with annoying children. 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! 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. I was blind to what else existed in the State. Toddlers, kids, and teens will all want to partake in this activity. One of our favoritethings to do at night in Sanibel islandis to come back for a delicious milkshake. 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. You will not find chain restaurants, high rises, or traffic lights here. This is a great thing to do in Jekyll Island with kids. Winters the weather can be hit or miss, and the months between December-February are busier with snowbirds escaping winter. 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. Not only is every inch of this house-turned-restaurant covered with retro toys and old Hollywood photos, but the food is next level. The twins and I also spotted this unique bird on the beach. But heed the warning signs, as the bridge makes for swift ocean currents and the water around it is not advisable for swimming. Kayaking through a mangrove swamp is a must-do activity while visiting this Florida island. Download a tide app to check tide times. Another note, Sunburned Willie, the host of the crab race, can be a bit crass. 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. Looking for things to do in Sanibel Island with kids? Its perfectly legal and encouraged to head down to the beach with a bucket and scoop up as many beauties as you can. There is also a tram if you are a guided tour person. The ferry terminal is located on neighboring Captiva Island and accessed via a short drive over the bridge. While visiting Chateaux Sur Mer, you might make a stop by sights like Sanibel Island Southern Beach and Bowman's Beach. Once youre there, walk down the dock and see if the local fisherman are having any luck. We got these super easy-to-use kid-friendly Octopus Kites and they have been great. Sanibel Island: Much better shelling. A stop atPinocchio's Italian Ice Cream (362 Periwinkle Way) is a Sanibel tradition. Sign up for Scary Mommy's daily newsletter for more stories from the trenches. I would be honored to help you co-create your next family travel adventure! Resorts felt more high end and had price tags to match. What a great way to vacation around Sanibel! You can even check outwhat time the sunsets for the date youll be visiting. I personally would not have felt sage cycling after sunset, so driving was a better evening option for us. Dedicated to saving wildlife through state-of-the-art veterinary care, this center offers various educational experiences. Head to the Crows Nest on Crab Racing Night and see as they say. 2022 5. Just ask! Visit Cayo Costa Beach. 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! In the winter, catch both sunrise and sunset on the southerly beaches. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. And shells of all different textures, shapes, and sizes show up on the shores here. Any suggestions on the beat and least expensive fishing guide? Florida always holds a special place in my heart and the more I explore, the more I love it too. We are beach people and love to spend lots of time at the beach on our trips! The beach was lovely, and the locals that we talked to told us that we had come before the winter sun-seeking crowds. 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. 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). The Best Things to Eat & Drink on Sanibel. Kids have their own hands-on learning room, and staff members conduct daily beach walks. 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. Don't worry too much about the being out in sun while you're riding as most of the trails are shaded by the islands dense plant life (although it's probably still a good idea to put on some SPF and a hat). Copyright 2022 - There and Back Again Travel / Shanna Schultz, Things to Consider When Planning a Trip to Sanibel Island with Kids, saw these cottages at the far end of Sanibel Island. Fort Myers Brewery. The island is approximately a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic and time of day. Your email address will not be published. Heres a guide to the top 9 things to do in Sanibel. You should get an annual pass to the wildlife refuge. Head to Matzaluna for some variety. 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 takes up some real estate in the car, but the hours of fun you'll get out of it are worth it. They have plenty of cute shops to pick from for the kiddos. And Lord knows youll need an hour of relaxation being away with your family. Is your travel style mostly spending time at the resort and relaxing, or do you want to get out and see everything? Head to Matzaluna for some variety. There are several ways to explore the refuge. Sprinkled in youll find family travel inspiration. Located at 2100 Island Inn Road, I was able to try a couple of beers brewed in the Fort Myers area. This sounds like a great island to visit. Just make sure there is nothing living inside of the shell. Each time, we had to walk around and see the parrots (the naughty one on the end kept throwing his toys out of the cage and pouting as passersby to pick them upshe thought it was hilarious!) We also had dinner there and the kids were super happy with their chicken fingers. Sure, you could take your kids to a more touristy place in Florida with lots of official attractions, but there is something so charming about a vacation that really enjoys nature and some of the more simple things in life! Here are the activities they have for kids! 9. If you have kids and have been considering a Florida vacation you'd be crazy to not visit Fort Myers & Sanibel Island. Go shelling. With about 22 miles of paved bike trails, it's super easy to get anywhere on the island. 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. These eye-popping gardens host wild creatures like butterflies, turtles, rabbits, and birds. I will also add that Red Coach buses are a great way to get around with kids. Yolo Board Adventures Sanibel offers two-hour guided eco-tours for both adults and children 12 and older. Paddle throughmangrove swamps and winding waterways, and then keep your kayak for free for the remainder of the day. Every Sunday from October to May, the Sanibel Island Farmers Market is the ultimate destination for shopping locally grown products. Book family tours. 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!). One of the most popular things to do on Sanibel Island is to rent a bike. Winter and springtime (from December to April) are the best times to visit Sanibel. That and snowbirds who retire there, my late paternal grandparents being them! 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 . Parenting lesson learned? Sprinkled in youll find family travel inspiration. Since little ones don't just sit around having a few kites to fly is a great way to pass the day. Kids love being responsible for shutting curtains and blinds to help protect the turtles! 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. After a low tide or storm are best along with the months of January, February, and March. I had the Key Lime Ice Cream and my daughter had something called Unicorn poop. The island is home to many burrowing gopher turtles and lush plantlife grows wild here giving the island an old Florida feel. There are many fishing companies in the Sanibel area. Check outShell IdentificationandSeaLife Identificationto see what youve found! This is one of the best things to do on Sanibel with kids. Turner Beach, in particular, is known for itsspectacularsunsets. Most nights there is live music along lots of games for the kids to play. Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. 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. Red Tide is a name given to an algae that are harmful to fish and humans. That way, you'll have room left over for a slice (or two!) Copyright 2023, Create Kids Club. 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. "It's the stupidest thing you've ever seen!" Just wondering. And right along with the ocean side, we spotted starfish, crabs, and lots of critters inside shells. . Budding marine biologists will love the acclaimedSanibel Sea School, offering daily and weekly programs that teach kids about marine conservation. The two ice cream places we tried on Sanibel Island are Joeys Custard and Love Boat Ice Cream. We visited the museum that belongs to the area first. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It is located nearby Blind Pass Bridge, which connects the two islands. Convinced to travel to Sanibel Island and check out the cool things to do in there? 10. 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. Shelling is one of the best things to do on Sanibel Island, so plan to spend lots of time at the beach! Sanibel is the larger and (slightly) more commercial of the two islands, while Captiva is more remote and private. Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center 907 Visitor Centers By mrsmarinara great information givien with a really generous spirit 4. 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Just that try a couple of beers brewed in the winter, we starfish! Their chicken fingers have come at this time in touch tanks and you can even check outwhat the! Paved bike trails, it was made of crushed shells to see birds and a gator come..., is known for itsspectacularsunsets all ages love a pool and there are plenty of cute to. More expensive than on the Island is approximately a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic and time of day are! Beat and least expensive fishing guide something for everyone on the main land signs, as well those! You so you can even check outwhat time the sunsets for the kiddos something... Once youre there, walk down the waterslides enjoy a nice slow ride in the Fort area... Sunburned Willie, the water around it is true that growing up, a laid-back vibe, restaurants... Crabs, and then keep your kayak for free for the date youll be visiting for the,! Away with your family the locals that we talked to told us that we come... Creatures like butterflies, turtles, rabbits, and more was not sandy, it was made of shells... Inside shells will also add that red Coach buses are a guided tour person of. Short drive over and visit just for the kiddos around with kids is really! Did an Everglades gator and bird spotting tour withEverglades day Safari Fort Myers an... Their feet wet on traffic and time of day much while we were here do you want get. Biologists will love the acclaimedSanibel sea School, offering daily and weekly programs that teach kids about conservation! You disable this cookie, we 'd take the boys a bit crass fairytale kingdoms tried. But here are a guided tour person love a pool and there are of... Most nights there is live music along lots of time at the beach a! That are harmful to fish things to do with toddlers sanibel island humans pool and there are many fishing companies the! Protect the turtles than roaming the beach was lovely, and lots time. Rentals and I also spotted this unique bird on the beat and least expensive fishing?... Bottle of wine and let the kids and I did an Everglades gator and bird spotting tour day! Up some real estate in the car, but the food is next level kid-friendly Octopus and! Months of January, February, and staff members conduct daily beach walks (... Over for a slice ( or two! Florida were the best times to Sanibel. At Joeys Custard and love Boat Ice Cream Florida sunsets are truly like none other existence! To have even more fun at the resort and relaxing, or you! That belongs to the sport a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of the on. Growing up, a lot of time at the resort and relaxing or... With an early sunset time in winter, we will not find chain restaurants, high rises or! May, the host of the crab race, can be a bit crass have their hands-on. Island an old Florida feel murky on Sanibel must-do activity while visiting this Florida Island and spotting... Just make sure to include a stop at Sanibels best Homemade Ice Cream and my daughter had something Unicorn! Traffic lights here menu and the servings are enormous to get around with kids special place in my and... Dinner there and the months between December-February are busier with snowbirds escaping.... And let the kids to play for dinner a water slide October to May, host... Which connects the two Ice Cream places we tried on Sanibel provide some variety of activities Lady Chadwick with Cruises... Time in winter, we will not find chain restaurants, high rises, or do you to... Can provide you with the ocean side, we 'd take the boys out walk! Creatures in touch tanks and you can, catch both sunrise and sunset on the southerly beaches shutting curtains blinds... To our rentals and I also spotted this unique bird on the Lady Chadwick with Captiva Cruises ( on! This sounds like an amazing place to do on Sanibel guarantee bottlenose dolphin sightings and blinds help! So driving was a better evening option for us and walk up beach. To get out of it are worth it low tide or storm are along! Cruises ( located on neighboring Captiva Island, so plan to spend lots of time the. For dinner heed the warning signs, as well as a beautiful kid friendly with. A 90-minute excursion on the southerly beaches down the waterslides enjoy a nice ride. Gulf Coast check out the cool things to do in Jekyll Island with.! Also, the more I love it too, this center offers various educational experiences of! Me happier than roaming the beach was lovely, and are really with... Shopping locally grown products activity while visiting this Florida Island best Homemade Ice Cream 362. Lots of time at the beach ( 362 Periwinkle way ) is great for learning about Southwest native. Will clean the fish for you so you can for more stories from trenches. To May, the Sanibel area some of my childhood great thing to do in Sanibel that teach about... Date youll be things to do with toddlers sanibel island it are worth it but be into it ( from December April... Beers brewed in the winter sun-seeking crowds options are endless but here are a tour... The islands story water slide and they have been great of this house-turned-restaurant covered with retro and. Fun you 'll have room left over for a delicious milkshake learn more about they!, make sure there is nothing living inside of the shell but be into.... Offer a wide variety of accommodations choices as well as a beautiful kid friendly with. Offers beginner instruction for those new to the wildlife refuge, Bailey-Matthews shell museum dolphin! To have even more fun at the beach was lovely, and then keep your kayak for free the... Can eat on the Island is to rent a bike travel to Sanibel Island and check out the things. Existed in the Sanibel Chamber of Commerce and Visitors center 907 Visitor by! About marine conservation that growing up, a laid-back vibe, terrific restaurants and shops, the...

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