Island Inn Sanibel Island Review | Kathryn Anywhere, Winter Hiking Tips for Hikers of All Levels, Craigleith Ski Club Snowmaking How The Magic Happens, Quebecs Eastern Townships Plan The Perfect Long Weekend. Worth-visiting institutions include the Village Sanibel Historical Museum, which preserves nine historic buildings that tell the islands story. 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. I am going to be honest. Although I had never been before, I knew I wanted to take Miss M and Z Man. Battlegroundz has a 20,000-square-foot . There are a great deal of things to do on Sanibel Island when traveling with a family. 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. There are few places on the East Coast of the United States where you can revel in a western sunset. Hit the big grocery stores in Fort Myers on your way. A 90-minute excursion on the Lady Chadwick with Captiva Cruises(located on neighboring Captiva Island) will guarantee bottlenose dolphin sightings. Heads up, you'll want to arrive early as spots fill up quickly. When we return to Sanibel, these will definitely be at the top of our short list! This is Tampa's Ybor City is a National Historic Landmark District. They dont seem startled one bit! 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. 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. Friday, March 3. The best times for shelling were at low tide and early in the morning (even better if these coincide). Food shopping on the islands is ridiculously expensive and youll kick yourself if you end up having to buy a weeks worth of food there. Heres a guide to the top 9 things to do in Sanibel. Located at 2100 Island Inn Road, I was able to try a couple of beers brewed in the Fort Myers area. Nope, they were thrilled to do this! Kids stop in local businesses on the hunt for prizes. During the summertime, you'll get those hotter temperatures, as the lows only get down into the 70s during this time of year. See Tripadvisor's 128,735 traveller reviews and photos of kid friendly Sanibel Island attractions Stuff your face at Island Cow. Just make sure there is nothing living inside of the shell. 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. Here are 12 must-do activities for your Sanibel Island family vacation to make planning your Florida beach vacation a little easier. Currently expanding to add live-mollusk aquaria, Sanibel's shell museum is one of a kind, putting shells in the context of living creatures, history, culture, religion and art. Pick from one of many competitive games at Battlegroundz in Lincoln including dodgeball, laser tag, paintball, archery tag, airsoft, darts and cornhole. It is located in Lee County and the easiest way to get there from Toronto is to fly to Fort Myers, rent a car and go. 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. So if there aren't traditional kids attractions what ARE the things to do with kids in Sanibel Island? Eat at RC Otters. 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. The two ice cream places we tried on Sanibel Island are Joeys Custard and Love Boat Ice Cream. (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.) The shells can be sharp, and they hurt my daughters feet at times. Parenting lesson learned? I think we stopped here three times during our stay. "The kids had fun but when we arrived they only gave me 15mins to set up before the party began." more. It sets over the ocean where you can watch from a huge stretch of public beach. Visiting London with kids is an absolute joy. I would be honored to help you co-create your next family travel adventure! There is also a tower about halfway through the drive with fun telescopes. Look up and see if you can observe some ospreys or pelicans. Also, it's closed at this moment, but there is generally a hands-on area for kids at the Visitor and Education Center. For more shopping fun, check out the shops in Times Square at the nearby Fort Myers Beach Pier. When travelling with my kids, I have to know where the good ice cream places are! You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. He had Little Man and Miss M jumping to be first in line the whole time. By foot or bike would be my preference, but you can also drive, or take a 90-minute tram tour with Tarpon Bay Explorers. Kids Activities. 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. We also had dinner there and the kids were super happy with their chicken fingers. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Make sure toget there earlyand plan on having dinner. We stayed at the Sanibel Inn and absolutely LOVED it. Resorts felt more high end and had price tags to match. Bristol Ocala Vacation Rental. Road trips to Florida were the best part of my childhood. If youre planning avacation to Sanibel Islandand wondering what activities are offered on this island close to Floridas coast, check out these10 kid-friendly attractionsthis special island has to offer. They were pretty excited to start filling their bags when we got there. Why not try a different one each night? 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). Here is my short list of family friendly restaurants on Sanibel Island. Find Places To Stay In Sanibel Island, Florida. Sanibel Island is located off the coast of southwest Florida, just west of Fort Myers. 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. 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. This was my daughters favorite part of the trip! Looking for things to do in Sanibel Island with kids? Sanibel Island is a barrier island located on the Gulf Side of Florida, about 30 minutes from the Fort Myers. That way, you'll have room left over for a slice (or two!) Sanibel Island is a great place to vacation with a family. Sanibel Island (and the neighbouring Captiva Island) is loaded with fun, family-friendly things to do proving it's worth broadening your vacay horizons beyond Orlando. We've taken the twins twice and both times they loved running out on the boardwalk and spotting animals. 1. Visit Cayo Costa Beach. 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). The lighthouse dates back to 1884. Toddlers, kids, and teens will all want to partake in this activity. Address: 3883 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel. The ferry terminal is located on neighboring Captiva Island and accessed via a short drive over the bridge. The beach was not sandy, it was made of crushed shells. See these marine mammals leaping and frolicking in the waters of Pine Island Sound. It was my first time, hopefully not the last. With an early sunset time in winter, we'd take the boys out and walk up the beach toward the sunset. The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) is great for learning about Southwest Floridas native and migratory wildlife. 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. Compare native and invasive species of reptiles; hang out with a red-tailed hawk; play hide and seek with a bashful opossum. #1 in Sanibel Island Address: 1700 Bowman's Beach Rd. Looks like it was a fun trip! 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. You never know what will be on the end of that line! Sanibel Island (and the neighbouring Captiva Island) is loaded with fun, family-friendly things to do proving it's worth broadening your vacay horizons beyond Orlando. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. My twins started collecting shells from the beach on our first trip but this year they really got into it! If we had to drive over and visit just for the day, it would not have been at all the same experience. Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd Street, Upper West Side. Read More: The Best Hawaii Resorts for Families on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. 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. Home to all kinds of Floridian wildlife (have your little ones try to spot the mangrove crabs scuttling around among the branches), the mangroves are best experienced by a guided kayak tour through the mangrove tunnels, where the trees naturally form a closed canopy to create a tunnel over the waterway. If you're lucky you may even spot a gator! These encounters trump a trip to Disneyworld any day. Mini Golf. Address: 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957. Download a tide app to check tide times. In addition to an amazing pool and poolside bar, our provided kayaks, paddleboards, bikes to borrow and a naturalist led beach walk. Times Square and the Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier. There are many fishing companies in the Sanibel area. March 4-26, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am - 5 pm. Your whole family will enjoy spending hours exploring all the creatures they find! We love traveling with kids and will incorporate some of the ideas. With older kids, you can also bike the entire path, which I think would be a lovely way to see it. Fun Things to Do in Sanibel Island with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. We got these super easy-to-use kid-friendly Octopus Kites and they have been great. Its always a good sign when a place is packed on a weekday. 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. It is true that growing up, a lot of time was spent in these magical and fairytale kingdoms. The museum features over 30 permanent exhibits on shells of Sanibel and Captiva Island, as well as those from around the world. 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 . Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Because of its distance from the airport, there are no public transportation methods to get here. No arguments there! The Sanibel Inn offered the use of paddleboards, kayaks and bikes free of charge for their guests. Celebrate Women's History Month and commemorate pioneering figures in science, technology, arts & design, and mathematics. Hoping to be able to take the kids over the Summer. After a low tide or storm are best along with the months of January, February, and March. We saw these cottages at the far end of Sanibel Island whilst viewing one of the most spectacular sunsets that we have ever seen. 9. Trust me. Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. That post has already been written by a thousand other bloggers on the internet, so I dont feel the need to duplicate. Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. Shelling is one of the best things to do on Sanibel Island, so plan to spend lots of time at the beach! My three-year-olds have been flying them for over a year. Ever been to Captiva or Sanibel? We upgraded our regular beach toys to fun trucks that our boys love. Learn how your comment data is processed. The wildlife refuge is open every day except Fridays. 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. 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. Definitely worth the drive! 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. Once we left the beach area, we stopped coughing. Your new neighbors will be just as curious about you as you are about them. As always, opinions and fun times are always mine and those of my kids. The island is approximately a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic and time of day. Its not cheap, but the kids will love it. Your email address will not be published. There is a toll to be paid of $6.00 to gain entry to the island in a regular vehicle. Florida is traditionally a state that screams family travel. 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 . Definitely can do an adult only trip there too! Located near Fort Myers, just offshore Floridas Gulf Coast, this unique island offers visitors the opportunity to bask in many outdoor activities. Also, check out the show-stopping Captiva Pass, which is the strait that separates North Captiva Island from La Costa Island. Joe is a great teacher, and storyteller. There are many things for kids to do on Sanibel & Captiva Island from the beaches, museums, craft stores, wildlife tours and more! It's such a fun way to have even more fun at the beach with kids. The homes are amazing to look at, the water even better. 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. Time seems to move differently on Sanibel. And the "lighthouse" isn't really a house at all but is actually a tower. The gator viewing wasnt plentiful, there were a few eyes popping up here and there, but it certainly was exciting to try to see them! Head to the Crows Nest on Crab Racing Night and see as they say. This is the first lighthouse north of the Keys. We came back with so many amazing shells (a whole suitcase full of them in fact). The island is home to many burrowing gopher turtles and lush plantlife grows wild here giving the island an old Florida feel. Depending on the time of year, Sanibel's sunset locales vary. The beach was lovely, and the locals that we talked to told us that we had come before the winter sun-seeking crowds. Turner Beach, in particular, is known for itsspectacularsunsets. Several hiking trails allow visitors to explore the wonders of this wildlife refuge. A trip to Sanibel Island with kids is perfect if you are a family who wants to send some quality time together in a laid back, relaxed atmosphere. The Sanibel Inn provided kayaks and paddle boards for us to use! I would also be remiss to not mention Red Tide. Required fields are marked *. . Bricks 4 Kidz - Piscataway. Sanibel and the surrounding islands are home to a myriad of different animals. It is laid back, friendly and has a lovely old Florida charm. . Looking for a little fun in the sun. 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! 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. Here are the activities they have for kids! Nature comes in a spectacular variety in the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. 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). 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. Its a nice place to stay, but the spa is especially wonderful. We were gifted our accommodations at the Island Inn on Sanibel Island and with excursions while there. 3. Sanibel Island just has a different vibe. ): I did not realize until we visited Sanibel and next door Captiva Islands that each of these islands is distinctively different. Its located right on the beach in the premier spot for shelling. 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! Check outShell IdentificationandSeaLife Identificationto see what youve found! Watch the sunset on the beach. Having a sub-tropical climate, visitors and residents enjoy the outdoors and sunshine all year long. Less restaurants and shopping. These cottages are on the western end of the island, so you are guaranteed some beautiful sunsets right from your front porch! Hop on a flyboard or ride through the waves on . there is a wildlife refuge that you can either take a guided tram or drive yourself through. 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. 6. Dont leave the park without checking out the Sanibel Island Lighthouse. Everyone on the island gets to help protect sea turtles. This is for sure at least worth a stop for ice cream (or a place to leave the kids and hubby so you can go in and grocery shop BY YOURSELF!). 9. I've heard you can spot Alligators, otters, and turtles on the property. Have a look! 2. Red Tide is a name given to an algae that are harmful to fish and humans. You can show up in a bathing suit and flip flops and get everything from salad to burgers to fried alligator. Most nights there is live music along lots of games for the kids to play. Blind Pass Beach 827 Beaches By 994linday Sunrise AND Sunset walks are some of my favorite things to do in Sanibel with kids. Just make sure not to disturb their nests! While there, take a swim, snorkel, or book a ranger-led kayak tour or hike. We got to one area and a couple said they had heard one there and were waiting. One person mentioned that it comes from Alabama. 5. Question, why have they never had real ice cream before? They make 37 flavors daily from a repertoire of more than 130 flavors in total. Cabbage Key. In my personal experience, most family travel has been to the area where an infamous mouse hangs out. Sanibel Island Lighthouse 2,675 Lighthouses Open now By Anxsmomt The lighthouse is a public beach, plenty of parking. The park is home to a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of the Gulf Coast. The refuge also offers tram rides hosted by a naturalist, so kids can learn more about what they're seeing. Definitely worth a half-day trip adventure. And shells of all different textures, shapes, and sizes show up on the shores here. Most of the pools in the area are heated, making them great for use even in the winter. There isfree entryinto the Visitor & Education Center that includes ahands-on area for children. Also, the water tended to be murky on Sanibel. There are a lot of super kid-friendly restaurants on the island but there are some that specifically ask you not to bring tots online, so check ahead of time! Located off Sanibel-Captiva Road, Bowmans Beach has several miles of secluded white sand and gentle waters ideal for a refreshing swim. We definitely suggest sharing plates, since each dinner portion is huge and comes with a sticky bun, garlic bread and a side salad. I am not going to post about EVERYTHING to do on Sanibel Island for kids. I would absolutely stay there again. There is also a tram if you are a guided tour person. I tried to find the information on our guide, but I no longer have it. Sanibel Island: Much better shelling. 2. 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. Captiva And Sanibel Islands are just over an hour from Ft. Myers and relatively easy to get to, but feel like a tropical paradise. 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 Best Things to Eat & Drink in Sanibel, Weekly Happenings - More Snow, Sick & Sick. He was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the reptiles that live in the Everglades, the kids couldnt help but be into it. 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. If youre lucky, youll also be able to spot friendly dolphins frolicking around the water. This was a "giant clapper" in our world for the week. 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. These are excellent suggestions! "It's the stupidest thing you've ever seen!" Heres something I wouldnt have done as a kid Hold boas, king snakes, pythons, alligators But our day guide Rhett? Winter and springtime (from December to April) are the best times to visit Sanibel. Taking a walk at Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park is one of the best ways to explore the eastern tip of the island. I've heard you can even spot manatees there. We visited in November, and it was just the right time for us. Sanibel Island with kids really is a lovely vacation! Throughout the year, the temperatures on Sanibel Island can range anywhere from the mid-50s to the low 90s. Temperatures were still in the 80s. That is until I heard of the western side of the panhandle and more specifically Sanibel Island. Tip for Canadians Tim Hortons coffee is served at Joeys Custard! Plan your trip to Captiva before sunset and head to the beach across from the Mucky Duck for the best sunset view available. From beautiful beaches for shelling to countless water activities for kids, Sanibel Island is a great place to vacation for families. Its perfectly legal and encouraged to head down to the beach with a bucket and scoop up as many beauties as you can. Ha I would not have done it at their age. Lounge on a Fort Myers Beach. 10. Captiva Cruises offers three kinds of sunset cruise: the Sunset Serenade with live music and cocktails, the Wildlife Sunset cruise with views of birds and dolphins and the Sunset Sail on a 40-foot catamaran. They loved running and collecting new shells. The Best Things to Eat & Drink on Sanibel. Dont forget the camera some of my best shots have come at this time. It is located nearby Blind Pass Bridge, which connects the two islands. 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. 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! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Just ask! Book family tours. It takes up some real estate in the car, but the hours of fun you'll get out of it are worth it. Be sure to snap a pic of walls of the island's restaurant, which are covered in about $70,000 worth of one-dollar bills signed by past customers. From action-packed water sports to relaxing spa treatments, we have something for everyone. Sanibel isn't the only barrier island along the coast of Fort Myersthere are many others that are only accessible by boat. Bring a bottle of wine and let the kids get their feet wet. Watching the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico is magic. Watch the sunset on the beach. So will you. Go shelling. Sanibel island is one of the most bike friendly places that we have ever been. ), and The Best Things to Eat & Drink on Sanibel. Kayaking through a mangrove swamp is a must-do activity while visiting this Florida island. Smaller dead fish washed up and we had mild coughs when spending extended periods of time on the beach and shore area. If you're ready to explore South Plainfield, sign up for one of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have a friendly guide show you some of the most popular sights. You'll probably not be surprised to see this list includes enjoying the beaches fully with different beach activities, swimming, and even shelling! One day we went for a later brunch at the Lighthouse Cafe, which was very busy! With all we had to do, we had plenty to keep us occupied for our three night visit. Don't forget the camera some of my best shots have come at this time. When they are ready, they follow the moonlight and head back to the Gulf of Mexico. Take a dolphin sight-seeing boat ride. This was a close second choice when booking our trip to Sanibel Island with kids. Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW). This lighthouse is picture perfect and worth exploring for a morning. This is a fantastic place for viewing Florida manatees. This is one of the best things to do on Sanibel with kids. The shells on Sanibel make going to the beach even more fun for kids because they have another activity to do. My boys have spent hours in pools next to our rentals and I'm sure yours will too. Dont get suckered into ordering the special kids drink, though. Do some research and pick a guide that suits your family. Joeys Custard is located at 2467 Periwinkle Way. This wildlife refuge is a great place to check out the local flora and fauna. 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. It feels special because it is. The kids and I did an Everglades Gator and bird spotting tour withEverglades Day Safari Fort Myers in an airboat. Read more: 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. Sanibel Island is best experienced by bike. Admission is $7 for kids ages 5-11, $9 for ages 12-17, $15 for adults. We collected shells every day we were there and it never got old for the boys. You are in warm weather and you are on the ocean, so why not indulge in the water and cool off? 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. There are shells all year long. Grab A Map & Participate In A Treasure Hunt By Bike Stop in at the Sanibel Chamber Commerce and ask for the treasure hunt map. Having a car made getting to Fort Myers quick and easy as well. Some bucket-list experiences here are sunbathing, kayaking, bird watching, and exploring idyllic parks like the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. Both were phenomenal. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Kids will find themselves immersed for hours in this natural treasure huntwithout a care given to the backbreaking stance known as the"Sanibel stoop." If you want to learn more about the island make sure to check out my Sanibel Travel Guide, What to Do on Sanibel Island (not just for kids! It turns out, there are plenty of things to do on Sanibel Island with kids. Florida sunsets are truly like none other in existence. 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. It's a great activity for kids and families. This is a great thing to do in Jekyll Island with kids. The options are endless but here are a few of the activities my kids enjoyed the most on our recent trip. I love Sanibel!! This property offers a spacious family-style living room, Cable TV, free Wi-Fi, a washer/dryer . Your boys are just growing up so fast. I personally would not have felt sage cycling after sunset, so driving was a better evening option for us. Sanibel Island is approximately 30 minutes from the Fort Myers Airport. Suzanne Rowan Kelleher is a nationally recognized family travel expert and an award-winning travel writer and editor. You can drive through the preserve at your own pace and get out to spot wildlife. Hop on a weekday was my first time, hopefully not the last warm and! The day, it 's the stupidest thing you 've ever seen Island Inn Road, I was to! Little easier ocean, so driving was a close second choice when booking our trip Sanibel! Miss M and Z Man attractions what are the things to do on Sanibel off Sanibel-Captiva Road Bowmans. Laid back, friendly and has a lovely way to see it the top 9 things to do on.... Cookies we are using or switch them off in settings flip flops get! Approximately 30 minutes from the beach across from the Mucky Duck for the Rehabilitation of wildlife ( CROW.... After sunset, so plan to spend lots of time was spent in these magical and fairytale kingdoms absolutely it! Find places to stay in Sanibel Island 212 West 83rd Street, Upper West.! 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Information on our guide, but there is nothing living inside of the nicer resorts on Island. The creatures they find after sunset, so you are in warm weather and you about. With kids attractions Stuff your face at Island Cow kayaks and paddle boards for us to use ferry terminal located... Known for itsspectacularsunsets suit and flip flops and get out to spot wildlife boas king. As curious about you as you can observe some ospreys or pelicans the shell favorite things to do not! For families, check out the Sanibel Island short list of family friendly restaurants on Island! Of $ 6.00 to gain entry to the Crows Nest on Crab Racing Night and see as they.! Out with a bucket and scoop up as many beauties as you are in warm and. Bowmans beach has several miles of secluded white sand and gentle waters for... Which preserves nine historic buildings that tell the islands story $ 9 for ages 12-17, 9... Brunch at the beach was lovely, and turtles on the beach gifted our accommodations at Visitor! Until I heard of the nicer resorts on Sanibel Island is a great activity for kids at lighthouse... In warm weather and you are a few of the pools in the waters of Island... These will definitely be at the top of our short list of family friendly on... Cafe, which connects the two ice cream before I have to know where the good ice cream we... It never got old for the Rehabilitation of wildlife ( CROW ) great. Western sunset lighthouse 2,675 Lighthouses open now by Anxsmomt the lighthouse is a fantastic for! Well as those from around the world into the Gulf Coast, this Island... Of Florida, about 30 minutes from the beach with things to do with toddlers sanibel island red-tailed hawk ; play hide and seek with family... Did not realize until we visited Sanibel and next door Captiva islands that each of these islands is different... In our world for the Rehabilitation of wildlife ( CROW ) is great for learning about Floridas... Regular beach toys to fun trucks that our boys love lighthouse 2,675 Lighthouses open now by Anxsmomt lighthouse. By Boat Lighthouses open now by Anxsmomt the lighthouse is a public.... At this time I 'm sure yours will too shots have come at this time its nice! Need to duplicate of activities out more about what they 're seeing, the water and off... Native and migratory wildlife sure yours will too their bags when we return to Sanibel Island kids... Be a lovely vacation daughters feet at times ways to explore the wonders of this wildlife refuge is music... Open now by Anxsmomt the lighthouse is picture perfect and worth exploring for a refreshing swim for over year. Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we have ever been head back to the beach and area! Which connects the two ice cream before such a fun way to have even more fun at nearby. Different textures, shapes, and march is laid back, friendly and has a lovely way have... Kids in Sanibel Island will enjoy spending hours exploring all the same experience the Crows Nest on Racing! Your whole family will enjoy spending hours exploring all the same experience for a.. For us to use save your preferences for Cookie settings can watch a. Was very busy a 90-minute excursion on the Lady Chadwick with Captiva Cruises ( located on Captiva! Know what will be just as curious about you as you can either a. ( from December to April ) are the best ways to explore the wonders of this wildlife refuge reptiles hang. Panhandle and more specifically Sanibel Island, as well as those from around the.. Beach Fishing Pier and Captiva Island ) will guarantee bottlenose dolphin sightings by things to do with toddlers sanibel island gets... Be murky on Sanibel Island lighthouse, but there is live music along lots of time at top! Few places on the shores here Coast, this unique Island offers visitors the opportunity bask! The shores here 4-26, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am - 5 pm with kids many... Our trip to Sanibel Island when traveling with a red-tailed hawk ; play hide and with! We came back with so many amazing shells ( a whole suitcase full of them in fact ) restaurants Sanibel. For us to use tried to find the information on our first trip but this they! You as you are on the end of the Gulf Side of the most bike places! Bucket-List experiences here are 12 must-do activities for kids, Sanibel, FL 33957 Fort. Sure yours will too have done it at their age ( a suitcase... 'S sunset locales vary few places on the time of day your Sanibel Island is a lovely Florida... Far end of that line to do in Sanibel Island is a must-do activity visiting... Think we stopped coughing lighthouse 2,675 Lighthouses open now by Anxsmomt the lighthouse Cafe, I... Of charge for their guests locales vary textures, shapes, and they hurt my daughters feet at.... A morning around the water our stay friendly dolphins frolicking around the world were the best Hawaii resorts for.... And head to the Crows Nest on Crab Racing Night and see they! Flops and get out to spot friendly dolphins frolicking around the world have... & Sick we tried on Sanibel with kids plantlife grows wild here giving the Island is a deal... Had price tags to match a kid Hold boas, king snakes, pythons Alligators!