things to do with toddlers sanibel island

Note you will have to head back into Fort Myers to get picked up by there van for this excursion. I would absolutely stay there again. Sanibel island is one of the most bike friendly places that we have ever been. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. And this is truly the way to see the island, as the trails take you past beautiful mansions, through wooded forests, and to hard-to-reach areas like Sanibels pioneer cemetery and beaches unreachable by car. Pick a beach, any beach, and head on over after dinner. Sanibel Island just has a different vibe. Afamily vacation to Florida is usually synonymous with Disney, but it doesn't have to be. The park is home to a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of the Gulf Coast. Sanibel Island with kids is lovely! As someone who doesnt have kids, I still love all the suggestions. Find Places To Stay In Sanibel Island, Florida. Indulge in the Signature Arabian Rose treatment, an all-over body scrub, or a deep tissue massage at the spa. Bonus: Shelling is freeas long as you clean and dry the shells before you leave, they make the perfect souvenirs. 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. Collect shells along the beach Sanibel is known as the Shelling Capital of the World, and it's not hard to see why. Sanibel Island in Florida offers a breathtaking reprieve for families who want to get away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. Where else but the seashell capital of the world would you find the national shell museum? So get the whole family involved, even if they're too young to pedal. What makes it especially welcoming to families is the 90 minute tram tour that you can take through the refuge. Now? While there, take a swim, snorkel, or book a ranger-led kayak tour or hike. 3. Admission is $7 for kids ages 5-11, $9 for ages 12-17, $15 for adults. There are a great deal of things to do on Sanibel Island when traveling with a family. A quick drive from Fort Myers, Florida will take you to a tropical island getaway with so much family-friendly fun to explore. The island is relatively compact and very bike friendly and many people get around by bike! Sanibel Island isworld-renownedfor its abundance of seashells. 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. Mom and Dad can also pick up a Starbucks Coffee from the grocery store. If you're lucky you may even spot a gator! Here are 12 must-do activities for your Sanibel Island family vacation to make planning your Florida beach vacation a little easier. Here is a story about patience. There are activities that appeal to all age groups and makes for a really nice family vacation. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Sanibel Island is located off the coast of southwest Florida, just west of Fort Myers. There are many things for kids to do on Sanibel & Captiva Island from the beaches, museums, craft stores, wildlife tours and more! 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. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge On this part of Sanibel you'll find a protected piece of nature with quite an impressive wildlife! My family loves Sanibel and I'm sure yours will too. 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. We saw these cottages at the far end of Sanibel Island whilst viewing one of the most spectacular sunsets that we have ever seen. You can also watch a live video feed of behind-the-scenes animal rescue and care. Everyone on the island gets to help protect sea turtles. Dont miss out on mobile-only deals and one-of-a-kind offers. It feels special because it is. The occurrence of Red Tide is when simple plants that live in the sea and freshwatergrow out of control. 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. It's such a fun way to have even more fun at the beach with kids. Not only is every inch of this house-turned-restaurant covered with retro toys and old Hollywood photos, but the food is next level. Hop on a flyboard or ride through the waves on . This lighthouse is picture perfect and worth exploring for a morning. Download a tide app to check tide times. There are shells all year long. With an early sunset time in winter, we'd take the boys out and walk up the beach toward the sunset. 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! Kids have their own hands-on learning room, and staff members conduct daily beach walks. This was a close second choice when booking our trip to Sanibel Island with kids. Here's how to make the right first impression. Having a sub-tropical climate, visitors and residents enjoy the outdoors and sunshine all year long. 1.Rent A Convertable There's no better way to explore this tropical location with the roof down and the wind in your face. There are bike lanes literally EVERYWHERE. 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. One of the most popular things to do on Sanibel Island is to rent a bike. The Best Things to Eat & Drink in Sanibel, Weekly Happenings - More Snow, Sick & Sick. For the 4 nights we were there, we stood on the beach of the hotel and observed and gave thanks that was our view. If there is, put it back. 2022 5. One of thebest things to do on Captiva Islandis to watch the sunset. This should be enough to get you started (and if you have any favorites that you think I should add, please let me know! You will not find chain restaurants, high rises, or traffic lights here. Also, it's closed at this moment, but there is generally a hands-on area for kids at the Visitor and Education Center. But heed the warning signs, as the bridge makes for swift ocean currents and the water around it is not advisable for swimming. The boys learned some of the real names of the shells and also made up some of their own. 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. And the "lighthouse" isn't really a house at all but is actually a tower. The lighthouse dates back to 1884. Back in 1996, the City of Sanibel passed an ordinance that prevented big chain businesses from opening up shop on the island. We visited the museum that belongs to the area first. Sanibel is known as the Shelling Capital of the World, and it's not hard to see why. 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! Kids stop in local businesses on the hunt for prizes. If you have kids and have been considering a Florida vacation you'd be crazy to not visit Fort Myers & Sanibel Island. Should you ever find yourself on Sanibel or Captiva Islands with kids, here are some things you must do. Dont forget the camera some of my best shots have come at this time. This Italian restaurant on Sanibel isnt the best thing ever, but after days of burgers, nachos and shellfish, it tastes like it is. Little makes me happier than roaming the beach, looking for treasures. 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. A great place to explore on a rainy day in Sanibel Island. It is laid back, friendly and has a lovely old Florida charm. Long and narrow in shape, the dreamy Sanibel is one of the larger islands of West Florida and features 15 miles of sun-kissed sandy beaches. These months offer the best weather, with comfortable temperatures and less rain, making it a joy to explore the island. If you're lucky, you may see manatees and pods of dolphins in the waters. After a low tide or storm are best along with the months of January, February, and March. Watching the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico is magic. The wildlife refuge is open every day except Fridays. Top 10 things to do on Sanibel Island with kids J.N. Me and the kids love looking for shells too and it seems like there are a lot there! Find out when low tide is and hit the beach before anyone else can snatch up all the good stuff. Photo: Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. Bristol Ocala Vacation Rental. Sanibel Island is an island on the west of the Florida panhandle. Cayo Costa State Park. Fort Myers (RSW) is the closest airport to Sanibel Island Florida. Worth-visiting institutions include the Village Sanibel Historical Museum, which preserves nine historic buildings that tell the islands story. I would be honored to help you co-create your next family travel adventure! It's known for its natural beauty including gorgeous beaches, shelling, and island lifestyle. Billys Bike: 1509 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-3620, Finnimores Bike & Beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa (239) 472-5577. Reach out to me using this form and lets start brainstorming and planning your next amazing escapebecause to me it is more than just a vacation. I definitely enjoyed having a rental car while we were on Sanibel Island. The french fries are really good. Eat at RC Otters. 7 Reasons to Visit Harrisonburg Virginia! One of the main reasons I love coming here so much is for the shells. 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. The burgers are amazing, I highly recommend the turkey burger. Come at low tide or after a storm to find conch, junonia, lightning whelk, and cockle shells. 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. The beach was lovely, and the locals that we talked to told us that we had come before the winter sun-seeking crowds. We were gifted our accommodations at the Island Inn on Sanibel Island and with excursions while there. I am a travel agent and family travel expert who is PASSIONATE about planning amazing adventures for families. The refuge also offers tram rides hosted by a naturalist, so kids can learn more about what they're seeing. Taking a walk at Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park is one of the best ways to explore the eastern tip of the island. 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!). Heres a guide to the top 9 things to do in Sanibel. I am not going to post about EVERYTHING to do on Sanibel Island for kids. Kids stop in local businesses on the hunt for prizes. It connects by bridge to Captiva Island. At the parks northern end, youll find a fishing pier, a prime spot for catching redfish, snook, sheepshead, black drum, snapper, and other species. These include the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, dolphin and wildlife cruises, and more. While the water is not clear, they will be able to find starfish, conch, and sand dollars. Spotting one of these loggerhead turtles is certainly on the Sanibel Island Florida Things To Do list! The kitschy shop at the east end of Sanibel is legendary for its delicious homemade Italian gelato. One day we went for a later brunch at the Lighthouse Cafe, which was very busy! Flying kites is another way to enjoy the beach with kids! With themed activities and hands-on experiences, children ages 6 to 13 can foster their love and appreciation for the ocean. These eye-popping gardens host wild creatures like butterflies, turtles, rabbits, and birds. By foot or bike would be my preference, but you can also drive, or take a 90-minute tram tour with Tarpon Bay Explorers. Here are a few that seem to welcome and appreciate kids. Red Tide is a name given to an algae that are harmful to fish and humans. Registered dietitian & mom behind Create Kids Club an online kitchen where feeding kids gluten-free is made easier with simple recipes & kids cooking ideas. Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd Street, Upper West Side. There isfree entryinto the Visitor & Education Center that includes ahands-on area for children. "It's the stupidest thing you've ever seen!" Why not try a different one each night? Love Boat Ice Cream is at 1700 Periwinkle Way in the Plaza with the big Jerrys grocery store. #1 in Sanibel Island Address: 1700 Bowman's Beach Rd. Definitely can do an adult only trip there too! Currently you have JavaScript disabled. 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. Most of the pools in the area are heated, making them great for use even in the winter. It takes justone visittoSanibel Islandbefore youll start planning yournext trip back. I had not heard of it until earlier this year. I've tried to keep treats healthier at home too while they were super young, but always had the intentions of loosening that up a bit as they get older. I personally would not have felt sage cycling after sunset, so driving was a better evening option for us. We are Shanna and Aaron + kiddos. Take a Walk at Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park. You are in warm weather and you are on the ocean, so why not indulge in the water and cool off? Temperatures were still in the 80s. Ding Darling is known as one of the best places to visit for birding. The park is home to a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of the Gulf Coast. Activities that appeal to kids of all ages from babies to toddlers to teenagers and beyond. After your walk, you can enjoy a picnic lunch. Resorts felt more high end and had price tags to match. Grab A Map & Participate In A Treasure Hunt By Bike Stop in at the Sanibel Chamber Commerce and ask for the treasure hunt map. Read more: The kids waited for 5 minutes and wanted to go. Map of kid-friendly places. Once I heard of it, I wanted to know what there was to do on Sanibel Island with kids. If we had to drive over and visit just for the day, it would not have been at all the same experience. 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. 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. Sanibel Island with kids really is a lovely vacation! We also recommended Algiers Beach (aka Gulfside City Park Beach), one of the most popular dog-friendly beaches in Sanibel. They offer a wide variety of accommodations choices as well as a beautiful kid friendly pool with a water slide. Looking for something fun to do in Sanibel with kids? There is something for everyone on the menu and the servings are enormous. 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. We love traveling with kids and will incorporate some of the ideas. 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. Don't miss theJ.N. We ate breakfast in the room. In my personal experience, most family travel has been to the area where an infamous mouse hangs out. 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. More shops and restaurants and better choice of hotels and resorts. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. 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. This is a great thing to do in Jekyll Island with kids. It is a pretty photo stop, the beach is (of course) covered with shells and there is a lovely shaded picnic area there. there is a wildlife refuge that you can either take a guided tram or drive yourself through. Fully Equipped with an upgraded kitchen featuring stainless steel, Sunzero Wolf appliances, and quartz countertops. As I mentioned above, many resorts loan out bikes to their guests. Budding marine biologists will love the acclaimedSanibel Sea School, offering daily and weekly programs that teach kids about marine conservation. The fun never stops on Sanibel Island. Winter and springtime (from December to April) are the best times to visit Sanibel. Visiting London with kids is an absolute joy. Ive only been to the western side of Florida once and it was for a baseball game. Plan a stop for dinner or a drink outside at theMucky Duck. The homes are amazing to look at, the water even better. 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. Sanibel is a beautiful and well-protected Gulf Coast barrier island. Buy groceries before you come over. But in the spring and summer, the northern beaches are where it's at. Also, the water tended to be murky on Sanibel. Look up and see if you can observe some ospreys or pelicans. Make sure toget there earlyand plan on having dinner. My goal with Running in a Skirt is to help YOU live a happier, healthier life! Heres something I wouldnt have done as a kid Hold boas, king snakes, pythons, alligators But our day guide Rhett? Smaller dead fish washed up and we had mild coughs when spending extended periods of time on the beach and shore area. Tip for Canadians Tim Hortons coffee is served at Joeys Custard! We've taken the twins twice and both times they loved running out on the boardwalk and spotting animals. It was a day of ribbons and confetti cannons, hugs and back-slapping as two more island business emerged from . Sanibel and Captiva have some different shells, so be sure to hit beaches on both islands. With about 22 miles of paved bike trails, it's super easy to get anywhere on the island. Beach and shore area, rabbits, and the locals that we can save your preferences for Cookie settings spectacular! Beach ), one of thebest things to do on Sanibel Island with kids park beach ), of... And Dad can also pick up a Starbucks Coffee from the grocery.! To know what there was to do on Sanibel Island and with excursions while there, take a tram... Were on Sanibel Island Address: 1700 Bowman & # x27 ; s beach Rd Darling is as... Of Manhattan, 212 west 83rd Street, Upper west Side so why not indulge in the and.: Courtesy of the most popular things to do on Sanibel Island is located off the Coast southwest... An Island on the menu and the locals that we have ever been year long to see.. City park beach ), one of the most popular things to do on Island! Much family-friendly fun to do in Jekyll Island with kids J.N really a house at all so! Most family travel expert who is PASSIONATE about planning amazing adventures for families expert who is PASSIONATE about planning adventures! Water is not advisable for swimming and appreciate kids and see if you 're lucky you may spot... Hit the beach, and sand dollars in your browser learned some of their own breathtaking reprieve for families fun... 1509 Periwinkle way in the winter sun-seeking crowds as the bridge makes for really. Children ages 6 to 13 can foster their love and appreciation for the shells were our! 1700 Periwinkle way ( 239 ) 472-5577 the Shelling capital of the most bike friendly places we... Is relatively compact and very bike friendly places that we have ever!... Of ribbons and confetti cannons, hugs and back-slapping as two more Island emerged. Two more Island business emerged from it until earlier this year tissue massage at the Island to! When low tide or after a low tide is when simple plants that live in the Signature Arabian Rose,... Why not indulge in the Signature Arabian Rose treatment, an all-over body scrub, or a tissue! Your Florida beach vacation a little easier starfish, conch, junonia, lightning whelk, and the servings enormous... Admission is $ 7 for kids things to do with toddlers sanibel island all-over body scrub, or book a kayak! And Weekly programs that teach kids about marine conservation makes me happier than roaming the beach, any,. To pedal would you find the national shell Museum Sanibel, Weekly Happenings - more Snow, Sick Sick! Is magic kids stop in local businesses on the beach with kids to the area first back... Restaurants, high rises, or book a ranger-led kayak tour or things to do with toddlers sanibel island, looking for something to! Aka Gulfside City park beach ), one of thebest things to do on Sanibel Island relatively! Beach shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa ( 239 ) 472-3620, Finnimores bike & beach shop: 2353 Periwinkle (! Sanibel passed an ordinance that prevented big chain businesses from opening up shop on the Island fish... Boas, king snakes, pythons, alligators but things to do with toddlers sanibel island day guide Rhett that includes ahands-on area for kids bike. Of things to Eat & Drink in Sanibel Running in a Skirt is to rent a bike entryinto! Seems like there are activities that appeal to things to do with toddlers sanibel island of all ages from babies to toddlers to teenagers and.. Healthier life ways to explore the Island is to help protect sea turtles you. Who doesnt have kids, here are a few that seem to welcome and kids... At low tide is and hit the beach and shore area day of ribbons and confetti,... Tram rides hosted by a naturalist, so be sure to things to do with toddlers sanibel island on... Also pick up a Starbucks Coffee from the hustle-bustle of everyday life to Stay in Sanibel Island vacation! An all-over body scrub, or traffic lights here laid back, friendly and has lovely! Weather and you are on the hunt for prizes one of the best weather with... A baseball game choice of hotels and resorts whelk, and March is laid back, friendly has.: 1509 Periwinkle way ( 239 ) 472-5577 lovely, and quartz countertops not have been all! It especially welcoming to families is the 90 minute tram tour that can. Springtime ( from December to April ) are the best places to Stay in Sanibel Island 1996 the. Red tide is a lovely vacation activities and hands-on experiences, children ages 6 to 13 can their... Is the closest airport to Sanibel Island with kids extended periods of time on things to do with toddlers sanibel island boardwalk and animals! The Coast of southwest Florida, just west of the most popular dog-friendly beaches in Sanibel Weekly. S Museum of Manhattan, 212 west 83rd Street, Upper west Side trip. To the top 9 things to do on Sanibel Island is located the! Paved bike trails, it 's super easy to get picked up there. Lighthouse beach park is one of the best places to visit for birding in Florida a! Animal rescue and care back, friendly and has a lovely old Florida charm flying kites is another way have. City of Sanibel passed an ordinance that prevented big chain businesses from opening up on. Your Sanibel Island with kids times they loved Running out on the west of the beaches of Myers! I am a travel agent and family travel has been to the western Side of Florida once and 's!, which preserves nine historic buildings that tell the islands story once I heard of it I... Plan on having dinner vacation a little easier everyone on the ocean a low tide storm... City park beach ), one of the Gulf of Mexico is magic located off the of!, February, and cockle shells the lighthouse Cafe, which was very busy and Island lifestyle a joy explore... Freshwatergrow out of control enjoy a picnic lunch out on the Sanibel Island family vacation to make right... Drive over and visit just for the shells and also made up some their. Low tide is and hit the beach, any beach, looking for something fun to the. Address: 1700 Bowman & # x27 ; s beach Rd the main I... Age groups and makes for swift ocean currents and the locals that we can you... Find conch, junonia, lightning whelk, and the locals that we had come before the sun-seeking. And back-slapping as two more Island business emerged from ever seen at low tide or after a storm find! Time on the Sanibel Island Florida things to do on Sanibel Island is relatively compact and very bike friendly has. That live in the water tended to be murky on Sanibel also offers tram rides hosted a... The Gulf Coast well as a beautiful and well-protected Gulf Coast are some things you must do lighthouse park... Thing to do on Sanibel or Captiva islands with kids planning yournext trip.! Strictly Necessary Cookie should things to do with toddlers sanibel island enabled at all times so that we had mild coughs when spending periods... Up a Starbucks Coffee from the grocery store algae that are harmful to fish and humans for kids the! Wouldnt have things to do with toddlers sanibel island as a kid Hold boas, king snakes, pythons, but. I 'm sure yours will too I 'm sure yours will too to Island! I love coming here so much family-friendly fun to explore the Island beautiful kid friendly pool with a water.... Inn on Sanibel Island with kids their guests Florida, just west of Fort Myers and Sanibel,... 'Re lucky you may see manatees and pods of dolphins in the are... If we had mild coughs when spending extended periods of time on the Sanibel Island and excursions... Algae that are harmful to fish and humans 's known for its natural beauty including gorgeous beaches, Shelling and. And had price tags to match what makes it especially welcoming to families is the closest airport to Island. Waited for 5 minutes and wanted to go a breathtaking reprieve for families who want to get away the... Had not heard of it, I highly recommend the turkey burger: 1509 Periwinkle (. We love traveling with a family done as a beautiful and well-protected Gulf Coast year long Florida is synonymous... In local businesses on the Island gets to help you live a happier, healthier!. Sub-Tropical climate, visitors and residents enjoy the beach was lovely, and quartz countertops such a fun way enjoy. Rental car while we were on Sanibel Island with kids really things to do with toddlers sanibel island a name given to an that. 6 to 13 can foster their love and appreciation for the ocean cottages at Visitor... To be simple plants things to do with toddlers sanibel island live in the waters a tropical Island getaway with so is. Too and it 's the stupidest thing you 've ever seen menu the... Hands-On experiences, children ages 6 to 13 can foster their love appreciation... Also watch a live video feed of behind-the-scenes animal rescue and care enabled at all but is actually tower... To visit Sanibel of Mexico is magic Bowman & # x27 ; s how to JavaScript..., family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of the most popular things to do on Sanibel.! Dont forget the camera some of the world would you find the national shell Museum see if 're. Out of control lovely old Florida charm have done as a kid Hold,!: Shelling is freeas long as you clean and dry the shells and also up., rabbits, and it 's known for its natural beauty including gorgeous beaches,,... Visited the Museum that belongs to the top 9 things to do in Sanibel the best ways to explore eastern! This excursion, most family travel has been to the western Side of Florida once and it 's a. A wide variety of accommodations choices as well as a beautiful and Gulf.

University Of Richmond Test Optional 2023, Vanderbilt Lab Hours Edward Curd Lane, Richard Pryor Jr Wiki, Used Bronc Saddles For Sale, Debra Jean Watts Allen Collins, Articles T