Bring a bottle of wine and let the kids get their feet wet. Bristol is a stunning five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath fully furnished home with a private pool. Visit the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum to get a more in depth understanding of the areas shells, and book a guided beach walk where a seasoned naturalist will teach you how to find the best shells. 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. During the summertime, you'll get those hotter temperatures, as the lows only get down into the 70s during this time of year. #1 in Sanibel Island Address: 1700 Bowman's Beach Rd. Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. And whether you order a cone or bowl, every servingis topped with an adorable little animal cracker. 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! It's a great activity for kids and families. The Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens takes visitors on a colorful journey through idyllic tropical gardens. If you aren't familiar with Sanibel Island, Florida it's a small island off the coast of West Florida near Fort Myers. That is until I heard of the western side of the panhandle and more specifically Sanibel Island. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Fort Myers & Sanibel Island with kids. So get the whole family involved, even if they're too young to pedal. It's a far cry from Disney, BUT I think this type of vacation can be just as lovely for kids of all ages. The Island also offers many opportunities for kids to learn and have fun at the same time. Also, it's closed at this moment, but there is generally a hands-on area for kids at the Visitor and Education Center. While the water is not clear, they will be able to find starfish, conch, and sand dollars. Sign up for simple dinner ideas, easy step by step instructions, and fun recipes for kids. No arguments there! 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. 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. Parenting lesson learned? The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. They also offer a kids program (if you feel like a little adult time needs to be a part of your vacation!). 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. Ever been to Captiva or Sanibel? A quick drive from Fort Myers, Florida will take you to a tropical island getaway with so much family-friendly fun to explore. I love Sanibel!! For the 4 nights we were there, we stood on the beach of the hotel and observed and gave thanks that was our view. There are several places for bike rentals on Sanibel Island, and 25 miles of trails to enjoy. 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. 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). Watch the sunset on the beach. Captiva And Sanibel Islands are just over an hour from Ft. Myers and relatively easy to get to, but feel like a tropical paradise. 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. There are several ways to explore the refuge. Throughout the year, the temperatures on Sanibel Island can range anywhere from the mid-50s to the low 90s. We came back with so many amazing shells (a whole suitcase full of them in fact). Find unlimited travel inspiration on ourblogsandour social media channelsFacebook,Instagram,Pinterest, The 10 Best Beaches Near Orlando, Florida15 Unbeatable Florida Family Vacations with KidsThe 4 Best Family-Friendly Vacation Spots in OrlandoThe 15 Best Long Weekend Getaways In The USThe Ultimate North America Travel Guide10 Best Day Trips From Naples, FloridaThe Ultimate Guide For a Pet-Friendly Holiday in FloridaThe Best Time To Visit Orlando, Florida7 Amazing Water Parks In Orlando, Florida8 Best Hotels Near SeaWorld Orlando, Florida9 Best Hotels In Orlando, FloridaThe 5 Best Hotels Near Downtown Orlando, FloridaThe 8 Best Hotels Near Orlando AirportThe 9 Best Pet-Friendly Hotels In Orlando, FloridaThe Best Hotels Near Disney World Orlando. Mound House. 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. All ages. 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. Kids have their own hands-on learning room, and staff members conduct daily beach walks. 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. Here you'll find shell-strewn beaches, a laid-back vibe, terrific restaurants and shops, and an incredibly diverse wildlife sampling. I definitely want to go back and explore and this sounds like an amazing place to do just that. It also taught the boys a bit about wind and weather because they only knew they could fly the kites on windy days. Sanibel Island just has a different vibe. One of our favoritethings to do at night in Sanibel islandis to come back for a delicious milkshake. Me and the kids love looking for shells too and it seems like there are a lot there! 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!. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. We've even spotted lots of dolphins just along the coast. Get Dessert at The Bubble Room. Time seems to move differently on Sanibel. Here is my short list of family friendly restaurants on Sanibel Island. In fact, almost half of the entire island is dedicated to the J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which you can drive, bike or walk through to spot some of the region's many different creatures among the estuaries. Photo: Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. They dont seem startled one bit! My twins started collecting shells from the beach on our first trip but this year they really got into it! The park is home to a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of the Gulf Coast. As a visitor, that attitude is somewhat concerning to me and in the future, Id like to see some efforts in place and real discussion about red tide and the time of year when its low and high, and how to prevent it from happening. Come over and. 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. There is a toll to be paid of $6.00 to gain entry to the island in a regular vehicle. As someone who doesnt have kids, I still love all the suggestions. ), and The Best Things to Eat & Drink on Sanibel. Your whole family will enjoy spending hours exploring all the creatures they find! 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. 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. 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. 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 . We upgraded our regular beach toys to fun trucks that our boys love. 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. The park is home to a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of the Gulf Coast. Eat at RC Otters. Loosen your belt because several stalls sell freshly made dishes you can eat on the go. Hoping to be able to take the kids over the Summer. There are a great deal of things to do on Sanibel Island when traveling with a family. See Tripadvisor's 128,735 traveller reviews and photos of kid friendly Sanibel Island attractions Look up and see if you can observe some ospreys or pelicans. Friday, March 3. Bonus: Shelling is freeas long as you clean and dry the shells before you leave, they make the perfect souvenirs. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Relax on the beach, enjoy a picnic, go on a bike ride, or take a hike on one of the trails found . Head to Matzaluna for some variety. Collect shells along the beach Sanibel is known as the Shelling Capital of the World, and it's not hard to see why. Your email address will not be published. Best Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend with Kids. We definitely suggest sharing plates, since each dinner portion is huge and comes with a sticky bun, garlic bread and a side salad. We only took a handful home with us as I didnt want to break them in our luggage. The options are endless but here are a few of the activities my kids enjoyed the most on our recent trip. Sanibel Island is known for its idyllic beaches filled with abundant shells. Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. It takes justone visittoSanibel Islandbefore youll start planning yournext trip back. 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'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. 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. Florida sunsets are truly like none other in existence. Winters the weather can be hit or miss, and the months between December-February are busier with snowbirds escaping winter. These eye-popping gardens host wild creatures like butterflies, turtles, rabbits, and birds. As a bonus for families, the captain usually invites kids to steer the boat and take a photo with him in his captain's cap. If we had to drive over and visit just for the day, it would not have been at all the same experience. You can show up in a bathing suit and flip flops and get everything from salad to burgers to fried alligator. One of the main reasons I love coming here so much is for the shells. In addition to an amazing pool and poolside bar, our provided kayaks, paddleboards, bikes to borrow and a naturalist led beach walk. Check out the nearby learning centre at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife(CROW) where kids can watch as animals are nursed back to health at the animal hospital and perform their own pretend rehabilitations on stuffed versions of their favourite critters. Looking for a fun activity for the kids that's free and not the beach? The beach here was beautiful white sand, and the water was a bright shade of beautiful blue. Sprinkled in youll find family travel inspiration. I'm Julie Wunder Emmy award-winning former WLOS meteorologist. There is something for everyone on the menu and the servings are enormous. They are almost all the way to Captiva, so if you are wanting to visit both islands, this is an ideal place to base yourself. 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!). This is Tampa's Ybor City is a National Historic Landmark District. You wont regret taking a drive up to Captiva. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Just make sure not to keep any live ones! 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. Ding Darling is known as one of the best places to visit for birding. While the view is great on any of the two islands' west-facing beaches, watching the sun dip below the horizon while cruising on the water somehow makes the experience even more breathtaking. I've heard you can even spot manatees there. Sanibel island is one of the most bike friendly places that we have ever been. See these marine mammals leaping and frolicking in the waters of Pine Island Sound. They loved running and collecting new shells. Here you'll find shell-strewn beaches, a laid-back vibe, terrific restaurants and shops,and an incredibly diverse wildlife sampling. So if there aren't traditional kids attractions what ARE the things to do with kids in Sanibel Island? Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. If you are looking for soft sand, this will not be your place because the whole beach is LITERALLY made out of sea shells. Summer Waves Water Park. We booked the guide out of Fort Meyers. Where else but the seashell capital of the world would you find the national shell museum? It sets over the ocean where you can watch from a huge stretch of public beach. In addition to an amazing pool and poolside bar, our provided kayaks, paddleboards, bikes to borrow and a naturalist led beach walk. In my personal experience, most family travel has been to the area where an infamous mouse hangs out. At this dreamy beach, you can try the famous Sanibel Stoop, bending over to retrieve seashells from the sand. ): I did not realize until we visited Sanibel and next door Captiva Islands that each of these islands is distinctively different. Looking for a little fun in the sun. Your boys are just growing up so fast. That post has already been written by a thousand other bloggers on the internet, so I dont feel the need to duplicate. 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! Barefoot Charters 54 Boat Tours Fishing Charters & Tours By Fearless825280 Wonderful day with Captain Joe. It's a unique, quirky, and unusual place that is full of old Florida charm. Read more: Bricks 4 Kidz - Piscataway. Thats awesome. . We also recommended Algiers Beach (aka Gulfside City Park Beach), one of the most popular dog-friendly beaches in Sanibel. Kids can easily split a kids meal, especially if they fill up on the bottomless muffins that come first. I definitely enjoyed having a rental car while we were on Sanibel Island. 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. Registered dietitian & mom behind Create Kids Club an online kitchen where feeding kids gluten-free is made easier with simple recipes & kids cooking ideas. Suzanne Rowan Kelleher is a nationally recognized family travel expert and an award-winning travel writer and editor. Its not cheap, but the kids will love it. Your Sanibel Island vacation rental lets you enjoy 15 miles of pristine beaches, 22 miles of bike paths, and zero traffic lights. 8. Copyright 2023 St. Joseph Communications. Skip the line at Bowman's Beach, Sanibel Sea School Day Program + Captiva Watersports. Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW). As I mentioned above, many resorts loan out bikes to their guests. Sanibel isn't the only barrier island along the coast of Fort Myersthere are many others that are only accessible by boat. 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. However, the island is spread out depending on where you stay. I am so glad that I chose to stay on Sanibel proper for our trip to Sanibel Island with kids, because it would have been a whole different trip if we hadnt been right here. We are Shanna and Aaron + kiddos. We were gifted our accommodations at the Island Inn on Sanibel Island and with excursions while there. So will you. J. N. "Ding" Darling NationalWildlife Refuge. The island is relatively compact and very bike friendly and many people get around by bike! I am going to be honest. 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). Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center 907 Visitor Centers By mrsmarinara great information givien with a really generous spirit 4. Sanibel is a pristine island with beautiful beaches, nature preserves, and tropical lush gardens. With all we had to do, we had plenty to keep us occupied for our three night visit. 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. Joe is a great teacher, and storyteller. 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. Picnic tables are available when you want to enjoy snacks under the canopy of the trees. Located near Fort Myers, just offshore Floridas Gulf Coast, this unique island offers visitors the opportunity to bask in many outdoor activities. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge! We saw these cottages at the far end of Sanibel Island whilst viewing one of the most spectacular sunsets that we have ever seen. They have plenty of cute shops to pick from for the kiddos. Consider renting a tandem bike for those younger kids who may end up tired from long bike rides. 74. We had a fun morning riding out to see the Sanibel lighthouse. 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. If you have kids and have been considering a Florida vacation you'd be crazy to not visit Fort Myers & Sanibel Island. 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. This is what I know about the best time to visit Sanibel Island. Home Travel Top Things to Do on Sanibel Island with Kids. I've always wanted to visit Sanibel Island. The shells on Sanibel make going to the beach even more fun for kids because they have another activity to do. We also had dinner there and the kids were super happy with their chicken fingers. 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. 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! 4. 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. 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. 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. It is true that growing up, a lot of time was spent in these magical and fairytale kingdoms. You should get an annual pass to the wildlife refuge. Fun Things to Do in Sanibel Island with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. It's a great and inexpensive activity for the family that doesn't involve having everyone sit at a table for an entire meal. 10 things to do with kids in Miami It connects by bridge to Captiva Island. Sanibel Island is approximately 30 minutes from the Fort Myers Airport. Worth-visiting institutions include the Village Sanibel Historical Museum, which preserves nine historic buildings that tell the islands story. Your new neighbors will be just as curious about you as you are about them. Dont miss out on mobile-only deals and one-of-a-kind offers. Also, the water tended to be murky on Sanibel. You to get to the beach by boat, and its simply amazing. Registered dietitian & mom behind Create Kids Club an online kitchen where feeding kids is made easier with simple gluten-free recipes & kids cooking ideas. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge On this part of Sanibel you'll find a protected piece of nature with quite an impressive wildlife! A stop atPinocchio's Italian Ice Cream (362 Periwinkle Way) is a Sanibel tradition. Along the way, a naturalist will point out local sights and landmarks while answering questions about wildlife and island history. Trust me. It was tempting. 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. There isfree entryinto the Visitor & Education Center that includes ahands-on area for children. 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. The homes are amazing to look at, the water even better. From national historic sites to beautiful beaches, there are many fun things to do on the Kohala Coast. Shelling is one of the best things to do on Sanibel Island, so plan to spend lots of time at the beach! Besides relaxing and playing on the beaches, there are kid-friendly restaurants, museums, and historical sites to enjoy with your family. We stayed at the Sanibel Inn and absolutely LOVED it. A 90-minute excursion on the Lady Chadwick with Captiva Cruises(located on neighboring Captiva Island) will guarantee bottlenose dolphin sightings. And while you won't find theme parks or children's museums to keep your kids entertained, instead, give them the opportunity to spot dolphins, hold small sea creatures, and kayak through the mangroves. Its perfectly legal and encouraged to head down to the beach with a bucket and scoop up as many beauties as you can. I would absolutely stay there again. )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! Jerrys Foods has a lovely outdoor courtyard that it shares with Love Boat Ice Cream (which was super yummy and definitely worth a stop, btw). Photo: Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel 1. We really loved the fact that they walk right out onto a perfect stretch of pristine beach that we had nearly all to ourselves. 2022 5. After 9:00 p.m on Sanibel, itsturtle time. Sanibel Island is best experienced by bike. Looking for something fun to do in Sanibel with kids? Sanibel Island Rentals: Billy's Bike : 1509 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-3620 Finnimore's Bike & Beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa (239) 472-5577 3. These cottages are on the western end of the island, so you are guaranteed some beautiful sunsets right from your front porch! There are activities and family friendly places to visit for families of any size and children of any age. Bristol Ocala Vacation Rental. You can also watch a live video feed of behind-the-scenes animal rescue and care. What a great way to vacation around Sanibel! I think we stopped here three times during our stay. The kids waited for 5 minutes and wanted to go. First lit in 1884, the area around the lighthouse is open to public, but the lighthouse itself is not. The beach was not sandy, it was made of crushed shells. 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!) Sunbathing in the sugar white sand, shelling, kayaking, and swimming in the oceans emerald waters are some of the top activities here. You might spot a dolphin or two from there. Eating out in Sanibel with kids? Both were phenomenal. The lighthouse dates back to 1884. Having a sub-tropical climate, visitors and residents enjoy the outdoors and sunshine all year long. One person mentioned that it comes from Alabama. We had just never gone out to a regular ice cream shop with them! Family-Friendly beach offering spectacular views of the most spectacular sunsets that we had to drive over visit... 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Miss, and zero traffic lights year they really got into it as mentioned.