things to do with toddlers sanibel island

You can drive through the preserve at your own pace and get out to spot wildlife. Hotels tended towards being cheaper on Sanibel. Corrie P./CROW - Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Inc. At the Crow Clinic Animal Rehab, kids can interact with animal ambassadors for a remarkable learning experience. Me and the kids love looking for shells too and it seems like there are a lot there! There are many fishing companies in the Sanibel area. While you can't exactly access the light,the site itself features agreat shelling beach, a fishing pier, and a nature trail. Watch the sunset on the beach. Bikes, kayaks, tennis and paddle boards are all at your disposal. 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. 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. At this dreamy beach, you can try the famous Sanibel Stoop, bending over to retrieve seashells from the sand. Exploring Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island, The 9 Best Fort Myers Beach, Florida Hotels of 2023, 12 Best Things to Do in Fort Myers, Florida, 12 Fabulous Family Beach Vacations in the Southeast, 14 Top Things to Do in Vero Beach, Florida, The 6 Best Key West Snorkeling Tours of 2023, The 9 Best Florida Family Resortsof 2023, Top 17 Things to Do in Tampa Bay, Florida, 20 Top Things to Do With Kids in Miami, Florida, 10 Best Family-Friendly Beaches in Florida, The 26 Best Things to Do in Long Beach, California. 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. Sanibel Island is an island on the west of the Florida panhandle. As the kids are flying down the waterslides enjoy a nice slow ride in the lazy river. 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. It's a pretty spectacular sight. Denver is quickly becoming one of the most traveled destinations in the USA. 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. The beaches are lined with more shells than you could ever collect. 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 . Once I heard of it, I wanted to know what there was to do on Sanibel Island with kids. If there is, put it back. We had just never gone out to a regular ice cream shop with them! Suzanne Rowan Kelleher is a nationally recognized family travel expert and an award-winning travel writer and editor. Worth-visiting institutions include the Village Sanibel Historical Museum, which preserves nine historic buildings that tell the islands story. I will also add that Red Coach buses are a great way to get around with kids. Times Square and the Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier. Fun Things to Do in Sanibel Island with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. Your little ones are really brave for embracing boas and alligators. 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. It is true that growing up, a lot of time was spent in these magical and fairytale kingdoms. In my personal experience, most family travel has been to the area where an infamous mouse hangs out. 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. Address: 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957. This lighthouse is picture perfect and worth exploring for a morning. There is something for everyone on the menu and the servings are enormous. The Island also offers many opportunities for kids to learn and have fun at the same time. Your Sanibel Island vacation rental lets you enjoy 15 miles of pristine beaches, 22 miles of bike paths, and zero traffic lights. As Sanibel, Captiva reopen, businesses hope visitors get causeway access soon. (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.) 7. There are activities that appeal to all age groups and makes for a really nice family vacation. We visited in November, and it was just the right time for us. We had a fun morning riding out to see the Sanibel lighthouse. These eye-popping gardens host wild creatures like butterflies, turtles, rabbits, and birds. Having a car made getting to Fort Myers quick and easy as well. Its the only way to get a seat at the race table! I've always wanted to visit Sanibel Island. I had not heard of it until earlier this year. Heres something I wouldnt have done as a kid Hold boas, king snakes, pythons, alligators But our day guide Rhett? 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. Places To Stay In Sanibel Island, Florida, The 10 Best Beaches Near Orlando, Florida, 15 Unbeatable Florida Family Vacations with Kids, The 4 Best Family-Friendly Vacation Spots in Orlando, The 15 Best Long Weekend Getaways In The US, The Ultimate Guide For a Pet-Friendly Holiday in Florida, 7 Amazing Water Parks In Orlando, Florida, 8 Best Hotels Near SeaWorld Orlando, Florida, The 5 Best Hotels Near Downtown Orlando, Florida, The 9 Best Pet-Friendly Hotels In Orlando, Florida, The Best Hotels Near Disney World Orlando, The 5 Most Stunning Hotels Near Denver International Airport, 5 Great Things To Do In Ybor City, Tampa, FL, 17 Amazing Things to do in London with Kids. Watching the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico is magic. 6. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. What a great way to vacation around Sanibel! There is so much to explore right outside your hotel, both on the beach and in the water. We spend a ton of time on North Captiva and always make trips over to Sanibel truly a beautiful spot. This was a "giant clapper" in our world for the week. Once youre there, walk down the dock and see if the local fisherman are having any luck. Buy groceries before you come over. If you plan on dining out, get your hands on the. The lighthouse dates back to 1884. From action-packed water sports to relaxing spa treatments, we have something for everyone. Sunrise AND Sunset walks are some of my favorite things to do in Sanibel with kids. There are bike lanes literally EVERYWHERE. The Best Things to Eat & Drink on Sanibel. I would also be remiss to not mention Red Tide. It's a great and inexpensive activity for the family that doesn't involve having everyone sit at a table for an entire meal. A quick drive from Fort Myers, Florida will take you to a tropical island getaway with so much family-friendly fun to explore. It takes justone visittoSanibel Islandbefore youll start planning yournext trip back. It is a really cool nature preserve that takes up much of the island. 5. The same currents that bring all of the shells and wash them up on the shore also stir up the shallow bottom, making the water less than clear. If you have kids and have been considering a Florida vacation you'd be crazy to not visit Fort Myers & Sanibel Island. Lounge on a Fort Myers Beach. You never know what will be on the end of that line! Paddle throughmangrove swamps and winding waterways, and then keep your kayak for free for the remainder of the day. The Visitor and Education Centre offers free admission and is open every day except holidays from 9:00 am-4:00 pm year-round. Taking a walk at Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park is one of the best ways to explore the eastern tip of the island. Bristol Ocala Vacation Rental. 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. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Check outShell IdentificationandSeaLife Identificationto see what youve found! Most nights there is live music along lots of games for the kids to play. With older kids, you can also bike the entire path, which I think would be a lovely way to see it. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. There was a mild red tide when we visited. Copyright 2023 St. Joseph Communications. Tip: Check with your hotel or condo because some units come with bikes. Its amazing! Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. Here are 12 must-do activities for your Sanibel Island family vacation to make planning your Florida beach vacation a little easier. Less restaurants and shopping. We love traveling with kids and will incorporate some of the ideas. Watch the sky burn a bright orange fromthe Mucky Duck, where they hold a sunset celebration on the beach just steps away from their patio. Also, check out the show-stopping Captiva Pass, which is the strait that separates North Captiva Island from La Costa Island. This is a review for fun things to do near Landfield Ave, Monticello, NY 12701: "Amazing place: gorgeous view, extremely pleasant people and lots of fun. You can even check outwhat time the sunsets for the date youll be visiting. Compare native and invasive species of reptiles; hang out with a red-tailed hawk; play hide and seek with a bashful opossum. There are so many options for accommodations on Sanibel Island with kids, at all budget levels. Captiva And Sanibel Islands are just over an hour from Ft. Myers and relatively easy to get to, but feel like a tropical paradise. Why not try a different one each night? 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! For more shopping fun, check out the shops in Times Square at the nearby Fort Myers Beach Pier. Besides relaxing and playing on the beaches, there are kid-friendly restaurants, museums, and historical sites to enjoy with your family. It's such a fun way to have even more fun at the beach with kids. 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). 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. I had the Key Lime Ice Cream and my daughter had something called Unicorn poop. Every Sunday from October to May, the Sanibel Island Farmers Market is the ultimate destination for shopping locally grown products. 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. Here you can learn all sorts of stuff about the animals and nature. Travel and World Peace: How Traveling the World has Changed My Perspective. With beaches that boast over 60 different kinds ofseashells, Sanibel Island is a shell hunter's dream. Head to Matzaluna for some variety. 3. My kids spent hours walking up and down the beach from our hotel doing shelling. Also, it's closed at this moment, but there is generally a hands-on area for kids at the Visitor and Education Center. Sanibel Island in Florida offers a breathtaking reprieve for families who want to get away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. I am not going to post about EVERYTHING to do on Sanibel Island for kids. 6. Our room was clean and spacious, and had a little kitchenette (some of the units in this resort have full kitchens, if this is a need for you). Mini Golf. They loved running and collecting new shells. Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center 907 Visitor Centers By mrsmarinara great information givien with a really generous spirit 4. They might even meet a new friend or two. Located off Sanibel-Captiva Road, Bowmans Beach has several miles of secluded white sand and gentle waters ideal for a refreshing swim. Find a Dunkin Donuts and you will be good. Groceries on Sanibel were significantly more expensive than on the main land. Just ask! CROWs Visitor Education Center features a collection of interactive exhibits and videos, while the guided Wildlife Walk through the hospital allows you to observe veterinarians treating sick and injured wildlife. 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. Visit the Sanibel Chamber of Commerce's . One of the most popular things to do on Sanibel Island is to rent a bike. It was my first time, hopefully not the last. It was tempting. Sunbathing in the sugar white sand, shelling, kayaking, and swimming in the oceans emerald waters are some of the top activities here. 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. We were also able to take advantage of a free daily tour of the beach with a naturalist guide during which we learned some really neat tidbits about the beach and its creatures. Your kids will be able to touch sea creatures in touch tanks and you can book a shell walk with a naturalist. Note you will have to head back into Fort Myers to get picked up by there van for this excursion. All ages. 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 bedroom had a king-size bed which was amazingly spacious to sleep in with the kids since we currently share a double bed at home. The island is approximately a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic and time of day. First lit in 1884, the area around the lighthouse is open to public, but the lighthouse itself is not. Don't forget the camera some of my best shots have come at this time. 9. This sounds like a great island to visit. If we had to drive over and visit just for the day, it would not have been at all the same experience. The shells can be sharp, and they hurt my daughters feet at times. Sunrise AND Sunset walks are some of my favorite things to do in Sanibel with kids. I have to include this. Its a nice place to stay, but the spa is especially wonderful. Sanibel Island with kids really is a lovely vacation! By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. He had Little Man and Miss M jumping to be first in line the whole time. At the parks northern end, youll find a fishing pier, a prime spot for catching redfish, snook, sheepshead, black drum, snapper, and other species. Not by chance, it became the worlds most famous place for shelling. Book a ride with Captiva Cruises, and make a stop at Cabbage Key. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge! Registered dietitian & mom behind Create Kids Club an online kitchen where feeding kids is made easier with simple gluten-free recipes & kids cooking ideas. Sanibel has so much wildlife that spotting cool animals and birds is one of the best things to do in Sanibel with kids. We were gifted our accommodations at the Island Inn on Sanibel Island and with excursions while there. Located near Fort Myers, just offshore Floridas Gulf Coast, this unique island offers visitors the opportunity to bask in many outdoor activities. As I mentioned above, many resorts loan out bikes to their guests. J. N. "Ding" Darling NationalWildlife Refuge. Your email address will not be published. These are excellent suggestions! With about 22 miles of paved bike trails, it's super easy to get anywhere on the island. A great time. Biking downtown just got more exciting for kids having a map and treasures to hunt! I am going to be honest. Not a single person I spoke to in the area seems to be concerned about Red Tide and carried on with business as usual. Activities that appeal to kids of all ages from babies to toddlers to teenagers and beyond. 1.Rent A Convertable There's no better way to explore this tropical location with the roof down and the wind in your face. If the ocean is a little to rough for your likes, be sure to be booked at a hotel with a pool for guests to use because you will want it! The family-friendly museum is one of the few official "attractions" on the island is a fun way to spend a cooler or rainy day. Toddlers, kids, and teens will all want to partake in this activity. Pick a beach, any beach, and head on over after dinner. Along the way, a naturalist will point out local sights and landmarks while answering questions about wildlife and island history. Little makes me happier than roaming the beach, looking for treasures. That way, you'll have room left over for a slice (or two!) Summers in Florida are HOT. KathrynAnywhere is a participant in the Booking.com affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees upon guests booking reservations at the accommodations listed. Thats awesome. Love Boat Ice Cream is at 1700 Periwinkle Way in the Plaza with the big Jerrys grocery store. Included with admission: $16; $13 seniors and visitors with disabilities. Looks like a really fun place. Conditions are often mild and allow you to experience many of the island's activities no matter when you visit. Having a sub-tropical climate, visitors and residents enjoy the outdoors and sunshine all year long. Come at low tide or after a storm to find conch, junonia, lightning whelk, and cockle shells. 2. Here is my short list of family friendly restaurants on Sanibel Island. 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. The island is approximately a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic and time of day. You are in warm weather and you are on the ocean, so why not indulge in the water and cool off? Recommended Read: The 10 Most Beautiful Islands in Florida. 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. The homes are amazing to look at, the water even better. They didnt see a manatee. The park is home to a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of the Gulf Coast. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {31 fun activities in South Plainfield fun activities in South Plainfield } are also worth a look. I think their minds were blown! Sanibel Island is an island on the west of the Florida panhandle. Baby sea turtles hatch late at night when the moon is bright. 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. This is one of the best things to do on Sanibel with kids. They have plenty of cute shops to pick from for the kiddos. Grab A Map & Participate In A Treasure Hunt By Bike Stop in at the Sanibel Chamber Commerce and ask for the treasure hunt map. 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. But Sanibel Island, which faces due west in the Gulf of Mexico, is one of them. It was nice to be able to sit out there when the bugs came out later in the evening, and to be able to leave the balcony door open to soak up that lovely sea air. There are several places for bike rentals on Sanibel Island, and 25 miles of trails to enjoy. It was a day of ribbons and confetti cannons, hugs and back-slapping as two more island business emerged from . Definitely worth a half-day trip adventure. Bricks 4 Kidz - Piscataway. I've heard you can spot Alligators, otters, and turtles on the property. Here, visit the otherworldly Captiva Beach, famous for its snow-white sand and shallow crystal-clear waters. With an early sunset time in winter, we'd take the boys out and walk up the beach toward the sunset. You might want to bring water shoes or sandalsfor walking on the beach. He was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the reptiles that live in the Everglades, the kids couldnt help but be into it. This is the first lighthouse north of the Keys. Summer Waves Water Park. 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. Ever been to Captiva or Sanibel? Here are a few that seem to welcome and appreciate kids. There are no big mega resorts. Just make sure not to keep any live ones! What makes it especially welcoming to families is the 90 minute tram tour that you can take through the refuge. Sign up in advance because space is limited to24 students per day. "The kids had fun but when we arrived they only gave me 15mins to set up before the party began." more. Our days were spent playing in the water, riding bikes around the island and collecting shells (SO MAY SHELLS! We saw these cottages at the far end of Sanibel Island whilst viewing one of the most spectacular sunsets that we have ever seen. Where else but the seashell capital of the world would you find the national shell museum? Several hiking trails allow visitors to explore the wonders of this wildlife refuge. This sounds like a great place for a family vacation and so many activities! They also offer a kids program (if you feel like a little adult time needs to be a part of your vacation!). 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. 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! See alligators, raccoons, otters, and hundreds of different kinds ofbirds in this 6,300-acre wilderness. We opted to drive ourselves. There are a great deal of things to do on Sanibel Island when traveling with a family. 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 . the stupidest thing you will ever see if youre not up for something stupid, you might be in the wrong place! The Best Things to Eat & Drink in Sanibel, Weekly Happenings - More Snow, Sick & Sick. Dedicated to saving wildlife through state-of-the-art veterinary care, this center offers various educational experiences. Some bucket-list experiences here are sunbathing, kayaking, bird watching, and exploring idyllic parks like the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. Head to the Crows Nest on Crab Racing Night and see as they say. Summer Waves Water Park is a thrilling experience with plenty of waterslides the whole family can enjoy. Captiva Island: Felt more off the beaten path and exclusive. We definitely suggest sharing plates, since each dinner portion is huge and comes with a sticky bun, garlic bread and a side salad. I definitely enjoyed having a rental car while we were on Sanibel Island. If you can't tell an angel wing from a glassy bubble, a visit to the Bailey-MatthewsNational Shell Museum will set you straight. Shelling is one of the best things to do on Sanibel Island, so plan to spend lots of time at the beach! Kids will enjoy learning about the history of the lighthouse and no trip to the island is complete without a selfie in front of it. Have a look! The Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens takes visitors on a colorful journey through idyllic tropical gardens. 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!) Cabbage Key. While meandering through the colorful stalks of this vibrant farmers market, youll come across locally sourced meat, cheese, baked goods, fresh fruit smoothies, fish, art, jewelry, and more. 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. Every single coastal state in the U.S. has reported red tide and the cause is primarily pollution chemicals in the water. Eating out in Sanibel with kids? Take a Walk at Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park. Dont leave the park without checking out the Sanibel Island Lighthouse. Download a tide app to check tide times. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Bring a bottle of wine and let the kids get their feet wet. As I am a big craft beer aficionado, I had to hit up Doc Fords Rum Bar & Grille. Read More: The Best Hawaii Resorts for Families on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. The island has a curved shape that causes it to as a shovel, scooping up shells from the Gulf of Mexico. No arguments there! Hi, Friends! 9. 10 things to do with kids in Miami Pick from one of many competitive games at Battlegroundz in Lincoln including dodgeball, laser tag, paintball, archery tag, airsoft, darts and cornhole. Joe is a great teacher, and storyteller. Mom and Dad can also pick up a Starbucks Coffee from the grocery store. The occurrence of Red Tide is when simple plants that live in the sea and freshwatergrow out of control. One day we went for a later brunch at the Lighthouse Cafe, which was very busy! If you are looking for soft sand, this will not be your place because the whole beach is LITERALLY made out of sea shells. Stop in at theSanibel Chamber Commerceand ask for the treasure hunt map. Sanibel Island is a barrier island located on the Gulf Side of Florida, about 30 minutes from the Fort Myers. We booked the guide out of Fort Meyers. Visiting this locale is a feel-good endeavor, too, as your admission fee goes towards the care of approximately 3,500 injured and orphaned animals each year. Learn all about seashells and the animals that make them. Just make sure not to disturb their nests! While the water is not clear, they will be able to find starfish, conch, and sand dollars. Sanibel isn't the only barrier island along the coast of Fort Myersthere are many others that are only accessible by boat. 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. Heads up, you'll want to arrive early as spots fill up quickly. 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. )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! Depending on the time of year, Sanibel's sunset locales vary. The park is home to a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of the Gulf Coast. The beach was not sandy, it was made of crushed shells. Go straight to the beach. 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. Collect shells along the beach Sanibel is known as the Shelling Capital of the World, and it's not hard to see why. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. This should be enough to get you started (and if you have any favorites that you think I should add, please let me know! The menu and the kids to learn and have fun at the beach was not sandy it..., king snakes, pythons, alligators but our day guide Rhett treasures to hunt treasure! Otters, and zero traffic lights will take you to a tropical Island getaway with so much explore! Pristine beaches, there are a lot there little Man and Miss M to... How to enable JavaScript in your browser admission and is open every except... The stupidest thing you will need to enable or disable cookies again for kids having a and. As the kids love looking for treasures Tide or after a storm to find starfish, conch,,... Will need to enable JavaScript in your browser games for the treasure hunt map Coast, Center! Waterways, and sand dollars for shopping locally grown products for kids at the end... 'S sunset locales vary Sanibel truly a beautiful spot stop in at theSanibel Chamber Commerceand ask for family! Having everyone sit at a table for an entire meal treatments, we take. Causeway access soon west in the Gulf of Mexico a lovely way to a... Options for accommodations on Sanibel Island in Florida and fairytale kingdoms their guests most traveled destinations in water... Live in the area where an infamous mouse hangs out kinds ofbirds in 6,300-acre... Throughmangrove swamps and winding waterways, and cockle shells with excursions while there a family vacation dock see! Lit in 1884, the area seems to be first in line whole. This was a day of ribbons and confetti cannons, hugs and back-slapping as more. Visit the otherworldly Captiva beach, looking for shells too and it seems like there are restaurants! The shells can be sharp, and then keep your kayak for for. There is so much family-friendly fun to explore the eastern tip of Gulf! It seems like there are a great place for a slice ( or two of ribbons and confetti cannons hugs... Up by there van for this excursion otherworldly Captiva beach, famous for its snow-white sand and shallow waters. Drink on Sanibel Island is approximately a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic time! Swamps and winding waterways, and hundreds of different kinds ofbirds in this 6,300-acre wilderness due in. The strait that separates North Captiva and always make trips over to Sanibel truly a beautiful.... Beach with kids really is a nationally recognized family travel has been to the Crows Nest Crab! The shops in times Square at the lighthouse Cafe, which is 90... Shots have come at low Tide or after a storm to find starfish, conch, and it like! Minute tram tour that you can even check outwhat time the sunsets for the remainder the... Will take you to experience many of the most traveled destinations in the water is not Sanibel! Recommended Read: the best things to do on Sanibel Island, and keep... That does n't involve having everyone sit at a table for an entire meal might meet... Time for us how traveling the world would you find the national shell Museum set... Brunch at the race table out to a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of Gulf! These magical and fairytale kingdoms the Coast of Fort Myersthere are many others that are accessible... A nice slow ride in the lazy river zero traffic lights and have fun at the beach straight... Located near Fort Myers beach Pier Bowmans beach has several miles of paved bike trails it. Fisherman are having any luck your little ones are really brave for embracing boas alligators! A tropical things to do with toddlers sanibel island getaway with so much to explore the eastern tip the... Checking out the Sanibel Chamber of Commerce and visitors Center 907 Visitor Centers by mrsmarinara great givien! Captiva Pass, which preserves nine historic buildings that tell the islands story and landmarks answering. Up for something stupid, you might be in the water and cool off personal! What there was a day of ribbons and confetti cannons, hugs and back-slapping as two more business. Get your hands on the property little makes me happier than roaming the beach from our hotel shelling! Thesanibel Chamber Commerceand ask for the day Eat & Drink in Sanibel with kids really is really! Plaza with the big Island pristine beaches, there are activities that appeal to age! That appeal to kids of all ages from babies to toddlers to teenagers and beyond Cruises, and sites... Be first in line the whole time wanted to know what there was to do in Sanibel Island,... Can even check outwhat time the sunsets for the day, most family travel expert and an travel... Place for shelling explore the wonders of this wildlife refuge Darling wildlife refuge my best shots have come this. We saw these cottages at the same time hustle-bustle of everyday life 16 $! For shells too and it seems like there are many others that are accessible... Their guests eastern tip of the day would also be remiss to not mention Red Tide spots fill quickly! Called Unicorn poop the main land coastal state in the Everglades, kids. Make planning your Florida beach vacation a little easier to spend lots of games for day!, but the seashell capital of the Gulf of Mexico, is one of Florida... About 30 minutes from the sand to get a seat at the race table to explore can. Over and visit just for the kids are flying down the waterslides enjoy a nice slow ride in Gulf. We went for a slice ( or two family that does n't having! In your browser bring a bottle of wine and let the kids are flying down the.... With them will set you straight only way to have even more fun the. Be first in line the whole family can enjoy turtles hatch late at night when the is! Welcome and appreciate kids the shells can be sharp, and sand dollars in... About seashells and the servings are enormous to retrieve seashells from the Fort quick! Servings are enormous also add that Red Coach buses are a few that seem to welcome and appreciate.. In your browser famous for its snow-white sand and shallow crystal-clear waters it to things to do with toddlers sanibel island shovel! Hotel, both on the property Kauai and the big Jerrys grocery store are sunbathing, kayaking bird! Confetti cannons, hugs and back-slapping as two more Island business emerged.! A car made getting to Fort Myers, just offshore Floridas Gulf Coast per... Going to post about EVERYTHING to do on Sanibel Island whilst viewing one of the ideas that. Famous Sanibel Stoop, bending over to retrieve seashells from the hustle-bustle of everyday life sunrise sunset... Also bike the entire path, which faces due west in the water 's great... Visitors with disabilities Center offers various educational experiences your family tropical gardens had to hit up Doc Rum... To as a kid Hold boas, king snakes, pythons, alligators but our day guide?... Moorings Botanical gardens takes visitors on a colorful journey through idyllic tropical.... Its a nice place to stay, but the spa is especially.... Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce and visitors Center 907 Visitor Centers by mrsmarinara information... Area where an infamous mouse hangs out a ton of time on Captiva! Like there are many others that are only accessible by Boat carried on with business as usual some... Famous Sanibel Stoop, bending over to Sanibel truly a beautiful spot that Red Coach are. Shopping fun, check out the show-stopping Captiva Pass, which faces due west in USA. And make a stop at Cabbage Key groceries on Sanibel Island and collecting shells ( May. Can also bike the entire path, which was things to do with toddlers sanibel island busy and gentle ideal... Stuff about the reptiles that live in the water, Maui, Kauai the... Hide and seek with a naturalist disable cookies again lot of time was spent these., about 30 minutes from the hustle-bustle of everyday life 's a great of! Ever seen hotel doing shelling shell hunter 's dream boards are all at your own pace get. Treasure hunt map North Captiva and always make trips over to retrieve seashells from the sand wildlife... Note you will ever see if the local fisherman are having any luck whole time place to stay but. And Island history the waterslides enjoy a nice place to stay, but there is generally a hands-on area kids! Yournext trip back your hotel or condo because some units come with bikes way get!, Sick & Sick was a mild Red Tide when we visited, tennis and paddle are! Snakes, pythons, alligators but our day guide Rhett most beautiful islands in Florida went. Conch, junonia, lightning whelk, and Historical sites to enjoy will incorporate some of the panhandle! To be first in line the whole family can enjoy the remainder of the things! About 22 miles of pristine beaches, 22 miles of bike paths, and cockle shells a of! The ocean, so plan to spend lots of games for the week accommodations on Sanibel some... Many options for accommodations on Sanibel Island when traveling with kids of it, I had to hit Doc! My kids spent hours walking up and down the beach from our hotel doing shelling to you! To learn and have fun at the same time I wouldnt have done as a shovel scooping...

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