We definitely suggest sharing plates, since each dinner portion is huge and comes with a sticky bun, garlic bread and a side salad. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. This property offers a spacious family-style living room, Cable TV, free Wi-Fi, a washer/dryer . Kids stop in local businesses on the hunt for prizes. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Travel and World Peace: How Traveling the World has Changed My Perspective. 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. It is true that growing up, a lot of time was spent in these magical and fairytale kingdoms. 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. Required fields are marked *. . If you're looking for untouched beaches, hop a ferry to Cayo Costa State Park with its nine miles of pristine sand, pine forests, oak-palmhammocks,and mangrove swamps. Copyright 2022 - There and Back Again Travel / Shanna Schultz, Things to Consider When Planning a Trip to Sanibel Island with Kids, saw these cottages at the far end of Sanibel Island. Check outShell IdentificationandSeaLife Identificationto see what youve found! Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center 907 Visitor Centers By mrsmarinara great information givien with a really generous spirit 4. However, the island is spread out depending on where you stay. Loosen your belt because several stalls sell freshly made dishes you can eat on the go. Party & Event Planning. Bikes, kayaks, tennis and paddle boards are all at your disposal. 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. 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. Its not cheap, but the kids will love it. 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. Sanibel is known as the Shelling Capital of the World, and it's not hard to see why. Sanibel Island is an island on the west of the Florida panhandle. Find 2023's best things to do with kids. Head to Matzaluna for some variety. And the "lighthouse" isn't really a house at all but is actually a tower. 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. Having a sub-tropical climate, visitors and residents enjoy the outdoors and sunshine all year long. Kids have their own hands-on learning room, and staff members conduct daily beach walks. He had Little Man and Miss M jumping to be first in line the whole time. No matter the time of year, Sanibel sees some brilliant sunsets. 1. Heres a guide to the top 9 things to do in Sanibel. Download a tide app to check tide times. )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! Grab A Map & Participate In A Treasure Hunt By Bike Stop in at the Sanibel Chamber Commerce and ask for the treasure hunt map. It also taught the boys a bit about wind and weather because they only knew they could fly the kites on windy days. It turns out, there are plenty of things to do on Sanibel Island with kids. 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. We ate THE best burgers at the poolside bar at the Sanibel Island Inn, and we ate out once or twice for dinner. Everyone on the island gets to help protect sea turtles. 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!) As the kids are flying down the waterslides enjoy a nice slow ride in the lazy river. I have never heard of this place, but it sounds like a fun place to eat and drink around. The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) is great for learning about Southwest Floridas native and migratory wildlife. Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. 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. Visiting this lighthouse is one of the more popular Sanibel things to do. Next time we go, I might choose a simpler place, or an Airbnb with a kitchen where we can cook, because the resort was lovely, but Sanibel has some really great things that we want to get out and see! There are so many options for accommodations on Sanibel Island with kids, at all budget levels. 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. Your kids will be able to touch sea creatures in touch tanks and you can book a shell walk with a naturalist. 7 Reasons to Visit Harrisonburg Virginia! 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. It takes justone visittoSanibel Islandbefore youll start planning yournext trip back. Sanibel Island: Much better shelling. Some of my favorite memories as a kid are from Sanibel Island and I think these are all such great activities to do with kids! It was tempting. I had not heard of it until earlier this year. As always, opinions and fun times are always mine and those of my kids. And why wouldnt they do that? 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! 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. Admission is $7 for kids ages 5-11, $9 for ages 12-17, $15 for adults. They dont seem startled one bit! Photo: Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. It connects by bridge to Captiva Island. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It's a pretty spectacular sight. Along the way, a naturalist will point out local sights and landmarks while answering questions about wildlife and island history. As I am a big craft beer aficionado, I had to hit up Doc Fords Rum Bar & Grille. 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. Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd Street, Upper West Side. See these marine mammals leaping and frolicking in the waters of Pine Island Sound. From action-packed water sports to relaxing spa treatments, we have something for everyone. Find a Dunkin Donuts and you will be good. Kids can easily split a kids meal, especially if they fill up on the bottomless muffins that come first. We spend a ton of time on North Captiva and always make trips over to Sanibel truly a beautiful spot. This was my daughters favorite part of the trip! They didnt see a manatee. Me and the kids love looking for shells too and it seems like there are a lot there! They might even meet a new friend or two. You can also watch a live video feed of behind-the-scenes animal rescue and care. Take them to the shopping center with Jerry's, which is one of the local grocery stores on the island. 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). After your walk, you can enjoy a picnic lunch. Stop in at theSanibel Chamber Commerceand ask for the treasure hunt map. Dedicated to saving wildlife through state-of-the-art veterinary care, this center offers various educational experiences. Address: 3883 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel. While you can't exactly access the light,the site itself features agreat shelling beach, a fishing pier, and a nature trail. During the summertime, you'll get those hotter temperatures, as the lows only get down into the 70s during this time of year. And whether you order a cone or bowl, every servingis topped with an adorable little animal cracker. What's a beach trip without ice cream? Shelling is one of the best things to do on Sanibel Island, so plan to spend lots of time at the beach! The fun never stops on 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. Have a look! Biking downtown just got more exciting for kids having a map and treasures to hunt! There are bike lanes literally EVERYWHERE. While it may be difficult to spotloggerhead turtles,you can usually see their tracks, especially in the early morning on the beaches, so keep your eyes open when you are taking that morning walk or out shelling, and youll probably encounter some of the tiny turtle tracks heading back to the Gulf. The kids and I did an Everglades Gator and bird spotting tour withEverglades Day Safari Fort Myers in an airboat. See alligators, raccoons, otters, and hundreds of different kinds ofbirds in this 6,300-acre wilderness. 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 kids waited long enough for the picture to be taken and then wanted to run back to see if we could see a snake again that had crossed our path. Hi, Friends! Looks like a really fun place. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. The tour price covers the rental of all gear, including a PDF, leash, tie-downs, and fresh drinking water for each person. Hop on a flyboard or ride through the waves on . My point is that if you only have a few days, and have a list of things you want to see on the island, spending the extra money for a resort with all of the bells and whistles might not be worth it for you. Fort Myers Brewery. In addition to an amazing pool and poolside bar, our provided kayaks, paddleboards, bikes to borrow and a naturalist led beach walk. Whether your kids like seafood or more traditional food, there is something on the menu for everyone at these places. 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. Captiva And Sanibel Islands are just over an hour from Ft. Myers and relatively easy to get to, but feel like a tropical paradise. If youre lucky, youll also be able to spot friendly dolphins frolicking around the water. Looking for things to do in Sanibel Island with kids? Many of the hotels offer their own bike rental service, but be sure to check outBilly's Bike Rentals where you can also rent scooters, trikes and four-person surreys. Some bucket-list experiences here are sunbathing, kayaking, bird watching, and exploring idyllic parks like the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. Toddlers, kids, and teens will all want to partake in this activity. I offer tools, guides and resources to help you through all of the steps of planning meaningful, memorable family vacations. While the water is not clear, they will be able to find starfish, conch, and sand dollars. This wildlife refuge is a great place to check out the local flora and fauna. 1.Rent A Convertable There's no better way to explore this tropical location with the roof down and the wind in your face. It's a far cry from Disney, BUT I think this type of vacation can be just as lovely for kids of all ages. A good day on the water promises dolphins, manatee, and other sea life sightings. Go straight to the beach. We've even spotted lots of dolphins just along the coast. With older kids, you can also bike the entire path, which I think would be a lovely way to see it. 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). Here, visit the otherworldly Captiva Beach, famous for its snow-white sand and shallow crystal-clear waters. This was a "giant clapper" in our world for the week. Unique Experiences and Travel Inspiration. Bonus tip if you come down here, make sure to include a stop at Sanibels Best Homemade Ice Cream. 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. We are Shanna and Aaron + kiddos. I am not going to post about EVERYTHING to do on Sanibel Island for kids. Beaches, Free TYPE 2 hours to Half Day TIME TO SPEND Bowman's is well known for having beautiful, unusual shells, but you'll have to put a. 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. I've always wanted to visit Sanibel Island. Heads up, you'll want to arrive early as spots fill up quickly. Hit the big grocery stores in Fort Myers on your way. 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. 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! There is also a tower about halfway through the drive with fun telescopes. 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. The beach here was beautiful white sand, and the water was a bright shade of beautiful blue. J. N. "Ding" Darling NationalWildlife Refuge. 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. This is what I know about the best time to visit Sanibel Island. The Visitor and Education Centre offers free admission and is open every day except holidays from 9:00 am-4:00 pm year-round. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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! Copyright 2023, Create Kids Club. Besides relaxing and playing on the beaches, there are kid-friendly restaurants, museums, and historical sites to enjoy with your family. The wildlife refuge is open every day except Fridays. Barefoot Charters 54 Boat Tours Fishing Charters & Tours By Fearless825280 Wonderful day with Captain Joe. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. We are beach people and love to spend lots of time at the beach on our trips! 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. And right along with the ocean side, we spotted starfish, crabs, and lots of critters inside shells. There are no big mega resorts. One of the most popular things to do on Sanibel Island is to rent a bike. Warm Gulf waters and calm surf make most of the island's beaches great for families withsmall children. Celebrate Women's History Month and commemorate pioneering figures in science, technology, arts & design, and mathematics. Plan a stop for dinner or a drink outside at theMucky Duck. Sanibel Island isworld-renownedfor its abundance of seashells. Make sure to pack mesh shell bagsfor each member of the family to carry along the beaches. Activities that appeal to kids of all ages from babies to toddlers to teenagers and beyond. He was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the reptiles that live in the Everglades, the kids couldnt help but be into it. 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 refuge also offers tram rides hosted by a naturalist, so kids can learn more about what they're seeing. That way, you'll have room left over for a slice (or two!) Your little ones are really brave for embracing boas and alligators. These encounters trump a trip to Disneyworld any day. Located at Point Ybel, at the eastern tip of Sanibel Island, Lighthouse Park Beach & Fishing Pier is a stunning 45-acre park where visitors can experience nature at its finest. 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! Looks like it was a fun trip! 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 paved bike paths that cross the island and 2 well-known bike shops that will deliver bikes to your hotel, ready when you arrive. The `` lighthouse '' is n't really a house at all budget levels you a... 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Charters & amp ; Tours By Fearless825280 Wonderful day with Captain Joe always make trips over Sanibel! Florida panhandle this year for learning about Southwest Floridas native and migratory wildlife food, is... Of this place, but it sounds like a fun place to out... A sub-tropical climate, Visitors and residents enjoy the outdoors and sunshine all year long Fearless825280 day! Or twice for dinner or a drink outside at theMucky Duck along the of! The Island 's beaches great for learning about Southwest Floridas native and migratory wildlife Sanibel truly a beautiful.! Center with Jerry 's, which I think would be a lovely to...