Book a ride with Captiva Cruises, and make a stop at Cabbage Key. If we had to drive over and visit just for the day, it would not have been at all the same experience. There is a Publix right before paying the toll to cross the Sanibel Island Causeway. We opted to drive ourselves. Because of its distance from the airport, there are no public transportation methods to get here. Sign up for Scary Mommy's daily newsletter for more stories from the trenches. Get there early, as parking spaces fill up. This should be enough to get you started (and if you have any favorites that you think I should add, please let me know! 2022 5. I've heard you can spot Alligators, otters, and turtles on the property. The island has a curved shape that causes it to as a shovel, scooping up shells from the Gulf of Mexico. Once I heard of it, I wanted to know what there was to do on Sanibel Island with kids. Afamily vacation to Florida is usually synonymous with Disney, but it doesn't have to be. Conditions are often mild and allow you to experience many of the island's activities no matter when you visit. As Sanibel, Captiva reopen, businesses hope visitors get causeway access soon. We got to one area and a couple said they had heard one there and were waiting. If youre lucky, youll also be able to spot friendly dolphins frolicking around the water. 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. You can also watch a live video feed of behind-the-scenes animal rescue and care. I have never heard of this place, but it sounds like a fun place to eat and drink around. Also, the water tended to be murky on Sanibel. Book family tours. Required fields are marked *. 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. Pick a beach, any beach, and head on over after dinner. Bristol is a stunning five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath fully furnished home with a private pool. Your email address will not be published. Head to Matzaluna for some variety. Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. "It's the stupidest thing you've ever seen!" Dedicated to saving wildlife through state-of-the-art veterinary care, this center offers various educational experiences. Nature comes in a spectacular variety in the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Watch the sunset on the beach. the stupidest thing you will ever see if youre not up for something stupid, you might be in the wrong place! The lighthouse dates back to 1884. Sanibel Island takes shelling very seriously! Parenting lesson learned? By: Jodi/Updated on: February 15, 2023/3 Comments. Top 10 things to do on Sanibel Island with kids J.N. Some bucket-list experiences here are sunbathing, kayaking, bird watching, and exploring idyllic parks like the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. Sanibel Island is known for its idyllic beaches filled with abundant shells. . There was a mild red tide when we visited. We stayed at the Island Inn, the very first hotel on the island. Biking downtown just got more exciting for kids having a map and treasures to hunt! Also, it's closed at this moment, but there is generally a hands-on area for kids at the Visitor and Education Center. If you aren't familiar with Sanibel Island, Florida it's a small island off the coast of West Florida near Fort Myers. Consider renting a tandem bike for those younger kids who may end up tired from long bike rides. Sanibel and Captiva have some different shells, so be sure to hit beaches on both islands. Sanibel Island is best experienced by bike. 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. Your Sanibel Island vacation rental lets you enjoy 15 miles of pristine beaches, 22 miles of bike paths, and zero traffic lights. Throughout the year, the temperatures on Sanibel Island can range anywhere from the mid-50s to the low 90s. It's a far cry from Disney, BUT I think this type of vacation can be just as lovely for kids of all ages. Have a look! It takes up some real estate in the car, but the hours of fun you'll get out of it are worth it. Sanibel Island is an island on the west of the Florida panhandle. Sanibel is the larger and (slightly) more commercial of the two islands, while Captiva is more remote and private. There are a great deal of things to do on Sanibel Island when traveling with a family. 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. 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. No matter the time of year, Sanibel sees some brilliant sunsets. Thats awesome. The occurrence of Red Tide is when simple plants that live in the sea and freshwatergrow out of control. Ive only been to the western side of Florida once and it was for a baseball game. Things To Do In Sanibel Island's Lighthouse Beach The Best Gift: Making Memories At South Seas Island Resort Beaches in Guatemala: Dramatic And Beautiful Volcanic Black Sand A Family Weekend In Florida's Space Coast With Holiday Inn The Best Things to do in Fort Myers Beach for Families Things To Do With Kids In The Upper And Middle Florida Keys 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. 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. Here you'll find shell-strewn beaches, a laid-back vibe, terrific restaurants and shops,and an incredibly diverse wildlife sampling. 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. See these marine mammals leaping and frolicking in the waters of Pine Island Sound. 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. Bring goggles for kids to get a good look at the sandy ocean bottom. Looking for something fun to do in Sanibel with kids? We are Shanna and Aaron + kiddos. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Red Tide is a name given to an algae that are harmful to fish and humans. Definitely worth a half-day trip adventure. Things to Do in Sanibel Island with Kids Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Boat Tours & Water Sports Nature & Parks Sights & Landmarks Museums As someone who doesnt have kids, I still love all the suggestions. 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! Visit the Sanibel Chamber of Commerce's . With all we had to do, we had plenty to keep us occupied for our three night visit. 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. 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. For more shopping fun, check out the shops in Times Square at the nearby Fort Myers Beach Pier. Parking at Blind Pass Beach costs $5 per hour and the beach is free to explore. You can drive through the preserve at your own pace and get out to spot wildlife. If you're ready to explore South Plainfield, sign up for one of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have a friendly guide show you some of the most popular sights. With time spent on the beach looking for shells, we barely had time to get out and see what the rest of the island had to offer! Most nights there is live music along lots of games for the kids to play. I think their minds were blown! We might have to visit one day. Its the only way to get a seat at the race table! They dont seem startled one bit! They might even meet a new friend or two. They offer a wide variety of accommodations choices as well as a beautiful kid friendly pool with a water slide. Tip: Check with your hotel or condo because some units come with bikes. While there, take a swim, snorkel, or book a ranger-led kayak tour or hike. In addition to an amazing pool and poolside bar, our provided kayaks, paddleboards, bikes to borrow and a naturalist led beach walk. This is a fantastic place for viewing Florida manatees. 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! Sanibel Island is known for shelling and is one of the best places in the world to shell. We had a fun morning riding out to see the Sanibel lighthouse. Visit Cayo Costa Beach. 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. This was a close second choice when booking our trip to Sanibel Island with kids. Eat at RC Otters. And whether you order a cone or bowl, every servingis topped with an adorable little animal cracker. I have to include this. The Best Things to Eat & Drink on Sanibel. Home Travel Top Things to Do on Sanibel Island with Kids. 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. Indulge in the Signature Arabian Rose treatment, an all-over body scrub, or a deep tissue massage at the spa. There is also a tower about halfway through the drive with fun telescopes. We didnt eat out that much while we were here. 10 things to do with kids in Miami This place claims to be Floridas most outrageous and award-winning restaurant. Maybe it was back in 1980 when there werent Houlihans and Fridays in every roadside town. Lounge on a Fort Myers Beach. 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. Address: 845 E Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957. Groceries on Sanibel were significantly more expensive than on the main land. 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! I would absolutely stay there again. Sanibel Island isworld-renownedfor its abundance of seashells. With beaches that boast over 60 different kinds ofseashells, Sanibel Island is a shell hunter's dream. Sanibel Island is a great place to vacation with a family. Kids of all ages love a pool and there are plenty of them in Sanibel! I looked carefully at the hotels and resorts just across the bay in nearby Fort Myers. We also recommended Algiers Beach (aka Gulfside City Park Beach), one of the most popular dog-friendly beaches in Sanibel. Dr. Seuss-a-Bration at Once Upon a Treetop Plainview. Hoping to be able to take the kids over the Summer. Take a dolphin sight-seeing boat ride. Most of the pools in the area are heated, making them great for use even in the winter. The tour price covers the rental of all gear, including a PDF, leash, tie-downs, and fresh drinking water for each person. 10. Join Little Learners for a Seuss-a-Bration at Once Upon a Treetop. You never know what will be on the end of that line! Buy groceries before you come over. The island is home to many burrowing gopher turtles and lush plantlife grows wild here giving the island an old Florida feel. Too badwill have to make another trip . We've even spotted lots of dolphins just along the coast. 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. Captiva Island: Felt more off the beaten path and exclusive. Dont miss out on mobile-only deals and one-of-a-kind offers. Relax on the beach, enjoy a picnic, go on a bike ride, or take a hike on one of the trails found . They loved running and collecting new shells. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. The island is approximately a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic and time of day. Each day includes surfing, art, group-bonding activities, all while integrating subjects like fiddler crabs, wading birds, and sea turtles. Everyone on the island gets to help protect sea turtles. 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. I think we stopped here three times during our stay. 8 reasons to take the kids to Kissimmee I didnt realize when we arrived that because of the way that Sanibel Island is situated, the east end of the island has better sun rises, and the west end of the island has better sunsets. Kids Activities. Tip for Canadians Tim Hortons coffee is served at Joeys Custard! In my personal experience, most family travel has been to the area where an infamous mouse hangs out. You will not find chain restaurants, high rises, or traffic lights here. You can show up in a bathing suit and flip flops and get everything from salad to burgers to fried alligator. Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd Street, Upper West Side. 2. Sanibel Island Lighthouse 2,675 Lighthouses Open now By Anxsmomt The lighthouse is a public beach, plenty of parking. One of our favoritethings to do at night in Sanibel islandis to come back for a delicious milkshake. 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. When we return to Sanibel, these will definitely be at the top of our short list! 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. The Best Things to Do on Sanibel Island with Kids, Top Things to Do on Sanibel Island with Kids. 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. My goal with Running in a Skirt is to help YOU live a happier, healthier life! 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. Hotels tended towards being cheaper on Sanibel. We had a ton of fun just playing in the water. Fort Myers Brewery. Whether your kids like seafood or more traditional food, there is something on the menu for everyone at these places. Not a single person I spoke to in the area seems to be concerned about Red Tide and carried on with business as usual. What's a beach trip without ice cream? Smaller dead fish washed up and we had mild coughs when spending extended periods of time on the beach and shore area. I found in my time there that Sanibel Island is like a magical place with tropical overgrown brush, no street lights and rumours of manatee sighting abound. If you're lucky you may even spot a gator! From national historic sites to beautiful beaches, there are many fun things to do on the Kohala Coast. We love traveling with kids and will incorporate some of the ideas. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. What are your favorite spots? 6. The kids waited for 5 minutes and wanted to go. The kids and I did an Everglades Gator and bird spotting tour withEverglades Day Safari Fort Myers in an airboat. Map of kid-friendly places. Mini Golf. The tour takes you across the flat waters of local estuaries and waterways and offers beginner instruction for those new to the sport. They also offer a kids program (if you feel like a little adult time needs to be a part of your vacation!).