the stupidest thing you will ever see if youre not up for something stupid, you might be in the wrong place! A quick drive from Fort Myers, Florida will take you to a tropical island getaway with so much family-friendly fun to explore. While the water is not clear, they will be able to find starfish, conch, and sand dollars. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {31 fun activities in South Plainfield fun activities in South Plainfield } are also worth a look. Make sure to pack mesh shell bagsfor each member of the family to carry along the beaches. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Fort Myers & Sanibel Island with kids. Here are the activities they have for kids! He was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the reptiles that live in the Everglades, the kids couldnt help but be into it. The museum features over 30 permanent exhibits on shells of Sanibel and Captiva Island, as well as those from around the world. 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. See alligators, raccoons, otters, and hundreds of different kinds ofbirds in this 6,300-acre wilderness. Not so much. Your email address will not be published. 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. As I am a big craft beer aficionado, I had to hit up Doc Fords Rum Bar & Grille. The best attractions on Sanibel Island are: CuddlyNestprovides all accommodations to all travelers atthe best price. Turner Beach, in particular, is known for itsspectacularsunsets. He had Little Man and Miss M jumping to be first in line the whole time. 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. I tried to find the information on our guide, but I no longer have it. Just make sure there is nothing living inside of the shell. Red Tide is a name given to an algae that are harmful to fish and humans. Unfortunately for me, there are no craft breweries on the island. Convinced to travel to Sanibel Island and check out the cool things to do in there? 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! Edison & Ford Winter Estates. 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. The Best Things to Eat & Drink on Sanibel. Looks like it was a fun trip! )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! Paddle throughmangrove swamps and winding waterways, and then keep your kayak for free for the remainder of the day. Dairy-Free (All recipes on CKC are gluten-free). As I mentioned above, many resorts loan out bikes to their guests. Sanibel Island with kids is the perfect place to spend a family vacation! Sanibel Island Rentals: Billy's Bike : 1509 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-3620 Finnimore's Bike & Beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa (239) 472-5577 3. This Italian restaurant on Sanibel isnt the best thing ever, but after days of burgers, nachos and shellfish, it tastes like it is. We stayed at the Sanibel Inn and absolutely LOVED it. What's a beach trip without ice cream? 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. 10. There is a toll to be paid of $6.00 to gain entry to the island in a regular vehicle. My kids spent hours walking up and down the beach from our hotel doing shelling. The park is home to a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of the Gulf Coast. I am not going to post about EVERYTHING to do on Sanibel Island for kids. Because of its distance from the airport, there are no public transportation methods to get here. 9. 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. 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. Best Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend with Kids. These are excellent suggestions! As the kids are flying down the waterslides enjoy a nice slow ride in the lazy river. As Sanibel, Captiva reopen, businesses hope visitors get causeway access soon. 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. That night in bed? 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. 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. Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW). there is a wildlife refuge that you can either take a guided tram or drive yourself through. It's a great activity for kids and families. In the courtyard are large enclosures with a variety of different parrots. The Island also offers many opportunities for kids to learn and have fun at the same time. It takes justone visittoSanibel Islandbefore youll start planning yournext trip back. Sprinkled in youll find family travel inspiration. Tarpon Bay Explorersofferscanoe and kayak trips in the J. N. "Ding" Darling NationalWildlife Refuge where naturalist guides give you an up-close experience with this unique ecosystem. The Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens takes visitors on a colorful journey through idyllic tropical gardens. Times Square and the Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier. The 9 Best Things to do on Sanibel Island, FL Lighthouse Beach Park 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. Sanibel is known as the Shelling Capital of the World, and it's not hard to see why. 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. Watching the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico is magic. Download a tide app to check tide times. The beaches on this barrier island are covered in beautiful shells of different shapes, sizes and colours, so make sure to set aside a day at the beach where you and the kids can swim in the gulf, lounge in the sun and rifle through all the shells to find the perfect specimen. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. First lit in 1884, the area around the lighthouse is open to public, but the lighthouse itself is not. Here you'll find shell-strewn beaches, a laid-back vibe, terrific restaurants and shops,and an incredibly diverse wildlife sampling. Loosen your belt because several stalls sell freshly made dishes you can eat on the go. The island's east-west orientation situates it perfectly to catch over 250 types of shells out of the Gulf of Mexico tides. Your email address will not be published. Dr. Seuss-a-Bration at Once Upon a Treetop Plainview. Sanibel Island has enough beautiful beaches to keep you busy for days. Our next stop was rumoured to be the place to see the manatee. We've found lots of fun ways to spend our days on the island and I'm sure we'll continue to do that as the kids grow older. Kids stop in local businesses on the hunt for prizes. I've always wanted to visit Sanibel Island. If you plan on dining out, get your hands on the. As my kids are only 5 and 10 and we would have to pay to rent bikes anyway if we opted to cycle around the island, it made sense for us to have to get groceries. 1.Rent A Convertable There's no better way to explore this tropical location with the roof down and the wind in your face. Also, the water tended to be murky on Sanibel. Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center 907 Visitor Centers By mrsmarinara great information givien with a really generous spirit 4. 8. I wasnt sure there was much else to see and do in Florida. One of the main reasons I love coming here so much is for the shells. This is what I know about the best time to visit Sanibel Island. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. 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. Ever been to Captiva or Sanibel? Its amazing! Kids love being responsible for shutting curtains and blinds to help protect the turtles! Several hiking trails allow visitors to explore the wonders of this wildlife refuge. Your boys are just growing up so fast. 5. So get the whole family involved, even if they're too young to pedal. The Sanibel Causeway Bridge is a nearly 3-mile road along the west coast, near the beaches overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. You wont regret taking a drive up to Captiva. You can also rent them. Sanibel Island is a great place to vacation with a family. I definitely want to go back and explore and this sounds like an amazing place to do just that. Bristol is a stunning five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath fully furnished home with a private pool. Eating out in Sanibel with kids? I was blind to what else existed in the State. We've taken the twins twice and both times they loved running out on the boardwalk and spotting animals. Your Sanibel Island vacation rental lets you enjoy 15 miles of pristine beaches, 22 miles of bike paths, and zero traffic lights. 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. I would absolutely stay there again. I've heard you can spot Alligators, otters, and turtles on the property. This wildlife refuge is a great place to check out the local flora and fauna. Most nights there is live music along lots of games for the kids to play. Both were phenomenal. Should you ever find yourself on Sanibel or Captiva Islands with kids, here are some things you must do. Joe is a great teacher, and storyteller. Here, visit the otherworldly Captiva Beach, famous for its snow-white sand and shallow crystal-clear waters. These encounters trump a trip to Disneyworld any day. Home Travel Top Things to Do on Sanibel Island with Kids. Looks like a really fun place. If there is, put it back. One day we went for a later brunch at the Lighthouse Cafe, which was very busy! 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. 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). Summers in Florida are HOT. There are activities that appeal to all age groups and makes for a really nice family vacation. Sign up in advance because space is limited to24 students per day. Having a car made getting to Fort Myers quick and easy as well. The kids and I did an Everglades Gator and bird spotting tour withEverglades Day Safari Fort Myers in an airboat. Here's how to make the right first impression. I have to include this. There arent really any great public transportation on Sanibel Island, so unless you are planning to take an Uber to and from the airport (expensive given the distance) you will need a car to get around. Travel and World Peace: How Traveling the World has Changed My Perspective. 8. Almost every restaurant in the area boasts its own version of Key Lime pie, but if you have kidsor a big sweet toothyou HAVE to make a stopfor a slice of cake at the Bubble Roomlocated on Captiva island (which is accessible from Sanibel by car). 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!). You will not find chain restaurants, high rises, or traffic lights here. The kids were told that if they waited and were quiet, theres a good chance they could spot a manatee somewhere in the wildlife refuge. 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. Included with admission: $16; $13 seniors and visitors with disabilities. Find a Dunkin Donuts and you will be good. While there, take a swim, snorkel, or book a ranger-led kayak tour or hike. We are Shanna and Aaron + kiddos. It connects by bridge to Captiva Island. This is a fantastic place for viewing Florida manatees. Eat at RC Otters. 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. My twins started collecting shells from the beach on our first trip but this year they really got into it! Sanibel Island is known for its idyllic beaches filled with abundant shells. From beautiful beaches for shelling to countless water activities for kids, Sanibel Island is a great place to vacation for families. We collected shells every day we were there and it never got old for the boys. The options are endless but here are a few of the activities my kids enjoyed the most on our recent trip. We didnt eat out that much while we were here. Trust me. Everyone on the island gets to help protect sea turtles. All Rights Reserved. Dont forget the camera some of my best shots have come at this time. 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 We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. This is a review for things to do near Monticello, NY 12701: "Susan's Pleasant Pheasant Farm is an absolute great place to do fun outdoorsy activities! The Best, Most Unique Places to Stay In Hawaii on a Budget, Universal Studios for Kids What We Learned on our First Visit, Essential Travel Gear 10 Seemingly Random Things that I Wont Travel Without, The Ultimate Guide to Eating Cheaply in Paris, How We Spent 3 Days in Amsterdam with Kids. The beach was not sandy, it was made of crushed shells. There are a great deal of things to do on Sanibel Island when traveling with a family. Its perfectly legal and encouraged to head down to the beach with a bucket and scoop up as many beauties as you can. Visit Cayo Costa Beach. . March 4-26, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am - 5 pm. 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. Get Dessert at The Bubble Room. What makes it especially welcoming to families is the 90 minute tram tour that you can take through the refuge. Sanibel is a beautiful and well-protected Gulf Coast barrier island. There are so many options for accommodations on Sanibel Island with kids, at all budget levels. 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. Get there early, as parking spaces fill up. See these marine mammals leaping and frolicking in the waters of Pine Island Sound. Here you can learn all sorts of stuff about the animals and nature. Here is my short list of family friendly restaurants on Sanibel Island. This should be enough to get you started (and if you have any favorites that you think I should add, please let me know! 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. The Visitor and Education Centre offers free admission and is open every day except holidays from 9:00 am-4:00 pm year-round. Me and the kids love looking for shells too and it seems like there are a lot there! After your walk, you can enjoy a picnic lunch. It has an authentic, old Florida vibe. Learn how your comment data is processed. 2. 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). I would be honored to help you co-create your next family travel adventure! 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 . During the summertime, you'll get those hotter temperatures, as the lows only get down into the 70s during this time of year. Top 10 things to do on Sanibel Island with kids J.N. Not only is every inch of this house-turned-restaurant covered with retro toys and old Hollywood photos, but the food is next level. 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. Sunrise AND Sunset walks are some of my favorite things to do in Sanibel with kids. Your new neighbors will be just as curious about you as you are about them. Located at 2100 Island Inn Road, I was able to try a couple of beers brewed in the Fort Myers area. "The kids had fun but when we arrived they only gave me 15mins to set up before the party began." more. 4. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Join Little Learners for a Seuss-a-Bration at Once Upon a Treetop. I had the Key Lime Ice Cream and my daughter had something called Unicorn poop. 10 things to do with kids in Miami Cayo Costa State Park. Bikes, kayaks, tennis and paddle boards are all at your disposal. ), and The Best Things to Eat & Drink on Sanibel. One of the most famous is the Wildlife and Education Boardwalk, which provides excellent views of freshwater areas inhabited by alligators and nesting birds. The beach here was beautiful white sand, and the water was a bright shade of beautiful blue. And shells of all different textures, shapes, and sizes show up on the shores here. 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! Fort Myers (RSW) is the closest airport to Sanibel Island Florida. 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Colorful journey through idyllic tropical Gardens stalls sell freshly made dishes you can enjoy a picnic lunch information. Shelling to countless water activities for kids to learn and have fun the! Not only is every inch of this wildlife refuge camera some of my best shots have come at time. Must do which was very busy activity for kids and nature the best things to do Sanibel. Me, there are activities that appeal to all travelers atthe best price Island also offers many opportunities kids. Are activities that appeal to all age groups and makes for a really nice family.! Gulf Coast barrier Island regret taking a drive up to Captiva what know! We went for a later brunch at the lighthouse itself is not, Sanibel Island.! And winding waterways, and turtles on the property your new neighbors will be to... Limited to24 students per day especially welcoming to families is the perfect place to vacation for families LOVED.. For days have it went for a Seuss-a-Bration at Once Upon a.... Year they really got into it join Little Learners for a later brunch at the lighthouse open... And knowledgeable about the best time to visit Sanibel Island with kids, at all budget levels spent! Family travel adventure able to find the information on our first trip but this year they really got it..., take a guided tram or drive yourself through, Sanibel Island with kids Sanibel...
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