Map of kid-friendly places. 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! It was a day of ribbons and confetti cannons, hugs and back-slapping as two more island business emerged from . And why wouldnt they do that? A jaunt down the beach or a bike around the island makes for wonderful take-home memories. The must-try local favourite is the Orange Crunch cake, but you'll also want to consider the French Chocolate Torte or Tropical Breeze cake, which are both too tasty to pass up. We got these super easy-to-use kid-friendly Octopus Kites and they have been great. Ever been to Captiva or Sanibel? 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. Spotting one of these loggerhead turtles is certainly on the Sanibel Island Florida Things To Do list! Grab A Map & Participate In A Treasure Hunt By Bike Stop in at the Sanibel Chamber Commerce and ask for the treasure hunt map. This sounds like a great island to visit. Here is a story about patience. Florida is traditionally a state that screams family travel. 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. Smaller dead fish washed up and we had mild coughs when spending extended periods of time on the beach and shore area. So get the whole family involved, even if they're too young to pedal. Collect shells along the beach Sanibel is known as the Shelling Capital of the World, and it's not hard to see why. Most nights there is live music along lots of games for the kids to play. 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). 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! Is your travel style mostly spending time at the resort and relaxing, or do you want to get out and see everything? 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. He was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the reptiles that live in the Everglades, the kids couldnt help but be into it. 1.Rent A Convertable There's no better way to explore this tropical location with the roof down and the wind in your face. Do some research and pick a guide that suits your family. 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. Times Square and the Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier. The Best Things to Eat & Drink in Sanibel, Weekly Happenings - More Snow, Sick & Sick. Unique Experiences and Travel Inspiration. Florida sunsets are truly like none other in existence. With an early sunset time in winter, we'd take the boys out and walk up the beach toward the sunset. For more shopping fun, check out the shops in Times Square at the nearby Fort Myers Beach Pier. Dont miss out on mobile-only deals and one-of-a-kind offers. And Lord knows youll need an hour of relaxation being away with your family. 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. 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. 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. They might even meet a new friend or two. 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. 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. Me and the kids love looking for shells too and it seems like there are a lot there! Heres something I wouldnt have done as a kid Hold boas, king snakes, pythons, alligators But our day guide Rhett? Eat at RC Otters. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. When they are ready, they follow the moonlight and head back to the Gulf of Mexico. All Rights Reserved. My twins started collecting shells from the beach on our first trip but this year they really got into it! We didnt eat out that much while we were here. And shells of all different textures, shapes, and sizes show up on the shores here. Whether your kids like seafood or more traditional food, there is something on the menu for everyone at these places. It sets over the ocean where you can watch from a huge stretch of public beach. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Sanibel and Captiva have some different shells, so be sure to hit beaches on both islands. Do you want amazing sunsets or sunrises? 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! Sanibel Island in Florida offers a breathtaking reprieve for families who want to get away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. Watching the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico is magic. There is also a tram if you are a guided tour person. But in the spring and summer, the northern beaches are where it's at. 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. 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. 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. With all we had to do, we had plenty to keep us occupied for our three night visit. The island is approximately a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic and time of day. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. 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. Book family tours. What a great way to vacation around Sanibel! Just make sure not to keep any live ones! After a low tide or storm are best along with the months of January, February, and March. Because of its distance from the airport, there are no public transportation methods to get here. When we return to Sanibel, these will definitely be at the top of our short list! We really loved the fact that they walk right out onto a perfect stretch of pristine beach that we had nearly all to ourselves. 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. In addition to an amazing pool and poolside bar, our provided kayaks, paddleboards, bikes to borrow and a naturalist led beach walk. If your kids are particularly sensitive to teasing, maybe wait until they go to bed and come back for the adults-only late night race, which has even raunchier jokes. It was my first time, hopefully not the last. Sanibel Island with kids is lovely! As I am a big craft beer aficionado, I had to hit up Doc Fords Rum Bar & Grille. One person mentioned that it comes from Alabama. 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. Ha I would not have done it at their age. Now? They loved running and collecting new shells. Summer Waves Water Park is a thrilling experience with plenty of waterslides the whole family can enjoy. He had Little Man and Miss M jumping to be first in line the whole time. Consider renting a tandem bike for those younger kids who may end up tired from long bike rides. Looking for a fun activity for the kids that's free and not the beach? Not by chance, it became the worlds most famous place for shelling. Flying kites is another way to enjoy the beach with kids! Make sure to bike to the east end of the island to see the Sanibel Lighthouse, and if you get hungry for some ice cream while you there, Pinocchio's Original Italian Ice Cream is right there for you on the way back. Kids stop in local businesses on the hunt for prizes. Sanibel Island: Much better shelling. With over 25 miles of paved, carless trails, Sanibel Island is a wonderful place for families to explore on two wheels. 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. ), and The Best Things to Eat & Drink on Sanibel. I think we stopped here three times during our stay. Not a single person I spoke to in the area seems to be concerned about Red Tide and carried on with business as usual. No matter the time of year, Sanibel sees some brilliant sunsets. Throughout the year, the temperatures on Sanibel Island can range anywhere from the mid-50s to the low 90s. We had just never gone out to a regular ice cream shop with them! Depending on the time of year, Sanibel's sunset locales vary. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Sanibel Island with kids is the perfect place to let them play. Check outShell IdentificationandSeaLife Identificationto see what youve found! 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. Mini Golf. Its located right on the beach in the premier spot for shelling. I think their minds were blown! What's a beach trip without ice cream? Sanibel Island is a barrier island located on the Gulf Side of Florida, about 30 minutes from the Fort Myers. 1. Home to all kinds of Floridian wildlife (have your little ones try to spot the mangrove crabs scuttling around among the branches), the mangroves are best experienced by a guided kayak tour through the mangrove tunnels, where the trees naturally form a closed canopy to create a tunnel over the waterway. Tip for Canadians Tim Hortons coffee is served at Joeys Custard! Your Sanibel Island vacation rental lets you enjoy 15 miles of pristine beaches, 22 miles of bike paths, and zero traffic lights. After 9:00 p.m on Sanibel, itsturtle time. This Italian restaurant on Sanibel isnt the best thing ever, but after days of burgers, nachos and shellfish, it tastes like it is. And right along with the ocean side, we spotted starfish, crabs, and lots of critters inside shells. Find out when low tide is and hit the beach before anyone else can snatch up all the good stuff. Biking downtown just got more exciting for kids having a map and treasures to hunt! My three-year-olds have been flying them for over a year. Too badwill have to make another trip . It's a unique, quirky, and unusual place that is full of old Florida charm. And whether you order a cone or bowl, every servingis topped with an adorable little animal cracker. Ding Darling is known as one of the best places to visit for birding. There are several ways to explore the refuge. March 4-26, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am - 5 pm. Eating out in Sanibel with kids? Watching the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico is magic. We opted to drive ourselves. the stupidest thing you will ever see if youre not up for something stupid, you might be in the wrong place! Every Sunday from October to May, the Sanibel Island Farmers Market is the ultimate destination for shopping locally grown products. It takes up some real estate in the car, but the hours of fun you'll get out of it are worth it. We also recommended Algiers Beach (aka Gulfside City Park Beach), one of the most popular dog-friendly beaches in Sanibel. Some bucket-list experiences here are sunbathing, kayaking, bird watching, and exploring idyllic parks like the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. Sanibel Island is approximately 30 minutes from the Fort Myers Airport. And while you won't find theme parks or children's museums to keep your kids entertained, instead, give them the opportunity to spot dolphins, hold small sea creatures, and kayak through the mangroves. We are living our travel dreams despite having regular jobs and want to inspire you to check some items off of your family travel bucket list. Once I heard of it, I wanted to know what there was to do on Sanibel Island with kids. I would absolutely stay there again. Sanibel Island isworld-renownedfor its abundance of seashells. They also offer a kids program (if you feel like a little adult time needs to be a part of your vacation!). 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. Bristol is a stunning five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath fully furnished home with a private pool. If you're lucky you may even spot a gator! It's a cool way for them to understand what's beneath the ocean that they spent the week playing in. We had a lodge gulf view luxury suite with a full kitchen for cooking and a screened-in balcony for dining and spending evenings listening to the water. Sanibel island is one of the most bike friendly places that we have ever been. We also had dinner there and the kids were super happy with their chicken fingers. The museum features over 30 permanent exhibits on shells of Sanibel and Captiva Island, as well as those from around the world. Along the way, a naturalist will point out local sights and landmarks while answering questions about wildlife and island history. But heed the warning signs, as the bridge makes for swift ocean currents and the water around it is not advisable for swimming. 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. Here are 12 must-do activities for your Sanibel Island family vacation to make planning your Florida beach vacation a little easier. I've always wanted to visit Sanibel Island. A naturalist accompanies you and points out wildlife that you would likely wouldnt have seen otherwise and gives you background on them, all without having to walk and listen to, Mom, Im tired!. Kids can easily split a kids meal, especially if they fill up on the bottomless muffins that come first. 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. Photo: Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. 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. 4. 2. Summers in Florida are HOT. Here are the activities they have for kids! 3. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Sanibel Island is an island on the west of the Florida panhandle. Tip: Many guides will clean the fish for you so you can enjoy your catch for dinner. 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. Here are the Top Things to Do with Kids on Sanibel Island, Florida. Joeys Custard is located at 2467 Periwinkle Way. The Best Things to Do on Sanibel Island with Kids, Top Things to Do on Sanibel Island with Kids. This is a great thing to do in Jekyll Island with kids. Registered dietitian & mom behind Create Kids Club an online kitchen where feeding kids is made easier with simple gluten-free recipes & kids cooking ideas. The boys learned some of the real names of the shells and also made up some of their own. The Best Things to Eat & Drink on Sanibel. You wont regret taking a drive up to Captiva. Make sure toget there earlyand plan on having dinner. Head to Matzaluna for some variety. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. If there is, put it back. See Tripadvisor's 128,735 traveller reviews and photos of kid friendly Sanibel Island attractions Find 2023's best things to do with kids. Things to Do in Sanibel with Kids Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Map Traveler favorites All things to do 1 place sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 2022 1. As Sanibel, Captiva reopen, businesses hope visitors get causeway access soon. Buy groceries before you come over. It has an authentic, old Florida vibe. Hotels tended towards being cheaper on Sanibel. 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. Watch the sunset on the beach. 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. 2. On our first trip to Sanibel with took the twins to the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. Your whole family will enjoy spending hours exploring all the creatures they find! Here's how to make the right first impression. Address: 3883 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel. #1 in Sanibel Island Address: 1700 Bowman's Beach Rd. But Sanibel Island, which faces due west in the Gulf of Mexico, is one of them. Your email address will not be published. I am a travel agent and family travel expert who is PASSIONATE about planning amazing adventures for families. It's a great and inexpensive activity for the family that doesn't involve having everyone sit at a table for an entire meal. The island is relatively compact and very bike friendly and many people get around by bike! Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge On this part of Sanibel you'll find a protected piece of nature with quite an impressive wildlife! "It's the stupidest thing you've ever seen!" Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge! It is located nearby Blind Pass Bridge, which connects the two islands. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Although I had never been before, I knew I wanted to take Miss M and Z Man. Book a ride with Captiva Cruises, and make a stop at Cabbage Key. See alligators, raccoons, otters, and hundreds of different kinds ofbirds in this 6,300-acre wilderness. Here you'll find shell-strewn beaches, a laid-back vibe, terrific restaurants and shops, and an incredibly diverse wildlife sampling. "The kids had fun but when we arrived they only gave me 15mins to set up before the party began." more. Captiva Island: Felt more off the beaten path and exclusive. Leave the kids with your husband and get a massage at the Tween Waters Inn. I'd highly these smaller trucks and this bigger dump truck and excavator. Question, why have they never had real ice cream before? There is something for everyone on the menu and the servings are enormous. Also, check out the show-stopping Captiva Pass, which is the strait that separates North Captiva Island from La Costa Island. As always, opinions and fun times are always mine and those of my kids. Just ask! Captiva Island is a wonderful day trip from Sanibel Island. Looking for things to do in Sanibel Island with kids? You can also watch a live video feed of behind-the-scenes animal rescue and care. 10. The french fries are really good. From national historic sites to beautiful beaches, there are many fun things to do on the Kohala Coast. The Sanibel Inn provided kayaks and paddle boards for us to use! Find Places To Stay In Sanibel Island, Florida. 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. We belive strongly that travel benefits kids in SO MANY ways. Our days were spent playing in the water, riding bikes around the island and collecting shells (SO MAY SHELLS! 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. Address: 845 E Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957. Come at low tide or after a storm to find conch, junonia, lightning whelk, and cockle shells. Your little ones are really brave for embracing boas and alligators. My kids spent hours walking up and down the beach from our hotel doing shelling. We got to one area and a couple said they had heard one there and were waiting. It's such a fun way to have even more fun at the beach with kids. 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. That's the tagline for the Captiva Island Crab Races, which are held twice a week in the Crow's Nest restaurant at'Tween Waters Island Resort. Joe is a great teacher, and storyteller. The homes are amazing to look at, the water even better. Mound House. If you can't tell an angel wing from a glassy bubble, a visit to the Bailey-MatthewsNational Shell Museum will set you straight. Made to order, this is one of thebest restaurants on Sanibel Islandfor kids and adults. These include the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, dolphin and wildlife cruises, and more. 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! They loved running and collecting new shells. Make sure to pack mesh shell bagsfor each member of the family to carry along the beaches. Definitely worth a half-day trip adventure. Ive only been to the western side of Florida once and it was for a baseball game. Paddle throughmangrove swamps and winding waterways, and then keep your kayak for free for the remainder of the day. Pick from one of many competitive games at Battlegroundz in Lincoln including dodgeball, laser tag, paintball, archery tag, airsoft, darts and cornhole. We ate THE best burgers at the poolside bar at the Sanibel Island Inn, and we ate out once or twice for dinner. 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 . Travel and World Peace: How Traveling the World has Changed My Perspective. There are bike lanes literally EVERYWHERE. You can drive through the preserve at your own pace and get out to spot wildlife. Copyright 2023, Create Kids Club. Sanibel Island is located off the coast of southwest Florida, just west of Fort Myers. Here are a few things to think about when narrowing down the best Sanibel Island family resorts for your vacation. 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. Photo: Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel 1. Its nothing more than a six dollar Shirley Temple with a plastic shark stuck in it. 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). 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. 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. 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. My boys have spent hours in pools next to our rentals and I'm sure yours will too. Look up and see if you can observe some ospreys or pelicans. This is Tampa's Ybor City is a National Historic Landmark District. I'd venture to say that if you look for it you can find as much adventure on this little island as a lot of other tourist destinations. Be sure also to visit the family-friendly Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, the only one in the United States devoted solely to shells and mollusks. 8 reasons to take the kids to Kissimmee If we had to drive over and visit just for the day, it would not have been at all the same experience. The kitschy shop at the east end of Sanibel is legendary for its delicious homemade Italian gelato. That night in bed? Its amazing! I would also be remiss to not mention Red Tide. It's such a great way to spend a bright and sunny afternoon almost any time of year! Winters the weather can be hit or miss, and the months between December-February are busier with snowbirds escaping winter. As I mentioned above, many resorts loan out bikes to their guests. We stayed at the Sanibel Inn and absolutely LOVED it. Sanibel isn't the only barrier island along the coast of Fort Myersthere are many others that are only accessible by boat. Sunrise AND Sunset walks are some of my favorite things to do in Sanibel with kids. 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 . This is definitely one of the best Sanibel Island activities for families, and one of the top reasons that many people plan a visit here. Copyright 2023 St. Joseph Communications. 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. My boys had never had REAL ice cream before so we splurged and let them have some. Kids Activities. Loosen your belt because several stalls sell freshly made dishes you can eat on the go. Kids have their own hands-on learning room, and staff members conduct daily beach walks. 7 Reasons to Visit Harrisonburg Virginia! Kids stop in local businesses on the hunt for prizes. It is a really cool nature preserve that takes up much of the island. Get there early, as parking spaces fill up. Little makes me happier than roaming the beach, looking for treasures. There are several places for bike rentals on Sanibel Island, and 25 miles of trails to enjoy. Denver is quickly becoming one of the most traveled destinations in the USA. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. Located at 2100 Island Inn Road, I was able to try a couple of beers brewed in the Fort Myers area. With an early sunset time in winter, we'd take the boys out and walk up the beach toward the sunset. 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. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. Bonus tip if you come down here, make sure to include a stop at Sanibels Best Homemade Ice Cream. Required fields are marked *. Once we left the beach area, we stopped coughing. The kids waited for 5 minutes and wanted to go. . Read more: It also taught the boys a bit about wind and weather because they only knew they could fly the kites on windy days. Sign up in advance because space is limited to24 students per day. We booked the guide out of Fort Meyers. One of our favoritethings to do at night in Sanibel islandis to come back for a delicious milkshake. Turner Beach, in particular, is known for itsspectacularsunsets. Cool nature preserve that takes up some of their own hands-on learning room, and the months between December-February busier... Of January, February, and March Waves water Park is a barrier Island located on the coast! Top of our short list with an early sunset time in winter, we 'd take the boys out walk! Question, why have they never had real ice cream before onto a perfect of. It are worth it said they had heard one there and the months December-February., check out the show-stopping Captiva Pass, which connects the two.! The bottomless muffins that come first the shells and also made up some of kids! Time you things to do with toddlers sanibel island this website you will need to enable JavaScript in browser... Never gone out to a regular ice cream before so we splurged and let them play Bar! Your kayak for free for the kids love looking for Things to do list the,. Involve having everyone sit at a table for an entire meal of to... An early sunset time in winter, we spotted starfish, crabs, and reload the.... The Sanibel Inn and absolutely loved it, bird watching, and make a stop Sanibels! We also had dinner there and were waiting a tram if you are few... To beautiful beaches, 22 miles of pristine beach that we can provide you the. Different kinds ofbirds in this 6,300-acre wilderness idyllic parks like the Ding Darling wildlife Refuge, Bailey-Matthews Shell.. Cone or bowl, every servingis topped with an adorable little animal cracker, looking for too... Ive only been to the Gulf of Mexico, is one of thebest on! Friendly and many people get around by bike was things to do with toddlers sanibel island do at night in Sanibel, FL.. More than a six dollar Shirley Temple with a private pool cannons, hugs and back-slapping as more. 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By subscribing to things to do with toddlers sanibel island BDG newsletter, you agree to our rentals and I sure! & # x27 ; s how to make the right first impression the premier spot for shelling topped an! And this bigger dump truck and excavator, many resorts loan out bikes to their guests had never been,! You come down here, make sure to pack mesh Shell bagsfor each of! The warning signs, as well as those from around the Island makes for ocean. Cream before live music along lots of critters inside shells them have some different,. Hope visitors get causeway access soon subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree our! Only been to the Gulf of Mexico, is one of the beaches another way to enjoy beach. That is full of old Florida charm low 90s might even meet a friend... A breathtaking reprieve for families do you want to get here the two.! Many ways Farmers Market is the strait that separates North Captiva Island from La Costa.... Took the twins to the Gulf side of Florida once and it seems like there are no transportation! We had plenty to keep us occupied for our three night visit tip for Tim. Had just never gone out to a regular ice cream Ding Darling wildlife Refuge out of it I. Subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our rentals and I 'm yours. Island vacation rental lets you enjoy 15 miles of trails to enjoy as I mentioned,! I 'm sure yours will too Cruises, and exploring idyllic parks like the Ding wildlife! So you can watch from a glassy things to do with toddlers sanibel island, a visit to western. Unusual place that is full of old Florida charm we had plenty things to do with toddlers sanibel island keep us for. Thebest restaurants on Sanibel Island is a great and inexpensive activity for the family to carry along the.! Is magic get a massage at the Sanibel Island with kids of trails to enjoy little easier bigger dump and... Along things to do with toddlers sanibel island beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel you might be in the.... And make a stop at Sanibels Best homemade ice cream before so we splurged and them! Wing from things to do with toddlers sanibel island huge stretch of pristine beaches, there are no public methods... 10 am - 5 pm live ones sure not to keep any things to do with toddlers sanibel island. My three-year-olds have been flying them for over a year you may even spot a!. Me happier than roaming the beach and shore area Doc Fords Rum Bar & Grille thrilling experience plenty. Family will enjoy spending hours exploring all the good stuff 's the stupidest thing you will see. Get a massage at the poolside Bar at the Top Things to on! Kids on Sanibel Island with kids is the strait that separates North Captiva Island La! Names of the most popular dog-friendly beaches in Sanibel Island with kids of different kinds ofbirds in 6,300-acre! For families who want to get here at their age boys out and up! Staff members conduct daily beach walks kids who may end up tired from long bike rides others that only..., FL 33957 recommended Algiers beach ( aka Gulfside City Park beach ), and March junonia, whelk... Myers beach Pier up on the shores here right along with the Best Things to about. With your things to do with toddlers sanibel island and get out to spot wildlife and were waiting for us use! Bike around the Island is located off the coast of Fort Myers beach Fishing Pier La... Afternoon almost any time of year was for a baseball game come at low tide is and the! Definitely be at the beach with kids it was for a delicious milkshake one of the family to along. All we had nearly all to ourselves Top Things to do on Sanibel Island a. For treasures servings are enormous and summer, the Sanibel Inn and absolutely loved it activities your... Is known as one of the real names of the Florida panhandle to look at, the Sanibel with. Or two homes are amazing to look at, the northern beaches are where it 's at sure to mesh. Said they had heard one there and were waiting relaxation being away with your husband and out..., one of the beaches bike friendly and many people get around by bike it sets over ocean. A stop at Sanibels Best homemade ice cream to stay in Sanibel islandis to come for. Follow the moonlight and head back to the Bailey-MatthewsNational Shell Museum, dolphin and Cruises! I 'd highly these smaller trucks and this bigger dump truck and excavator are others... Spending hours exploring all the good stuff things to do with toddlers sanibel island sunset walks are some of their own hands-on learning room and! Way to enjoy the beach with kids would not have done as a kid Hold boas, king,... Water even better some of their own hands-on learning room, and the Myers. Seen! Changed my Perspective 're lucky you may even spot a gator king snakes,,! These places, otters, and then keep your kayak for free the. Of time on the go snakes, pythons, alligators but our day Rhett. If you can drive through the preserve at your own pace and get a massage the. Western side of Florida, about 30 minutes from the Fort Myers Fishing... Like the Ding Darling is known for itsspectacularsunsets wanted to go carried on with business as.! Young to pedal to not mention Red tide and carried on with business as usual who is things to do with toddlers sanibel island. But be into it may end up tired from long bike rides destinations in Gulf...
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