things to do with toddlers sanibel island

Why not try a different one each night? Unsure of the treasure found on Sanibel Island? 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 tour price covers the rental of all gear, including a PDF, leash, tie-downs, and fresh drinking water for each person. I was blind to what else existed in the State. there is a wildlife refuge that you can either take a guided tram or drive yourself through. Summer Waves Water Park is a thrilling experience with plenty of waterslides the whole family can enjoy. They dont seem startled one bit! Long and narrow in shape, the dreamy Sanibel is one of the larger islands of West Florida and features 15 miles of sun-kissed sandy beaches. Toddlers, kids, and teens will all want to partake in this activity. Make sure toget there earlyand plan on having dinner. 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!). See Tripadvisor's 128,735 traveller reviews and photos of kid friendly Sanibel Island attractions Part sporting event, part comedy dinner show, the crab races have guests select a hermit crab from a bowl, name it and then cheer it on as it races to the finish line. Hit the big grocery stores in Fort Myers on your way. Since little ones don't just sit around having a few kites to fly is a great way to pass the day. All ages. At the parks northern end, youll find a fishing pier, a prime spot for catching redfish, snook, sheepshead, black drum, snapper, and other species. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. At this dreamy beach, you can try the famous Sanibel Stoop, bending over to retrieve seashells from the sand. Dont forget the camera some of my best shots have come at this time. We stayed at the Sanibel Inn and absolutely LOVED it. That and snowbirds who retire there, my late paternal grandparents being them! Come over and. There is a toll to be paid of $6.00 to gain entry to the island in a regular vehicle. Depending on the time of year, Sanibel's sunset locales vary. Here you can learn all sorts of stuff about the animals and nature. Sanibel Island is approximately 30 minutes from the Fort Myers Airport. In my personal experience, most family travel has been to the area where an infamous mouse hangs out. They have a great kids menu, too, and are really patient with annoying children. There is also a tram if you are a guided tour person. Book family tours. Visiting this locale is a feel-good endeavor, too, as your admission fee goes towards the care of approximately 3,500 injured and orphaned animals each year. It is located nearby Blind Pass Bridge, which connects the two islands. Your email address will not be published. Party & Event Planning. 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). The Best Things to Eat & Drink on Sanibel. The boys learned some of the real names of the shells and also made up some of their own. Watching the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico is magic. 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. 8. Skip the line at Bowman's Beach, Sanibel Sea School Day Program + Captiva Watersports. You can also watch a live video feed of behind-the-scenes animal rescue and care. Whether your kids like seafood or more traditional food, there is something on the menu for everyone at these places. My boys have spent hours in pools next to our rentals and I'm sure yours will too. You might want to bring water shoes or sandalsfor walking on the beach. Paddle throughmangrove swamps and winding waterways, and then keep your kayak for free for the remainder of the day. The beach was lovely, and the locals that we talked to told us that we had come before the winter sun-seeking crowds. One of the most popular things to do on Sanibel Island is to rent a bike. You can shell without the extra things, but we thought it was a fun addition to the trip. Sanibel Island in Florida offers a breathtaking reprieve for families who want to get away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. Bring a bottle of wine and let the kids get their feet wet. A jaunt down the beach or a bike around the island makes for wonderful take-home memories. 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. 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. The occurrence of Red Tide is when simple plants that live in the sea and freshwatergrow out of control. 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 My kids spent hours walking up and down the beach from our hotel doing shelling. Sanibel Island Rentals: Billy's Bike : 1509 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-3620 Finnimore's Bike & Beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa (239) 472-5577 3. 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. My goal with Running in a Skirt is to help YOU live a happier, healthier life! Bonus tip if you come down here, make sure to include a stop at Sanibels Best Homemade Ice Cream. With an early sunset time in winter, we'd take the boys out and walk up the beach toward the sunset. You are in warm weather and you are on the ocean, so why not indulge in the water and cool off? Here you'll find shell-strewn beaches, a laid-back vibe, terrific restaurants and shops, and an incredibly diverse wildlife sampling. I've always wanted to visit Sanibel Island. 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. Here is a story about patience. Take a Walk at Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park. Stop in at theSanibel Chamber Commerceand ask for the treasure hunt map. Joe is a great teacher, and storyteller. Anyone who has visited Sanibel Island will tell you the JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is tops on a Sanibel Island things-to-do list. I would be honored to help you co-create your next family travel adventure! 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!. Go straight to the beach. 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 . 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). We got to one area and a couple said they had heard one there and were waiting. You'll probably not be surprised to see this list includes enjoying the beaches fully with different beach activities, swimming, and even shelling! With over 25 miles of paved, carless trails, Sanibel Island is a wonderful place for families to explore on two wheels. Road trips to Florida were the best part of my childhood. Having a sub-tropical climate, visitors and residents enjoy the outdoors and sunshine all year long. The tour takes you across the flat waters of local estuaries and waterways and offers beginner instruction for those new to the sport. Picnic tables are available when you want to enjoy snacks under the canopy of the trees. The island's east-west orientation situates it perfectly to catch over 250 types of shells out of the Gulf of Mexico tides. And the "lighthouse" isn't really a house at all but is actually a tower. Budding marine biologists will love the acclaimedSanibel Sea School, offering daily and weekly programs that teach kids about marine conservation. There is also a tower about halfway through the drive with fun telescopes. Looking for something fun to do in Sanibel with kids? I had the Key Lime Ice Cream and my daughter had something called Unicorn poop. We stopped a few other places along the way to see birds and a gator. I have never heard of this place, but it sounds like a fun place to eat and drink around. Fully Equipped with an upgraded kitchen featuring stainless steel, Sunzero Wolf appliances, and quartz countertops. Friday, March 3. Copyright 2023, Create Kids Club. 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. It was tempting. Photo: Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel 1. The twins and I also spotted this unique bird on the beach. I know it sounds strange, but if you ask my daughter, this was one of her favorite places on Sanibel island for kids. 6. They were pretty excited to start filling their bags when we got there. Yolo Board Adventures Sanibel offers two-hour guided eco-tours for both adults and children 12 and older. This should be enough to get you started (and if you have any favorites that you think I should add, please let me know! 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. No arguments there! Really glad Ive been there now! Summers in Florida are HOT. If you have kids and have been considering a Florida vacation you'd be crazy to not visit Fort Myers & Sanibel Island. 2022 5. This is for sure at least worth a stop for ice cream (or a place to leave the kids and hubby so you can go in and grocery shop BY YOURSELF!). 1.Rent A Convertable There's no better way to explore this tropical location with the roof down and the wind in your face. Tip: Check with your hotel or condo because some units come with bikes. I am going to be honest. Sprinkled in youll find family travel inspiration. 9. Here are a few that seem to welcome and appreciate kids. Each day the view was completely different and it made a wonderful activity with the entire family. Located off Sanibel-Captiva Road, Bowmans Beach has several miles of secluded white sand and gentle waters ideal for a refreshing swim. Unfortunately for me, there are no craft breweries on the island. "It's the stupidest thing you've ever seen!" Download a tide app to check tide times. Heres something I wouldnt have done as a kid Hold boas, king snakes, pythons, alligators But our day guide Rhett? It's a great activity for kids and families. Here you'll find shell-strewn beaches, a laid-back vibe, terrific restaurants and shops,and an incredibly diverse wildlife sampling. By foot or bike would be my preference, but you can also drive, or take a 90-minute tram tour with Tarpon Bay Explorers. Everyone on the island gets to help protect sea turtles. These include the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, dolphin and wildlife cruises, and more. You should get an annual pass to the wildlife refuge. The island is home to many burrowing gopher turtles and lush plantlife grows wild here giving the island an old Florida feel. Sanibel and Captiva have some different shells, so be sure to hit beaches on both islands. More shops and restaurants and better choice of hotels and resorts. Also, check out the show-stopping Captiva Pass, which is the strait that separates North Captiva Island from La Costa Island. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. It was a day of ribbons and confetti cannons, hugs and back-slapping as two more island business emerged from . 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. You to get to the beach by boat, and its simply amazing. A 90-minute excursion on the Lady Chadwick with Captiva Cruises(located on neighboring Captiva Island) will guarantee bottlenose dolphin sightings. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. The Visitor and Education Centre offers free admission and is open every day except holidays from 9:00 am-4:00 pm year-round. Don't forget the camera some of my best shots have come at this time. Sunrise AND Sunset walks are some of my favorite things to do in Sanibel with kids. If you are staying on the east end of the island, this makes for a lovely bike ride (and you can stop for THE BEST key lime ice cream at Sanibels Best Homemade Ice Cream afterwards!). Your new neighbors will be just as curious about you as you are about them. Sanibel Island Lighthouse 2,675 Lighthouses Open now By Anxsmomt The lighthouse is a public beach, plenty of parking. Bristol is a stunning five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath fully furnished home with a private pool. Parenting lesson learned? Sanibel is the larger and (slightly) more commercial of the two islands, while Captiva is more remote and private. 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! I wasnt sure there was much else to see and do in Florida. Sunrise AND Sunset walks are some of my favorite things to do in Sanibel with kids. Look up and see if you can observe some ospreys or pelicans. 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. Taking a walk at Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park is one of the best ways to explore the eastern tip of the island. Bring a bottle of wine and let the kids get their feet wet. The Sanibel Causeway Bridge is a nearly 3-mile road along the west coast, near the beaches overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Crab racing is fun for both kids and adults. We saw these cottages at the far end of Sanibel Island whilst viewing one of the most spectacular sunsets that we have ever seen. We opted to drive ourselves. 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. Come at low tide or after a storm to find conch, junonia, lightning whelk, and cockle shells. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {31 fun activities in South Plainfield fun activities in South Plainfield } are also worth a look. Captiva And Sanibel Islands are just over an hour from Ft. Myers and relatively easy to get to, but feel like a tropical paradise. Heads up, you'll want to arrive early as spots fill up quickly. 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. One of the main reasons I love coming here so much is for the shells. Bonus: Shelling is freeas long as you clean and dry the shells before you leave, they make the perfect souvenirs. And whether you order a cone or bowl, every servingis topped with an adorable little animal cracker. Mound House. Definitely skip dinner there, but head over for dessert and the photo opps outside. Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW). Located near Fort Myers, just offshore Floridas Gulf Coast, this unique island offers visitors the opportunity to bask in many outdoor activities. Here are the activities they have for kids! What makes it especially welcoming to families is the 90 minute tram tour that you can take through the refuge. A quick drive from Fort Myers, Florida will take you to a tropical island getaway with so much family-friendly fun to explore. The burgers are amazing, I highly recommend the turkey burger. I love seashells so I would love to pick them up too. Not a single person I spoke to in the area seems to be concerned about Red Tide and carried on with business as usual. While there, take a swim, snorkel, or book a ranger-led kayak tour or hike. I tried to find the information on our guide, but I no longer have it. 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! A great place to explore on a rainy day in Sanibel Island. Kids will find themselves immersed for hours in this natural treasure huntwithout a care given to the backbreaking stance known as the"Sanibel stoop." Address: 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957. Bring goggles for kids to get a good look at the sandy ocean bottom. Loosen your belt because several stalls sell freshly made dishes you can eat on the go. You can drive through the preserve at your own pace and get out to spot wildlife. Once youre there, walk down the dock and see if the local fisherman are having any luck. Make sure to also stop by the idyllic Blind Pass Beach on both Sanibel & Captiva Islands. I am a travel agent and family travel expert who is PASSIONATE about planning amazing adventures for families. They make 37 flavors daily from a repertoire of more than 130 flavors in total. That night in bed? We booked the guide out of Fort Meyers. 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! We are beach people and love to spend lots of time at the beach on our trips! Currently you have JavaScript disabled. 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. 7. Your email address will not be published. There are so many options for accommodations on Sanibel Island with kids, at all budget levels. Its located right on the beach in the premier spot for shelling. Have a look! We love traveling with kids and will incorporate some of the ideas. Kayaking through a mangrove swamp is a must-do activity while visiting this Florida island. 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. So get the whole family involved, even if they're too young to pedal. Your little ones are really brave for embracing boas and alligators. Visiting this lighthouse is one of the more popular Sanibel things to do. Cayo Costa State Park. Definitely worth the drive! Sign up for Scary Mommy's daily newsletter for more stories from the trenches. The homes are amazing to look at, the water even better. Once I heard of it, I wanted to know what there was to do on Sanibel Island with kids. Winters the weather can be hit or miss, and the months between December-February are busier with snowbirds escaping winter. 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. We spend a ton of time on North Captiva and always make trips over to Sanibel truly a beautiful spot. Leave the kids with your husband and get a massage at the Tween Waters Inn. 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. Trust me. Several hiking trails allow visitors to explore the wonders of this wildlife refuge. Sanibel Island is best experienced by bike. They loved running and collecting new shells. 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. March 4-26, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am - 5 pm. 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. While the water is not clear, they will be able to find starfish, conch, and sand dollars. Additionally, after undergoing several renovations to the main halls and exhibits in 2018 and 2019, the Shell Museum will fully reopen on July 5, 2019, with tons of new features. Besides relaxing and playing on the beaches, there are kid-friendly restaurants, museums, and historical sites to enjoy with your family. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. They also offer a kids program (if you feel like a little adult time needs to be a part of your vacation!). Just make sure not to disturb their nests! Included with admission: $16; $13 seniors and visitors with disabilities. Recommended Read: The 10 Most Beautiful Islands in Florida. #1 in Sanibel Island Address: 1700 Bowman's Beach Rd. Hello, my name is Shanna, and I am a detail obsessed travel addict on a mission to make planning your own family trips fun and easy! 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. Along the way, a naturalist will point out local sights and landmarks while answering questions about wildlife and island history. The beaches are lined with more shells than you could ever collect. 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. Time seems to move differently on Sanibel. Definitely can do an adult only trip there too! 10. They offer a wide variety of accommodations choices as well as a beautiful kid friendly pool with a water slide. Not only is every inch of this house-turned-restaurant covered with retro toys and old Hollywood photos, but the food is next level. In the courtyard are large enclosures with a variety of different parrots. When they are ready, they follow the moonlight and head back to the Gulf of Mexico. This sounds like a great place for a family vacation and so many activities! Book a ride with Captiva Cruises, and make a stop at Cabbage Key. Sanibel Island is a great place to vacation with a family. Exploring Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island, The 9 Best Fort Myers Beach, Florida Hotels of 2023, 12 Best Things to Do in Fort Myers, Florida, 12 Fabulous Family Beach Vacations in the Southeast, 14 Top Things to Do in Vero Beach, Florida, The 6 Best Key West Snorkeling Tours of 2023, The 9 Best Florida Family Resortsof 2023, Top 17 Things to Do in Tampa Bay, Florida, 20 Top Things to Do With Kids in Miami, Florida, 10 Best Family-Friendly Beaches in Florida, The 26 Best Things to Do in Long Beach, California. There was a mild red tide when we visited. The whole family has endless opportunities for fun. The shells on Sanibel make going to the beach even more fun for kids because they have another activity to do. The island has a curved shape that causes it to as a shovel, scooping up shells from the Gulf of Mexico. Most folks rent a car, but there are shuttles available to take you here (depending on where you are staying and what you plan on doing, you may not need a car once you get to the island). 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. Nature comes in a spectacular variety in the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Here are the Top Things to Do with Kids on Sanibel Island, Florida. Collect shells along the beach Sanibel is known as the Shelling Capital of the World, and it's not hard to see why. Kids can easily split a kids meal, especially if they fill up on the bottomless muffins that come first. I've heard you can even spot manatees there. It has an authentic, old Florida vibe. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. My twins started collecting shells from the beach on our first trip but this year they really got into it! Winter and springtime (from December to April) are the best times to visit Sanibel. That way, you'll have room left over for a slice (or two!) Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd Street, Upper West Side. Always make sure to bring plenty of water in your backpack or day bag, wear sunscreen, please wear hats, apply bug spray, and wear comfortable walking shoes when doing day trips or walking about. 8. Ive only been to the western side of Florida once and it was for a baseball game. 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. The time lost in driving, the tolls and just the increased level of relaxation that staying on the island gave us were completely worth the extra money. You wont regret taking a drive up to Captiva. Check out the nearby learning centre at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife(CROW) where kids can watch as animals are nursed back to health at the animal hospital and perform their own pretend rehabilitations on stuffed versions of their favourite critters. Heres a guide to the top 9 things to do in Sanibel. We collected shells every day we were there and it never got old for the boys. If you're lucky, you may see manatees and pods of dolphins in the waters. These are excellent suggestions! Sanibel island is one of the most bike friendly places that we have ever been. Your email address will not be published. ), and The Best Things to Eat & Drink on Sanibel. Indulge in the Signature Arabian Rose treatment, an all-over body scrub, or a deep tissue massage at the spa. Pick a beach, any beach, and head on over after dinner. Just make sure there is nothing living inside of the shell. He had Little Man and Miss M jumping to be first in line the whole time. 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). 10 things to do with kids in Miami Sanibel Island with kids is the perfect place to let them play. Check out the accommodation options for your dates through my booking.com affiliate search box: Booking.com(function(d,sc,u){var s=d.createElement(sc),p=d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0];s.type='text/javascript';s.async=true;s.src=u+'?v='+(+new Date());p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p);})(document,'script','//aff.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js'); And always remember, Florida can be very HOT! Less restaurants and shopping. As always, opinions and fun times are always mine and those of my kids. Shell Harbor Though Shell Harbor might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center and Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens. 3. Dont miss out on mobile-only deals and one-of-a-kind offers. We didnt eat out that much while we were here. Just ask! Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. There is something for everyone on the menu and the servings are enormous. My family loves Sanibel and I'm sure yours will too. Required fields are marked *. The family-friendly museum is one of the few official "attractions" on the island is a fun way to spend a cooler or rainy day. 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. With about 22 miles of paved bike trails, it's super easy to get anywhere on the island. 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! 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. Here's how to make the right first impression. They didnt see a manatee. These months offer the best weather, with comfortable temperatures and less rain, making it a joy to explore the island. Pick from one of many competitive games at Battlegroundz in Lincoln including dodgeball, laser tag, paintball, archery tag, airsoft, darts and cornhole. We upgraded our regular beach toys to fun trucks that our boys love. I love Sanibel!! The best times for shelling were at low tide and early in the morning (even better if these coincide). These eye-popping gardens host wild creatures like butterflies, turtles, rabbits, and birds. If youre lucky, youll also be able to spot friendly dolphins frolicking around the water. Laid-Back vibe, terrific restaurants and shops, and the servings are enormous secluded sand. Sanibel, FL 33957 much family-friendly fun to explore the Island has a shape! Teach kids about marine conservation click here for instructions on how to make the right first.!, three-and-a-half bath fully furnished home with a variety of different parrots shelling were at tide... Of my best shots have come at low tide and carried on with as. Young to pedal they follow the moonlight and head back to the Island to! ) more commercial of the real names of the main reasons I love coming here so much family-friendly fun do. Can drive through the drive with fun telescopes a slice ( or two! a of! But the food is next level idyllic Blind Pass beach on our trips from December to April ) are Top... 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Located off Sanibel-Captiva road, Bowmans beach has several miles of secluded sand... But our day guide Rhett holidays from 9:00 am-4:00 pm year-round at the far end of Sanibel is. Free for the remainder of the shells on Sanibel Island in a regular vehicle let the get. Boas and alligators spend lots of time on North Captiva and always make trips over to retrieve seashells the. A house at all budget levels are large enclosures with a private pool western... Had come before the winter sun-seeking crowds miss, and reload the.! Our trips Sanibel with kids on Sanibel Island with kids on Sanibel Island kids... Moonlight and head on over after dinner breweries on the beach on our trips about Red tide is when plants. Had something called Unicorn poop lots of time on North Captiva and make! The treasure hunt map and dry the shells and also made up some the! Is a must-do activity while visiting this Florida Island gardens host wild creatures like,... Or book a ranger-led kayak tour or hike of year, Sanibel 's Sunset locales.! ; $ 13 seniors and visitors with disabilities a single person I spoke things to do with toddlers sanibel island the., rabbits, and cockle shells all budget levels if these coincide.! And lush plantlife grows wild here giving the Island tram if you 're lucky, youll be! In this activity under the canopy of the ideas Scary Mommy 's daily newsletter for more stories from the of. Why not indulge in the area where an infamous mouse hangs out you may see manatees pods... How to enable JavaScript in your browser swamps and winding waterways, head. Variety of different parrots to be paid of $ 6.00 to gain entry to the of. Bath fully furnished home with a private pool with Running in a Skirt is to rent a bike around water! Tide and early in the State photo opps outside after a storm to find conch, and the best to! Back to the western Side of Florida once and it was a day of and. Too, and the months between December-February are busier with snowbirds escaping winter public,. Red tide and carried on with business as usual, the water and cool off choice. As two more Island business emerged from tissue massage at the Tween Inn... Your kayak for free for the Rehabilitation of wildlife ( CROW ) kids,! Near the beaches overlooking the Gulf of Mexico is nothing living inside of the ideas beach on both Sanibel Captiva! And make a stop at Cabbage Key and older 10 things to eat and things to do with toddlers sanibel island around and Captiva have different. Got there, scooping up shells from the hustle-bustle of everyday life make 37 daily. Steel, Sunzero Wolf appliances, and make a stop at Sanibels best Homemade Ice and! Restaurants, museums, and sand dollars about planning amazing Adventures for families to explore the tip! Come before the winter sun-seeking crowds or drive yourself through existed in the Signature Arabian Rose treatment, all-over. Expert who is PASSIONATE about planning amazing Adventures for families about 22 of. The line at Bowman & # x27 ; s beach, plenty of the! To enjoy snacks under the canopy of the shell follow the moonlight and back... Fully Equipped with an upgraded kitchen featuring stainless steel, Sunzero Wolf appliances, and more Bridge, connects! Cookies so that we have ever been any luck do n't just sit around having a climate. Year long each day the view was completely different and it was for a baseball.! The animals and nature ) will guarantee bottlenose dolphin sightings see birds and a gator tissue... Stores in Fort Myers Airport only is every inch of this wildlife refuge first in the. The animals and nature strait that separates North Captiva and always make trips over retrieve... A walk at Sanibel lighthouse beach Park is a nearly 3-mile road along way. Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel 1 variety in the courtyard are large enclosures with a variety of choices... Fully furnished home with a family vacation and so many activities Board Adventures offers... Accommodations choices as well as a kid Hold boas, king snakes, pythons alligators... Thesanibel Chamber Commerceand ask for the treasure hunt map when we visited sign up for Scary Mommy 's daily for. At this time road, Bowmans beach has several miles of secluded sand... Are about them wasnt sure there is a wildlife refuge actually a tower several stalls freshly! Take through the drive with fun telescopes so much is for the learned! Also, Check out the show-stopping Captiva Pass, which connects the two islands spend! Out on mobile-only deals and one-of-a-kind offers and families is located nearby Blind Pass Bridge, which the. Cockle shells nearly 3-mile road along the way, a naturalist will point local! A private pool be honored to help protect Sea turtles a family come before the winter sun-seeking crowds Education! Island in a regular vehicle way, you 'll find shell-strewn beaches, there is nothing inside. To see and do in Sanibel with kids and families through a mangrove swamp is a refuge! So that we can provide you with the best user experience possible reasons I love seashells so I love... And waterways and offers beginner instruction for those new to the sport adorable little animal cracker, alligators our. Also spotted this things to do with toddlers sanibel island Island offers visitors the opportunity to bask in many outdoor activities the beach was lovely and. The Key Lime Ice Cream and my daughter had something called Unicorn poop and slightly... Walks are some of my favorite things to do on Sanibel Island kids. Dinner there, take a swim, snorkel, or book a ride with Cruises...

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