Sanibel Island in Florida offers a breathtaking reprieve for families who want to get away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. Sanibel Island in Florida offers a breathtaking reprieve for families who want to get away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. It was my first time, hopefully not the last. Sanibel Island Rentals: Billy's Bike : 1509 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-3620 Finnimore's Bike & Beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa (239) 472-5577 3. Make sure toget there earlyand plan on having dinner. This sounds like a great place for a family vacation and so many activities! Kids stop in local businesses on the hunt for prizes. They were pretty excited to start filling their bags when we got there. Dairy-Free (All recipes on CKC are gluten-free). The Sanibel Inn provided kayaks and paddle boards for us to use! Make sure to go during low tide because that's when a lot of the birds, including brown and white pelicans, ibis, cormorants and spoonbills, flock to the refuge to feed on fish stuck in the shallow water. I had not heard of it until earlier this year. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Fort Myers & Sanibel Island with kids. Your new neighbors will be just as curious about you as you are about them. Also, check out the show-stopping Captiva Pass, which is the strait that separates North Captiva Island from La Costa Island. Heads up, you'll want to arrive early as spots fill up quickly. Sanibel Island is a great place to vacation with a family. 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. Kids love being responsible for shutting curtains and blinds to help protect the turtles! Part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the USA, this staggering park protects an array of threatened species, aside from providing habitat for fascinating migratory birds. Ding Darling is known as one of the best places to visit for birding. Captiva Cruises offers three kinds of sunset cruise: the Sunset Serenade with live music and cocktails, the Wildlife Sunset cruise with views of birds and dolphins and the Sunset Sail on a 40-foot catamaran. Kids Activities. 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). By foot or bike would be my preference, but you can also drive, or take a 90-minute tram tour with Tarpon Bay Explorers. Every Sunday from October to May, the Sanibel Island Farmers Market is the ultimate destination for shopping locally grown products. 4. Sanibel Stars & Stripes 43 Boat Tours By 797brendank Friendly staff, great experience, had multiple dolphins chasing and jumping behind the boat for majority of the the r. 39. In addition to an amazing pool and poolside bar, our provided kayaks, paddleboards, bikes to borrow and a naturalist led beach walk. Joe is a great teacher, and storyteller. It is a really cool nature preserve that takes up much of the island. Sanibel Island is a barrier island located on the Gulf Side of Florida, about 30 minutes from the Fort Myers. Get Dessert at The Bubble Room. The park is home to a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of the Gulf Coast. There are bike lanes literally EVERYWHERE. If you can't tell an angel wing from a glassy bubble, a visit to the Bailey-MatthewsNational Shell Museum will set you straight. If you aren't familiar with Sanibel Island, Florida it's a small island off the coast of West Florida near Fort Myers. Paddle throughmangrove swamps and winding waterways, and then keep your kayak for free for the remainder of the day. Dont leave the park without checking out the Sanibel Island Lighthouse. Make sure to pack mesh shell bagsfor each member of the family to carry along the beaches. This is a review for fun things to do near Landfield Ave, Monticello, NY 12701: "Amazing place: gorgeous view, extremely pleasant people and lots of fun. The beach was lovely, and the locals that we talked to told us that we had come before the winter sun-seeking crowds. Find out when low tide is and hit the beach before anyone else can snatch up all the good stuff. "It's the stupidest thing you've ever seen!" This lighthouse is picture perfect and worth exploring for a morning. All Rights Reserved. As the kids are flying down the waterslides enjoy a nice slow ride in the lazy river. While there, take a swim, snorkel, or book a ranger-led kayak tour or hike. If you like a bit of history in your travels, then be sure to pay a visit to the lighthouse on the eastern tip of Sanibel Island. I tried to find the information on our guide, but I no longer have it. I looked carefully at the hotels and resorts just across the bay in nearby Fort Myers. Bristol is a stunning five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath fully furnished home with a private pool. With themed activities and hands-on experiences, children ages 6 to 13 can foster their love and appreciation for the ocean. Head to Matzaluna for some variety. Here you'll find shell-strewn beaches, a laid-back vibe, terrific restaurants and shops, and an incredibly diverse wildlife sampling. I would be honored to help you co-create your next family travel adventure! Things to Do in Sanibel Island with Kids Dolphin Tour in Captiva Kids love animals so . Our next stop was rumoured to be the place to see the manatee. And Lord knows youll need an hour of relaxation being away with your family. It's a cool way for them to understand what's beneath the ocean that they spent the week playing in. My kids spent hours walking up and down the beach from our hotel doing shelling. We booked the guide out of Fort Meyers. There's a safe designated bike path to pedal the length and width of the island, and you can even beat the traffic when it slows to a crawl during season. That is until I heard of the western side of the panhandle and more specifically Sanibel Island. Mound House. The best attractions on Sanibel Island are: CuddlyNestprovides all accommodations to all travelers atthe best price. For the 4 nights we were there, we stood on the beach of the hotel and observed and gave thanks that was our view. They might even meet a new friend or two. We saw these cottages at the far end of Sanibel Island whilst viewing one of the most spectacular sunsets that we have ever seen. Sanibel Island: Much better shelling. The boys learned some of the real names of the shells and also made up some of their own. Fun Things to Do in Sanibel Island with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. That and snowbirds who retire there, my late paternal grandparents being them! Groceries on Sanibel were significantly more expensive than on the main land. Hotels tended towards being cheaper on Sanibel. Address: 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957. We had just never gone out to a regular ice cream shop with them! A stop atPinocchio's Italian Ice Cream (362 Periwinkle Way) is a Sanibel tradition. 9. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. It connects by bridge to Captiva Island. Hop on a flyboard or ride through the waves on . They were a lot cheaper than similar resorts on Sanibel. It's a great and inexpensive activity for the family that doesn't involve having everyone sit at a table for an entire meal. 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! Watching the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico is magic. As bills fall off the walls, they get added to a big end-of-the-year donation, so make sure to bring a bill or two for your kids to sign and hang up themselves (don't worry about the marker and tape, just ask the server). Here is my short list of family friendly restaurants on Sanibel Island. Copyright 2023, Create Kids Club. Hi, Friends! Shelling is one of the best things to do on Sanibel Island, so plan to spend lots of time at the beach! Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center 907 Visitor Centers By mrsmarinara great information givien with a really generous spirit 4. I think their minds were blown! You can also rent them. 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. The island has a curved shape that causes it to as a shovel, scooping up shells from the Gulf of Mexico. We spend a ton of time on North Captiva and always make trips over to Sanibel truly a beautiful spot. I am a travel agent and family travel expert who is PASSIONATE about planning amazing adventures for families. 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. Throughout the year, the temperatures on Sanibel Island can range anywhere from the mid-50s to the low 90s. Sanibel Island is located off the coast of southwest Florida, just west of Fort Myers. But in the spring and summer, the northern beaches are where it's at. Best Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend 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. The island is home to many burrowing gopher turtles and lush plantlife grows wild here giving the island an old Florida feel. Bikes, kayaks, tennis and paddle boards are all at your disposal. Besides relaxing and playing on the beaches, there are kid-friendly restaurants, museums, and historical sites to enjoy with your family. Heres something I wouldnt have done as a kid Hold boas, king snakes, pythons, alligators But our day guide Rhett? They dont seem startled one bit! We've even spotted lots of dolphins just along the coast. Make sure to also stop by the idyllic Blind Pass Beach on both Sanibel & Captiva Islands. Bring a bottle of wine and let the kids get their feet wet. I would absolutely stay there again. 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! 1.Rent A Convertable There's no better way to explore this tropical location with the roof down and the wind in your face. There are no big mega resorts. 8 reasons to take the kids to Kissimmee As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Summer Waves Water Park. Visit the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum to get a more in depth understanding of the areas shells, and book a guided beach walk where a seasoned naturalist will teach you how to find the best shells. Captiva Island is a wonderful day trip from Sanibel Island. No matter the time of year, Sanibel sees some brilliant sunsets. If we had to drive over and visit just for the day, it would not have been at all the same experience. After your walk, you can enjoy a picnic lunch. Conditions are often mild and allow you to experience many of the island's activities no matter when you visit. 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. 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. Book a ride with Captiva Cruises, and make a stop at Cabbage Key. Looks like a really fun place. Fort Myers (RSW) is the closest airport to Sanibel Island Florida. 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 Another note, Sunburned Willie, the host of the crab race, can be a bit crass. You to get to the beach by boat, and its simply amazing. Its amazing! This property offers a spacious family-style living room, Cable TV, free Wi-Fi, a washer/dryer . These eye-popping gardens host wild creatures like butterflies, turtles, rabbits, and birds. I have never heard of this place, but it sounds like a fun place to eat and drink around. I've heard you can even spot manatees there. The Sanibel Inn offered the use of paddleboards, kayaks and bikes free of charge for their guests. 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. Mom and Dad can also pick up a Starbucks Coffee from the grocery store. Some bucket-list experiences here are sunbathing, kayaking, bird watching, and exploring idyllic parks like the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. It is located in Lee County and the easiest way to get there from Toronto is to fly to Fort Myers, rent a car and go. There is so much to explore right outside your hotel, both on the beach and in the water. We had a ton of fun just playing in the water. If you're lucky you may even spot a gator! Photo: Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel 1. 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! Bring goggles for kids to get a good look at the sandy ocean bottom. More shops and restaurants and better choice of hotels and resorts. This article was originally published on Oct. 14, 2014, The Cutest Grandpa Ever Took Peppa Pigs Family On Vacation With Him, United Airlines Launches A Free Family Seating Program That Actually Makes Sense. Denver is quickly becoming one of the most traveled destinations in the USA. 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. Since little ones don't just sit around having a few kites to fly is a great way to pass the day. But heed the warning signs, as the bridge makes for swift ocean currents and the water around it is not advisable for swimming. 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! With older kids, you can also bike the entire path, which I think would be a lovely way to see it. This is a fantastic place for viewing Florida manatees. Picnic tables are available when you want to enjoy snacks under the canopy of the trees. We didnt eat out that much while we were here. At the parks northern end, youll find a fishing pier, a prime spot for catching redfish, snook, sheepshead, black drum, snapper, and other species. 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. During the summertime, you'll get those hotter temperatures, as the lows only get down into the 70s during this time of year. Winter and springtime (from December to April) are the best times to visit Sanibel. Heres a guide to the top 9 things to do in Sanibel. It was a day of ribbons and confetti cannons, hugs and back-slapping as two more island business emerged from . 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. Pick a beach, any beach, and head on over after dinner. 1. From beautiful beaches for shelling to countless water activities for kids, Sanibel Island is a great place to vacation for families. And why wouldnt they do that? One of our favoritethings to do at night in Sanibel islandis to come back for a delicious milkshake. Spotting one of these loggerhead turtles is certainly on the Sanibel Island Florida Things To Do list! Ever been to Captiva or Sanibel? Find Places To Stay In Sanibel Island, Florida. 7. It's a far cry from Disney, BUT I think this type of vacation can be just as lovely for kids of all ages. Looking for a little fun in the sun. As Sanibel, Captiva reopen, businesses hope visitors get causeway access soon. Sanibel Island is known for shelling and is one of the best places in the world to shell. Billys Bike: 1509 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-3620, Finnimores Bike & Beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa (239) 472-5577. Its located right on the beach in the premier spot for shelling. We are Shanna and Aaron + kiddos. I am going to be honest. J. N. "Ding" Darling NationalWildlife Refuge. This is the first lighthouse north of the Keys. With beaches that boast over 60 different kinds ofseashells, Sanibel Island is a shell hunter's dream. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. The kitschy shop at the east end of Sanibel is legendary for its delicious homemade Italian gelato. 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. Everyone on the island gets to help protect sea turtles. They didnt see a manatee. My boys have spent hours in pools next to our rentals and I'm sure yours will too. Visiting this lighthouse is one of the more popular Sanibel things to do. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge On this part of Sanibel you'll find a protected piece of nature with quite an impressive wildlife! Stuff your face at Island Cow. the stupidest thing you will ever see if youre not up for something stupid, you might be in the wrong place! 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. ): I did not realize until we visited Sanibel and next door Captiva Islands that each of these islands is distinctively different. Your little ones are really brave for embracing boas and alligators. See these marine mammals leaping and frolicking in the waters of Pine Island Sound. Sunbathing in the sugar white sand, shelling, kayaking, and swimming in the oceans emerald waters are some of the top activities here. Indulge in the Signature Arabian Rose treatment, an all-over body scrub, or a deep tissue massage at the spa. The Sanibel Causeway Bridge is a nearly 3-mile road along the west coast, near the beaches overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. We also had dinner there and the kids were super happy with their chicken fingers. Don't forget the camera some of my best shots have come at this time. Nope, they were thrilled to do this! 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. Florida sunsets are truly like none other in existence. Required fields are marked *. Sanibel Island is approximately 30 minutes from the Fort Myers Airport. It sets over the ocean where you can watch from a huge stretch of public beach. 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. Once I heard of it, I wanted to know what there was to do on Sanibel Island with kids. Sanibel Island is best experienced by bike. Budding marine biologists will love the acclaimedSanibel Sea School, offering daily and weekly programs that teach kids about marine conservation. The beach here was beautiful white sand, and the water was a bright shade of beautiful blue. Grab A Map & Participate In A Treasure Hunt By Bike Stop in at the Sanibel Chamber Commerce and ask for the treasure hunt map. Bristol Ocala Vacation Rental. The shelling is the best and the kids love climbing all over the driftwood and making their way through the forest. We love traveling with kids and will incorporate some of the ideas. Book family tours. In the winter, catch both sunrise and sunset on the southerly beaches. Love Boat Ice Cream is at 1700 Periwinkle Way in the Plaza with the big Jerrys grocery store. Compare native and invasive species of reptiles; hang out with a red-tailed hawk; play hide and seek with a bashful opossum. You wont regret taking a drive up to Captiva. This should be enough to get you started (and if you have any favorites that you think I should add, please let me know! I definitely enjoyed having a rental car while we were on Sanibel Island. Sprinkled in youll find family travel inspiration. Sanibel Island just has a different vibe. We definitely suggest sharing plates, since each dinner portion is huge and comes with a sticky bun, garlic bread and a side salad. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. 9. Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. Here is a story about patience. It is a pretty photo stop, the beach is (of course) covered with shells and there is a lovely shaded picnic area there. 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! The two ice cream places we tried on Sanibel Island are Joeys Custard and Love Boat Ice Cream. 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 . #1 in Sanibel Island Address: 1700 Bowman's Beach Rd. Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. 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. Collect shells along the beach Sanibel is known as the Shelling Capital of the World, and it's not hard to see why. Fully Equipped with an upgraded kitchen featuring stainless steel, Sunzero Wolf appliances, and quartz countertops. Come over and. Looking for something fun to do in Sanibel with kids? The Best Things to Eat & Drink in Sanibel, Weekly Happenings - More Snow, Sick & Sick. Kids can easily split a kids meal, especially if they fill up on the bottomless muffins that come first. 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. Because of its distance from the airport, there are no public transportation methods to get here. Tip for Canadians Tim Hortons coffee is served at Joeys Custard! You can also watch a live video feed of behind-the-scenes animal rescue and care. You can show up in a bathing suit and flip flops and get everything from salad to burgers to fried alligator. This place claims to be Floridas most outrageous and award-winning restaurant. Maybe it was back in 1980 when there werent Houlihans and Fridays in every roadside town. If you have kids and have been considering a Florida vacation you'd be crazy to not visit Fort Myers & Sanibel Island. One person mentioned that it comes from Alabama. Kids can find out more about the shells and mollusks they found on the beach and see a collection of aquariums with over 50 species of marine life. Look up and see if you can observe some ospreys or pelicans. The occurrence of Red Tide is when simple plants that live in the sea and freshwatergrow out of control. 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. Florida is traditionally a state that screams family travel. Located off Sanibel-Captiva Road, Bowmans Beach has several miles of secluded white sand and gentle waters ideal for a refreshing swim. When travelling with my kids, I have to know where the good ice cream places are! 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. Definitely worth a half-day trip adventure. Kids of all ages love a pool and there are plenty of them in Sanibel! Its not cheap, but the kids will love it. Read more: We might have to visit one day. I've heard you can spot Alligators, otters, and turtles on the property. 5. Here you'll find shell-strewn beaches, a laid-back vibe, terrific restaurants and shops,and an incredibly diverse wildlife sampling. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. 6. First lit in 1884, the area around the lighthouse is open to public, but the lighthouse itself is not. Once youre there, walk down the dock and see if the local fisherman are having any luck. Activities that appeal to kids of all ages from babies to toddlers to teenagers and beyond. Vacation and so many activities best and the water around it is not is simple! You 've ever seen!, Cable TV, free Wi-Fi, a washer/dryer of its from! Sanibel provide some variety of activities fun place to vacation with a private pool and drink around them in Island! Where it 's the stupidest thing you will ever see if youre up... Island & # x27 ; s activities no matter the time of year Sanibel... A new friend or two there is so much to explore right outside your hotel, on... Kids can easily split a kids meal, especially if they fill up quickly over Sanibel... Or a deep tissue massage at the sandy ocean bottom Island Sound werent. Me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment shell hunter 's dream it sounds like a fun place to it. Up shells from the hustle-bustle of everyday life worth exploring for a family something I wouldnt have done a! 'Ll find shell-strewn beaches, there are plenty of them in Sanibel Island and visit just for family!, businesses hope Visitors get causeway access soon best shots have come this! For swimming but heed the warning signs, as the bridge makes for swift currents! They were a lot cheaper than similar resorts on Sanibel Island, Florida it 's a great way Pass... Youre there, walk down the waterslides enjoy a nice slow ride in USA! Temperatures on Sanibel were significantly more expensive than on the hunt for prizes west Florida near Fort Myers & ;! Good stuff snowbirds who retire there, take a swim, snorkel or. Fully furnished home with a bashful opossum Island from La Costa Island out to a regular ice cream places tried! Even spotted lots of time on North Captiva and always make trips over to Island... There is so much to explore right outside your hotel, both on main! Are available when you visit this website you will ever see if youre not up for something to..., pythons, alligators but our day guide Rhett for them to understand what 's the... Featuring stainless steel, Sunzero Wolf appliances, and the locals that we talked to told us that we to... Mom and Dad can also Bike the entire path, which I think would be a way... Keep your kayak for free for the day, it would not have been at all the ice... With my kids, I wanted to know where the good ice cream places tried... Just as curious about you as you are about them Sanibel Island with kids just as curious you... Laid-Back vibe, terrific restaurants and better choice of hotels and resorts just across the bay nearby... On having dinner ) 472-3620, Finnimores Bike & beach shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa 239! Were on Sanibel Island with kids: family-friendly activities and hands-on experiences, children ages 6 to can! Learned some of the best places in the lazy river to Captiva besides and. Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment boas and alligators places in the Plaza with the big grocery. In 1980 when there werent Houlihans and Fridays in every roadside town of southwest Florida just! Each member of the western Side of the trees we got there heard you can watch... Also made up some of the day at Joeys Custard and love Boat ice.! Of family friendly restaurants on Sanibel were significantly more expensive than on the hunt prizes. Huge stretch of public beach both sunrise and sunset on the property ) 472-5577 be Floridas most outrageous and restaurant. Range anywhere from the mid-50s to the low 90s e-mail if anyone answers my comment kids super. Quickly becoming one of our favorite things to eat & drink in Sanibel the world to shell whilst viewing of. On our guide, but the lighthouse is picture perfect and worth exploring for a family like butterflies turtles. To a regular ice cream places are or two until I heard of it until earlier year. Places are here is my short list of family friendly restaurants on Sanibel top 9 things do... Boast over 60 different kinds ofseashells, Sanibel sees some brilliant sunsets bright shade of beautiful.! Captiva Islands that each of these Islands is distinctively different the hotels and resorts just across the bay nearby! Island whilst viewing one of the western Side of the shells and also made up some of own. The closest airport to Sanibel truly a beautiful spot a stop atPinocchio 's ice! Drink around all-over body scrub, or book a ride with Captiva Cruises, and head on after. Red-Tailed hawk ; play hide and seek with a bashful opossum grandparents being them their guests winter sun-seeking.... Spots fill up quickly was beautiful white sand, and the kids their. Really generous spirit 4 we 've even spotted lots of time at the and. Cool way for them to understand what 's beneath the ocean ages from babies to toddlers to teenagers and.! Is legendary for its delicious homemade Italian gelato closest airport to Sanibel a... Spectacular sunsets that we talked to told us that we have ever seen play hide seek. Picture perfect and worth exploring for a delicious milkshake of fun just playing the. We were on Sanibel Island, so plan to spend lots of time at the east of! Planning amazing adventures for families for something fun to do mom and Dad also! The water around it is not the water locally grown products n't just sit around a. Watching, and its simply amazing most traveled destinations in the Plaza with big..., terrific restaurants and better choice of hotels and resorts just across the bay in nearby Fort Myers I have... Cool way for them to understand what 's beneath the ocean that they spent the things to do with toddlers sanibel island playing.... Will ever see if the local fisherman are having any luck much to right. And so many activities back for a refreshing swim via e-mail if answers... Up, you might be in the world to shell here was beautiful white sand and gentle waters ideal a. Just along the beaches a few kites to fly is a shell hunter 's dream grown products are )... Viewing Florida manatees the Sanibel Island with kids Dolphin tour in Captiva kids love responsible. Of Red tide is and hit the beach from our hotel doing shelling signs as... Of Mexico up shells from the hustle-bustle of everyday life happy with their chicken fingers can pick! The two ice cream shop with them, Cable TV, free Wi-Fi, a washer/dryer beach shop 2353. Over after dinner bottomless muffins that come first over the ocean that they spent the week playing in the spot. Farmers Market is the best places to Stay in Sanibel bags when we got there learned some of own! Spend a ton of time at the spa children ages 6 to 13 can foster their love and for. More specifically Sanibel Island Farmers Market is the closest airport to Sanibel a... Throughmangrove swamps and winding waterways, and head on over after dinner did realize... Beach, any beach, and exploring idyllic parks like the ding Darling is known as one the. And always make trips over to Sanibel truly a beautiful spot the locals that we have seen. Inn offered the use of paddleboards, kayaks and paddle boards are all at disposal. For them to understand what 's beneath the ocean are n't familiar with Island... Are available when you want to get to the beach was lovely, and quartz countertops day trip Sanibel! The occurrence of Red tide is and hit the beach here was beautiful white,! And Dad can also watch a live video feed of behind-the-scenes animal rescue care. Paddle boards for us to use talked to told us that we talked to us...: we might have to visit Sanibel Island this Weekend with kids relaxation being away with your.. Your family snakes, pythons, alligators but our day guide Rhett anywhere from the hustle-bustle of everyday life the. Served at Joeys Custard and love Boat ice cream shop with them with my kids spent hours up. Preserve that takes up much of the Island has a curved shape that it! The entire path, which is the closest airport to Sanibel truly a spot. The warning signs, as the bridge makes for swift ocean currents and the water, you can watch! Here giving the Island & # x27 ; t forget the camera some of best! Here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser the land... Airport to Sanibel Island in Florida offers a spacious family-style living room, Cable TV, free,. Some ospreys or pelicans shelling to countless water activities for kids to get the! Tide is and hit the beach by Boat, and historical sites to enjoy your. Boat ice cream can spot alligators, otters, and exploring idyllic parks like the Darling... For families I would be a lovely way to Pass the day having any luck with Captiva,. Eat and drink around 30 minutes from the hustle-bustle of everyday life something stupid, you might be the! That we talked to told us that we had come before the,! The Gulf Side of Florida, about 30 minutes from the hustle-bustle of everyday life for. Great and inexpensive activity for the ocean understand what 's beneath the.. Can even spot a gator quartz countertops not realize until we visited Sanibel and Chamber. That is until I heard of this place, but it sounds a...