Love Boat Ice Cream is at 1700 Periwinkle Way in the Plaza with the big Jerrys grocery store. It's such a great way to spend a bright and sunny afternoon almost any time of year! Check outShell IdentificationandSeaLife Identificationto see what youve found! Kids of all ages love a pool and there are plenty of them in Sanibel! Located off Sanibel-Captiva Road, Bowmans Beach has several miles of secluded white sand and gentle waters ideal for a refreshing swim. As I mentioned above, many resorts loan out bikes to their guests. If you're lucky you may even spot a gator! Summer Waves Water Park. 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. 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. Join Little Learners for a Seuss-a-Bration at Once Upon a Treetop. 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. I know it sounds strange, but if you ask my daughter, this was one of her favorite places on Sanibel island for kids. Why not try a different one each night? Sanibel Island with kids really is a lovely vacation! Sanibel Island with kids is lovely! 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. Biking downtown just got more exciting for kids having a map and treasures to hunt! 10 things to do with kids in Miami Mound House. Times Square and the Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier. Kids Activities. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. It's known for its natural beauty including gorgeous beaches, shelling, and island lifestyle. This is a fantastic place for viewing Florida manatees. Bristol is a stunning five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath fully furnished home with a private pool. the stupidest thing you will ever see if youre not up for something stupid, you might be in the wrong place! Make sure to pack mesh shell bagsfor each member of the family to carry along the beaches. Its not cheap, but the kids will love it. Ding Darling is known as one of the best places to visit for birding. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. Fort Myers Brewery. Nature comes in a spectacular variety in the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. With about 22 miles of paved bike trails, it's super easy to get anywhere on the island. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. We saw these cottages at the far end of Sanibel Island whilst viewing one of the most spectacular sunsets that we have ever seen. Question, why have they never had real ice cream before? #1 in Sanibel Island Address: 1700 Bowman's Beach Rd. Learn how your comment data is processed. Watch the sunset on the beach. Also, it's closed at this moment, but there is generally a hands-on area for kids at the Visitor and Education Center. It also taught the boys a bit about wind and weather because they only knew they could fly the kites on windy days. Go straight to the beach. A quick drive from Fort Myers, Florida will take you to a tropical island getaway with so much family-friendly fun to explore. Kids will find themselves immersed for hours in this natural treasure huntwithout a care given to the backbreaking stance known as the"Sanibel stoop." This lighthouse is picture perfect and worth exploring for a morning. 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. Toddlers, kids, and teens will all want to partake in this activity. I've heard you can spot Alligators, otters, and turtles on the property. It was tempting. 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!. Sanibel Island is known for its idyllic beaches filled with abundant shells. We didnt eat out that much while we were here. With beaches that boast over 60 different kinds ofseashells, Sanibel Island is a shell hunter's dream. Manatee Park. Eat at RC Otters. We came back with so many amazing shells (a whole suitcase full of them in fact). Registered dietitian & mom behind Create Kids Club an online kitchen where feeding kids gluten-free is made easier with simple recipes & kids cooking ideas. Since the island is only 12 miles long, its not a far distance to get to any of these places from wherever you are staying. Grab A Map & Participate In A Treasure Hunt By Bike Stop in at the Sanibel Chamber Commerce and ask for the treasure hunt map. You never know what will be on the end of that line! The tour takes you across the flat waters of local estuaries and waterways and offers beginner instruction for those new to the sport. There are activities that appeal to all age groups and makes for a really nice family vacation. 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. There is also a tram if you are a guided tour person. Everyone on the island gets to help protect sea turtles. Little makes me happier than roaming the beach, looking for treasures. The kitschy shop at the east end of Sanibel is legendary for its delicious homemade Italian gelato. Unsure of the treasure found on Sanibel Island? Summer Waves Water Park is a thrilling experience with plenty of waterslides the whole family can enjoy. Having a car made getting to Fort Myers quick and easy as well. Not only is every inch of this house-turned-restaurant covered with retro toys and old Hollywood photos, but the food is next level. Fully Equipped with an upgraded kitchen featuring stainless steel, Sunzero Wolf appliances, and quartz countertops. The kids waited for 5 minutes and wanted to go. Captiva And Sanibel Islands are just over an hour from Ft. Myers and relatively easy to get to, but feel like a tropical paradise. This wildlife refuge is a great place to check out the local flora and fauna. We collected shells every day we were there and it never got old for the boys. Bricks 4 Kidz - Piscataway. We are Shanna and Aaron + kiddos. I will also add that Red Coach buses are a great way to get around with kids. 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! One of thebest things to do on Captiva Islandis to watch the sunset. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Friday, March 3. Shelling is one of the best things to do on Sanibel Island, so plan to spend lots of time at the beach! For the 4 nights we were there, we stood on the beach of the hotel and observed and gave thanks that was our view. I would also be remiss to not mention Red Tide. Its amazing! Dont forget the camera some of my best shots have come at this time. Sanibel Island with kids is the perfect place to spend a family vacation! Pick a beach, any beach, and head on over after dinner. 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. The Island also offers many opportunities for kids to learn and have fun at the same time. Tip for Canadians Tim Hortons coffee is served at Joeys Custard! If you are looking for soft sand, this will not be your place because the whole beach is LITERALLY made out of sea shells. 3. My family loves Sanibel and I'm sure yours will too. Take a dolphin sight-seeing boat ride. 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. We also had dinner there and the kids were super happy with their chicken fingers. Besides relaxing and playing on the beaches, there are kid-friendly restaurants, museums, and historical sites to enjoy with your family. Copyright 2022 - There and Back Again Travel / Shanna Schultz, Things to Consider When Planning a Trip to Sanibel Island with Kids, saw these cottages at the far end of Sanibel Island. After a low tide or storm are best along with the months of January, February, and March. He had Little Man and Miss M jumping to be first in line the whole time. Letting the kids just be kids in the sand is one of the best things to do in Sanibel with kids. That and snowbirds who retire there, my late paternal grandparents being them! Your new neighbors will be just as curious about you as you are about them. This is a review for things to do near Monticello, NY 12701: "Susan's Pleasant Pheasant Farm is an absolute great place to do fun outdoorsy activities! The Sanibel Causeway Bridge is a nearly 3-mile road along the west coast, near the beaches overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The twins and I also spotted this unique bird on the beach. When we return to Sanibel, these will definitely be at the top of our short list! Buy groceries before you come over. 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. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. The museum features over 30 permanent exhibits on shells of Sanibel and Captiva Island, as well as those from around the world. What's a beach trip without ice cream? The beach here was beautiful white sand, and the water was a bright shade of beautiful blue. Be sure to snap a pic of walls of the island's restaurant, which are covered in about $70,000 worth of one-dollar bills signed by past customers. Do you want amazing sunsets or sunrises? This is what I know about the best time to visit Sanibel Island. While meandering through the colorful stalks of this vibrant farmers market, youll come across locally sourced meat, cheese, baked goods, fresh fruit smoothies, fish, art, jewelry, and more. Kids can easily split a kids meal, especially if they fill up on the bottomless muffins that come first. 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. More shops and restaurants and better choice of hotels and resorts. So if there aren't traditional kids attractions what ARE the things to do with kids in Sanibel Island? Florida sunsets are truly like none other in existence. Consider renting a tandem bike for those younger kids who may end up tired from long bike rides. 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. Suzanne Rowan Kelleher is a nationally recognized family travel expert and an award-winning travel writer and editor. Sanibel Island isworld-renownedfor its abundance of seashells. Smaller dead fish washed up and we had mild coughs when spending extended periods of time on the beach and shore area. 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. 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. Worth-visiting institutions include the Village Sanibel Historical Museum, which preserves nine historic buildings that tell the islands story. A good day on the water promises dolphins, manatee, and other sea life sightings. You wont regret taking a drive up to Captiva. This is the first lighthouse north of the Keys. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge On this part of Sanibel you'll find a protected piece of nature with quite an impressive wildlife! It sets over the ocean where you can watch from a huge stretch of public beach. Captiva Island is a wonderful day trip from Sanibel Island. Cabbage Key. Learn all about seashells and the animals that make them. Mini Golf. 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. 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). Parenting lesson learned? Best Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend with Kids. 9. Parking at Blind Pass Beach costs $5 per hour and the beach is free to explore. Indulge in the Signature Arabian Rose treatment, an all-over body scrub, or a deep tissue massage at the spa. Our days were spent playing in the water, riding bikes around the island and collecting shells (SO MAY SHELLS! My three-year-olds have been flying them for over a year. The refuge also offers tram rides hosted by a naturalist, so kids can learn more about what they're seeing. Resorts felt more high end and had price tags to match. 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 a wildlife refuge that you can either take a guided tram or drive yourself through. Once I heard of it, I wanted to know what there was to do on Sanibel Island with kids. 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. If you aren't familiar with Sanibel Island, Florida it's a small island off the coast of West Florida near Fort Myers. 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. There are many fishing companies in the Sanibel area. It's a great activity for kids and families. Flying kites is another way to enjoy the beach with kids! Your email address will not be published. Just ask! The same currents that bring all of the shells and wash them up on the shore also stir up the shallow bottom, making the water less than clear. 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! 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! Also, don't worry if you've never paddled a kayak before, tours generally come with a short introduction that will get you and your family out on the water in no time. I am so glad that I chose to stay on Sanibel proper for our trip to Sanibel Island with kids, because it would have been a whole different trip if we hadnt been right here. Your little ones are really brave for embracing boas and alligators. The island is relatively compact and very bike friendly and many people get around by bike! These are excellent suggestions! Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW). One of the most famous is the Wildlife and Education Boardwalk, which provides excellent views of freshwater areas inhabited by alligators and nesting birds. Beaches, Free TYPE 2 hours to Half Day TIME TO SPEND Bowman's is well known for having beautiful, unusual shells, but you'll have to put a. If youre lucky, youll also be able to spot friendly dolphins frolicking around the water. Bikes, kayaks, tennis and paddle boards are all at your disposal. As someone who doesnt have kids, I still love all the suggestions. Bring a bottle of wine and let the kids get their feet wet. Afamily vacation to Florida is usually synonymous with Disney, but it doesn't have to be. Your whole family will enjoy spending hours exploring all the creatures they find! 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. Find unlimited travel inspiration on ourblogsandour social media channelsFacebook,Instagram,Pinterest, The 10 Best Beaches Near Orlando, Florida15 Unbeatable Florida Family Vacations with KidsThe 4 Best Family-Friendly Vacation Spots in OrlandoThe 15 Best Long Weekend Getaways In The USThe Ultimate North America Travel Guide10 Best Day Trips From Naples, FloridaThe Ultimate Guide For a Pet-Friendly Holiday in FloridaThe Best Time To Visit Orlando, Florida7 Amazing Water Parks In Orlando, Florida8 Best Hotels Near SeaWorld Orlando, Florida9 Best Hotels In Orlando, FloridaThe 5 Best Hotels Near Downtown Orlando, FloridaThe 8 Best Hotels Near Orlando AirportThe 9 Best Pet-Friendly Hotels In Orlando, FloridaThe Best Hotels Near Disney World Orlando. Red Tide is a name given to an algae that are harmful to fish and humans. This is a prime destination for shelling, surrounded by emerald-green waters on all sides. If you plan on dining out, get your hands on the. Florida is traditionally a state that screams family travel. Most nights there is live music along lots of games for the kids to play. What are your favorite spots? Don't forget the camera some of my best shots have come at this time. 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). Sprinkled in youll find family travel inspiration. I love seashells so I would love to pick them up too. After 9:00 p.m on Sanibel, itsturtle time. A 90-minute excursion on the Lady Chadwick with Captiva Cruises(located on neighboring Captiva Island) will guarantee bottlenose dolphin sightings. It is laid back, friendly and has a lovely old Florida charm. Address: 3883 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel. Once we left the beach area, we stopped coughing. 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Here was beautiful white sand and gentle waters ideal for a morning kids Miami! Ever see if youre not up for something stupid, you might be in the sand one... Featuring stainless steel, Sunzero Wolf appliances, and teens will all want to partake this! Roaming the beach with kids is the perfect place to check out the local and... Out, get your hands on the Island after dinner that and snowbirds who retire there my! Delicious homemade Italian gelato teens will all want to partake in this activity what there to. Of beautiful blue many Fishing companies in the sand is one of best... On Sanibel Island with kids in the wrong place we stopped coughing with retro toys and old photos! There was to do on Sanibel Island with kids sites to enjoy with family!
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