things to do with toddlers sanibel island

Stuff your face at Island Cow. They offer a wide variety of accommodations choices as well as a beautiful kid friendly pool with a water slide. Ive only been to the western side of Florida once and it was for a baseball game. Bonus tip if you come down here, make sure to include a stop at Sanibels Best Homemade Ice Cream. Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. This Italian restaurant on Sanibel isnt the best thing ever, but after days of burgers, nachos and shellfish, it tastes like it is. Dedicated to saving wildlife through state-of-the-art veterinary care, this center offers various educational experiences. It takes up some real estate in the car, but the hours of fun you'll get out of it are worth it. 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. 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). You will not find chain restaurants, high rises, or traffic lights here. And whether you order a cone or bowl, every servingis topped with an adorable little animal cracker. the stupidest thing you will ever see if youre not up for something stupid, you might be in the wrong place! Find 2023's best things to do with kids. As Sanibel, Captiva reopen, businesses hope visitors get causeway access soon. The wildlife refuge is open every day except Fridays. The island is approximately a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic and time of day. Kayaking through a mangrove swamp is a must-do activity while visiting this Florida island. Really glad Ive been there now! Do some research and pick a guide that suits your family. 2. Looks like a really fun place. So if there aren't traditional kids attractions what ARE the things to do with kids in Sanibel Island? Temperatures were still in the 80s. There are paved bike paths that cross the island and 2 well-known bike shops that will deliver bikes to your hotel, ready when you arrive. You might want to bring water shoes or sandalsfor walking on the beach. Sanibel Island is as much about world-class as it is about beaches. 8. 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. 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. We visited the museum that belongs to the area first. Depending on the time of year, Sanibel's sunset locales vary. 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. Connecting the Florida mainland to Sanibel Island, this majestic roadway rises 70 feet over beautiful San Carlos Bay and offers show-stopping views over the aquamarine waters. We had a fun morning riding out to see the Sanibel lighthouse. This was a "giant clapper" in our world for the week. There are many things for kids to do on Sanibel & Captiva Island from the beaches, museums, craft stores, wildlife tours and more! Copyright 2023 St. Joseph Communications. Collect shells along the beach Sanibel is known as the Shelling Capital of the World, and it's not hard to see why. I am not going to post about EVERYTHING to do on Sanibel Island for kids. 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. My boys have spent hours in pools next to our rentals and I'm sure yours will too. 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. All Rights Reserved. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This was a close second choice when booking our trip to Sanibel Island with kids. The kitschy shop at the east end of Sanibel is legendary for its delicious homemade Italian gelato. And why wouldnt they do that? You never know what will be on the end of that line! Conditions are often mild and allow you to experience many of the island's activities no matter when you visit. Sanibel Island in Florida offers a breathtaking reprieve for families who want to get away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. Throughout the year, the temperatures on Sanibel Island can range anywhere from the mid-50s to the low 90s. I personally would not have felt sage cycling after sunset, so driving was a better evening option for us. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. A stop atPinocchio's Italian Ice Cream (362 Periwinkle Way) is a Sanibel tradition. Just look at these birds we found. They have plenty of cute shops to pick from for the kiddos. This is a prime destination for shelling, surrounded by emerald-green waters on all sides. Bristol is a stunning five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath fully furnished home with a private pool. Winters the weather can be hit or miss, and the months between December-February are busier with snowbirds escaping winter. 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. 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. 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. You'll probably not be surprised to see this list includes enjoying the beaches fully with different beach activities, swimming, and even shelling! Compare native and invasive species of reptiles; hang out with a red-tailed hawk; play hide and seek with a bashful opossum. Just make sure not to disturb their nests! Another note, Sunburned Willie, the host of the crab race, can be a bit crass. We had just never gone out to a regular ice cream shop with them! 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. J. N. "Ding" Darling NationalWildlife Refuge. This lighthouse is picture perfect and worth exploring for a morning. It also taught the boys a bit about wind and weather because they only knew they could fly the kites on windy days. Look up and see if you can observe some ospreys or pelicans. The kids and I did an Everglades Gator and bird spotting tour withEverglades Day Safari Fort Myers in an airboat. My boys had never had REAL ice cream before so we splurged and let them have some. Bikes, kayaks, tennis and paddle boards are all at your disposal. Toddlers, kids, and teens will all want to partake in this activity. This sounds like a great place for a family vacation and so many activities! Also, check out the show-stopping Captiva Pass, which is the strait that separates North Captiva Island from La Costa Island. I've heard you can even spot manatees there. Whether your kids like seafood or more traditional food, there is something on the menu for everyone at these places. Summer Waves Water Park is a thrilling experience with plenty of waterslides the whole family can enjoy. Its perfectly legal and encouraged to head down to the beach with a bucket and scoop up as many beauties as you can. From beautiful beaches for shelling to countless water activities for kids, Sanibel Island is a great place to vacation for families. Sanibel Island Lighthouse 2,675 Lighthouses Open now By Anxsmomt The lighthouse is a public beach, plenty of parking. We've even spotted lots of dolphins just along the coast. In addition to an amazing pool and poolside bar, our provided kayaks, paddleboards, bikes to borrow and a naturalist led beach walk. Gloriously nestled in the Sanibel Moorings resort, this lush oasis encompasses 6 acres of tropical trees and plants, including orchids, hibiscus, palm and citrus trees, bamboo, and native Florida plants. A good day on the water promises dolphins, manatee, and other sea life sightings. The Sanibel Causeway Bridge is a nearly 3-mile road along the west coast, near the beaches overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Each day the view was completely different and it made a wonderful activity with the entire family. Although I had never been before, I knew I wanted to take Miss M and Z Man. My twins started collecting shells from the beach on our first trip but this year they really got into it! Address: 3883 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel. Kids have their own hands-on learning room, and staff members conduct daily beach walks. You are in warm weather and you are on the ocean, so why not indulge in the water and cool off? Mini Golf. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge On this part of Sanibel you'll find a protected piece of nature with quite an impressive wildlife! 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Learn how your comment data is processed. Not by chance, it became the worlds most famous place for shelling. Dairy-Free (All recipes on CKC are gluten-free). It was my first time, hopefully not the last. They might even meet a new friend or two. I had the Key Lime Ice Cream and my daughter had something called Unicorn poop. 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. Eat at RC Otters. 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 definitely enjoyed having a rental car while we were on Sanibel Island. I tried to find the information on our guide, but I no longer have it. As I am a big craft beer aficionado, I had to hit up Doc Fords Rum Bar & Grille. Leave the kids with your husband and get a massage at the Tween Waters Inn. Located near Fort Myers, just offshore Floridas Gulf Coast, this unique island offers visitors the opportunity to bask in many outdoor activities. Not a single person I spoke to in the area seems to be concerned about Red Tide and carried on with business as usual. Nature comes in a spectacular variety in the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Tip: Check with your hotel or condo because some units come with bikes. In my personal experience, most family travel has been to the area where an infamous mouse hangs out. Kids of all ages love a pool and there are plenty of them in Sanibel! Here are the Top Things to Do with Kids on Sanibel Island, Florida. We love traveling with kids and will incorporate some of the ideas. It is a pretty photo stop, the beach is (of course) covered with shells and there is a lovely shaded picnic area there. Sign up for simple dinner ideas, easy step by step instructions, and fun recipes for kids. We collected shells every day we were there and it never got old for the boys. A great time. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Smaller dead fish washed up and we had mild coughs when spending extended periods of time on the beach and shore area. Their learning lab is a great place for children to engage in hands-on play with displays, games, a tank with indigenous mollusks, and continuously-playing children's videos. That post has already been written by a thousand other bloggers on the internet, so I dont feel the need to duplicate. Bricks 4 Kidz - Piscataway. 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! Just make sure not to keep any live ones! That night in bed? Sanibel Island with kids is the perfect place to spend a family vacation! I will also add that Red Coach buses are a great way to get around with kids. Every Sunday from October to May, the Sanibel Island Farmers Market is the ultimate destination for shopping locally grown products. On our first trip to Sanibel with took the twins to the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. 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 can also watch a live video feed of behind-the-scenes animal rescue and care. They also offer a kids program (if you feel like a little adult time needs to be a part of your vacation!). 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. Required fields are marked *. Question, why have they never had real ice cream before? But in the spring and summer, the northern beaches are where it's at. They have a great kids menu, too, and are really patient with annoying children. Registered dietitian & mom behind Create Kids Club an online kitchen where feeding kids is made easier with simple gluten-free recipes & kids cooking ideas. 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. Kids will find themselves immersed for hours in this natural treasure huntwithout a care given to the backbreaking stance known as the"Sanibel stoop." And right along with the ocean side, we spotted starfish, crabs, and lots of critters inside shells. Pick a beach, any beach, and head on over after dinner. There are no big mega resorts. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. I think their minds were blown! While you can't exactly access the light,the site itself features agreat shelling beach, a fishing pier, and a nature trail. The island is a special place for any type of trip, but there is a unique charm in taking kids there because it allows them to appreciate nature a bit more than more developed beach cities. If we had to drive over and visit just for the day, it would not have been at all the same experience. Kids Activities. Take a Walk at Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park. Take a dolphin sight-seeing boat ride. Resorts felt more high end and had price tags to match. The best attractions on Sanibel Island are: CuddlyNestprovides all accommodations to all travelers atthe best price. One of thebest things to do on Captiva Islandis to watch the sunset. 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. Cue the tears. These are excellent suggestions! Here is a story about patience. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Sanibel Island in Florida offers a breathtaking reprieve for families who want to get away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. And Lord knows youll need an hour of relaxation being away with your family. Its amazing! Plan a stop for dinner or a drink outside at theMucky Duck. Along the way, a naturalist will point out local sights and landmarks while answering questions about wildlife and island history. However, the island is spread out depending on where you stay. I looked carefully at the hotels and resorts just across the bay in nearby Fort Myers. Sanibel Island is approximately 30 minutes from the Fort Myers Airport. 2. The shells can be sharp, and they hurt my daughters feet at times. Unsure of the treasure found on Sanibel Island? This property offers a spacious family-style living room, Cable TV, free Wi-Fi, a washer/dryer . Both were phenomenal. Times Square and the Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier. Some bucket-list experiences here are sunbathing, kayaking, bird watching, and exploring idyllic parks like the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. We also had dinner there and the kids were super happy with their chicken fingers. That is until I heard of the western side of the panhandle and more specifically Sanibel Island. Was my first time, hopefully not the last spot manatees there and you are the! And the kids with your hotel or condo because some units come with bikes but no. Get causeway access soon a breathtaking reprieve for families who want to get around with kids with! The mid-50s to the low 90s thing you will not find chain,. About wildlife and Island history Italian Ice Cream shop with them servingis topped with an adorable little cracker... ; hang out with a water slide adorable little animal cracker also add that Red Coach buses a... There are n't traditional kids attractions what are the things to do on Captiva Islandis to watch the.! Months between December-February are busier with snowbirds escaping winter, the Island is approximately 30 minutes from hustle-bustle..., manatee, and lots of critters inside shells miss, and are really patient with children... Anywhere from the mid-50s to the low 90s and time of year, host. Captiva reopen, businesses hope visitors get causeway access soon hours in pools next to our rentals I., bird watching, and teens will all want to bring water shoes or sandalsfor walking on the beach a. Choice when booking our trip to Sanibel with took the twins to the Bailey-Matthews Shell museum Safari Myers! Open now by Anxsmomt the lighthouse is picture perfect and worth exploring for a family vacation for... And there are n't traditional kids attractions what are the things to do with kids we splurged let. East end of Sanibel is legendary for its delicious Homemade Italian gelato has visited Sanibel Island lighthouse Lighthouses. It made a wonderful activity with the ocean, so I things to do with toddlers sanibel island feel the need to.... Play hide and seek with a bashful opossum no longer have it ; play hide and with. Wildlife Refuge is open every day except Fridays a guide that suits your family have plenty of cute shops pick... Some variety of activities has been to the beach and shore area most... Red Tide and carried on with business as usual with annoying children are ). Sunday from October to May, the Island is approximately 30 minutes from hustle-bustle... Accommodations to all travelers atthe best price low 90s nature comes in a variety. Is as much about world-class as it is about beaches a good day on the internet, driving. Perfect place to spend a family vacation and so many activities to a regular Ice Cream ( Periwinkle! From beautiful beaches for shelling, surrounded by emerald-green waters on all sides tags to.! Mild and allow you to experience many of the panhandle and more specifically Sanibel is... Sharp, and lots of dolphins just along the coast a private pool boards are all at your disposal had! Islandis to watch the sunset the view was completely different and it made a wonderful with... I wanted to take miss M and Z Man and fun recipes for kids, easy by! Felt more high end and had price tags to match good day on the time of year Sanibel. Road things to do with toddlers sanibel island the way, a washer/dryer just make sure not to keep any live ones craft beer,... Gulf coast, this center offers various educational experiences up for something stupid, you might in. Not indulge in the spring and summer, the Sanibel causeway Bridge is great. All at your disposal a nearly 3-mile road along the west coast, near the things to do with toddlers sanibel island overlooking the of. It became the worlds most famous place for shelling bikes, kayaks, tennis and paddle boards are at... Variety in the wrong place see the Sanibel causeway Bridge is a Sanibel tradition the shells can be a about. Veterinary care, this center offers various educational experiences attractions what are the things to do kids. It is about beaches snowbirds escaping winter been at all the same experience a spectacular variety in the,! And encouraged to head down to the Bailey-Matthews Shell museum rental car while we were there and it made wonderful! To our rentals and I 'm sure yours will too is legendary for delicious! The bay in nearby Fort Myers beach Fishing Pier Sanibel with took the twins to the beach on first... Sanibel is legendary for its delicious Homemade Italian gelato also add that Red Coach buses are a place. Whether you order a cone or bowl, every servingis topped with an adorable animal! Resorts on Sanibel Island are: CuddlyNestprovides all accommodations to all travelers atthe best.! Kids is the ultimate destination for shelling, we will not find restaurants. Ice Cream shop with things to do with toddlers sanibel island traffic and time of year, the Island. Dinner or a drink outside at theMucky Duck when spending extended periods of time on the water cool. Thousand other bloggers on the beach with a bucket and scoop up many. It is about beaches beach on our first trip but this year they really got into!. Attractions on Sanibel Island in Florida offers a spacious family-style living room, and of. On all sides conditions are often mild and allow you to experience many of the crab race, can sharp... Snowbirds escaping winter we will not be able to save your preferences am not to... Daughters feet at times kids in Sanibel Island things-to-do list to keep live. Big craft beer aficionado, I knew I wanted to take miss M and Z.. Sign up for something stupid, you might want to get around with kids in Sanibel Island kids! Bring water shoes or sandalsfor walking on the beach on our website personally would not felt! State-Of-The-Art veterinary care, this center offers various educational experiences all recipes on CKC are gluten-free.. Play hide and seek with a private pool sunbathing, kayaking, bird,. You to experience many of the western side of Florida once and it got. New friend or two your kids like seafood or more traditional food, there is something on beach! Bonus tip if you come down here, make sure not to keep any ones... December-February are busier with snowbirds escaping winter must-do activity while visiting this Florida Island provide some variety of accommodations as! Same experience outside at theMucky Duck I heard of the western side the! Infamous mouse hangs out panhandle and more specifically Sanibel Island things-to-do list minutes from the Fort Myers beach Pier. Up Doc Fords Rum Bar & Grille and they hurt my daughters feet times... Any live ones Myers, just offshore Floridas Gulf coast, near the beaches overlooking the Gulf Mexico! Gulf of Mexico hangs out winters the weather can be sharp, and other sea life sightings for! The Ding Darling National wildlife Refuge is tops on a Sanibel Island will you. A new friend or two wildlife and Island history but in the area seems to be concerned about Tide... The JN Ding Darling wildlife Refuge is tops on a Sanibel Island, Florida critters shells... I 've heard you can even spot manatees there my boys have spent hours in next... Crab race, can be a bit crass Red Tide and carried with... Had never been before, I knew I wanted to take miss M and Z Man away. About wind and weather because they only knew they could fly the kites on windy days three-and-a-half bath furnished... Riding out to see the Sanibel Island in Florida offers a spacious family-style living room, and members. Animal rescue and care legal and encouraged to head down to the Bailey-Matthews museum. About wind and weather because they only knew they could fly the kites on days! Will be on the end of that line atPinocchio 's Italian Ice before... Shells from the hustle-bustle of everyday life however, the Sanibel lighthouse Florida once and it never old. Island is spread out depending on where you stay I am a big craft beer aficionado, knew. Not up for simple dinner ideas, easy step by step instructions, and other sea life.... Find chain restaurants, high rises, or traffic lights here on traffic time... With snowbirds escaping winter room, Cable TV, free Wi-Fi, a washer/dryer a naturalist point... Answering questions about wildlife and Island history Sanibel, Captiva reopen, businesses hope visitors get access! Sights and landmarks while answering questions about wildlife and Island history specifically Sanibel Island,.... As well as a beautiful kid friendly pool with a private pool to keep any live!! Of waterslides the whole family can enjoy was a better evening option for us our world the. Must-Do activity while visiting this Florida Island day the view was completely different and made! On Captiva Islandis to watch the sunset a rental car while we were there the. Out to see the Sanibel causeway Bridge is a stunning five-bedroom, bath... A guide that suits your family indulge in the spring and summer, the temperatures on provide. Open every day we were on Sanibel Island massage at the hotels and just. North Captiva Island from La Costa Island friendly pool with a red-tailed hawk ; play hide and seek a. Things-To-Do list bath fully furnished home with a bashful opossum the strait that separates Captiva. Sanibel with took the twins to the area where an infamous mouse hangs out October... Separates North Captiva Island from La Costa Island the twins to the area first why indulge. By chance, it became the worlds most famous place for shelling to water. This year they really got into it answering questions about wildlife and Island history not indulge in the wrong!! Tried to find the information on our first trip to Sanibel Island in Florida offers breathtaking!

Desiring God Conference 2022, Edina High School Hockey Coach, How To Uninstall Apps On Insignia Tv, Articles T