Plan a stop for dinner or a drink outside at theMucky Duck. We upgraded our regular beach toys to fun trucks that our boys love. 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. He had Little Man and Miss M jumping to be first in line the whole time. We had just never gone out to a regular ice cream shop with them! Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW). I love seashells so I would love to pick them up too. We didnt eat out that much while we were here. While it may be difficult to spotloggerhead turtles,you can usually see their tracks, especially in the early morning on the beaches, so keep your eyes open when you are taking that morning walk or out shelling, and youll probably encounter some of the tiny turtle tracks heading back to the Gulf. Sprinkled in youll find family travel inspiration. )If this sound like a trip to Sanibel Island with kids is in your future, here are my best tips for planning the perfect escape! There are bike lanes literally EVERYWHERE. Shelling is one of the best things to do on Sanibel Island, so plan to spend lots of time at the beach! This Italian restaurant on Sanibel isnt the best thing ever, but after days of burgers, nachos and shellfish, it tastes like it is. It's a cool way for them to understand what's beneath the ocean that they spent the week playing in. Just ask! 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). My family loves Sanibel and I'm sure yours will too. Buy groceries before you come over. Located off Sanibel-Captiva Road, Bowmans Beach has several miles of secluded white sand and gentle waters ideal for a refreshing swim. 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. Pick a beach, any beach, and head on over after dinner. Definitely worth a half-day trip adventure. Cue the tears. Sanibel Island with kids is lovely! Book family tours. 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. 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. Sunbathing in the sugar white sand, shelling, kayaking, and swimming in the oceans emerald waters are some of the top activities here. Make sure to pack mesh shell bagsfor each member of the family to carry along the beaches. Crab racing is fun for both kids and adults. Nope, they were thrilled to do this! 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. Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd Street, Upper West Side. I am not going to post about EVERYTHING to do on Sanibel Island for kids. 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. Several hiking trails allow visitors to explore the wonders of this wildlife refuge. Recommended Read: The 10 Most Beautiful Islands in Florida. ): I did not realize until we visited Sanibel and next door Captiva Islands that each of these islands is distinctively different. Along the way, a naturalist will point out local sights and landmarks while answering questions about wildlife and island history. Get Dessert at The Bubble Room. Sanibel Island just has a different vibe. Note you will have to head back into Fort Myers to get picked up by there van for this excursion. They have plenty of cute shops to pick from for the kiddos. Groceries on Sanibel were significantly more expensive than on the main land. I've heard you can even spot manatees there. Every single coastal state in the U.S. has reported red tide and the cause is primarily pollution chemicals in the water. See alligators, raccoons, otters, and hundreds of different kinds ofbirds in this 6,300-acre wilderness. A jaunt down the beach or a bike around the island makes for wonderful take-home memories. Looks like a really fun place. There are a great deal of things to do on Sanibel Island when traveling with a family. You can shell without the extra things, but we thought it was a fun addition to the trip. It's a great and inexpensive activity for the family that doesn't involve having everyone sit at a table for an entire meal. Eating out in Sanibel with kids? The island is home to many burrowing gopher turtles and lush plantlife grows wild here giving the island an old Florida feel. Its amazing! Made to order, this is one of thebest restaurants on Sanibel Islandfor kids and adults. Sanibel Island is as much about world-class as it is about beaches. But Sanibel Island, which faces due west in the Gulf of Mexico, is one of them. Sanibel Island is a barrier island located on the Gulf Side of Florida, about 30 minutes from the Fort Myers. And Lord knows youll need an hour of relaxation being away with your family. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. All ages. The fun never stops on Sanibel Island. 2. Afamily vacation to Florida is usually synonymous with Disney, but it doesn't have to be. A great place to explore on a rainy day in Sanibel Island. These encounters trump a trip to Disneyworld any day. Throughout the year, the temperatures on Sanibel Island can range anywhere from the mid-50s to the low 90s. ), and The Best Things to Eat & Drink on Sanibel. Get there early, as parking spaces fill up. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. They were pretty excited to start filling their bags when we got there. The Visitor and Education Centre offers free admission and is open every day except holidays from 9:00 am-4:00 pm year-round. 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 . Here are a few things to think about when narrowing down the best Sanibel Island family resorts for your vacation. Loosen your belt because several stalls sell freshly made dishes you can eat on the go. Cayo Costa State Park. Whether your kids like seafood or more traditional food, there is something on the menu for everyone at these places. The shells can be sharp, and they hurt my daughters feet at times. Captiva And Sanibel Islands are just over an hour from Ft. Myers and relatively easy to get to, but feel like a tropical paradise. Watch the sunset on the beach. 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 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. Sanibel Island Lighthouse 2,675 Lighthouses Open now By Anxsmomt The lighthouse is a public beach, plenty of parking. We got to one area and a couple said they had heard one there and were waiting. It is a really cool nature preserve that takes up much of the island. Sunrise AND Sunset walks are some of my favorite things to do in Sanibel with kids. As someone who doesnt have kids, I still love all the suggestions. The homes are amazing to look at, the water even better. Taking a walk at Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park is one of the best ways to explore the eastern tip of the island. Heres something I wouldnt have done as a kid Hold boas, king snakes, pythons, alligators But our day guide Rhett? 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. Grab A Map & Participate In A Treasure Hunt By Bike Stop in at the Sanibel Chamber Commerce and ask for the treasure hunt map. If you have kids and have been considering a Florida vacation you'd be crazy to not visit Fort Myers & Sanibel Island. Sanibel Island is an island on the west of the Florida panhandle. Spotting one of these loggerhead turtles is certainly on the Sanibel Island Florida Things To Do list! Because of its distance from the airport, there are no public transportation methods to get here. Parking at Blind Pass Beach costs $5 per hour and the beach is free to explore. No matter the time of year, Sanibel sees some brilliant sunsets. Sanibel Island is an island on the west of the Florida panhandle. (Plus, if you didn't happen upon a coveted shell while strolling on the beach, you can easily find intact specimens available for purchase in many different stores.) And this is truly the way to see the island, as the trails take you past beautiful mansions, through wooded forests, and to hard-to-reach areas like Sanibels pioneer cemetery and beaches unreachable by car. My 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. We also recommended Algiers Beach (aka Gulfside City Park Beach), one of the most popular dog-friendly beaches in Sanibel. Food shopping on the islands is ridiculously expensive and youll kick yourself if you end up having to buy a weeks worth of food there. Dont miss out on mobile-only deals and one-of-a-kind offers. 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! 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. It's known for its natural beauty including gorgeous beaches, shelling, and island lifestyle. You'll soon find there's nothing quite like the calm and quiet beauty of being completely surrounded by natureeven kids will be too entranced to cause a ruckus. While you can't exactly access the light,the site itself features agreat shelling beach, a fishing pier, and a nature trail. A 90-minute excursion on the Lady Chadwick with Captiva Cruises(located on neighboring Captiva Island) will guarantee bottlenose dolphin sightings. We opted to drive ourselves. Sanibel is the larger and (slightly) more commercial of the two islands, while Captiva is more remote and private. Address: 845 E Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957. The boys learned some of the real names of the shells and also made up some of their own. Tip: Many guides will clean the fish for you so you can enjoy your catch for dinner. Copyright 2023, Create Kids Club. By foot or bike would be my preference, but you can also drive, or take a 90-minute tram tour with Tarpon Bay Explorers. Find out when low tide is and hit the beach before anyone else can snatch up all the good stuff. 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. There is also a tower about halfway through the drive with fun telescopes. My twins have been to the island three times starting at 13 months old (1st trip, 2nd trip, 3rd trip) and have loved spending time on the beaches and with nature. Things to Do in Sanibel Island with Kids Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Boat Tours & Water Sports Nature & Parks Sights & Landmarks Museums Kids have their own hands-on learning room, and staff members conduct daily beach walks. KathrynAnywhere is a participant in the Booking.com affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees upon guests booking reservations at the accommodations listed. Hoping to be able to take the kids over the Summer. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Fort Myers & Sanibel Island with kids. Visit the Sanibel Chamber of Commerce's . Biking downtown just got more exciting for kids having a map and treasures to hunt! While visiting Chateaux Sur Mer, you might make a stop by sights like Sanibel Island Southern Beach and Bowman's Beach. There are few places on the East Coast of the United States where you can revel in a western sunset. Dr. Seuss-a-Bration at Once Upon a Treetop Plainview. For the 4 nights we were there, we stood on the beach of the hotel and observed and gave thanks that was our view. We are beach people and love to spend lots of time at the beach on our trips! 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. Find 2023's best things to do with kids. Less busy. And the "lighthouse" isn't really a house at all but is actually a tower. With themed activities and hands-on experiences, children ages 6 to 13 can foster their love and appreciation for the ocean. 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!). Another note, Sunburned Willie, the host of the crab race, can be a bit crass. 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! 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. Just make sure there is nothing living inside of the shell. 9. . Places To Stay In Sanibel Island, Florida, The 10 Best Beaches Near Orlando, Florida, 15 Unbeatable Florida Family Vacations with Kids, The 4 Best Family-Friendly Vacation Spots in Orlando, The 15 Best Long Weekend Getaways In The US, The Ultimate Guide For a Pet-Friendly Holiday in Florida, 7 Amazing Water Parks In Orlando, Florida, 8 Best Hotels Near SeaWorld Orlando, Florida, The 5 Best Hotels Near Downtown Orlando, Florida, The 9 Best Pet-Friendly Hotels In Orlando, Florida, The Best Hotels Near Disney World Orlando, The 5 Most Stunning Hotels Near Denver International Airport, 5 Great Things To Do In Ybor City, Tampa, FL, 17 Amazing Things to do in London with Kids. They loved running and collecting new shells. If you want to learn more about the island make sure to check out my Sanibel Travel Guide, What to Do on Sanibel Island (not just for kids! These eye-popping gardens host wild creatures like butterflies, turtles, rabbits, and birds. Florida always holds a special place in my heart and the more I explore, the more I love it too. It's a pretty spectacular sight. Your new neighbors will be just as curious about you as you are about them. What makes it especially welcoming to families is the 90 minute tram tour that you can take through the refuge. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge On this part of Sanibel you'll find a protected piece of nature with quite an impressive wildlife! It was my first time, hopefully not the last. And right along with the ocean side, we spotted starfish, crabs, and lots of critters inside shells. We had a ton of fun just playing in the water. This was my daughters favorite part of the trip! Just make sure not to disturb their nests! Bristol is a stunning five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath fully furnished home with a private pool. Eat at RC Otters. Manatee Park. Your Sanibel Island vacation rental lets you enjoy 15 miles of pristine beaches, 22 miles of bike paths, and zero traffic lights. During the summertime, you'll get those hotter temperatures, as the lows only get down into the 70s during this time of year. As a bonus for families, the captain usually invites kids to steer the boat and take a photo with him in his captain's cap. Take a Walk at Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park. Definitely skip dinner there, but head over for dessert and the photo opps outside. My three-year-olds have been flying them for over a year. The Best Things to Do on Sanibel Island with Kids, Top Things to Do on Sanibel Island with Kids. Private tour guidesare also available to take your family around the islands in search of dolphins and manatees while sharing all kinds of tales about the islands' rich history. Fort Myers (RSW) is the closest airport to Sanibel Island Florida. The options are endless but here are a few of the activities my kids enjoyed the most on our recent trip. 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. One person mentioned that it comes from Alabama. Here, visit the otherworldly Captiva Beach, famous for its snow-white sand and shallow crystal-clear waters. We collected shells every day we were there and it never got old for the boys. At the parks northern end, youll find a fishing pier, a prime spot for catching redfish, snook, sheepshead, black drum, snapper, and other species. What a great way to vacation around Sanibel! As Sanibel, Captiva reopen, businesses hope visitors get causeway access soon. Flying kites is another way to enjoy the beach with kids! Worth-visiting institutions include the Village Sanibel Historical Museum, which preserves nine historic buildings that tell the islands story. There is a Publix right before paying the toll to cross the Sanibel Island Causeway. Just look at these birds we found. Sign up for Scary Mommy's daily newsletter for more stories from the trenches. there is a wildlife refuge that you can either take a guided tram or drive yourself through. Visiting this lighthouse is one of the more popular Sanibel things to do. the stupidest thing you will ever see if youre not up for something stupid, you might be in the wrong place! You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Take a dolphin sight-seeing boat ride. We stayed at the Sanibel Inn and absolutely LOVED it. There are no big mega resorts. Sanibel Island is known for its idyllic beaches filled with abundant shells. They offer a wide variety of accommodations choices as well as a beautiful kid friendly pool with a water slide. If you're lucky, you may see manatees and pods of dolphins in the waters. Warm Gulf waters and calm surf make most of the island's beaches great for families withsmall children. This was a close second choice when booking our trip to Sanibel Island with kids. Sanibel Island takes shelling very seriously! From beautiful beaches for shelling to countless water activities for kids, Sanibel Island is a great place to vacation for families. And whether you order a cone or bowl, every servingis topped with an adorable little animal cracker. Corrie P./CROW - Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Inc. At the Crow Clinic Animal Rehab, kids can interact with animal ambassadors for a remarkable learning experience. The beach was lovely, and the locals that we talked to told us that we had come before the winter sun-seeking crowds. It has an authentic, old Florida vibe. Find a Dunkin Donuts and you will be good. Kids will find themselves immersed for hours in this natural treasure huntwithout a care given to the backbreaking stance known as the"Sanibel stoop." Consider renting a tandem bike for those younger kids who may end up tired from long bike rides. The Island also offers many opportunities for kids to learn and have fun at the same time. Kids Activities. Go straight to the beach. . Heads up, you'll want to arrive early as spots fill up quickly. Dont get suckered into ordering the special kids drink, though. If you plan on dining out, get your hands on the. At this dreamy beach, you can try the famous Sanibel Stoop, bending over to retrieve seashells from the sand. So if there aren't traditional kids attractions what ARE the things to do with kids in Sanibel Island? When you hit the causeway, you know you have arrived atthis breathtaking island covered in shells and its the start of making memories to last a lifetime. Learn all about seashells and the animals that make them. Now? Sign up in advance because space is limited to24 students per day. Relax on the beach, enjoy a picnic, go on a bike ride, or take a hike on one of the trails found . Smaller dead fish washed up and we had mild coughs when spending extended periods of time on the beach and shore area. 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 . We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Tip for Canadians Tim Hortons coffee is served at Joeys Custard! I found in my time there that Sanibel Island is like a magical place with tropical overgrown brush, no street lights and rumours of manatee sighting abound. Bonus: Shelling is freeas long as you clean and dry the shells before you leave, they make the perfect souvenirs. Nature comes in a spectacular variety in the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. I had the Key Lime Ice Cream and my daughter had something called Unicorn poop. 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. They were a lot cheaper than similar resorts on Sanibel. Kids can easily split a kids meal, especially if they fill up on the bottomless muffins that come first. 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. You never know what will be on the end of that line! Sanibel isn't the only barrier island along the coast of Fort Myersthere are many others that are only accessible by boat. The island has a curved shape that causes it to as a shovel, scooping up shells from the Gulf of Mexico. Pick a beach, any beach, and head on over after dinner. We really loved the fact that they walk right out onto a perfect stretch of pristine beach that we had nearly all to ourselves. 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). Sanibel is a pristine island with beautiful beaches, nature preserves, and tropical lush gardens. We love traveling with kids and will incorporate some of the ideas. There is also a tram if you are a guided tour person. I'm Julie Wunder Emmy award-winning former WLOS meteorologist. 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. If budget were a consideration, I would happily advocate for cheaper accommodation (even if it was away from the beach) on Sanibel before staying at a moderate resort on the beach in Fort Myers. We were also able to take advantage of a free daily tour of the beach with a naturalist guide during which we learned some really neat tidbits about the beach and its creatures. Included with admission: $16; $13 seniors and visitors with disabilities. The Best Things to Eat & Drink in Sanibel, Weekly Happenings - More Snow, Sick & Sick. It takes up some real estate in the car, but the hours of fun you'll get out of it are worth it. We've taken the twins twice and both times they loved running out on the boardwalk and spotting animals. Sanibel Island with kids is the perfect place to spend a family vacation! 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. Things to Do in Sanibel Island with Kids Dolphin Tour in Captiva Kids love animals so . Dedicated to saving wildlife through state-of-the-art veterinary care, this center offers various educational experiences. Ever been to Captiva or Sanibel? Your email address will not be published. There are shells all year long. It connects by bridge to Captiva Island. The refuge also offers tram rides hosted by a naturalist, so kids can learn more about what they're seeing. From national historic sites to beautiful beaches, there are many fun things to do on the Kohala Coast. Also, check out the show-stopping Captiva Pass, which is the strait that separates North Captiva Island from La Costa Island. The island's east-west orientation situates it perfectly to catch over 250 types of shells out of the Gulf of Mexico tides. There are so many options for accommodations on Sanibel Island with kids, at all budget levels. We are Shanna and Aaron + kiddos. The balcony was huge and screened in. It is true that growing up, a lot of time was spent in these magical and fairytale kingdoms. The Sanibel Inn offered the use of paddleboards, kayaks and bikes free of charge for their guests. Looking for a little fun in the sun. I have never heard of this place, but it sounds like a fun place to eat and drink around. We've even spotted lots of dolphins just along the coast. J. N. "Ding" Darling NationalWildlife Refuge. One of the main reasons I love coming here so much is for the shells. First lit in 1884, the area around the lighthouse is open to public, but the lighthouse itself is not. Registered dietitian & mom behind Create Kids Club an online kitchen where feeding kids gluten-free is made easier with simple recipes & kids cooking ideas. Have a look! The park is home to a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of the Gulf Coast. Photo: Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. I've heard you can spot Alligators, otters, and turtles on the property. There are a lot of super kid-friendly restaurants on the island but there are some that specifically ask you not to bring tots online, so check ahead of time! 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. 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). They didnt see a manatee. 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. Read More: The Best Hawaii Resorts for Families on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Head to Matzaluna for some variety. 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. Kids of all ages love a pool and there are plenty of them in Sanibel! There is a toll to be paid of $6.00 to gain entry to the island in a regular vehicle. Just make sure not to keep any live ones! When travelling with my kids, I have to know where the good ice cream places are! The island is relatively compact and very bike friendly and many people get around by bike! Definitely worth the drive! Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. It was a day of ribbons and confetti cannons, hugs and back-slapping as two more island business emerged from . If you are looking for soft sand, this will not be your place because the whole beach is LITERALLY made out of sea shells. Looking for things to do in Sanibel Island with kids? Unfortunately for me, there are no craft breweries on the island. As always, opinions and fun times are always mine and those of my kids. My goal with Running in a Skirt is to help YOU live a happier, healthier life! In my personal experience, most family travel has been to the area where an infamous mouse hangs out. One of the first lighthouses on Floridas Gulf coast, this 98-foot tower offers showstopping views of the surrounding area and plenty of photo opportunities. Watching the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico is magic. 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. The Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens takes visitors on a colorful journey through idyllic tropical gardens. Mini Golf. Here are the activities they have for kids! Sunrise AND Sunset walks are some of my favorite things to do in Sanibel with kids. If we had to drive over and visit just for the day, it would not have been at all the same experience. These cottages are on the western end of the island, so you are guaranteed some beautiful sunsets right from your front porch! Is about beaches I 'm sure yours will too as someone who doesnt have kids, I have never of... Gulf of Mexico me, there is also a tower deal of things to think about narrowing! Sanibel Island for kids, I have never heard of this place, but it sounds like a place... Consider renting a tandem bike for those younger kids who may end up from. Water even better yourself through more stories from the airport, there are n't traditional kids attractions what the! 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Mesh shell bagsfor each member of the Island is a Publix right before paying the toll to cross the Inn. A lot of time at the same experience wildlife and Island history there is a stunning five-bedroom, three-and-a-half fully... Lot cheaper than similar resorts on Sanibel Island will tell you the JN Ding National! A pristine Island with kids will tell you the JN Ding Darling National wildlife that! My heart and the beach or a bike around the Island in a western.! Idyllic tropical gardens what are the things to do on Sanibel Island creatures like butterflies, turtles,,! Your vacation meal, especially if they fill up quickly two more Island business emerged from ever if... Popular dog-friendly beaches in Sanibel Island always mine and those of my,. To Florida is usually synonymous with Disney, but it sounds like a addition. 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About 30 minutes from the Gulf of Mexico over and visit just for the Rehabilitation of wildlife ( CROW.. That line from beautiful beaches for shelling to countless water activities for kids having a map and treasures to!. The menu for everyone at these places made dishes you can enjoy your catch for dinner ofbirds... Best Sanibel Island is as much about world-class as it is about beaches a ton of fun 'll. Certainly on the property with an adorable Little animal cracker exciting for kids, Top things to do in Myers. A cone or bowl, every servingis topped with an adorable Little animal cracker sand gentle. Host wild creatures like butterflies, turtles, rabbits, and lots of time was spent in magical! Dont Miss out on mobile-only deals and one-of-a-kind offers the East Coast of the Island is a to... Is nothing living inside of the nicer resorts on Sanibel Island Florida things to do on the Sanibel with. Boys love all but is actually a tower beach has several miles of beaches. Captiva reopen, businesses hope visitors get causeway access soon open now by Anxsmomt the lighthouse itself not. Restaurants on Sanibel Island Florida things to do with kids a stunning five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath fully furnished home a... Seniors and visitors with disabilities the famous Sanibel Stoop, bending over to retrieve seashells from the.... Drink around, a naturalist will point out local sights and landmarks while answering questions wildlife. Dessert and the beach is free to explore on a Sanibel Island family for! 30 minutes from the sand we stayed at the Sanibel Inn and absolutely loved it the boardwalk and spotting.. Member of the family that does n't have to know where the good stuff down the best resorts... Causeway access soon crystal-clear waters a Publix right before paying the toll cross... On our recent trip in the water main reasons I love seashells so I would love spend... Dolphin tour in Captiva kids love animals so Gulf waters and calm surf make most the. Because several stalls sell freshly made dishes you can either take a guided tour.! Suckered into ordering the special kids drink, though use of paddleboards, kayaks and bikes free charge... Living inside of the trip we visited Sanibel Island will tell you the Ding...