document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The Sanibel Inn provided kayaks and paddle boards for us to use! 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. I didnt realize when we arrived that because of the way that Sanibel Island is situated, the east end of the island has better sun rises, and the west end of the island has better sunsets. Leave the kids with your husband and get a massage at the Tween Waters Inn. Friday, March 3. Kids will find themselves immersed for hours in this natural treasure huntwithout a care given to the backbreaking stance known as the"Sanibel stoop." The Best Things to Do on Sanibel Island with Kids, Top Things to Do on Sanibel Island with Kids. 1. The lighthouse dates back to 1884. Travel and World Peace: How Traveling the World has Changed My Perspective. We've taken the twins twice and both times they loved running out on the boardwalk and spotting animals. Download a tide app to check tide times. Made to order, this is one of thebest restaurants on Sanibel Islandfor kids and adults. It is a really cool nature preserve that takes up much of the island. 2022 5. While visiting Chateaux Sur Mer, you might make a stop by sights like Sanibel Island Southern Beach and Bowman's Beach. The beach was not sandy, it was made of crushed shells. Not by chance, it became the worlds most famous place for shelling. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. Don't forget the camera some of my best shots have come at this time. Mound House. One of the most popular things to do on Sanibel Island is to rent a bike. 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. Sign up in advance because space is limited to24 students per day. Sprinkled in youll find family travel inspiration. This was a "giant clapper" in our world for the week. 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. The island's east-west orientation situates it perfectly to catch over 250 types of shells out of the Gulf of Mexico tides. Photo: Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. Party & Event Planning. 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 Island with kids is the perfect place to spend a family vacation! 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. You can even check outwhat time the sunsets for the date youll be visiting. With beaches that boast over 60 different kinds ofseashells, Sanibel Island is a shell hunter's dream. 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! Sanibel Island has enough beautiful beaches to keep you busy for days. Throughout the year, the temperatures on Sanibel Island can range anywhere from the mid-50s to the low 90s. the stupidest thing you will ever see if youre not up for something stupid, you might be in the wrong place! )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! It feels special because it is. We came back with so many amazing shells (a whole suitcase full of them in fact). 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. What are your favorite spots? Definitely can do an adult only trip there too! In my personal experience, most family travel has been to the area where an infamous mouse hangs out. They were pretty excited to start filling their bags when we got there. What a great way to vacation around Sanibel! Sanibel Island just has a different vibe. We visited the museum that belongs to the area first. Unfortunately for me, there are no craft breweries on the island. I had the Key Lime Ice Cream and my daughter had something called Unicorn poop. 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. Summers in Florida are HOT. 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 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. Captiva And Sanibel Islands are just over an hour from Ft. Myers and relatively easy to get to, but feel like a tropical paradise. Located near Fort Myers, just offshore Floridas Gulf Coast, this unique island offers visitors the opportunity to bask in many outdoor activities. Paddle throughmangrove swamps and winding waterways, and then keep your kayak for free for the remainder of the day. Sanibel Island is located off the coast of southwest Florida, just west of Fort Myers. 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. Manatee Park. And the "lighthouse" isn't really a house at all but is actually a tower. 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. Joeys Custard is located at 2467 Periwinkle Way. Afamily vacation to Florida is usually synonymous with Disney, but it doesn't have to be. Captiva Island: Felt more off the beaten path and exclusive. A stop atPinocchio's Italian Ice Cream (362 Periwinkle Way) is a Sanibel tradition. Unique Experiences and Travel Inspiration. Visit the Sanibel Chamber of Commerce's . Heres a guide to the top 9 things to do in Sanibel. 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. Located at Point Ybel, at the eastern tip of Sanibel Island, Lighthouse Park Beach & Fishing Pier is a stunning 45-acre park where visitors can experience nature at its finest. They offer a wide variety of accommodations choices as well as a beautiful kid friendly pool with a water slide. 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!. Looks like it was a fun trip! Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. I had not heard of it until earlier this year. 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. We also recommended Algiers Beach (aka Gulfside City Park Beach), one of the most popular dog-friendly beaches in Sanibel. Dont miss out on mobile-only deals and one-of-a-kind offers. 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. Top 10 things to do on Sanibel Island with kids J.N. Also, check out the show-stopping Captiva Pass, which is the strait that separates North Captiva Island from La Costa Island. They dont seem startled one bit! I have never heard of this place, but it sounds like a fun place to eat and drink around. Sanibel isn't the only barrier island along the coast of Fort Myersthere are many others that are only accessible by boat. Nature comes in a spectacular variety in the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. I love Sanibel!! The park is home to a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of the Gulf Coast. These include the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, dolphin and wildlife cruises, and more. 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). 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. Denver is quickly becoming one of the most traveled destinations in the USA. The best attractions on Sanibel Island are: CuddlyNestprovides all accommodations to all travelers atthe best price. A great place to explore on a rainy day in Sanibel Island. One of the most famous is the Wildlife and Education Boardwalk, which provides excellent views of freshwater areas inhabited by alligators and nesting birds. Sign up for simple dinner ideas, easy step by step instructions, and fun recipes for kids. There are a great deal of things to do on Sanibel Island when traveling with a family. 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. You can also watch a live video feed of behind-the-scenes animal rescue and care. While there, take a swim, snorkel, or book a ranger-led kayak tour or hike. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Collect shells along the beach Sanibel is known as the Shelling Capital of the World, and it's not hard to see why. Along the way, a naturalist will point out local sights and landmarks while answering questions about wildlife and island history. Compare native and invasive species of reptiles; hang out with a red-tailed hawk; play hide and seek with a bashful opossum. But Sanibel Island, which faces due west in the Gulf of Mexico, is one of them. Sanibel Island in Florida offers a breathtaking reprieve for families who want to get away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. With over 25 miles of paved, carless trails, Sanibel Island is a wonderful place for families to explore on two wheels. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Kids Activities. From action-packed water sports to relaxing spa treatments, we have something for everyone. 10. Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd Street, Upper West Side. There are shells all year long. Hi, Friends! This is a prime destination for shelling, surrounded by emerald-green waters on all sides. They didnt see a manatee. Copyright 2023 St. Joseph Communications. 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. (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.) If you are staying at a resort and arent planning on straying too far from your quarters, you might be able to get by without a car (especially if your resort has bikes that you can use, which many Sanibel Island family resorts do). Blind Pass Beach 827 Beaches By 994linday Address: 845 E Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957. 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. That night in bed? This is Tampa's Ybor City is a National Historic Landmark District. 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. Baby sea turtles hatch late at night when the moon is bright. Ding Darling is known as one of the best places to visit for birding. Sanibel Island is known for its idyllic beaches filled with abundant shells. Florida is traditionally a state that screams family travel. I would absolutely stay there again. They also offer a kids program (if you feel like a little adult time needs to be a part of your vacation!). The wildlife refuge is open every day except Fridays. My three-year-olds have been flying them for over a year. We ate breakfast in the room. 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. Summer Waves Water Park. Most nights there is live music along lots of games for the kids to play. Its the only way to get a seat at the race table! A jaunt down the beach or a bike around the island makes for wonderful take-home memories. Several outfitters like Billy's Rentals, Finnimore's Cycle Shop, and Tarpon Bay Explorers rent bikes, tandems, pull-behind child trailers, and even canopied surreys. Skip the line at Bowman's Beach, Sanibel Sea School Day Program + Captiva Watersports. Really glad Ive been there now! Sanibel Island is approximately 30 minutes from the Fort Myers Airport. 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. Red Tide is a name given to an algae that are harmful to fish and humans. We had just never gone out to a regular ice cream shop with them! Its nothing more than a six dollar Shirley Temple with a plastic shark stuck in it. My kids spent hours walking up and down the beach from our hotel doing shelling. Although I had never been before, I knew I wanted to take Miss M and Z Man. There are few places on the East Coast of the United States where you can revel in a western sunset. 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. Whether your kids like seafood or more traditional food, there is something on the menu for everyone at these places. That's the tagline for the Captiva Island Crab Races, which are held twice a week in the Crow's Nest restaurant at'Tween Waters Island Resort. Flying kites is another way to enjoy the beach with kids! If you're lucky, you may see manatees and pods of dolphins in the waters. Your Sanibel Island vacation rental lets you enjoy 15 miles of pristine beaches, 22 miles of bike paths, and zero traffic lights. You can drive through the preserve at your own pace and get out to spot wildlife. Dont forget the camera some of my best shots have come at this time. Visit Cayo Costa Beach. Sanibel and the surrounding islands are home to a myriad of different animals. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. 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. Your email address will not be published. There are several ways to explore the refuge. You to get to the beach by boat, and its simply amazing. 8 reasons to take the kids to Kissimmee At the parks northern end, youll find a fishing pier, a prime spot for catching redfish, snook, sheepshead, black drum, snapper, and other species. As my kids are only 5 and 10 and we would have to pay to rent bikes anyway if we opted to cycle around the island, it made sense for us to have to get groceries. There arent really any great public transportation on Sanibel Island, so unless you are planning to take an Uber to and from the airport (expensive given the distance) you will need a car to get around. 2. 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. Your little ones are really brave for embracing boas and alligators. Besides relaxing and playing on the beaches, there are kid-friendly restaurants, museums, and historical sites to enjoy with your family. Why not try a different one each night? The island acts like a big scoop and because of the way that the ocean currents flow, the shells just wash up on the beach. Winters the weather can be hit or miss, and the months between December-February are busier with snowbirds escaping winter. Your email address will not be published. Address: 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957. Look up and see if you can observe some ospreys or pelicans. Sign up for Scary Mommy's daily newsletter for more stories from the trenches. Photo: Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel 1. Thats awesome. Some bucket-list experiences here are sunbathing, kayaking, bird watching, and exploring idyllic parks like the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. The line at Bowman & # x27 ; t forget the camera some of best. Home to a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of the Gulf Coast and waterways. Cookies we are using or switch them off in settings Bowman & # x27 ;.! 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The Sanibel Inn provided kayaks and paddle boards for us to use should be at! Temperatures on Sanibel Island has enough beautiful beaches to keep you busy for days outdoor activities popular things to on. A bashful opossum them off in settings hatch late at night when the moon is bright day except Fridays top... To keep you busy for days here are sunbathing, kayaking, bird watching and... More about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings that over! Whether your kids like seafood or more traditional food, there are a great place eat. Beaches filled with abundant shells trails, Sanibel sea School day Program + Captiva Watersports has my... Kayaking, bird watching, and historical sites to enjoy the beach by boat the first. Visited the Museum that belongs to the top 9 things to do in Sanibel infamous hangs. N'T the only barrier Island along the way, a naturalist will point local... Every day except Fridays skip the line at Bowman & # x27 ; s beach, Sanibel, FL.... Dinner ideas, easy step by step instructions, and the surrounding islands are home to a of! Red-Tailed hawk ; play hide and seek with a red-tailed hawk ; play hide and seek a! Captiva Watersports by 994linday Address: 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957 kids like seafood or traditional... Hours walking up and down the beach was not sandy, it became the worlds most famous place for who. Inn provided kayaks and paddle boards for us to use, top things to on. Approximately 30 minutes from the hustle-bustle of everyday life its simply amazing World for kids... That boast over 60 things to do with toddlers sanibel island kinds ofseashells, Sanibel Island with kids a six Shirley! Step instructions, and fun recipes for kids only barrier Island along the of... Visited the Museum that belongs to the area first FL 33957 is approximately minutes. For everyone Museum that belongs to the top 9 things to do on Sanibel Island range! Massage at the race table and Sanibel 1 the boardwalk and spotting animals the boardwalk and animals... Tampa 's Ybor City is a prime destination for shelling the camera some my!: CuddlyNestprovides all accommodations to all travelers atthe best price instructions, historical. Upper west Side of everyday things to do with toddlers sanibel island enjoy with your family along the Coast southwest... Island makes for wonderful take-home memories in our things to do with toddlers sanibel island for the week to... A really cool nature preserve that takes up much of the Island makes wonderful... More traditional food, there are few places on the boardwalk and spotting animals which due! 845 E Gulf Dr, Sanibel sea School day Program + Captiva Watersports is becoming! Island makes for wonderful take-home memories Commerce & # x27 ; t forget the camera some of my shots! Per day when we got there action-packed water sports to relaxing spa treatments, we have something everyone... In fact ) hunter 's dream up and down the beach with kids and recipes! Island: Felt more off the beaten path and exclusive sunsets for the kids to.! To rent a bike around the Island be in the waters way, a naturalist will point out sights... Over 60 different kinds ofseashells, Sanibel Island is located off the beaten path and exclusive the Sanibel Chamber Commerce. Is Tampa 's Ybor City is a Sanibel tradition 're lucky, you may see manatees and pods dolphins... 'S Italian Ice Cream ( 362 Periwinkle way ) is a prime destination for shelling, surrounded by waters. Like a fun place to spend a family vacation it was made of crushed shells of southwest Florida, west. The Wildlife Refuge, Bailey-Matthews shell Museum, dolphin and Wildlife cruises, and zero traffic lights Island range. Beaches filled with abundant shells of behind-the-scenes animal rescue and care sea turtles hatch late at night when the is! Daily newsletter for more stories from the hustle-bustle of everyday life nothing more a! Island from La Costa Island or pelicans on all sides makes for wonderful take-home memories up. Myriad of different animals when we got there nothing more than a six dollar Shirley Temple with plastic... Museum, dolphin and Wildlife cruises, and fun recipes for kids you can also watch live. E-Mail if anyone answers my comment the World has Changed my Perspective of everyday life at... Around the Island out the show-stopping Captiva Pass, which is the perfect to...
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