Copyright 2023 St. Joseph Communications. They offer a wide variety of accommodations choices as well as a beautiful kid friendly pool with a water slide. Your email address will not be published. The balcony was huge and screened in. Take them to the shopping center with Jerry's, which is one of the local grocery stores on the island. Hop on a flyboard or ride through the waves on . Temperatures were still in the 80s. Make sure to go during low tide because that's when a lot of the birds, including brown and white pelicans, ibis, cormorants and spoonbills, flock to the refuge to feed on fish stuck in the shallow water. If you're ready to explore South Plainfield, sign up for one of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have a friendly guide show you some of the most popular sights. 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You can shell without the extra things, but we thought it was a fun addition to the trip. I wasnt sure there was much else to see and do in Florida. The occurrence of Red Tide is when simple plants that live in the sea and freshwatergrow out of control. Sanibel Island with kids really is a lovely vacation! . They might even meet a new friend or two. Located off Sanibel-Captiva Road, Bowmans Beach has several miles of secluded white sand and gentle waters ideal for a refreshing swim. If youre planning avacation to Sanibel Islandand wondering what activities are offered on this island close to Floridas coast, check out these10 kid-friendly attractionsthis special island has to offer. The Best Things to Eat & Drink in Sanibel, Weekly Happenings - More Snow, Sick & Sick. 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. No matter the time of year, Sanibel sees some brilliant sunsets. The island is approximately a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic and time of day. Not by chance, it became the worlds most famous place for shelling. For more shopping fun, check out the shops in Times Square at the nearby Fort Myers Beach Pier. 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. You can show up in a bathing suit and flip flops and get everything from salad to burgers to fried alligator. Along the way, a naturalist will point out local sights and landmarks while answering questions about wildlife and island history. We were gifted our accommodations at the Island Inn on Sanibel Island and with excursions while there. Sanibel Island is known for shelling and is one of the best places in the world to shell. What I am going to tell you is some insights what we did while visiting Sanibel, and what is on our shortlist for next time: This is the number one reason that many folks make the trip to Sanibel, and for good reason. Sanibel Island with kids is the perfect place to let them play. 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. This is a great thing to do in Jekyll Island with kids. Not so much. Sanibel Island is a barrier island located on the Gulf Side of Florida, about 30 minutes from the Fort Myers. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. We ate breakfast in the room. 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. Looking for something fun to do in Sanibel with kids? It's such a great way to spend a bright and sunny afternoon almost any time of year! Kids have their own hands-on learning room, and staff members conduct daily beach walks. These cottages are on the western end of the island, so you are guaranteed some beautiful sunsets right from your front porch! While visiting Chateaux Sur Mer, you might make a stop by sights like Sanibel Island Southern Beach and Bowman's Beach. Leave the kids with your husband and get a massage at the Tween Waters Inn. My family loves Sanibel and I'm sure yours will too. Consider renting a tandem bike for those younger kids who may end up tired from long bike rides. While the water is not clear, they will be able to find starfish, conch, and sand dollars. Stuff your face at Island Cow. 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. Your email address will not be published. It connects by bridge to Captiva Island. The tour price covers the rental of all gear, including a PDF, leash, tie-downs, and fresh drinking water for each person. 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. 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. 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. It is located nearby Blind Pass Bridge, which connects the two islands. 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. 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. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. We got these super easy-to-use kid-friendly Octopus Kites and they have been great. Every single coastal state in the U.S. has reported red tide and the cause is primarily pollution chemicals in the water. If you are looking for soft sand, this will not be your place because the whole beach is LITERALLY made out of sea shells. 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). On our first trip to Sanibel with took the twins to the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Times Square and the Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier. the stupidest thing you will ever see if youre not up for something stupid, you might be in the wrong place! So if there aren't traditional kids attractions what ARE the things to do with kids in Sanibel Island? 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 this sound like a trip to Sanibel Island with kids is in your future, here are my best tips for planning the perfect escape! What are your favorite spots? The shells can be sharp, and they hurt my daughters feet at times. I'm Julie Wunder Emmy award-winning former WLOS meteorologist. 7. This is the first lighthouse north of the Keys. Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. Some bucket-list experiences here are sunbathing, kayaking, bird watching, and exploring idyllic parks like the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. A 90-minute excursion on the Lady Chadwick with Captiva Cruises(located on neighboring Captiva Island) will guarantee bottlenose dolphin sightings. By: Jodi/Updated on: February 15, 2023/3 Comments. See Tripadvisor's 128,735 traveller reviews and photos of kid friendly Sanibel Island attractions This sounds like a great place for a family vacation and so many activities! Fun Things to Do in Sanibel Island with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. We are living our travel dreams despite having regular jobs and want to inspire you to check some items off of your family travel bucket list. 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!. 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. Winters the weather can be hit or miss, and the months between December-February are busier with snowbirds escaping winter. We are Shanna and Aaron + kiddos. There is a toll to be paid of $6.00 to gain entry to the island in a regular vehicle. We didnt eat out that much while we were here. The Sanibel Causeway Bridge is a nearly 3-mile road along the west coast, near the beaches overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Sanibel Island Rentals: Billy's Bike : 1509 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-3620 Finnimore's Bike & Beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa (239) 472-5577 3. 74. 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 As I mentioned above, many resorts loan out bikes to their guests. Sanibel Island is known for its idyllic beaches filled with abundant shells. It's a far cry from Disney, BUT I think this type of vacation can be just as lovely for kids of all ages. Celebrate Women's History Month and commemorate pioneering figures in science, technology, arts & design, and mathematics. The fun never stops on Sanibel Island. Worth-visiting institutions include the Village Sanibel Historical Museum, which preserves nine historic buildings that tell the islands story. 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. A great place to explore on a rainy day in Sanibel Island. In the courtyard are large enclosures with a variety of different parrots. The Visitor and Education Centre offers free admission and is open every day except holidays from 9:00 am-4:00 pm year-round. 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. The park is home to a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of the Gulf Coast. You will not find chain restaurants, high rises, or traffic lights here. Sanibel Island isworld-renownedfor its abundance of seashells. There isfree entryinto the Visitor & Education Center that includes ahands-on area for children. 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. Bonus: Shelling is freeas long as you clean and dry the shells before you leave, they make the perfect souvenirs. 2. Picnic tables are available when you want to enjoy snacks under the canopy of the trees. Bring goggles for kids to get a good look at the sandy ocean bottom. Just make sure not to disturb their nests! 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. The kitschy shop at the east end of Sanibel is legendary for its delicious homemade Italian gelato. I personally would not have felt sage cycling after sunset, so driving was a better evening option for us. I've heard you can spot Alligators, otters, and turtles on the property. Your email address will not be published. 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. Visiting London with kids is an absolute joy. The island is approximately a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic and time of day. Everything from salad to burgers to fried alligator former WLOS meteorologist Family-friendly activities and fun things to Eat & in. Way to spend a bright and sunny afternoon almost any time of things to do with toddlers sanibel island kid-friendly... Lovely vacation watching, and turtles on the western end of the local stores! First trip but this year they really got into it tell the story! Are sunbathing, kayaking, bird watching, and staff members conduct daily beach walks burgers! Escaping winter Sanibel and i 'm sure yours will too out that much while we were here are using switch! 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