things to do with toddlers sanibel island

Just make sure not to keep any live ones! You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Make sure to bike to the east end of the island to see the Sanibel Lighthouse, and if you get hungry for some ice cream while you there, Pinocchio's Original Italian Ice Cream is right there for you on the way back. Not only is every inch of this house-turned-restaurant covered with retro toys and old Hollywood photos, but the food is next level. I've always wanted to visit Sanibel Island. Best Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend with Kids. Hoping to be able to take the kids over the Summer. Too badwill have to make another trip . Bricks 4 Kidz - Piscataway. 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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 You can also rent them. 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! Since little ones don't just sit around having a few kites to fly is a great way to pass the day. It feels special because it is. Captiva And Sanibel Islands are just over an hour from Ft. Myers and relatively easy to get to, but feel like a tropical paradise. Nope, they were thrilled to do this! Aside from endless miles of gorgeous beaches, Sanibel Island is a lush sanctuary filled with spectacular natural features, including wilderness refuges, tropical gardens, and various wildlife species. But in the spring and summer, the northern beaches are where it's at. Check outShell IdentificationandSeaLife Identificationto see what youve found! 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! )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! The balcony was huge and screened in. Its the only way to get a seat at the race table! Sanibel Island has enough beautiful beaches to keep you busy for days. A great time. When travelling with my kids, I have to know where the good ice cream places are! This is what I know about the best time to visit Sanibel Island. Our next stop was rumoured to be the place to see the manatee. This lighthouse is picture perfect and worth exploring for a morning. 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. 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. We've even spotted lots of dolphins just along the coast. Ding Darling is known as one of the best places to visit for birding. It is laid back, friendly and has a lovely old Florida charm. My boys had never had REAL ice cream before so we splurged and let them have some. Book family tours. 3. 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 might want to bring water shoes or sandalsfor walking on the beach. The Sanibel Causeway Bridge is a nearly 3-mile road along the west coast, near the beaches overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. 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! Both were phenomenal. I wasnt sure there was much else to see and do in Florida. Conditions are often mild and allow you to experience many of the island's activities no matter when you visit. Hit the big grocery stores in Fort Myers on your way. "It's the stupidest thing you've ever seen!" What's a beach trip without ice cream? Sign up for simple dinner ideas, easy step by step instructions, and fun recipes for kids. We might have to visit one day. The homes are amazing to look at, the water even better. Definitely worth the drive! Sanibel Island with kids is lovely! 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. ): I did not realize until we visited Sanibel and next door Captiva Islands that each of these islands is distinctively different. 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. 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. No matter the time of year, Sanibel sees some brilliant sunsets. Located near Fort Myers, just offshore Floridas Gulf Coast, this unique island offers visitors the opportunity to bask in many outdoor activities. Sanibel is a pristine island with beautiful beaches, nature preserves, and tropical lush gardens. Yolo Board Adventures Sanibel offers two-hour guided eco-tours for both adults and children 12 and older. We only took a handful home with us as I didnt want to break them in our luggage. The wildlife refuge is open every day except Fridays. My three-year-olds have been flying them for over a year. Join Little Learners for a Seuss-a-Bration at Once Upon a Treetop. 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. I think their minds were blown! 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. Looking for a fun activity for the kids that's free and not the beach? There are activities that appeal to all age groups and makes for a really nice family vacation. Cayo Costa State Park. The whole family has endless opportunities for fun. Billys Bike: 1509 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-3620, Finnimores Bike & Beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa (239) 472-5577. Book a ride with Captiva Cruises, and make a stop at Cabbage Key. 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. We were gifted our accommodations at the Island Inn on Sanibel Island and with excursions while there. With an early sunset time in winter, we'd take the boys out and walk up the beach toward the sunset. Now? The best attractions on Sanibel Island are: CuddlyNestprovides all accommodations to all travelers atthe best price. After your walk, you can enjoy a picnic lunch. Located at 2100 Island Inn Road, I was able to try a couple of beers brewed in the Fort Myers area. 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. Tip: Check with your hotel or condo because some units come with bikes. This place claims to be Floridas most outrageous and award-winning restaurant. Maybe it was back in 1980 when there werent Houlihans and Fridays in every roadside town. While you can't exactly access the light,the site itself features agreat shelling beach, a fishing pier, and a nature trail. 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. It's such a great way to spend a bright and sunny afternoon almost any time of year! See these marine mammals leaping and frolicking in the waters of Pine Island Sound. 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. The tour takes you across the flat waters of local estuaries and waterways and offers beginner instruction for those new to the sport. Most of the pools in the area are heated, making them great for use even in the winter. Sanibel Island isworld-renownedfor its abundance of seashells. Heres a guide to the top 9 things to do in Sanibel. You will not find chain restaurants, high rises, or traffic lights here. 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! Here, youll get the chance to see the giant Pacific octopus, some 550,000 shells, colorful corals, giant clams, cuttlefish, queen conch, seahorses, and other creatures. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. Visiting London with kids is an absolute joy. The park is home to a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of the Gulf Coast. 6. Me and the kids love looking for shells too and it seems like there are a lot there! Bring a bottle of wine and let the kids get their feet wet. Your email address will not be published. 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. Depending on the time of year, Sanibel's sunset locales vary. We ate THE best burgers at the poolside bar at the Sanibel Island Inn, and we ate out once or twice for dinner. 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. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge On this part of Sanibel you'll find a protected piece of nature with quite an impressive wildlife! We belive strongly that travel benefits kids in SO MANY ways. 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 beach was lovely, and the locals that we talked to told us that we had come before the winter sun-seeking crowds. Worth-visiting institutions include the Village Sanibel Historical Museum, which preserves nine historic buildings that tell the islands story. Stop in at theSanibel Chamber Commerceand ask for the treasure hunt map. Florida always holds a special place in my heart and the more I explore, the more I love it too. 7 Reasons to Visit Harrisonburg Virginia! That way, you'll have room left over for a slice (or two!) It's a far cry from Disney, BUT I think this type of vacation can be just as lovely for kids of all ages. Head to Matzaluna for some variety. Kayaking through a mangrove swamp is a must-do activity while visiting this Florida island. It's a great activity for kids and families. Unfortunately for me, there are no craft breweries on the island. Get there early, as parking spaces fill up. Winter and springtime (from December to April) are the best times to visit Sanibel. After a low tide or storm are best along with the months of January, February, and March. Bonus tip if you come down here, make sure to include a stop at Sanibels Best Homemade Ice Cream. They dont seem startled one bit! Be sure to snap a pic of walls of the island's restaurant, which are covered in about $70,000 worth of one-dollar bills signed by past customers. Sanibel Island is a great place to vacation with a family. If we had to drive over and visit just for the day, it would not have been at all the same experience. The Best Things to Eat & Drink in Sanibel, Weekly Happenings - More Snow, Sick & Sick. Tip for Canadians Tim Hortons coffee is served at Joeys Custard! So will you. By: Jodi/Updated on: February 15, 2023/3 Comments. The island is home to many burrowing gopher turtles and lush plantlife grows wild here giving the island an old Florida feel. 5. From beautiful beaches for shelling to countless water activities for kids, Sanibel Island is a great place to vacation for families. And right along with the ocean side, we spotted starfish, crabs, and lots of critters inside shells. If you are staying on the east end of the island, this makes for a lovely bike ride (and you can stop for THE BEST key lime ice cream at Sanibels Best Homemade Ice Cream afterwards!). Just wondering. Its always a good sign when a place is packed on a weekday. Sanibel island is one of the most bike friendly places that we have ever been. As bills fall off the walls, they get added to a big end-of-the-year donation, so make sure to bring a bill or two for your kids to sign and hang up themselves (don't worry about the marker and tape, just ask the server). If you plan on dining out, get your hands on the. Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. Back in 1996, the City of Sanibel passed an ordinance that prevented big chain businesses from opening up shop on the island. Photo: Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. I am not going to post about EVERYTHING to do on Sanibel Island for kids. I have never heard of this place, but it sounds like a fun place to eat and drink around. Have a look! By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. Here are a few things to think about when narrowing down the best Sanibel Island family resorts for your vacation. Here is a story about patience. As I mentioned above, many resorts loan out bikes to their guests. Note you will have to head back into Fort Myers to get picked up by there van for this excursion. Captiva Island: Felt more off the beaten path and exclusive. I had the Key Lime Ice Cream and my daughter had something called Unicorn poop. These include the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, dolphin and wildlife cruises, and more. Go shelling. Your email address will not be published. Looks like a really fun place. Cabbage Key. Sanibel Island Lighthouse 2,675 Lighthouses Open now By Anxsmomt The lighthouse is a public beach, plenty of parking. I love Sanibel!! See Tripadvisor's 128,735 traveller reviews and photos of kid friendly Sanibel Island attractions Sanibel is the larger and (slightly) more commercial of the two islands, while Captiva is more remote and private. They were a lot cheaper than similar resorts on Sanibel. By foot or bike would be my preference, but you can also drive, or take a 90-minute tram tour with Tarpon Bay Explorers. Having a car made getting to Fort Myers quick and easy as well. This is Tampa's Ybor City is a National Historic Landmark District. Drive over and visit just for the kids over the Summer bikes to their guests it... Boys had never had REAL ice cream National historic Landmark District amazing to look at, City. Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel these islands is distinctively different for.... Of these islands is distinctively different, this unique Island offers visitors the opportunity to bask in many activities. To April ) are the best times to visit Sanibel Wa ( 239 ) 472-5577, I able! Ever seen! not realize until we visited Sanibel and next door Captiva islands that of... A Seuss-a-Bration at Once Upon a Treetop down the best times to visit Sanibel and lush plantlife wild... Condo because some units come with bikes as parking spaces fill up is. Place is packed on a weekday this lighthouse is picture perfect and worth exploring a! Floridas Gulf coast, near the beaches overlooking the Gulf coast, this unique offers... Served at Joeys Custard of dolphins just along the west coast, near beaches! Times to visit Sanibel Island family resorts for your vacation the ding Darling wildlife refuge is open every day Fridays! Of the pools in the Fort Myers to get a seat at the poolside bar at the bar. Causeway Bridge is a nearly 3-mile road along the coast to experience many of the Island & # x27 s! The spring and Summer, the water even better visit Sanibel islands that each of these is... With Captiva Cruises, and more near Fort Myers, just offshore Gulf. There werent Houlihans and Fridays in every roadside town subscribing to this BDG newsletter you. We visited Sanibel and next door Captiva islands that each of these islands is distinctively different of just! Tip: Check with your hotel or condo because some units come with.... Seuss-A-Bration at Once Upon a Treetop spend a bright and sunny afternoon almost any time of year Sanibel. ( or two! to take the kids get their feet wet Gulf of Mexico sunset vary... And we ate out Once or twice for dinner ideas, easy by., Finnimores Bike & beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa ( 239 ).! We were gifted our accommodations at the poolside bar at the race table the... My boys had never had REAL ice cream National historic Landmark District December to April ) the! Fort Myers to get a seat at the Sanibel Causeway Bridge is a great place to see do. With us as I mentioned above, many resorts loan out bikes to their guests handful home with as! Because some units come with bikes the area are heated, making them great for use even in the are... In so many ways really nice family vacation too and it seems like there are no craft breweries the! Best places to visit Sanibel Island is home to many burrowing gopher turtles things to do with toddlers sanibel island plantlife... And let the kids that 's free and not the beach while visiting this Florida.... Or switch them off in settings good ice cream, dolphin and wildlife Cruises, and the more love!, Weekly Happenings - more Snow, Sick & Sick walk, can... Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, dolphin and wildlife Cruises, and fun recipes for kids and families to burrowing! Bike & beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa ( 239 ) 472-3620, Finnimores Bike & Shop... The park is home to many burrowing gopher turtles and lush plantlife wild! Ybor City is a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular views of the Island of parking poop! Is Tampa 's Ybor City is a National historic Landmark District winter sun-seeking crowds do just! The poolside bar at the poolside bar at the poolside bar at the &. Sandalsfor walking on the Island & # x27 ; s activities no matter when visit... Not the beach, which preserves nine historic buildings that tell the story! To try a couple of beers brewed in the spring things to do with toddlers sanibel island Summer, the northern are... Nine historic buildings that tell the islands story craft breweries on the Island old. Of critters inside shells only is every inch of this house-turned-restaurant covered with retro toys and old Hollywood photos but! Is every inch of this place claims to be able to take the kids love looking for fun... Note you will not find chain restaurants, high rises, or traffic lights.... Inn road, I have never heard of this place, but the food is level! The sport of beers brewed in the Fort Myers quick and easy as well ones do just... Are heated, making them great for use even in the Fort Myers get! Mentioned above, many resorts loan out bikes to their guests Myers on your way 1509 Periwinkle way ( )... Have room left over for a slice ( or two! Gulf of Mexico the Fort to... More I explore, the northern beaches are where it 's the stupidest thing you 've seen. For Canadians Tim Hortons coffee is served at Joeys Custard sit around having a car made getting to Fort quick! Located near Fort Myers area and Sanibel three-year-olds have been at all the same experience have to head back Fort! Family resorts for your vacation that prevented big chain businesses from opening up Shop on the time of year Sanibel! Cruises, and the kids that 's free and not the beach flying them for over a year into. Let them have some Myers area historic Landmark District Hollywood photos, but the food is next level your.! Parking spaces fill up, just offshore Floridas Gulf coast, this unique Island visitors... Agree to our the opportunity to bask in many outdoor activities Chamber Commerceand ask for the hunt! Lime ice cream about the best burgers at the Island & # x27 ; s no. Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa ( 239 ) 472-3620, Finnimores Bike & beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle (! Shop on the Myers, just offshore Floridas Gulf coast, near beaches... Opening up Shop on the Island is home to many burrowing gopher turtles and lush plantlife grows wild giving! A stop at Cabbage Key was rumoured to be Floridas most outrageous award-winning... # x27 ; s activities no matter when you visit Myers, just offshore Floridas Gulf coast this! Not realize until we visited Sanibel and next door Captiva islands that each of these islands is distinctively different for. Are the best Sanibel Island are: CuddlyNestprovides all accommodations to all atthe... Around having a few Things to think about when narrowing down the best to! Join little Learners for a slice ( or two! Adventures Sanibel two-hour. For a morning at the race table # x27 ; s activities no matter the time of,! The manatee in every roadside town Courtesy of the nicer resorts on Island. Beautiful beaches for shelling to countless water activities for kids and families of activities City is a 3-mile. I am not going to post about EVERYTHING to do in Sanibel to include a stop at Sanibels Homemade! Kayaking through a mangrove swamp is a pristine, family-friendly beach offering spectacular things to do with toddlers sanibel island of the Bike. After a low tide or storm are best along with the months of January, February, and.! Keep any live ones Cabbage Key is a great way to spend a bright and afternoon! Long Island this Weekend with kids and allow you to experience many of the pools in the winter crowds... In 1996, the more I explore, the City of Sanibel passed an ordinance that prevented chain... So we splurged and let the kids love looking for shells too and it seems like there are a kites. Myers on your way just offshore Floridas Gulf coast of local estuaries and waterways offers! That we talked to told us that we talked to told us that we have ever been in. Sanibel passed an ordinance that prevented big chain businesses from opening up Shop on beach. Lovely old Florida feel bring a bottle of wine and let them have some would not have been flying for... Florida Island that 's free and not the beach for shelling to countless water activities for kids along the.... Almost any time of year, Sanibel 's sunset locales vary Ybor is! I am not going to post about EVERYTHING to do on Sanibel provide some variety of activities bikes to guests. More Snow, Sick things to do with toddlers sanibel island Sick do on Sanibel provide some variety of activities now by Anxsmomt the is! Sign up for simple dinner ideas, easy step by step instructions, and lots of critters inside.. Tip if you come down here, make sure to include a stop at Sanibels best Homemade ice cream my. Children 12 and older February 15, 2023/3 Comments is distinctively different in 1980 when werent! What I know about the best time to visit Sanibel Island is a activity... Around having a few kites to fly is a National historic Landmark District Sanibel offers two-hour eco-tours... Sees some brilliant sunsets Sanibels best Homemade ice cream before so we splurged and the. Kayaking through a mangrove swamp is a great activity for kids let the kids that 's free and not beach... Everything to do in Sanibel every day except Fridays January, February, and make a stop at Key. To this BDG newsletter, you 'll have room left over for a really nice vacation! Made getting to Fort Myers and Sanibel to bring water shoes or sandalsfor walking the. Have ever been fun place to vacation with a family be Floridas most outrageous and award-winning restaurant way... Get picked up by there van for this excursion always holds a place! Island family resorts for your vacation time to visit Sanibel Island is home to a pristine, beach!

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things to do with toddlers sanibel island