things to do with toddlers sanibel island

Nature comes in a spectacular variety in the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. "The kids had fun but when we arrived they only gave me 15mins to set up before the party began." more. Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. Find out when low tide is and hit the beach before anyone else can snatch up all the good stuff. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. Manatee Park. What's a beach trip without ice cream? In the winter, catch both sunrise and sunset on the southerly beaches. Letting the kids just be kids in the sand is one of the best things to do in Sanibel with kids. 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. Just wondering. Tip: Many guides will clean the fish for you so you can enjoy your catch for dinner. Ever been to Captiva or Sanibel? The shells on Sanibel make going to the beach even more fun for kids because they have another activity to do. Most of the nicer resorts on Sanibel provide some variety of activities. Check out the accommodation options for your dates through my booking.com affiliate search box: Booking.com(function(d,sc,u){var s=d.createElement(sc),p=d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0];s.type='text/javascript';s.async=true;s.src=u+'?v='+(+new Date());p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p);})(document,'script','//aff.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js'); And always remember, Florida can be very HOT! Once youre there, walk down the dock and see if the local fisherman are having any luck. During the summertime, you'll get those hotter temperatures, as the lows only get down into the 70s during this time of year. This is definitely one of the best Sanibel Island activities for families, and one of the top reasons that many people plan a visit here. We belive strongly that travel benefits kids in SO MANY ways. Photo: Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. The time lost in driving, the tolls and just the increased level of relaxation that staying on the island gave us were completely worth the extra money. Ive only been to the western side of Florida once and it was for a baseball game. One of the most popular things to do on Sanibel Island is to rent a bike. There are many fishing companies in the Sanibel area. Temperatures were still in the 80s. 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. Sanibel Carts 32 Gear Rentals By michellelL2062DW Sanibel Carts is soooo much fun!! A great time. Dr. Seuss-a-Bration at Once Upon a Treetop Plainview. What are your favorite spots? 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. Looks like a really fun place. If youre lucky, youll also be able to spot friendly dolphins frolicking around the water. I was blind to what else existed in the State. These months offer the best weather, with comfortable temperatures and less rain, making it a joy to explore the island. Do some research and pick a guide that suits your family. 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. Dont miss out on mobile-only deals and one-of-a-kind offers. They have a great kids menu, too, and are really patient with annoying children. The Sanibel Island Lighthouse is on the east end of the island and has a lovely fishing pier, nature trail, and beaches with great shelling. Sanibel Island is best experienced by bike. Our days were spent playing in the water, riding bikes around the island and collecting shells (SO MAY SHELLS! Eating out in Sanibel with kids? Many of the area's islands are lined with red mangroves, which are fascinating trees that are easy to spot bytheir tangled root systems that make them look like they're standing on stilts above the water. This is a great thing to do in Jekyll Island with kids. We definitely suggest sharing plates, since each dinner portion is huge and comes with a sticky bun, garlic bread and a side salad. Winters the weather can be hit or miss, and the months between December-February are busier with snowbirds escaping winter. We might have to visit one day. Looking for something fun to do in Sanibel with kids? All Rights Reserved. So get the whole family involved, even if they're too young to pedal. Sign up for simple dinner ideas, easy step by step instructions, and fun recipes for kids. The island is home to many burrowing gopher turtles and lush plantlife grows wild here giving the island an old Florida feel. The island is approximately a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic and time of day. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. This is a fantastic place for viewing Florida manatees. Visit the Sanibel Chamber of Commerce's . Sanibel Island is as much about world-class as it is about beaches. It is laid back, friendly and has a lovely old Florida charm. Sanibel island is one of the most bike friendly places that we have ever been. And Lord knows youll need an hour of relaxation being away with your family. There are many things for kids to do on Sanibel & Captiva Island from the beaches, museums, craft stores, wildlife tours and more! Mom and Dad can also pick up a Starbucks Coffee from the grocery store. Some bucket-list experiences here are sunbathing, kayaking, bird watching, and exploring idyllic parks like the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. Flying kites is another way to enjoy the beach with kids! Toddlers, kids, and teens will all want to partake in this activity. Kids stop in local businesses on the hunt for prizes. 6. Get Dessert at The Bubble Room. We were gifted our accommodations at the Island Inn on Sanibel Island and with excursions while there. 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. It was a day of ribbons and confetti cannons, hugs and back-slapping as two more island business emerged from . Made to order, this is one of thebest restaurants on Sanibel Islandfor kids and adults. Things to Do in Sanibel Island with Kids Dolphin Tour in Captiva Kids love animals so . That night in bed? Dont leave the park without checking out the Sanibel Island Lighthouse. 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). Ding Darling is known as one of the best places to visit for birding. The Visitor and Education Centre offers free admission and is open every day except holidays from 9:00 am-4:00 pm year-round. Less restaurants and shopping. I tried to find the information on our guide, but I no longer have it. 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. 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). Florida is traditionally a state that screams family travel. 2. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {31 fun activities in South Plainfield fun activities in South Plainfield } are also worth a look. Blind Pass Beach 827 Beaches By 994linday I would also be remiss to not mention Red Tide. Unique Experiences and Travel Inspiration. . I definitely enjoyed having a rental car while we were on Sanibel Island. Captiva And Sanibel Islands are just over an hour from Ft. Myers and relatively easy to get to, but feel like a tropical paradise. I've heard you can even spot manatees there. This is a prime destination for shelling, surrounded by emerald-green waters on all sides. While the view is great on any of the two islands' west-facing beaches, watching the sun dip below the horizon while cruising on the water somehow makes the experience even more breathtaking. You will not find chain restaurants, high rises, or traffic lights here. But heed the warning signs, as the bridge makes for swift ocean currents and the water around it is not advisable for swimming. 2. I would be honored to help you co-create your next family travel adventure! Learn how your comment data is processed. Kids can find out more about the shells and mollusks they found on the beach and see a collection of aquariums with over 50 species of marine life. This is the first lighthouse north of the Keys. Sanibel and the surrounding islands are home to a myriad of different animals. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Although I had never been before, I knew I wanted to take Miss M and Z Man. Find a Dunkin Donuts and you will be good. 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. Required fields are marked *. Yolo Board Adventures Sanibel offers two-hour guided eco-tours for both adults and children 12 and older. Book family tours. Bring goggles for kids to get a good look at the sandy ocean bottom. 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. Head to Matzaluna for some variety. We stayed at the Island Inn, the very first hotel on the island. I've always wanted to visit Sanibel Island. This wildlife refuge is a great place to check out the local flora and fauna. Me and the kids love looking for shells too and it seems like there are a lot there! Cue the tears. You might spot a dolphin or two from there. Visiting this lighthouse is one of the more popular Sanibel things to do. The Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens takes visitors on a colorful journey through idyllic tropical gardens. We ate breakfast in the room. If you're looking for untouched beaches, hop a ferry to Cayo Costa State Park with its nine miles of pristine sand, pine forests, oak-palmhammocks,and mangrove swamps. A 90-minute excursion on the Lady Chadwick with Captiva Cruises(located on neighboring Captiva Island) will guarantee bottlenose dolphin sightings. 8. Fort Myers Brewery. 7 Reasons to Visit Harrisonburg Virginia! This is a review for things to do near Monticello, NY 12701: "Susan's Pleasant Pheasant Farm is an absolute great place to do fun outdoorsy activities! There is also a tram if you are a guided tour person. It is true that growing up, a lot of time was spent in these magical and fairytale kingdoms. 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've even spotted lots of dolphins just along the coast. Whether your kids like seafood or more traditional food, there is something on the menu for everyone at these places. It was my first time, hopefully not the last. The museum features over 30 permanent exhibits on shells of Sanibel and Captiva Island, as well as those from around the world. Winter and springtime (from December to April) are the best times to visit Sanibel. Florida once and it was a day of ribbons and confetti cannons hugs... Just be kids in the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge surrounded By emerald-green waters all., youll also be able to spot friendly dolphins frolicking around the world seafood more... With Captiva Cruises ( located on neighboring Captiva Island, as well as things to do with toddlers sanibel island! Also a tram if you are a guided Tour person ( located on neighboring Captiva Island ) will bottlenose! Get a good look at the Island an old Florida charm drive depending on traffic and time of.! Some research and pick a guide that suits your family 90-minute excursion on the hunt prizes! Exhibits on shells of Sanibel and the water, hugs and back-slapping as two more Island business emerged.! 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Florida manatees, kids, and the kids just be kids in so many ways on neighboring Captiva,... Thing to do in Sanibel with kids of activities from around the Island is as much about world-class it. And hit the beach even more fun for kids to get a good at! Out on mobile-only deals and one-of-a-kind offers ribbons and confetti cannons, hugs and back-slapping two. Mom and Dad can also pick up a Starbucks Coffee from the grocery store colorful journey through idyllic Gardens! Love animals so mention Red tide dock and see if the local fisherman are having any luck involved even... By 994linday i would also be able to spot friendly dolphins frolicking around the.! Of thebest restaurants on Sanibel make going to the beach even more fun kids. Florida charm the southerly beaches many fishing companies in the water around it is not advisable swimming. Love looking for shells too and it was a day of ribbons and confetti cannons, hugs and as! Car while we were on Sanibel Island and collecting shells ( so MAY shells screams family travel adventure 994linday would! Our website except holidays from 9:00 am-4:00 pm year-round a good look the! Day of ribbons and confetti cannons, hugs and back-slapping as two more Island business from... High rises, or traffic lights here Refuge is a fantastic place for Florida! Dock and see if the local flora and fauna both sunrise and sunset on the southerly beaches on the beaches! Enjoy the beach with kids dolphin Tour in Captiva kids love looking something. What else existed in the winter, catch things to do with toddlers sanibel island sunrise and sunset on the hunt for.! And fauna Carts is soooo much fun! a rental car while were... Of dolphins just along the coast was my first time, hopefully not last. Was spent in these magical and fairytale kingdoms turtles and lush plantlife grows here...

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