Where else but the seashell capital of the world would you find the national shell museum? 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!). 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). 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. We collected shells every day we were there and it never got old for the boys. Stop by Flan World Corp for a life-changing coconut flan, Aux Dlices Bakery for authentic French pastries, and the Doughnut Station for the fluffiest doughnuts. This property offers a spacious family-style living room, Cable TV, free Wi-Fi, a washer/dryer . From beautiful beaches for shelling to countless water activities for kids, Sanibel Island is a great place to vacation for families. Flying kites is another way to enjoy the beach with kids! Although I had never been before, I knew I wanted to take Miss M and Z Man. Sanibel Island just has a different vibe. They loved running and collecting new shells. With an early sunset time in winter, we'd take the boys out and walk up the beach toward the sunset. Fully Equipped with an upgraded kitchen featuring stainless steel, Sunzero Wolf appliances, and quartz countertops. 2. J. N. "Ding" Darling NationalWildlife Refuge. The shells on Sanibel make going to the beach even more fun for kids because they have another activity to do. The beach was lovely, and the locals that we talked to told us that we had come before the winter sun-seeking crowds. Kids stop in local businesses on the hunt for prizes. 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. A stop atPinocchio's Italian Ice Cream (362 Periwinkle Way) is a Sanibel tradition. 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. Join Little Learners for a Seuss-a-Bration at Once Upon a Treetop. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family trip, or a nature escape, this Southwest Florida paradise is the perfect choice for your vacation! As someone who doesnt have kids, I still love all the suggestions. Visiting this locale is a feel-good endeavor, too, as your admission fee goes towards the care of approximately 3,500 injured and orphaned animals each year. It has an authentic, old Florida vibe. Sanibel Island Rentals: Billy's Bike : 1509 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-3620 Finnimore's Bike & Beach Shop: 2353 Periwinkle Wa (239) 472-5577 3. Definitely skip dinner there, but head over for dessert and the photo opps outside. We've even spotted lots of dolphins just along the coast. Sanibel Island Lighthouse 2,675 Lighthouses Open now By Anxsmomt The lighthouse is a public beach, plenty of parking. Sanibel Island: Much better shelling. 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. Summer Waves Water Park is a thrilling experience with plenty of waterslides the whole family can enjoy. Watching the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico is magic. Once youre there, walk down the dock and see if the local fisherman are having any luck. Blind Pass Beach 827 Beaches By 994linday Reach out to me using this form and lets start brainstorming and planning your next amazing escapebecause to me it is more than just a vacation. )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's a great activity for kids and families. You'll probably not be surprised to see this list includes enjoying the beaches fully with different beach activities, swimming, and even shelling! We stayed at the Island Inn, the very first hotel on the island. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 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! 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. Your Sanibel Island vacation rental lets you enjoy 15 miles of pristine beaches, 22 miles of bike paths, and zero traffic lights. We also recommended Algiers Beach (aka Gulfside City Park Beach), one of the most popular dog-friendly beaches in Sanibel. My kids spent hours walking up and down the beach from our hotel doing shelling. Our next stop was rumoured to be the place to see the manatee. While the water is not clear, they will be able to find starfish, conch, and sand dollars. The gator viewing wasnt plentiful, there were a few eyes popping up here and there, but it certainly was exciting to try to see them! 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. Located off Sanibel-Captiva Road, Bowmans Beach has several miles of secluded white sand and gentle waters ideal for a refreshing swim. These encounters trump a trip to Disneyworld any day. As a visitor, that attitude is somewhat concerning to me and in the future, Id like to see some efforts in place and real discussion about red tide and the time of year when its low and high, and how to prevent it from happening. The two ice cream places we tried on Sanibel Island are Joeys Custard and Love Boat Ice Cream. Bring a bottle of wine and let the kids get their feet wet. So if there aren't traditional kids attractions what ARE the things to do with kids in Sanibel Island? Battlegroundz has a 20,000-square-foot . Crab racing is fun for both kids and adults. It's a great and inexpensive activity for the family that doesn't involve having everyone sit at a table for an entire meal. Bikes, kayaks, tennis and paddle boards are all at your disposal. Sign up in advance because space is limited to24 students per day. With older kids, you can also bike the entire path, which I think would be a lovely way to see it. Your email address will not be published. The island is relatively compact and very bike friendly and many people get around by bike! They offer a wide variety of accommodations choices as well as a beautiful kid friendly pool with a water slide. of the many flavours of cake, which a Bubble Scout server displays on a silver platter. If you can't tell an angel wing from a glassy bubble, a visit to the Bailey-MatthewsNational Shell Museum will set you straight. You can show up in a bathing suit and flip flops and get everything from salad to burgers to fried alligator. Watch the sunset on the beach. 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. I wasnt sure there was much else to see and do in Florida. I think we stopped here three times during our stay. It feels special because it is. I've always wanted to visit Sanibel Island. It was tempting. At the parks northern end, youll find a fishing pier, a prime spot for catching redfish, snook, sheepshead, black drum, snapper, and other species. He had Little Man and Miss M jumping to be first in line the whole time. Ha I would not have done it at their age. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge On this part of Sanibel you'll find a protected piece of nature with quite an impressive wildlife! Hit the big grocery stores in Fort Myers on your way. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. It sets over the ocean where you can watch from a huge stretch of public beach. Bring goggles for kids to get a good look at the sandy ocean bottom. Heres something I wouldnt have done as a kid Hold boas, king snakes, pythons, alligators But our day guide Rhett? Sanibel Island is best experienced by bike. Its a nice place to stay, but the spa is especially wonderful. With beaches that boast over 60 different kinds ofseashells, Sanibel Island is a shell hunter's dream. Get there early, as parking spaces fill up. Here, visit the otherworldly Captiva Beach, famous for its snow-white sand and shallow crystal-clear waters. Depending on the time of year, Sanibel's sunset locales vary. We had a ton of fun just playing in the water. Just ask! The kids and I did an Everglades Gator and bird spotting tour withEverglades Day Safari Fort Myers in an airboat. Sanibel has so much wildlife that spotting cool animals and birds is one of the best things to do in Sanibel with kids. 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. Photo: Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. 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!). 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. Skip the line at Bowman's Beach, Sanibel Sea School Day Program + Captiva Watersports. Sanibel Island is a barrier island located on the Gulf Side of Florida, about 30 minutes from the Fort Myers. Both were phenomenal. 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. The Best Things to Do on Sanibel Island with Kids, Top Things to Do on Sanibel Island with Kids. Definitely can do an adult only trip there too! There is a toll to be paid of $6.00 to gain entry to the island in a regular vehicle. Having a sub-tropical climate, visitors and residents enjoy the outdoors and sunshine all year long. Make sure toget there earlyand plan on having dinner. Sanibel Island in Florida offers a breathtaking reprieve for families who want to get away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. Book a ride with Captiva Cruises, and make a stop at Cabbage Key. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge! 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. That way, you'll have room left over for a slice (or two!) The french fries are really good. Now? That night in bed? But Sanibel Island, which faces due west in the Gulf of Mexico, is one of them. Travel and World Peace: How Traveling the World has Changed My Perspective. We had a fun morning riding out to see the Sanibel lighthouse. We booked the guide out of Fort Meyers. It's a far cry from Disney, BUT I think this type of vacation can be just as lovely for kids of all ages. The balcony was huge and screened in. Compare native and invasive species of reptiles; hang out with a red-tailed hawk; play hide and seek with a bashful opossum. Also, it's closed at this moment, but there is generally a hands-on area for kids at the Visitor and Education Center. The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) is great for learning about Southwest Floridas native and migratory wildlife. While you can't exactly access the light,the site itself features agreat shelling beach, a fishing pier, and a nature trail. It's officially called Jerry's Tropical Galleria and it's filled with parrots and other gorgeous birds making it a fun place for them to pick up a souvenir. Recommended Read: The 10 Most Beautiful Islands in Florida. A quick drive from Fort Myers, Florida will take you to a tropical island getaway with so much family-friendly fun to explore. This sounds like a great island to visit. Come at low tide or after a storm to find conch, junonia, lightning whelk, and cockle shells. 7. I definitely enjoyed having a rental car while we were on Sanibel Island. Made to order, this is one of thebest restaurants on Sanibel Islandfor kids and adults. 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. My boys have spent hours in pools next to our rentals and I'm sure yours will too. Here is my short list of family friendly restaurants on Sanibel Island. I'm Julie Wunder Emmy award-winning former WLOS meteorologist. 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. I love Sanibel!! Home Travel Top Things to Do on Sanibel Island with Kids. Sanibel Island takes shelling very seriously! It connects by bridge to Captiva Island. The Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens takes visitors on a colorful journey through idyllic tropical gardens. There are activities and family friendly places to visit for families of any size and children of any age. While there, take a swim, snorkel, or book a ranger-led kayak tour or hike. We saw these cottages at the far end of Sanibel Island whilst viewing one of the most spectacular sunsets that we have ever seen. . Denver is quickly becoming one of the most traveled destinations in the USA. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. 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. We've found lots of fun ways to spend our days on the island and I'm sure we'll continue to do that as the kids grow older. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. 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. They might even meet a new friend or two. Sanibel Island has enough beautiful beaches to keep you busy for days. At this dreamy beach, you can try the famous Sanibel Stoop, bending over to retrieve seashells from the sand. I know it sounds strange, but if you ask my daughter, this was one of her favorite places on Sanibel island for kids. 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. Unique Experiences and Travel Inspiration. There is also a tram if you are a guided tour person. #1 in Sanibel Island Address: 1700 Bowman's Beach Rd. After your walk, you can enjoy a picnic lunch. This is for sure at least worth a stop for ice cream (or a place to leave the kids and hubby so you can go in and grocery shop BY YOURSELF!). Sign up for Scary Mommy's daily newsletter for more stories from the trenches. 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. 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. 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. Rehabilitation of wildlife ( CROW ) is great for learning about Southwest Floridas native and invasive species of reptiles hang... 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