Fun Things to Do in Sanibel Island with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. Island Size. Sanibel Island Lighthouse: First lighted in 1884, the historic Sanibel Island lighthouse is on the eastern end of the island. Sanibel Island beaches are very much filled with family adventure! Sanibel island is a popular, laid-back destination where families feel safe and welcomed. Book family tours. Lovers Key: Great beach, paddling and manatees. Sanibel Island . Sanibel even welcomes you to feast with your furry friend. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is one of the best things to do on Sanibel Island FL for couples and families. Sanibel Island's tucked away location makes it a perfect getaway for family members of all ages. See Tripadvisor's 136,794 traveller reviews and photos of kid friendly Sanibel Island attractions By foot or bike would be my preference, but you can also drive, or take a 90-minute tram tour with Tarpon Bay Explorers. Skip the line at Bowman's Beach, Sanibel Sea School Day Program + Boat Tours & Water Sports. Sanibel vs Marco Island-which one is better for family 3 replies; Best Place to shell hunt? If your kids want to fish, Fort Myers & Sanibel Island is the perfect destination for this. Rent Bikes Sanibel Island is made for biking. Skip the line at Bowman's Beach, Sanibel Sea School Day Program + Boat Tours & Water Sports. Amenities Good for: Food; Families; And the "lighthouse" isn't really a house at all but is actually a tower. You should check out Algiers Beach in Gulfside City Park if you plan to travel with your dog. These include the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, dolphin and wildlife cruises, and more. Many condos come with fantastic amenities such as shared pools and hot tubs, easy beach access, and tennis courts. Expansive sea shores provide free shelling opportunities for the whole family, but here are some additional fun-filled and economically priced activities in and around the island: The Island Cow is a cheap, kid-friendly spot with a raw bar, and Doc Ford . Whether you're looking for high-octane thrills or you just want to relax on the beach, Sanibel has no shortage of activities and attractions that the whole family can enjoy. At the museum, you'll learn about everything from the seashells of Sanibel and Captiva Islands to the mollusks who make them. Find Sanibel Island Family Resort Activities | See & Do ScoutAbout Grab your camera and a ScoutAbout map and get ready to discover manatees, dolphins, sunsets—and other hidden secrets and delights of South Seas—on an island adventure. Adventures in Paradise Cruises & Tours hopes to show you just how amazing the islands of Sanibel and Captiva are and why we fell in love with the sea. Collect shells along the beach Sanibel is known as the Shelling Capital of the World, and it's not hard to see why. 10 Things to Do After Dinner in Sanibel Island United States of America. Rent a six passenger gas-powered cart for a few hours or the entire day. A quiet beach, perfect for relaxing, surrounds it. 2. 6. From AU$287 per night on Tripadvisor: Island Inn, Sanibel Island. 5 replies; Best pools on Sanibel? From beautiful beaches for shelling to countless water activities for kids, Sanibel Island is a great place to vacation for families. 3. All orders are custom made and most ship worldwide within 24 hours. 10 Orlando Theme Park Secrets Only Locals Know United States of America. Fort Myers Beach: Old school beach town, on the cusp of change. Sanibel Island is a pet-friendly paradise for dogs seeking to relax and unwind. The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. Ultra-casual and nautical in design, its kids menu lists a number of dishes for $8-$10 that come served in a Lazy Flamingo Frisbee to keep, along with a souvenir drink cup. Here are the five can't-miss activities for any trip to Sanibel… Explore the Island by Bike or Segway. Below is our checklist of the Top 5 things to do on Sanibel Island for kids! There are no theme parks, no high-rises to mar the ocean views and no fast food, except for a discreet Dairy Queen. Bowman's Beach 3,083 Beaches By 510betsyl Beautiful beach, nice walk, PAY to park or you'll enjoy a ticket! Go on a guided birdwatching tour or shelling walk. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island. Note that the nature drive is closed on Fridays to allow the wildlife to roam. There are no chain restaurants, no theme park attractions, no high-rise condos or traffic lights here and family fun goes back to what it used to Finger-licking delicious Yucatan Shrimp with butter, Columbian chilies, fresh cilantro and key lime at Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin) When your sweet tooth starts calling, make a beeline for the Keylime Bistro on Captiva Island. Assume the 'Sanibel stoop' and scoop up some treasures from the sea in this world-famous shelling hotspot. 2. Seafood is the order of the day on Sanibel, and there are more than a few ways to get a fish fix. Some of the best kid-friendly Sanibel Island restaurants feature animal names, and the Lazy Flamingo is on that list. Royal Shell Vacations knows how to arrange a Sanibel Island or Captiva Island vacation to fit your dreams . GagliardiPhotography / Shutterstock. One of the most unique experiences is kayaking or stand up paddleboarding through the mangroves. Cielo is one of those restaurants in Sanibel that is popular because of the care they take with their meals. Inspired designs on t-shirts, posters, stickers, home decor, and more by independent artists and designers from around the world. The answer to this is a resounding, YES! You just have to decide where to start. Other popular things to do include fishing and bird-watching. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum 1,648 Speciality Museums By 199carmelal Owned & operated by the Stewart family on Sanibel & Captiva Island since 1986. Whether it's catching speckled sea trout for dinner, cruising with the dolphins or leisurely canal hopping on Pine Island Sound, Captain Peter delivers fun. Look for dolphins on a cruise with a pit stop for dessert at The Bubble Room on Captiva . In fact, Sanibel was named one of the 8 top dog friendly beaches in the country. One of the best things to do on Sanibel, the Museum offers fun and educational activities for the whole family. Bunche Beach: Heaven for birders, kayakers. Fun Things to Do in Sanibel Island with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. Having a car allows you to enjoy the beach as well as the restaurants, parks, and museums that do not sit on the beach. See all Sunset Sail 163 Sailing from $70.00 per adult Copacetic Day Sail 61 Catamaran Cruises from $70.00 per adult Sunset Dolphin Cruise 7 Water Tours from $399.00 per group (up to 6) Private Sanibel Island Transfer: Hotel to Airport RSW from $179.87 Where to Eat and Drink. 3. Cielo: Major disappointment - See 1,292 traveler reviews, 275 candid photos, and great deals for Sanibel Island, FL, at Tripadvisor. You can also rent a kayak or a canoe and paddle through the beautiful Sanibel mangrove ecosystem. 2. Soak up the sun and enjoy the island's 22 miles of flat biking and walking trails and stroll along the beach while the warm Sanibel sand cradles your feet. Canoeing, fishing, kayaking, bird watching, and picnicking are fun activities on the lake and shores. 480 Hernando Dr., Marco Island. 1. With 22 miles of paths shared . 2. The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum is located at 3075 Sanibel Captiva Road. Is Sanibel Island dog friendly? But that's not the only reason Sanibel is busier than Captiva — there's just more things to see and do on Sanibel. 2) Shell Collecting From exotic sea creature discovery to calm ocean waters, Sanibel Island is a great place for families to enjoy a unique west coast beach. Dance the Night Away. Fun Things to Do in Sanibel Island with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. Sanibel Island and Captiva offer a variety of things to do for your family vacation, from waterports to shopping and attractions like the Sanibel Lighthouse. It offers a wide variety of activities like parasailing, waverunner excursions, flyboarding, banana boat rides and more. 2021 2. • An outfit for golfing! 4. Which Island Should I Visit- Sanibel or Captiva? 10 Things to Do in Sanibel Island United States of America. 6. They've cared for everything from a family of racoons, to pelicans, to sea turtles and even owls! In just one afternoon we: Lounged in the sand. The most popular things to do in Sanibel Island with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are: Sanibel Public Library; Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center; Sanibel Island Farmer's Market; Sanibel Historical Museum and Village; J.N. Shelling is one of the best things to do on Sanibel Island, so plan to spend lots of time at the beach! On his spacious and seaworthy 25' Parker boat called Hey Mon Sanibel, you'll feel completely . Go Fishing. There's also one in Fort Myers. Tour the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers. YOLO Water Sports on Captiva is a great place to explore your wild side. There are several ways to explore the refuge. Sanibel Island, Florida is an unexpected tropical paradise cushioned by miles of pristine beaches and lush colorful vegetation. Shop for souvenirs or escape to the spa. We saw alligators, spoonbills, egrets, herons, tree crabs, any number of fascinating wildlife, pointed out and explai. Visit Tigertail Beach And Sand Dollar Spit. Without a doubt, Tigertail Beach and Sand Dollar Island are among the best beaches in southwest Florida and each one is unique. Some of the best events to bring your family to on Sanibel Island are the Annual Shell Festival, Ding Darling Days, the Fourth of July Celebration, Easter, the Island Hopper Songwriters Festival, the Luminary Festival, Christmas, the holiday season, and many more! Bring your own, or rent at one of the gear shops on the island. It started on Sanibel Island, where there are now two Lazy Flamingos. Things To Do On Captiva Island. Lazy Flamingo. The barrier island sanctuary of Sanibel Island is packed full of things to do for virtually endless adventure. There is nothing worse than arriving to the island and wanting to tee off, but having nothing to wear! With over 25 miles of pancake-flat, paved trails, Sanibel is a great place for families to explore on two wheels. Map of kid-friendly places. Book family tours. Lakes Regional Park is truly a park for the nature enthusiast. Find 2021's best things to do with kids. 112 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957, USA Phone +1 239-472-3700 Web Visit website Since 1884, the Sanibel Lighthouse (or Sanibel Island Light), has stood on Point Ybel at the eastern tip of Sanibel Island, marking the entrance to San Carlos Bay. Time spent in Sanibel is reminiscent of an old-fashioned Florida seaside vacation, before mass tourism was the rule in the Sunshine State. Sanibel and Captiva Island - located just 40 minutes from Fort Myers, FL - offer a wide variety of things to do for kids, families and couples alike, including beaches, shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Blind Pass Condominium 5117 Sea Bell Road Sanibel Island, FL 33957 Phone (toll free): 239-472-6981 Sanibel - Best Place to Stay in Sanibel Island for your First Time. The barrier island sanctuary of Sanibel Island is packed full of things to do for virtually endless adventure. Whether you're looking for high-octane thrills or you just want to relax on the beach, Sanibel has no shortage of activities and attractions that the whole family can enjoy. There's a Doc Ford's on both Captiva and Sanibel Islands to choose from. You can even rent a GoPro camera to capture your adventure. Start Your Journey Sanibel Sea School Become ocean explorers! There are exhibits of Sanibel shells and shells from all over the world and fossils of shells such as the Ecphora, which lived almost 30 million years ago. Sanibel Island Tourism Sanibel Island Hotels Sanibel Island Bed and Breakfast Sanibel Island Holiday Rentals Sanibel Island Packages Flights to Sanibel Island They treat each bite as a well-deserved opportunity to toast to the richness of the island, as well as family and friends. Kids get a free Frisbee and collector's cup with every kid's meal, which makes the stop even more fun and gives them a fun activity to engage in back at your vacation rental. Enjoy a tropical blend of sugary white sand beaches, azure blue seas and an array of colorful exotic foliage. Helmets and locks are available. Captiva Island - Peaceful Destination for a Laid-Back Vacation near Sanibel Island. Without a doubt, Sanibel is the larger of the two islands, and more touristed since it's the first island off the Causeway. Rent a Boat. Kids love touching live mollusks in our touch pools, winning scavenger hunt prizes, and . Things to Do on Sanibel Island. 2021 3. Specialties: Royal Shell Vacations offers hundreds of homes and condos on Sanibel and Captiva islands. Rent your bike, trike or canopied surrey at Billy's . Photo: Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel 1. We've visited Sanibel before and spent most of our time at the beach and visiting wildlife parks. This barrier island boasts spectacular beaches, world class shelling and a laid-back ambiance reminiscent of old time Florida. BAILEY-MATTHEWS SHELL MUSEUM. Sunset-gazing and beach walks are only the beginning of the story on the 150-plus islands that make up southwest Florida's coast. You just have to decide where to start. Cielo. Save yourself the time and effort, and just pack a breezy . Golf a round in an incomparable setting on our nine-hole executive course, one of the "Top Five Short Courses" in the world. High quality Sanibel Island Things To Do gifts and merchandise. While the island has a number of sophisticated dining choices, all might not be ideal for some of the more . The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum connects people to the natural world through their love of shells and the animals that create them. Sanibel is the perfect place to cycle or try out a Segway. Cielo is one of those restaurants in Sanibel that is popular because of the care they take with their meals. 2. Bowman's Beach 1700 Bowman's Beach Rd Sanibel, FL 33957 (239) 395-1860 What are the "must see's/do's" we must see and do? Fort Myers - Where to Stay near Sanibel Island on a Budget. 2. Go from boat to beach, from paddleboard to parasail, from rolling surf to shelling . Lakes Regional Park is operational seven days a week year-round, weather permitting. At Sundial Resort, exploring Sanibel Island's activities and attractions is easy - many are located just steps from our door! Quick Facts Shell-rich beaches and 1880s lighthouse Nearest Airport Southwest Florida International Airport Sanibel Island offers many things to do on the Island, take your pick of how to fill your Florida beach vacation time doing, always making memories. In our protected wildlife sanctuary, enjoy world-famous shelling, kayaking in search of sea turtles and manatees, fishing, a run along our scenic trails, or a leisurely bike ride around the island. Sanibel Town - Best Area in Sanibel Island for Families. 1. Explore and take a journey with us to discover dolphins, manatee, sea horses, osprey, and pristine beaches brimming . They treat each bite as a well-deserved opportunity to toast to the richness of the island, as well as family and friends. See Tripadvisor's 1,24,954 traveller reviews and photos of kid friendly Sanibel Island attractions The Island also offers many opportunities for kids to learn and have fun at the same time. Call 239. Pools & H2Whoa! Here are the best things to do in Sanibel Island, Fort Myers and Captiva Island Florida: 1. For your convenience, cart pick-up and return are available at the resort. Have a terrific time on the water as you go kayaking, canoeing, boating, fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, and the like. Learn snorkeling, surfing, and net fishing. Sanibel has three of the nicest golf courses in the nation. You may even catch a glimpse of a dolphin swimming nearby. Experience life on the water with your family members by renting a boat at Port Sanibel Marina. Even novice bikers who have recently ditched the training wheels should be able to handle the gentle trails without frustration. +1 (239) 395-0028 . Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille Try innovative Caribbean flavors. Keylime Bistro. These Sanibel Island rentals range from one to three bedrooms, so we can accommodate families of all sizes. Tourists can end their fun-filled or relaxing days at one of the many . 2. At Cielo, chefs and staff known that every meal is a special occasion. Since we'll be living there for a while I was wondering what kinds of things there are to do on Sanibel and possibly around Fort Meyers? A quick drive from Fort Myers, Florida will take you to a tropical island getaway with so much family-friendly fun to explore. Sanibel is located in Southwest Florida just minutes away from Fort Myers. ), fishing, boating, and just plain relaxation, a chance to get away from the hurly burly, a chance to draw closer to nature. See Tripadvisor's 135,200 traveller reviews and photos of kid friendly Sanibel Island attractions For information and reservations call 239 500 CART or visit sanibel-carts.com. Sanibel is a Gulf Coast barrier island, easy to reach via causeway from Fort Myers, Florida. Address: 6491-6499 Sanibel Captiva Road Beaches, Free, Recreation TYPE 2 hours to Half Day TIME TO SPEND Blind Pass Beach spans across both Sanibel and Captiva Islands. 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