During our family vacation to Florida, we discovered the hidden gem of Sanibel Island. While most tourists flock to popular destinations like Miami, Orlando, and Key West, they often overlook the charm of Sanibel Island. This tranquil paradise offers a plethora of activities for kids, making it an ideal family destination. Here’s a list of the top 10 things to do on Sanibel Island with kids.
Personally, I found Sanibel Island more appealing than Key West. The latter, often crowded with tourists, can feel hectic and lose some of its authenticity. On the other hand, Sanibel Island offers a laid-back atmosphere. Its smaller size makes it perfect for exploring by bike. While it also attracts tourists, they are mostly Americans, which gives the island a unique vibe. In short, I’m a fan!
Top 10 Kid-Friendly Activities on Sanibel Island
1. J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Sanibel Island is home to a protected natural habitat teeming with impressive wildlife at the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. We started our visit at the museum, where we learned about the local fauna and flora. The kids were particularly fascinated by the taxidermy exhibits and the educational games. After exploring the museum, we ventured into the park. We took short drives, strolled through a mangrove forest, and visited a terrace where we spotted a variety of animals, including birds, fish, bugs, and even manatees!
2. Bowman’s Beach: A Shell Collector’s Paradise
Sanibel Island is synonymous with beaches, each one more beautiful than the last and adorned with a stunning array of seashells. Our top pick is Bowman’s Beach. Floris and Kev spent hours combing the shore and surf for shells, and their efforts were rewarded with a treasure trove of finds! The beach also offers facilities such as a playground, toilets, and picnic tables, making it an ideal spot for a family day out. It’s no wonder Bowman’s Beach has earned its place in our top 10 list of things to do on Sanibel Island with kids.
3. Kayaking at Tarpon Bay
If you’re looking for a more active adventure, kayaking at Tarpon Bay is a must-do. You can follow a well-marked kayak route on your own or opt for a guided tour. If you’re lucky, you might even get to see some manatees up close and personal!
4. Embrace the Island Life with Cycling
Sanibel Island’s compact size and manageable distances make it perfect for exploring by bike. We rented bikes for three days, including two with child seats. Floris enjoyed riding around the campsite on his own bike, and when the distances got a bit longer, he could hop on the back of one of ours. We cycled to all the beaches over a few days, taking breaks to relax on the sand, visit playgrounds, and grab a quick bite or an ice cream. In short, a trip to Sanibel Island isn’t complete without a bike ride!
5. Spotting Manatees and Dolphins at Tarpon Bay
At Tarpon Bay, you can enjoy boat trips and kayaking adventures. We embarked on the evening cruise with the kids and it was an unforgettable experience! The boat sails out onto the lake, and we were provided with binoculars to spot a variety of birds up close. We were fortunate enough to see a dolphin swimming next to the boat, and upon entering the “harbor”, we were greeted by three majestic manatees. Before the boat trip, we learned about the local fish and shells at the “touch tank”. This interactive experience allows you to learn about underwater life and even touch shells up close. This activity definitely earns a spot in our Top 10 fun things to do on Sanibel Island with kids!
6. Bad Weather Plan: Visit the Library
Although rain on holiday is not ideal, it can happen. On one such rainy day on Sanibel Island, we found ourselves seeking an indoor activity and ended up at the local library. They have a fantastic space for kids upstairs, featuring a wide range of children’s books, a play corner with a dolls house and a real rowing boat, and an arts and crafts area. Older kids can enjoy computer games, and free Wi-Fi is available for adults to catch up on the news or watch a short film on their mobile devices.
7. Swimming and Working Out at the Recreation Center
On the last day of our holiday, we visited the local recreation center. This facility offers a lovely pool for relaxation and swimming, providing a change of pace from the sand and sea. In addition to the pool, there is a large fitness area where you can participate in gym classes or use the workout machines. It’s the perfect spot for a sporty afternoon.
8. Savor a Meal at The Island Cow
Recommended by a local, The Island Cow is a must-visit dining spot on Sanibel Island. With its relaxed atmosphere and lovely terraces, it’s the perfect place for dinner, lunch, or drinks. There’s even a spot for kids, although ours were so engrossed in their drawings they didn’t even notice. Your Sanibel Island experience won’t be complete without a meal at this laid-back eatery.
9. Visit the Shell Museum
Unfortunately, we missed out on “The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum”. After our shell scavenging adventure, we thought it would be fun to learn about the shells we found and the creatures that once inhabited them. We’ll definitely be visiting the museum next time, and that’s why it’s on our list.
10. Explore the Lighthouse
Don’t expect a traditional, white stone lighthouse. The lighthouse on Sanibel Island is an old, rusty metal construction. It may not be conventionally beautiful, but it’s certainly unique and worth a photo. You can also combine this with a beach visit, as the lovely Lighthouse Beach Park is right next door. Stay until sunset to witness one of Florida’s most stunning sunsets.
So, are you convinced? Don’t miss out on Sanibel Island when visiting Florida. I highly recommend this 5-day itinerary of Ft Myers and Sanibel Island. It’s the perfect way to enjoy this wonderful area in just five days. I hope you enjoyed this Top 10 list for Sanibel Island with kids as much as I did. Happy travels!