The 5 Best Kid-Friendly Things to Do on Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island, Florida offers impressive relief for families wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Here you'll find seashell-studded beaches, a laid-back atmosphere, great restaurants and shops, and an incredibly diverse array of wildlife.

A walk on the beach or a bike around the island are wonderful memories to take home.

And while you won't find theme parks or children's museums to keep your kids entertained, give them the chance to see dolphins, hold small sea creatures, and kayak through the mangroves.

These encounters trump a trip to Disneyworld on any given day.

We hope you enjoy watching this video about Sanibel Island Vacation with Kids

Source: Famcation

1. Find the perfect shell

With beaches with over 60 different types of shells, Sanibel Island is a shell hunter's dream.

Children will be immersed in this natural treasure hunt for hours, without worrying about the tiring posture known as the "Sanibel curve".

The warm waters of the Gulf and calm waves make most of the island's beaches ideal for families with young children.

Come at low tide or after a storm to find shells, Junonia, whelks, and cockleshells.

2. Go see dolphins

A 90-minute tour on Lady Chadwick with Captiva Cruises (located on nearby Captiva Island) will guarantee bottlenose dolphin sightings.

See these marine mammals jumping and playing in the waters of Pine Island Sound.

Along the way, a naturalist will point out local landmarks and landmarks while answering questions about the island's wildlife and history.

As a bonus for families, the captain often invites the children to guide the ship and take a picture with him in his captain's hat.

3. Explore on two (or three) wheels

With over 40 miles of paved and car-free trails, Sanibel Island is a wonderful place for families to explore on two wheels.

And this is truly the way to see the island, as the trails take you past beautiful mansions, wooded forests, and hard-to-reach areas like the pioneer Sanibel Cemetery and beaches inaccessible by car.

Several clothing vendors, such as Billy's Rentals, Finnimore's Cycle Shop, and Tarpon Bay Explorers, rent bikes, tandems, pull-out kiddie trailers, and even canopy carriages.

So get the whole family involved, even if you are too young to ride.

4. Enroll in Sea School

Beginning marine biologists will love the acclaimed Sanibel Sea School, which offers daily and weekly programs that teach children about marine conservation.

With themed activities and hands-on experiences, children ages 6 to 13 can foster their love and appreciation for the ocean.

Each day includes surfing, art, networking activities while integrating topics such as fiddler crabs, waders, and sea turtles.

Apply in advance as places are limited to 24 students per day.

5. Kayaking in a mangrove

Kayaking through a mangrove is something not to be missed when visiting this Florida island.

Tarpon Bay Explorers offer canoe and kayak tours at the JN "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, where naturalist guides offer an up-close experience of this unique ecosystem.

See crocodiles, raccoons, otters, and hundreds of different types of birds in this 6,300-acre wilderness.

Paddle through mangroves and winding canals, then keep your kayak free for the rest of the day.

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