Summertime is “Family Time” and there is no better place to make amazing memories than Sanibel Island with so many fun options for everyone from toddlers to teenagers to mom and dad, there are plenty of activities for everyone!!
Now is the perfect time to start planning that summer vacation!!
Here is our list of ideas for you and your family to enjoy. Let the unforgettable memories begin!
Activities:
J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to drive or bike with 6 miles of trails and an abundance of wildlife along the way!
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/jn-ding-darling/visit-us/activities
How about kayaking in Tarpon Bay where you may spot manatees, dolphins and white pelicans? Or make your way through the mangroves to see mangrove tree crabs and many species of birds.
Tarpon Bay Explorers Tram Tour is great way to see Ding Darling with a tour guide. https://tarponbayexplorers.com/tour/refuge-tram-tour/
Dolphin Tours:
Interested in hitting the water and watching the dolphins put on a show? Here are two places that will take you out:
Adventurers in Paradise https://www.adventureinparadiseinc.com/
Sanibel Dolphin Tours https://www.sanibeldolphintours.com/index.html
Playgrounds:
Sanibel Community Park Playground located at 2231 Periwinkle Way.
Sanibel Recreation Center has a waterslide and a splash pool. https://www.onislandsanibel.com/sanibel-rec
Summer Camps:
Center For Rehabilitation of Wildlife summer camps:
https://crowclinic.org/education/special-programs/camps/
Sanibel Sea School summer camps:
Bike Rentals:
Billy’s and Finnimore’s both offer children’s bikes, family bikes, surreys, and bike trailers for the youngest ones. Both locations will deliver and pick up for you. Be sure to reserve your bikes before arrival. Finnimore’s Beach Rentals also offers paddleboards, kayaks and aqua lily pads.
Places To Visit:
Lighthouse Beach
Sanibel Library has Baby and Toddler story time and afternoon craft time for all ages located at 770 Dunlop Rd. https://sanlib.org/
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum and Aquarium where you can see shells from around the world and interactive touch pool exhibit with a live octopus! https://www.shellmuseum.org/
City of Sanibel Planned Events:
Sanibel’s 4th of July Parade:
The parade starts at 9:30am at the corner of Tarpon Bay Rd and Periwinkle Way heading east, and ending at Jerry’s Plaza. - https://sanibel-island.sanibel-captiva.org/events/details/fourth-of-july...
Fireworks Cruise with Adventures in Paradise: Have a front row seat for an amazing fireworks display in San Carlos Bay. Book early because this is always a sell out: https://www.adventureinparadiseinc.com/cruises/holiday-cruises/fourth-of...
Family Friendly Restaurant Options:
Gramma Dots (dog friendly)
Lazy Flamingo Food Truck
Love Boat Ice Cream (Dog Friendly)
The Magic Bus (dog friendly)
Over Easy Café (dog friendly)
Pinnocchio’s Original Italian Ice Cream (dog friendly)
Shima Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar Hibachi
The Blue Giraffe (dog friendly)
Off Island Day Excursion:
Enjoy a fun Salty Sams Pirate Cruise then lunch at the Parrott Key Caribbean Grill. After all that head out to play a round of miniature golf and see real alligators all in the Fort Myers Beach area.
Parrot Key Caribbean Grill:
Salty Sam’s All Ages Pirate Adventures:
https://www.floridapiratecruise.com/
Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf (SEE ALLIGATORS!!!):
https://www.smugglersgolf.com/fort-myers
