Sanibel Island offers the perfect backdrop for fun-filled days with friends and family. From strolling on the sand to biking, kayaking, and mini-golfing. Sanibel has it all! With many fun places to spend a day with your kids on the island, today we are helping you rediscover Sanibel with this list of family-friendly activities.
Go Kayaking
One of the most popular spots in Sanibel Island for kayaking is the Four Mile Bridge area. It's one of Florida's most beautiful nature spots, and kayaking here is one of the best family-oriented activities in Sanibel. Kayaking is not just fun, it's also good for your health and can help you relax. So try it this weekend!
Play Mini-Golf
Sanibel Island has several golf courses to explore for family leisure time. The Island Golf Center is the best family-friendly course on the island, and it offers golfers the chance to enjoy 18 holes of mini-golf along with waterfalls and caves, a driving range, and a full-service pro shop. If you're looking to up your game, The Island Golf Center offers lessons to kids and adults. Another fantastic option for families is The Dunes Course at the Sanibel Island Golf Club. This course features bunkers, water hazards, and undulating greens that make it challenging and fun for players of all levels.
Rent Bikes
You can rent bikes and ride along the beach or out to the lighthouse. The Sanibel Bike Trail is a 12-mile loop that travels through some of the most beautiful parts of the island. It's an easy ride, but bring lots of water to stay hydrated. On Sanibel Island, you can bike everywhere - from the beach to town and even to a winery! If you want to engage in a fun ride with your family and explore the island at your own pace, renting a bike is a great way to do so.
Go Shell Collecting
Shelling is one of those simple beach fun activities you can do with your kids on Sanibel Island. Turner Beach in Sanibel is a shellers' paradise, and here you can collect dozens of beautiful seashells to take home as souvenirs. You can also use them to craft various DIY home décor elements.
Visit Sanibel Lighthouse
The Sanibel Lighthouse is located on the southern point of Sanibel Island. You can climb up its spiral staircase and get a spectacular view of the Gulf and Sanibel Island. This lighthouse was built in 1884, and it still serves as an active aid for navigation at night. You can also learn about the history of this lighthouse and its contribution to Florida's exploration and development. You will also be pleased to learn that Sanibel Lighthouse has a picnic area and a few shops and restaurants nearby that offer unique gift items, souvenirs, sweets, snacks, etc.
Take a Guided Tour
Take a guided tour of the Sanibel area for an educational day out. This is a great way to experience Sanibel's Island's beautiful coastline, and the Ding Darling & Wildlife Drive Tour is a great option. You will learn about the wildlife in the area and capture some pictures of Florida's native wildlife.
You can also participate in a Shelling & Sightseeing Cruise or castaway on an uninhabited island on the Captiva Island Adventure Tour.
Visit the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village
The Sanibel Historical Museum & Village is a great family-friendly activity. You can learn more about early life in Sanibel through artifacts and period pieces from the early 1800s and 1900s, including tools, furniture, clothing, artwork, etc.
Explore the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a must-see attraction if you're planning an excursion to Sanibel Island. The refuge encompasses more than 6,400 acres, with more than 4,000 acres of that land comprised of wetlands and mangrove forests. Visitors can learn about local birds and plants at the Visitor's Center or take a hike on any of the 5 trails. The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset every day except Christmas Day. Wildlife viewing experiences are best in the early mornings and late afternoons when animals are more active.
Visit Sanibel Island Farmers Market
Visit the Sanibel Island Farmers Market if you're looking for something unique. It takes place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday all year round. In this market, you can find fresh fruit, vegetables, flower, gourmet foods, spices, baked goods, and artisan crafts. It also has live music, cooking demonstrations, and various kids' activities.
Visit the Imaginarium Science Centre
The Imaginarium Science Centre is a must-see attraction for kids and adults alike. It offers an engaging hands-on experience that allows visitors to control a giant robotic arm using remote control in the expedition Room. Visitors can also travel back in time in the Challenger Room through the Challenger shuttle mission. In the Heroes Room, kids can put on their superhero capes and act out scenes from their favorite movies and T.V. shows. The Imaginarium Science Centre is pure, immersive fun for people of all ages.
If you're looking to buy a home in Sanibel, contact Kingfisher Real Estate and be sure to browse through our listings.