Top 25 Things to Do in Sanibel & Captiva Island With Kids
- Juju Gurgel
- 4 hours ago
- 6 min read
Planning a family trip to Sanibel or Captiva Island? You’re going to fall in love.
These laid-back Gulf Coast islands are the ultimate paradise for families — calm beaches, world-famous shelling, wildlife everywhere, and so many ways for kids to explore and burn off energy.
As a Southwest Florida local, here are the top things to do in Sanibel with kids (and Captiva!) that guarantee unforgettable memories.
Fun Outdoor Things to Do in Sanibel & Captiva Island With Kids
1. Build Sandcastles & Swim at Bowman’s Beach
This quiet stretch of coastline is perfect for families who want space to spread out. Calm waves + soft sand = hours of fun.
Parking fee is $5 per hour and there are restrooms, fitness station, hiking trails, showers and a playground.
2. Shell Hunting at Blind Pass Beach (Sanibel–Captiva Border)
The beach is located both in Sanibel and Captiva Island right before the small bridge where Sanibel Island Dr turns into Captiva Dr.
Although there are two parking lots to access the beach, parking is very limited. The parking at the bridge does not have access to the beach but it is perfect for anyone who is looking to go fishing.
This beach is a great spot to go hunting for shells and dollars. Read more about it in this article and don't forget to bring mesh bags to store the many shells you collect.
3. Picnic at Lighthouse Beach Park
Pack sandwiches and enjoy a picnic under the shade before hitting the beach. But make no mistake there is so much more to do at Lighthouse Beach Park. Find out more here.
4. Fishing
Both Sanibel and Captiva Islands are known for being great spots for fishing and here’s the best part: kids don’t need a fishing license in Florida to fish in saltwater. If you want to get in on the fun with the kids, be sure to get a Saltwater Fishing License from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
I'd recommend the Blind Pass bridge and the Lighthouse Pier, which has been damaged by Hurricane Ian and it's currently inaccessible but you can still fish around it.
5. Watch the Sunset at Turner Beach (Captiva)
This west-facing spot is one of the prettiest on either island. Bring a blanket — sunsets here are unreal.
6. Hike to Silver Key Preserve (Sanibel)
A peaceful, nature-filled walk ending at a remote beach. There are no facilities and the only way to get to Silver Key preserve is by hiking the beach trail that gets you there. Kids love spotting birds and tiny crabs along the trail.
You can hike from two different locations. Read all about it right here.
7. Bike the 25+ Miles of Sanibel’s Paved Trails
Flat, car-free, and safe, these trails run all across the island. There are plenty of bike rentals on the island so don't worry about not having your own.
Nature & Wildlife Activities for Kids in Sanibel
8. Explore J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge
Drive, bike, or take the tram at the J.N. "Ding" Darling Wildlife Refuge. Look for alligators, turtles, fish and roseate spoonbills.
My kids love getting on the observation tower and looking for wildlife.
9. Walk the Indigo Trail (Ding Darling)
A boardwalk path that’s stroller-friendly and full of wildlife sightings.
10. Hidden Gem Dixie Beach
Dixi Beach is a hidden gem that not even many locals are familiar. The parking lot is very small and the water is super calm considering the beach is located on the Tarpon Bay side and not on the Gulf side so really perfect for babies and toddlers.
11. Manatees at Tarpon Bay
Tarpon Bay is one of the areas where manatees love to hang out, especially during the colder months.
To get there, just take Tarpon Bay Road all the way down until you arrive at the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation. There is a pier where kayakers launch from and you can also use to get a close look at the manatees.
12. Paddleboard at the Causeway Islands
Shallow, calm waters make this ideal for young beginners.
Educational & Indoor Kid Activities on Sanibel
13. Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum
Touch tanks, live aquariums, and tons of fascinating shell discoveries.
14. Sanibel Public Library Children’s Garden
Interactive exhibits, storytime, and a whimsical kids’ outdoor area.
15. Sanibel Historical Museum & Village
Walk through pioneer homes and learn the island’s history the fun way.
Best Things to Do in Captiva With Kids
16. Dolphin Cruise with Captiva Cruises
Hands-down one of the top kids’ activities on the islands. Dolphins often jump the boat’s wake and the kids get so excited. Not going to lie, I do too!
17. Boat trip to Cayo Costa State Park
Cayo Coast State Park is home to pristine, untouched beaches you can only reach by boat. Kids feel like they’re on a real island expedition. Bring food and water, this is a remote island and there are no stores, restaurants or restrooms.
18. Allison Hager up Beach Park
Sitting at the very end of the island before you reach the South Seas Resort, the Allison Hager up Beach Park tend to be more secluded than the most famous beaches in Sanibel.
We've been coming to this beach with a our kids since they were newborns because the water tend to be very calm and the beach is less cluttered with people, so naps were more certain.
Do keep in mind that parking is $40 for all day parking or $25 for two hours and $15 for each hour thereafter. That's pretty steep considering there is no facilities in this beach park.
19. Lunch at Cantina Captiva
A vibrant Authentic Mexican restaurant with delicious fajitas and salsa but the kids love to sign their name on a dollar bill and hang it along the hundreds ( possibly thousands ) of other dollar bills signed and hung by other patrons.
20. Visit The Bubble Room
Quirky, colorful, and FULL of toys and decorations kids can’t get enough of. Don’t miss their famous cake.
More Family-Friendly Things to Do in Sanibel With Kids
21. Love Boat Ice Cream
Stop by the Love Boat Ice Cream, one of local's favorites and for a reason, their homemade ice cream is delicious and they have an extensive list of flavors.
22. Sanibel Community park
After ice cream take the kids to the Sanibel Community Park, it's a great way to blow off all that steam aka sugar rush. There are picnic tables and seats available as well .
23. Get up close to a Windmill
Kids love getting up closet to the Windmill installed in 1908 at the Bailey Homestead Preserve. The preserve is also home to many wildlife including birds, alligators and native plants.
24. Scavenger Hunt at Bailey Tract trail
This 100 acre tract is also part of the J.N. "Ding" Darling Preserve and consists of a 3 mile long trail filled with wildlife sighting opportunities making it the perfect place to do a Nature Scavenger Hunt.
Download here the FREE Southwest Florida Nature Scavenger Hunt Downloadable.
25. Day Pass from Tween Waters Inn
Think of luxury beach resort but for a super affordable price. The Tween Waters Inn Beach Resort offers day passes for $100 per car ( 6 to 7 people max) on Fridays and Saturdays and $50 per car from Sunday through Thursdays.
This pass gives you access to parking, their private beach, resort pool, spa and restaurants on the property. It does not include towels or beach umbrellas and chairs but you are more than welcome to bring your own.
Best way to book it is by calling the hotel directly and making reservations as they are not available online. When you call, speak to Jason and let them know Juju sent you over.
Related Blog Posts From JujuGurgel.com
Don't forget to bring the essentials
Shelling tools (scoops, sifters, buckets)
Life jackets for kayaking
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