Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Sanibel Island

"This 32-acre park houses a lighthouse that dates to 1884 and some of the best Sanibel Island beaches. Lighthouse Beach Park offers plenty of space to spread out and walk and look for shells in Sanibel Island. Other activities include picnicking, pier fishing, sailing and windsurfing."

"Set on the island’s eastern edge, the Sanibel Lighthouse operated between 1884 and 1972. Today, it’s one of the top and most popular attractions on Sanibel Island. Standing at 112 feet, this lighthouse is a sight to behold."

"We go to Sanibel Deli for a great sub and deli sandwich but they also have amazing coffee and baked goods."

"If you're one of those people, Pinocchio's Ice Cream will satisfy you on your first bite. This homemade ice cream shop serves over 130 impressive flavors, including Dirty Sand Dollar, Couch Potato, and Flying Pig. Pinocchio's is the other half of Geppetto's Beach Foodies, and the two stores are connected on the inside to allow for easy access to an array of sweet treats."

"The name of this establishment pretty much sums up what you can expect!. Sanibel’s Best Homemade Ice Cream is among the best family friendly things to do in the area thanks to their welcoming atmosphere and virtually endless flavor options. Every flavor is made with the highest quality ingredients, giving you a perfect taste every time."

"A beautiful beach with stunning white sands, Gulfside City Park offers both grassy and sandy areas for visitors to spend some time and listen to the waves. This beach, despite being located on a highly popular touristic island, never gets too crowded, so it's a nice spot to visit if you're looking for a little peace and quiet. Restrooms and showers can be found here, and there are also picnic areas and even grills open for public use, so it's a super spot to visit on a sunny weekend or special occasion."

"Located on the island's south coast, Gulfside City Park (mysanibel.com) spans 27.5 acres on the Gulf of Mexico shoreline and provides public beach access. Bring a picnic lunch to the park for a mid-day meal at one of the on-site picnic tables at Gulfside Park. Outside showers are available to rinse off after a day in the sand, and bike racks are open for those who choose to pedal to the beach."

"At Gulfside City Park, you’ll find a long stretch of white sand that stretches to the shoreline. This makes it one of the best beaches on Sanibel Island for families!. Found on Algiers Lane off of Casa Ybel Road, Gulfside City Park also goes by Algiers Beach."

"There’s no shortage of beautiful beaches on Sanibel Island, but if you’re looking for one that is less crowded but with some amenities, Bowman’s Beach is the best option. This stretch of soft, white sand is great for children and a popular option for anyone seeking unique shells. Other popular activities include swimming, windsurfing, and sailing, and on-site amenities include picnic areas with BBQ grills, bathrooms with showers, and a playground."

"Known as the most popular beach in Sanibel Island, Bowman’s Beach beckons beach lovers who enjoy white sand and lots of shells. This picturesque spot has experienced less development than other beaches and has several amenities. Guests find picnic tables, grills, restrooms and bike racks."

"Source: Photo by Flickr user Peter & Michelle S used under CC BY 2.0. What a beautiful day for a beach trip!. Beaches are best when the weather is hot and sunny, so be sure to check the weather before packing up the beach items and heading out."

"Measuring over 100 acres, the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is a fantastic way to get children interested in ecology. After watching a show at the 87-seat planetarium, go on a hiking trail, visit live animals, and check out the butterfly room. Typically, Calusa is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 AM – 4 PM and on Sundays from 11 AM – 4 PM."

"Located on the northernmost tip of Fort Myers Beach lies Bowditch Point Park, a lovely little spot filled with soft white sand, calm waters, and even a few walking trails. And on top of all that, it is one of the most amazing places to watch the sunset in Fort Myers Beach. Since Bowditch Point Park is at the end of the Fort Myers Beach peninsula, there are three different sides that touch the water."

"Situated on the northernmost tip of the Fort Myers Beach Peninsula, Bowditch Point Park is a little further from the action of the resorts. This means that you’ll be able to avoid the crowds and instead listen to the sound of the crashing waves. Bowditch Point Park offers all of the usual beach activities, including swimming, suntanning, shelling, and sandcastle building."

"After Happy Hour tick-tocks away, all hands point to the Fort Myers’ River District. The Firestone features four levels of fun overlooking the bay, and you have your choice to imbibe at their rooftop Sky Bar, or the Martini Bar."

"We go to Sanibel Deli for a great sub and deli sandwich but they also have amazing coffee and baked goods."

"As the name suggests, European-American Bakery Cafe is a bakery that offers more than a large selection of freshly baked bread and handmade artisan rolls and pastries. Besides a coffee bar, there are some breakfast options to start your day fresh. From prepared sandwiches and bagels to croissants, wraps, omelets, and frittatas, everything has the finest ingredients."

"We go to Sanibel Deli for a great sub and deli sandwich but they also have amazing coffee and baked goods."

"A post shared by hook fish and chicken (@hook_fish_and_chicken_) on Jun 26, 2014 at 7:55pm PDT. Hook Fish & Chicken serves catfish fillet, fried to perfection and is a must try!. And if you happen to be a fried chicken lover, they’ve got you covered!"

"These beaches are your first impression of Sanibel Island and it’s not a bad one, if we do say so ourselves. The view from the causeway is amazing in its own right, but the Causeway Beaches are always teeming with happy beachgoers, parasailers, kiteboarders and boaters. It’s impossible not to feel relaxed as you drive by."

"Water lovers will appreciate kayak opportunities, and professional beach loungers will enjoy the sprawling picnic area, fishing spots, and sunbathing. There’s also plenty for water sports enthusiasts, including windsurfing and kiteboarding. Getting here can be a little challenging."

"Located on the northernmost tip of Fort Myers Beach lies Bowditch Point Park, a lovely little spot filled with soft white sand, calm waters, and even a few walking trails. And on top of all that, it is one of the most amazing places to watch the sunset in Fort Myers Beach. Since Bowditch Point Park is at the end of the Fort Myers Beach peninsula, there are three different sides that touch the water."

"Situated on the northernmost tip of the Fort Myers Beach Peninsula, Bowditch Point Park is a little further from the action of the resorts. This means that you’ll be able to avoid the crowds and instead listen to the sound of the crashing waves. Bowditch Point Park offers all of the usual beach activities, including swimming, suntanning, shelling, and sandcastle building."

"Crescent Beach Family Park is actually a little sliver of Fort Myers Beach just south of the Fort Myers fishing pier. But this this section of shoreline is distinguished from the remaining seven miles, because it’s typically where many families hang out – as the name of the park implies. It’s one of the public beaches Fort Myers has that are super family-friendly."

"One of the most under-the-radar places to watch the sunset in Ft Myers Beach is Crescent Beach Family Park. This little slice of land is often overlooked for the larger beaches in the area, including Fort Myers Beach and Bowditch Point Park. That said, Crescent Beach Family Park is still worth a visit."