Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Large resorts cater to families looking for a variety of activities, on-site restaurants and extras, such as babysitting and clubs for the kids. Resorts offer beautiful ocean views and spacious pools. One of the most family-oriented resorts on Sanibel is Sundial Beach & Golf Resort. With five pools, there's plenty of opportunity for water play. The resort also has a Kids' Club, fitness center and PGA golf course. The kids are sure to enjoy the Environmental Coastal Observatory Center where they can pet hermit crabs, learn about endangered species and see wildlife up close in the 450-gallon touch tank and 180-gallon aquarium.
Casa Ybel Resort keeps kids busy with its Casa Kids' Club, kiddy pool and Olympic-sized pool. Active families can keep busy playing tennis, sand volleyball, basketball and shuffleboard.
Sundial Beach & Golf Resort
1451 Middle Gulf Drive
Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-4151
sundialresort.com
Casa Ybel Resort
2255 West Gulf Drive
Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-3145
CasaYbelResort.com
More than 60 percent of Sanibel Island is a wildlife preserve, which offers plenty of opportunities for active families to view Sanibel's birds and other wildlife. Children love to see animals up close, and Tarpon Bay Explorers can provide memorable experiences. Tarpon Bay Explorers is the on-site outfitter for J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Get a glimpse of dolphins and manatees on a nature and sea life cruise. Cruises include a touch tank exploration during which children can touch live shells and view sea horses in the aquarium. Active families can take a guided kayak tour through the mangrove forest or paddle to the Rookery Islands and see pelicans, herons and egrets. Rentals are also available at Tarpon Bay, including kayaks, canoes, pontoon boats, bikes and fishing equipment.
Families who want to spend a lot of time exploring Sanibel's natural habitats can stay at West Wind Inn, a casual resort that is the closest to the National Wildlife Refuge. It also has a heated pool overlooking the private beach. This hotel offers two-room beach specials that provide plenty of room for extended families.
West Wind Inn
3345 West Gulf Drive
Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-1541
westwindinn.com
Tarpon Bay Explorers
900 Tarpon Bay Rd.
Sanibel Island, FL 33957
239-472-8900
tarponbayexplorers.com
Children can see what Sanibel was like when it was founded in the early 1800s at Sanibel Historic Museum and Village. Seven historic buildings were moved to the site, which recreates early Sanibel. History buffs will also enjoy visiting the Sanibel Island Lighthouse, first lit in 1884.
Families seeking the simplicity of a bygone era will enjoy staying at a seaside cottage and will find plenty to choose from on Sanibel Island. And at some of the cottages you can bring the whole family, including pets. Mitchell's Sand Castles offers old-style cottages just steps away from the beach. Active families will enjoy all the free amenities, including bikes, fishing poles and kayaks. Escape to a lush tropical hideaway at Beachview Cottages. Families can wake to the sound of songbirds and spend the day shelling on the beach or swimming in the pool.
Mitchell's Sandcastles
3951 W. Gulf Drive
Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-1282
mitchellssandcastles.com
Beachview Cottages
3325 West Gulf Drive
Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-1202
Sanibel Historical Museum and Village
950 Dunlop Rd.
Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-4658
Sanibelmuseum.org