The Sunshine State is the best place to be this summer, and Sanibel Island is the best place to be in Florida. It’s a great time to explore the beaches and wildlife refuges and go biking, boating, swimming, or kayaking. Sanibel Island has many fun family friendly events and activities going on this summer, too! Click on the links below to learn more about these local happenings.
National Seashell Day
Friday, June 21st
Sanibel Island is the perfect place to celebrate this national holiday! You’ll find hundreds of species of shells on our beautiful beaches.
Showtime for Kids
Tuesday, June 25th
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Sanibel Public Library
Features a mix of comedy, magic, balloon making, and audience participation. All ages welcome. No fee to participate.
Annual Independence Day Parade
Thursday, July 4th
9:30 am
Periwinkle Way (from Tarpon Bay Road to Donax Street)
Many of the local businesses, organizations, and community members participate in the parade. Fun for the whole family. Be sure to get to your preferred location early!
40th Annual Sanibel-Captiva Optimist Club Road Rally
Thursday, July 4th
12:00 pm
Timbers Restaurant
The Sanibel-Captiva Optimist Club Road Rally begins at noon with starting times every 2 minutes from the Timbers Restaurant parking lot at 703 Tarpon Bay Road in Sanibel.
Fireworks Cruise
Thursday, July 4th
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Port Sanibel Marina
Listen to tropical music while cruising on San Carlos Bay and watching the sunset and fireworks. $65 per passenger includes soft drinks, bottled water, and snacks.
Family Beach Walk
Fridays through August 2nd
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Gulfside City Park
Enjoy a guided exploration of J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s Perry Tract and learn about this vital beach ecosystem. Free program for all ages.
Wildlife Wonders
Saturdays through August 3rd
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
J.N. Ding Darling’s Visitor & Education Center
Learn about the wildlife refuge’s unique ecosystem through a variety of subjects presented every Saturday. Free program for all ages. Parking fees apply.
Reading in the Refuge
Wednesdays through July 31st
10:00 am - 11:00 am
J.N. Ding Darling’s Visitor & Education Center’s Classroom
Hear an entertaining wildlife story from a naturalist and craft an animal from our estuarine ecosystem. Free program for all ages.
All Inclusive Unlimited Watersports
Saturdays through September 21st
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
South Seas Island Resort, Captiva
All inclusive watersports include parasailing, wave runners, kayaks, paddleboards, and more. Discount for kids.
Family Friendly Movie
Mondays through July 22nd
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Sanibel Public Library
Bring the whole family for a family friendly movie at the Sanibel Public Library. No pre-registration required. No fee to participate.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling real estate on Sanibel Island,
or if you have any questions about the local area:
Contact Phaidra McDermott