Family-Friendly Hotels & Resorts

It’s a slice of heaven just waiting to be discovered, and it’s so family-friendly that you’ll return time and time again. A family vacation in the Fort Myers-Sanibel area is as easy as staying at one of several resorts that offer activities for kids from toddlers to teens.

Families with small children will revel in the sublime beaches of the Fort Myers/Sanibel area, which are truly child-friendly. Think gentle waves and soft, sandy bottoms. And area hotels put an extra emphasis on man-made watery wonders, which kids can’t get enough of.

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point

The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Bonita Springs has three pools, including one with a 140-foot-long water slide. At Camp Coconut, which caters to children ages 3 to 12, kids can do arts and crafts, have a kid-friendly dinner and watch movies while Mom and Dad enjoy an evening off. Full-day, half-day and evening camp sessions are available.

Parents can play a round at the Raymond Floyd-designed Raptor Bay Golf Club on Estero Bay (clubs and shoes can be rented). Those in need of pampering should visit Stillwater Spa, where they can relax in a bath of lavender and chamomile, have a massage or visit the beauty salon.

Casa Ybel on Sanibel

Sanibel Island has long been lauded for its sunning, swimming and shelling. If you’re traveling with children, head to Casa Ybel. The Casa Kids’ Club, for children ages 4 to 11, has three-hour themed activities (Under the Sea, Wet n’ Wacky, Harry Potter). You can also sign up for dinner and a movie, sand dollar painting, creating tie-dye T-shirts and scavenger hunts (there are 23 acres to explore).

After a day of activities, some down time in the room may be in order, and the front desk staff will happily lend board games (Monopoly, Clue, Chutes and Ladders). The front desk can also arrange for babysitters. This is also the place to rent bikes for pedaling around Sanibel’s more than 22 miles of paved bike paths. Baby seats, child trailers and tandem bikes are available for family outings.

Adults can enjoy tennis, fishing, yoga on the lawn, sailing a Sunfish sailboat and trips to the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. At Tarpon Bay Explorers in the refuge, you can rent kayaks, canoes and bikes, or sign up for a tram, pontoon or paddling tour.

After a full day of fun, fire up one of the brick grills right outside the buildings, adding to Casa Ybel’s family-type atmosphere. While you’re flipping burgers or grilling steaks, watch the sun set over the Gulf.

Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa

At the Pink Shell Beach Resort and Spa on Fort Myers Beach, an "octopus" waterfall stands guard over a grotto-like pool that overlooks the shimmering Gulf of Mexico. A young water warrior has a tropical-hued plastic dragon around his waist as he splashes underneath the octopus (whose eyes light up at night).

The Pink Shell isn’t just a gorgeous, beachfront resort, it’s a spot where families will find plenty for everyone to do. While the parents enjoy spa treatments, parasailing or fishing, the younger set can head to KiddsKampp.

Kids ages 4 to 11 can make crafts, decorate cookies and watch movies on a huge outdoor screen. There are themed events (such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Starz Search, where the kids perform) and poolside activities (such as picture frames made from shells, hair braiding, ice cream buffets).