The day begins with breakfast at RC Otters before heading to Bowman's Beach, where a walk in bare feet through the sand uncovers the best shelling in the world. When your pockets are full of keepsakes, drive or bike through the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, where manatees, flocks of common to rare birds and even gators make their home.

Reenergize with lunch at the Island Cow before getting hands-on at the Sanibel Sea School. This learning program for kids takes marine life from the barrier islands and puts it within arms' reach. It's perfect for your family's budding young scientists.

Wind down the day with a stop at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum and see hundreds of shells from around the world before a rendezvous with over-the-top fun at the Bubble Room Restaurant on Captiva. The energetic atmosphere is home to food the kids will love, especially giant slices of cake, like the award-winning Orange Crunch.