Updated: Dec 30, 2019
MY FAVORITE ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS UNDER 10
One of my all time favorite activities when my kids were little was the Pirate Cruise. It leaves from Salty Sam’s marina on San Carlos Island. It is just before the “big bridge” when you are approaching Fort Myers Beach. My kids loved this short 90 minute cruise. The pirates are dressed up in Pirates of the Caribbean-style costumes and they do a show that is funny for kids and adults too. You can buy food and drinks (full bar) on the boat, and the kids can get their faces painted like a pirate. They have a mock invasion and even shoot a cannon. Treasure is found on every trip. My children all loved this cruise and we even went on several birthday parties on the boat. Check out their website at https://www.floridapiratecruise.com/home There is a free shuttle from the beach if you do not have a car. Insider tip, go early if your visit is in the summer. We have afternoon thunderstorms almost every day.
Stand up paddle boarding is another activity that is fun and easy for children under 10. We have stand up paddle boards for rent at all three of our Fort Myers Beach locations. If you are staying at the Pink Shell, the paddle craft are all free for resort guests. We rent the boards by the hour or ½ hour at the other properties. Stand Up paddling is easy for children because of their light weight. The boards are larger than a surf board and very buoyant. We keep the paddle craft inside the swim zone and participants must wear a lifejacket at all times. Paddling is easy. Kids can start on their knees, then stand up when they feel comfortable. It is amazing how quickly most children can stand up on the boards. The water just off shore of Fort Myers Beach is generally very calm and it is shallow. Do not allow your children to jump or dive off the paddle board. Insider tip, rent a paddle board for a ½ hour to start and then if you want to extend the time, it is only $5 more. (instead of renting two for ½ hour, get one for an hour and share the time. It is cheaper.) Check out our paddle boards at www.holidaywatersportsfmb.com/kayak.
If the kids want to try fishing but you are not much of a fisherman, check out the beginners fishing trip that leaves from the Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina. This trip is only about three hours long and the captain does all the work for you. The captain will make sure the kids are casting correctly and give them tips to help them catch the fish. And the best part is that the fish will be cleaned for you at the end of the charter. You can go and enjoy watching your children catch the fish without the frustration of dealing with the tangled lines and other possible fishing disasters. Insider tip, this trip is not advertised. Call the marina and request the kids fishing trip for pricing and more information. The number is 239-463-8661.
Stay tuned for my next blog. Next up will be fun activities for teens!