J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
add photosEducation Center
May 1 - December 31
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
January 1 - April 30
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
9 Reviews for J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
135
66
'10, '11, '12
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"Wildlife drive"
We only got to experience one part of the refuge, the 5 mile drive. We arrived as sunset approached hoping to get a glimpse of a beautiful sunset and some awesome wildlife. we got both!! We saw some horseshoe crabs, fish and birds. The sunset was amazing. The seashell trail was great from the historical perspective of the Calusa people as it described their way of life. There were minimal people driving and you can stop your car along the way to get out and observe the scenery you just cannot park in the tram spots. I think we would have preferred walking or driving this trail, but we were short on time. It definitely made us fall in love with the Sanibel/Captiva area. We would like to return again when we had more time to explore.
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"Wildlife Refuge"
We enjoyed our drive through the wildlife rescue. We stopped many times to get out and look at the abundant bird population. We hear that there are many more animals to see, but not in December. The birds were beautiful. We also walked the shell trail and was less impressed with it. Apparently the whole thing is built on shells that Native Americans used, but it is hard to tell that it is much different than the rest of the island which is also full of shells.
1 family found this helpful
"Biked it"
We biked the refuge, so I have to say: Beware the heat. We're from Ohio, so coming from frigid weather and then biking from the other side of the island and then through the refuge was a bit much for us. But it is a beautiful place and a chance to see wildlife up close. If you rent bikes, just take into consideration the distance to the refuge.
1 family found this helpful
"Bliss for all ages!"
When our kids were small, we would go through the refuge while they napped and just crept along, looking for the elusive birds and reptiles. As they got older, it become more interactive and we would go back at least 5 times in the week we were there! Its such a wonderful place and makes Sanibel even more special.
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"Be Among The Wildlife"
Get back to nature with a trip to the National Wildlife Refuge. It is a large part of Sanibel Island in southwest Florida. I recommend the tram ride. You'll learn a lot about the refuge, the multitude of bird species and all you could ever want to know about the mangrove tree! A great two hours in a gorgeous setting.
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"Biked it!"
Awesome family bike trip! My husband & I each pull a bike trailer. One with our lunch and the other with the toddlers. (Bikes & trailers can be rented on the island). First we stop in the free museum for a hands on learning experience. Then we head out on the trail. Lots of neat birds to identify. On the dirt bike path, it's easy to peddal and there's a covered pavillion next to the salt water flats where the kids can get in and splash around. We love it. After Ding Daring we head over to Sanibels public pool for the waterslides, then to Captiva for the beach and shelling. Finally, we hit the Bubble Room for their delicious Bubble Bread and Orange Cake. No better day trip in all of SW Florida
1 family found this helpful
"Stay off the bus with little ones"
We (my husband and I and our girls, ages 5 and 2) biked from our hotel up to the wildlife refuge. The visitor center was interesting, with some activities for kids. We got on the open-sided tour bus, only to find that the planned tour was two hours. (We were the only people with kids.) After about 45 minutes (and a lot of bird watching), we got off and walked a mile or so back on foot. You can walk the refuge, and next time we will do that. There are a lot of interesting birds to see and the tour guides are very knowledgeable.
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"Fun with the Family"
The refuge’s visitor center teaches about local critters and the refuge’s namesake—cartoonist and conservationist “Ding” Darling. The massive refuge encompasses more than 5,000 acres, but you don’t really see that much if you simply drive through in your car. The best way to go is by canoe, kayak, or narrated tram (see below). Otherwise, get out and walk the short trails and climb the observation tower. You’re likely to spot alligators, manatees, and lots of birds—some of them, like the roseate spoobill, exquisitely rare. Best time to go is morning, low tide, and sunset, when birds are feeding. The still-developing visitor center contains exhibits on bird migration and mangroves.
4 families found this helpful
"Great outdoor fun for active families"
A gorgeous section of preserved everglades that visitors can experience up-close. An education center shares info on the flora and fauna of the refuge. Then families can choose from a variety of fun outdoor activities to see the wildlife- hiking, fishing, boating, kayak/canoeing, bicycling, nature photography, bird watching. Website has a kids' page with print-out activities to gear up for the trip.
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