Fun Things to Do in Sarasota
If you need a break from the beaches and sightseeing, Sarasota has plenty of fun activities to pick from. Mini golf, escape rooms, a great comedy club, arcades, and a packed calendar of weekly activities and theme nights.
Mini Golf
Sarasota has three standout mini golf spots — each with a different vibe.
PopStroke
Tiger Woods-designed mini golf and outdoor dining with two 18-hole putting courses, craft cocktails, and a playground — family fun meets sports bar.
Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf
The old-school pirate-themed mini golf course that's been a Sarasota tradition for decades. The 18-hole course weaves through waterfalls, caves, and a central pond with live alligators. Still the best mini golf pick for kids.
Evie's Family Golf Center
A local mini golf course that doubles as a restaurant and bar, with a 60-station driving range attached. Full menu, beer on tap, and an 18-hole waterfall adventure.
Comedy
McCurdy's Comedy Theatre is a genuinely great comedy club that regularly pulls national touring acts. If you're looking for a fun night out that isn't dinner and drinks, this is one of the best options in town.
Family Entertainment Centers
Arcades, go-karts, and more — all under one roof.
Livingston's Amusements
A family entertainment center with go-karts, mini golf, bumper boats, an arcade, and batting cages — classic fun for kids and families.
Arcade Monsters
A retro arcade bar with 100+ classic and modern arcade games, pinball machines, craft beer, and a nostalgic vibe. Great for date nights and rainy days.
Outdoor Adventure
TreeUmph Adventure Course is a treetop ropes and zip line course in Bradenton spanning over 10 football fields of terrain with 100+ obstacles. It's the only adventure course of its kind in the Sarasota area — part physical challenge, part outdoor fun, and a genuine half-day outing.
Escape Rooms
A perfect 60-90 minute activity — long enough to feel like a real outing, short enough to pair with dinner.
Escapology Sarasota
A national-chain escape room venue with multiple themed games ranging from mystery to horror. Private bookings only, with a Kids Mode option for families.
Evasive Escape Rooms
A locally owned venue known for story-driven, immersive rooms with strong reviews and an award-nominated horror experience.
Escape Room Sarasota
Sarasota's longest-running escape room — an independent, locally owned venue on South Tamiami Trail offering private group experiences.
Mysterium Escape Rooms & VR
A hybrid venue offering traditional escape rooms alongside multiplayer VR games and an arcade bar — variety in one spot.
Bowling
Bowlero Gulf Gate is a 40-lane bowling alley on South Tamiami Trail with an arcade, sports bar, and full food menu. They run weekly specials including Night Strike unlimited bowling and half-price arcade Wednesdays.
Weekly Recurring Fun
Trivia, karaoke, music bingo, cornhole, line dancing, paint & sips, drum circles — recurring events that happen year-round across the area.
- Every Sunday
Siesta Key Drum Circle
A Sarasota tradition for 30 years. Drummers, dancers, and sunset seekers gather on the sand as the sun sinks into the Gulf.
- Every Wednesday
Ranch Nite Wednesdays
Food trucks, live music, and the nation's largest recreational cornhole league take over the lakefront—plus rotating activities like goat yoga and line dancing.
- Wednesdays & Saturdays
Nokomis Beach Drum Circle
A Sarasota tradition for over 25 years. Drummers, dancers, and spectators gather on the sand at Nokomis Public Beach as the sun sets over the Gulf.
- 2nd Saturdays
Sarasota Cars and Coffee
One of the biggest monthly car meets in Florida—exotics, classics, and everything in between. Free coffee, live music, and a different local charity each month. $10 show car parking.
- Every Thursday
Casual Cornhole
Grab a partner or go solo for a casual morning of cornhole. Boards and bags provided, all skill levels welcome. Registration required.
- 1st Wednesdays
Dance at The Bay: Salsa & Sunsets
Learn a few Latin dance moves, then hit the floor for a sunset dance party on the bay. Suitable for beginners and advanced dancers.
- 3rd Fridays
Karaoke on The Green
Singing is no longer just for your car or shower—grab the mic every third Friday of the month with friends.
- 3rd Mondays
Music Bingo
Bingo gets a musical makeover. Instead of numbers, you're listening to song snippets and racing to identify the title or artist. First one to fill their card and shout "BINGOOOO!!" wins a prize. Free to play, first come first served on seating.