Things to Do with Kids in Sarasota
Family-friendly events, weekly activities, and kid-approved attractions across the Sarasota area.
The 8th annual Korn Ferry Tour stop at Lakewood National brings 156 rising pros competing for $1 million and a shot at a PGA TOUR card. Fan zone with food trucks, local vendors, and lawn games runs alongside the tournament all four days.
Lakewood Ranch's annual community celebration brings live music, beer trucks, and local businesses together for a free street party showcasing life on the Ranch.
Carnival games, face painting, speed pitch, a video game truck, and live music—capped off with fireworks over Grand Lake.
Two days of live music, food trucks, and vendors selling shark teeth and beach-themed goods. The Venice Gondoliers Barbershop Chorus roams the festival both days, with headliners Maiden Cane on Saturday and Junction 41 closing out Sunday.
Mote Marine's longest-running fundraiser hits its 40th year on Siesta Key Beach, with a chip-timed 5K and a 1-mile fun run option for all ages. Registration includes a race t-shirt and kids' activities area — and every dollar goes directly toward Mote's sea turtle research and conservation program.
Fierce competition meets friendly community racing as established and entry-level dragon boat teams battle it out on world-class waters.
Lakewood Ranch's grooviest dog-friendly festival with live music, local vendors, and adorable photo ops. It's a tail-wagging celebration for pups and their people.
Hands-on, family-friendly activities celebrating nature and movement during Good to Be Green Months—everything blue and green gets its moment to shine.
Celebrate Arbor Day with a nature talk and ceremonial tree planting to create a lasting legacy for future generations. Bring the whole family for community connection and environmental impact.
- 1st Fridays
Music on Main
Live music, food vendors, and kids' activities take over Main Street—with a different band and local charity beneficiary each month.
- Every Saturday
Family Saturdays at Art Center Sarasota
Hands-on art projects for kids and grown-ups, led by professional teaching artists. Each week brings something new — from vision boards to comic books. RSVP required.
- 2nd Fridays
Movie in the Park
Grab a blanket and catch a family-friendly flick under the stars at Waterside Park—different movie each month, plus inflatables for the kids.
- Every Sunday Today
Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Show
A Sarasota tradition since 1957—waterski pyramids, jumps, and crowd-pleasing stunts performed by a nationally recognized show team.
- 4th Fridays
Movies Under the Stars
Free outdoor movie night on The Green, with face painting, concessions, and character visits before the show. Bring blankets and lawn chairs—seating is limited.
- 2nd Sundays
Free Second Sundays at Sarasota Art Museum
Free admission every second Sunday—plus art-making in the studios, live music, and a performance from Asolo Rep. All ages, no ticket needed.
- 2nd Saturdays
Pop-Up Library and Storytime at The Bay
The mobile library van rolls in with books for all ages plus themed storytime for little ones—different theme each month.
- 2nd Wednesdays
Storytime on The Green
Barnes & Noble hosts stories, crafts, and snacks for little ones on The Green. Bring a blanket and settle in.
- Last Saturdays
Core & Cradle Community Day
Mommy & Me Pilates designed for all ages and stages - babies, toddlers, expecting moms, and anyone in their postpartum era. Donations go to Mothers Helping Mothers, a local nonprofit supporting families in need.
- 4th Wednesdays
UTC Kids Club
Interactive activities for kids on The Green, with a different theme each month. No registration required.
- Every Friday
Free Choice Friday at the Lakewood Ranch Library
Open play for ages 18 months to 7 years with art supplies, sensory bins, big blue blocks, and more. Come-and-go atmosphere, no registration required.
- Every Tuesday
Preschool Storytime at the Lakewood Ranch Library
Picture books, songs, rhymes, and movement activities for ages 3–5, designed to build kindergarten readiness skills. Room capacity is 40, so grab a number when you arrive. Registration required.
- Every Wednesday
Toddler Storytime at Lakewood Ranch Library
Stories, songs, rhymes, and movement activities for ages 18 months to 3 years. Room capacity is 40, so grab a number when you arrive. Registration required.
- Every Monday
Baby Storytime at the Lakewood Ranch Library
Stories, songs, rhymes, and sensory play for babies from birth to 18 months and their caregivers. Room capacity is 40, so grab a number when you arrive.
Siesta Key Beach
America's #1 rated beach with powdery quartz sand that stays cool underfoot. Crystal-clear water, free parking, lifeguards, concessions, and a free trolley from Siesta Village.
The Ringling Museum
A 66-acre estate combining a world-class art museum, the gilded Ca' d'Zan mansion, a circus museum, and beautiful bayfront gardens.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
A brand new, three-story aquarium featuring sharks, manatees, sea turtles, and interactive research exhibits — built by actual marine scientists.
Bayfront Park
Downtown's waterfront playground with a pirate-themed play area, splash pad, and marina views — the best spot to watch pelicans and sunsets without leaving the city.
Myakka River State Park
One of Florida's oldest state parks with a canopy walkway above the treetops, airboat tours, and 37,000 acres of wild Florida that most tourists never see.
The Bay Park
A 53-acre waterfront park along Sarasota Bay with free programming, playgrounds, art installations, walking paths, and stunning bay views. One Park for All.
Lido Beach
A quieter alternative to Siesta Key with a public pool, picnic shelters, and soft white sand — just steps from the shops and restaurants of St. Armands Circle.
Nathan Benderson Park
A 600-acre park built around a world-class rowing lake, with a 3.5-mile loop trail perfect for running, biking, or walking the dog.
The Mall at UTC
Sarasota's premier shopping destination with 150+ stores and restaurants including Macy's and Dillard's, plus a kids' play area and year-round events.
Payne Park
A downtown park with a circus-themed playground, skate park, splash area, and tennis center — one of the most popular parks for families in central Sarasota.
Waterside Place
A lakefront town center in Lakewood Ranch with waterfront dining, boutique shopping, a scenic park, and regular community events on a 36-acre peninsula.
North Jetty Beach
The locals' beach — less crowded, with a legendary drum circle on Wednesday and Saturday nights and daily yoga at the jetty.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Old-Florida roadside charm with flamingos, reptile shows, and shaded garden paths. It's been here since 1939 and feels refreshingly un-corporate.
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.
Turtle Beach
The quiet, shaded end of Siesta Key with a boat ramp, kayak launch, playground, and the only beachside campground in the area.
TreeUmph! Adventure Course
120+ obstacles including zip lines, rope bridges, and swings through the treetops in Bradenton. Plan for about three hours and wear closed-toe shoes.
Anna Maria Island
A laid-back barrier island with Old Florida charm. No buildings taller than three stories, a free trolley, and some of the best casual seafood on the Gulf Coast.
Venice Beach
A Blue Wave-certified beach just steps from downtown Venice, with an iconic 1960s Space Age pavilion, volleyball courts, and soft cocoa-colored sand.
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.