Whether you’re raising kids here or just visiting with them, Sarasota makes it easy.
Between the beaches, the splash pads, and a growing lineup of indoor play spots, it’s hard to find a day without something to do.
I’ve organized this one by the type of outing. Whether it’s a big day out, rainy-day backup, or just somewhere to burn off energy before dinner, there’s a section for it.
Here’s my rundown of the best things to do with kids around Sarasota.
Hit the Big Attractions
Start with the heavy hitters. The Ringling is a 66-acre estate with plenty of room to roam, and the Circus Museum is the part kids remember. The enormous miniature circus model alone is worth the trip.
Over at UTC, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium recently opened a brand new three-story aquarium with sharks, sea turtles, and interactive exhibits built by actual marine scientists. It’s also fully indoor, which makes it a lifesaver in August.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens is pure Old-Florida roadside charm. It’s been here since 1939, the flamingos walk right up to you, and the reptile shows are a hit with the under-10 crowd.
And don’t sleep on The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in downtown Bradenton. There’s a 50-foot planetarium dome and a rehabilitation habitat where kids can watch rescued manatees. Just note they’re closed on Mondays.
Spend a Day at the Beach
Most of our beaches have a secret weapon for families: the sand is 99% quartz, so it stays cool underfoot even in the middle of summer. No hopping across scorching sand with a toddler on your hip.
Siesta Key Beach is the famous one, and it earns it. The water stays shallow a long way out, and there are lifeguards, concessions, and playgrounds. Lido Beach is the quieter alternative with a public pool right behind the sand. Heading further out, Coquina Beach on Anna Maria Island has a café and picnic shelters within steps of the water.
If you don’t care about white sand, you’ve got other options too. Turtle Beach at the south end of Siesta is low-key option with a playground and picnic areas. And Caspersen Beach south of Venice is the spot for shark tooth hunting. Bring a sifter and the kids will stay busy for hours.
Cool Off at a Park or Splash Pad
A good kids park needs shade, a playground, parking, and restrooms. These check all the boxes.
Bayfront Park downtown has a pirate-themed play area, a splash pad, and marina views for the parents. Payne Park counters with a circus-themed playground, a splash area, and a skate park for older kids. And The Bay keeps growing with a full calendar of free programming.
Out east, Nathan Benderson Park has a 3.5-mile loop around the rowing lake that’s perfect for bikes and scooters. And Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch pairs a splash pad with a Sunday farmers market.
Play a Round of Mini Golf
Sarasota has three standout mini golf spots, each with a different vibe.
PopStroke is the new-school option: two Tiger Woods-designed 18-hole putting courses with food and drinks delivered right to you on the course.
Smugglers Cove is the old-school pirate-themed course that’s been a Sarasota tradition for decades.
And Evie’s Family Golf Center is the local standby that doubles as a restaurant and bar, with a 60-station driving range if you want to hit a bucket after.
Go All-In at a Family Fun Center
When one activity won’t cut it, these places stack several under one roof.
Livingston’s Amusements is the classic: go-karts, bumper boats, mini golf, batting cages, and an arcade.
Bowlero Gulf Gate covers the bowling side with 40 lanes, an arcade, and weekly specials that make a family outing cheaper than you’d expect.
Arcade Monsters is the retro pick, with 100+ free-play arcade games and pinball machines.
And Astro Skate in Bradenton has been rolling since 1984. It’s a classic roller rink with bounce houses and a cafe, and the public skate sessions are a blast for all ages.
Let Them Loose at an Indoor Play Center
Sometimes the mission is simple: somewhere air-conditioned where the kids can run until they’re worn out and you can actually sit down. These spots are built for exactly that.
Kids Empire in Bradenton is a giant indoor playground with a multi-level maze, winding slides, and a dedicated toddler zone.
Jump Jump Multiverse covers ages 1 to 9 with themed play zones and famously over-the-top birthday packages. Yes, that includes glamping sleepovers.
And Lakewood Ranch Play Cafe nails the formula: an indoor playground for the kids and a real coffee shop for you. It opened this year and reservations are recommended.
Join a Kids Gym or Play Club
These spots run on classes and memberships rather than drop-in play, which makes them better for building a weekly routine than a one-off visit.
The Flock SRQ is a cozy playhouse and social club designed for ages 4 and under, with sensory classes and a strong parent community. My Gym on South Tamiami Trail runs fitness classes for kids from 3 months to 10 years, plus camps and the occasional parents’ night out.
And The Little Gym just opened this year at Fruitville Commons, with parent-child classes for babies and gymnastics programs for bigger kids.
Book an Escape Room
A great pick for older kids. Most rooms are best for ages 10 and up, though some venues offer kid-friendly modes for younger players.
Evasive Escape Rooms is the local standout, with story-driven, immersive rooms. Escapology has a dedicated Kids Mode that softens the puzzles for younger groups. Mysterium adds multiplayer VR games and an arcade to the mix, and Escape Room Sarasota is the area’s longest-running venue.
Take On an Outdoor Adventure
For older kids who need a real challenge, TreeUmph! Adventure Course in Bradenton is a treetop ropes and zip line course with over 100 obstacles. It’s a genuine half-day outing, and they’ll sleep well after.
Myakka River State Park is the classic Florida adventure: a canopy walkway above the treetops, airboat tours, and more alligators than you can count. And Oscar Scherer State Park has freshwater swimming in Lake Osprey, kayak rentals, and gopher tortoises along the trails.
Hit the Library (It’s Free)
Our libraries punch well above their weight for kids’ programming. Weekly storytimes, summer reading programs, craft workshops, LEGO clubs, and it’s all free.
Selby Public Library downtown is the flagship, complete with a maker space. The Fruitville and Gulf Gate branches run weekly storytimes, and the Lakewood Ranch Library covers the east side with a strong kids’ calendar.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it. Beach days, park days, rainy days, and everything in between.
If you want to know what family-friendly events are happening this week, check out our events calendar and subscribe to the newsletter below. We’ll keep you in the loop.