Things to Do with Kids in Sarasota
Sarasota is a genuinely great place to raise kids — and an even better place to visit with them. Between the beaches, interactive attractions, splash pads, libraries, and kid-friendly events, it's hard to find a day without something to do.
Top Attractions
The headline attractions — places every family should hit at least once.
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.
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.
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.
Beaches for Families
Sarasota's beaches are some of the best family destinations in the country. The sand stays cool (it's quartz, not shell), the Gulf waters are gentle, and most beaches have restrooms, concessions, and shade within walking distance.
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.
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.
Nokomis Beach
The locals' beach — less crowded, with a legendary drum circle on Wednesday and Saturday nights and daily yoga.
Turtle Beach
The quiet, shaded end of Siesta Key with a boat ramp, kayak launch, playground, and the only beachside campground in the area.
Caspersen Beach
A secluded nature lover's paradise south of Venice, famous for shark tooth hunting at low tide. The southern stretch is wild and undeveloped with mangroves and tidal flats.
Coquina Beach
A wide, family-friendly beach on the southern tip of Anna Maria Island with a café, picnic areas, a playground, and free parking — often less crowded than the island's north end.
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.
Parks & Playgrounds
A good kids' park has shade, a playground, parking, and restrooms. These are the ones that check all the boxes. Bayfront Park, Payne Park, and Waterside Place all have splash pads — great for burning off energy on hot afternoons.
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.
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.
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.
Oscar Scherer State Park
A quieter state park along the Legacy Trail with freshwater swimming in Lake Osprey, kayaking, and one of the best spots to see Florida scrub-jays.
Mini Golf
Sarasota has three standout mini golf spots — each with a different vibe. All three are solid family outings.
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.
Family Entertainment Centers
Arcades, bowling, and indoor play — reliable options for rainy days or when the kids need to burn off energy.
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.
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.
Bowlero Gulf Gate
A 40-lane bowling alley on South Tamiami Trail with an arcade, sports bar, and full food menu. Hosts leagues, birthday parties, and weekly specials.
Escape Rooms
A fun family outing for older kids. Most escape rooms are best for ages 10+, though some venues offer kid-friendly modes for younger ages — check each venue for specifics.
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.
Libraries & Kids' Programming
Sarasota's libraries punch well above their weight for kids' programming — weekly storytimes, summer reading programs, craft workshops, and more. They're also great rainy-day destinations.
Selby Public Library
Sarasota's main downtown library with free WiFi, community meeting rooms, a maker space, and regular programming for all ages.
Lakewood Ranch Library
A modern, spacious library serving the Lakewood Ranch area with a strong kids' programming calendar — storytimes, summer reading programs, LEGO clubs, and craft workshops.
Fruitville Library
A well-loved neighborhood branch in eastern Sarasota with regular kids' events, a large children's section, and a quiet study area for adults.
Gulf Gate Library
A cozy neighborhood library in the Gulf Gate area with weekly storytimes, tech workshops, and a surprisingly robust calendar of community events.
Weekly Activities for Kids
Recurring storytimes, classes, and family-friendly events you can build into your weekly rhythm.
- 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
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 Today
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. From May through September, the event will be held inside Barnes & Noble.
Upcoming Family Events
One-off family-friendly events and festivals in the coming weeks.
The 11th annual Memorial charity hike starts at JD Hamel War Memorial Park, crosses the Ringling Bridge, and returns for a cookout, live music, and family activities. Proceeds support SRQ Vets, a 100% volunteer-led nonprofit providing emergency assistance to local veterans in need.
Bring blankets for this free outdoor screening of Spielberg's beloved classic under the stars. Perfect for introducing kids to E.T.'s heartwarming story while enjoying a night out at the park.
A beachside fundraiser that turns the North Jetty into a full-on festival. Skimboarding, mini-ramp skating, paddleboard relays, sandcastle contests, and a mural competition, with live music and food keeping the energy up throughout. Free to watch or register if you want to compete. Proceeds support missionary work locally and abroad.
Get ready for National Trails Day by getting the kids' creativity moving. They'll craft a one-of-a-kind hiking stick to take home and hit the trail with. No registration required — limited to 50 participants.
Dive into interactive exhibits, educational presentations, and hands-on marine activities, plus join a community beach cleanup to protect our coastal waters. Perfect for ocean lovers and curious families alike.
Grab blankets and chairs for SpongeBob's underwater adventure under the stars! The Nest Café serves popcorn and drinks while families enjoy this colorful outdoor cinema experience at the waterfront park.