Fun Activities for Kids Sarasota: 15 Memory-Making Ideas
Discover 15 Sarasota family activities—from flamingo feeding to kayaking mangroves—told through real stories from nearly 40 years of local life.
From beach play and wildlife encounters to rainy-day entertainment and family-friendly attractions, Sarasota offers unforgettable experiences for kids of all ages. Start your adventure with hand-picked guides designed for families visiting or living here.
Begin with these essential, top-level guides — perfect for planning your Sarasota family vacation or weekend itinerary.
Discover 15 Sarasota family activities—from flamingo feeding to kayaking mangroves—told through real stories from nearly 40 years of local life.
Siesta Key Beach for Families features cool white sand, gentle waves, and lifeguards — Sarasota’s top spot for safe, kid-friendly fun.
Plan your perfect 7 day Sarasota itinerary with top beaches, amazing food, and hidden gems along Florida’s stunning Gulf Coast.
Zip through TreeUmph’s aerial courses, wander nature trails, and let kids burn energy at parks that feel like outdoor classrooms. This is where family fun meets mud, laughter, and big adventure stories to tell back home.
Experience TreeUmph Adventure Course Bradenton — a high-flying mix of ziplining, ropes, and laughter beneath the pines east of I-75 off SR 70.
Discover Red Bug Slough Preserve Sarasota — hidden trails, peaceful lakes, and quiet moments for dog walkers & nature lovers off Beneva Road.
Climb the tallest hill in Sarasota at Celery Fields Sarasota — a peaceful landmark where sunsets, bird calls, and unexpected adventures meet.
Explore Oscar Scherer State Park Campground — a peaceful Old Florida escape for camping, kayaking, and discovering Sarasota’s natural beauty.
Discover Ted Sperling Nature Park Lido — Sarasota’s best spot for kayaking, paddle boarding, and exploring its mangrove tunnels and hidden beaches along Lido Key.
Explore Myakka River State Park — Sarasota’s wild heart. From alligators and cabins to Deep Hole and the Canopy Walkway, experience Florida as it once was.
When the sun takes a break—or the heat cranks up—head indoors for high-energy family fun. From arcades and escape rooms to indoor playgrounds and rainy-day hangouts, these spots keep kids smiling no matter the forecast.
Discover 15 Sarasota family activities—from flamingo feeding to kayaking mangroves—told through real stories from nearly 40 years of local life.
Rain or shine, Livingston’s Arcade Sarasota offers go-karts, arcade games, billiards, and nonstop family fun. A top indoor destination for kids and adults alike.
Turn curiosity into your vacation superpower. From hands-on science and marine life to art, gardens, and history, these spots blend learning with the kind of “wow” moments kids remember long after the trip.
Explore The Ringling’s Circus Museum—three exhibits in one: the miniature model, the people behind the show, and real equipment like The Wisconsin.
Explore the Ringling Museum of Art—iconic galleries, Statue of David, banyans, and after-5 events that make it a Sarasota favorite.
A Sarasota classic for generations, Jungle Gardens invites families to feed flamingos, meet reptiles, and wander under towering palms. This old-Florida treasure mixes simple magic, wildlife encounters, and childhood memories that still come alive for today’s visitors.
Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary gives families an up-close look at rescued lions, tigers, bears, and other exotic animals. Enjoy educational wildlife shows, shaded walkways, and memorable encounters that highlight conservation and animal care.
During Lights in Bloom, Selby Gardens glows with millions of lights, tropical holiday scenes, and magical night walks under the banyans. It’s Sarasota’s most breathtaking Christmas event on the water.
Explore Sarasota’s world-class marine science hub, where sharks glide past overhead, rescued turtles recover behind the scenes, and interactive exhibits reveal the secrets of our Gulf waters. Mote Marine Aquarium blends discovery, conservation, and hands-on fun for all ages.
Mix a little “retail therapy” with family fun. Explore UTC’s shops, year-round events, live music, fitness classes, and seasonal programming—plus nearby spots for ice cream, coffee, and easy kid-friendly bites.
Experience UTC Christmas—Sarasota’s best lights, shows, and holiday vibes. Fireworks, movies, Santa, Wonderland, and unforgettable memories.
Explore UTC Sarasota—Sarasota’s fastest-growing hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment with daily events, insider tips, and local insights.
Walk the UTC Christmas Cards Sarasota display—4×8 student-painted tropical holiday art on sidewalks at UTC, plus lights, music, and festive fun.
Night Market UTC Sarasota brings live music, food, vendors & family fun to The Green at UTC—free outdoor concerts with a community vibe.
Take your family adventure off the sand and onto the water. From dolphin cruises and fishing charters to ski shows and sunset tours, these experiences turn Sarasota’s bays and Gulf into your playground.
Bayfront Park Sarasota blends banyan trees, bay breezes, and tropical vibes from O’Leary’s and Marina Jack — Sarasota’s #1 park for sunsets and memories.
The Ski-A-Rees bring Sarasota Bay to life with high-flying stunts, pyramids, and fast-paced waterski action every Sunday. Families love the excitement—and the fact that this classic Sarasota show is completely free.
Swap screens for scenery on Sarasota’s trails. Ride the Legacy Trail, climb the Celery Fields overlooks, and discover easy walks where kids can spot birds, gators, and big skies.
Urfer Park in Sarasota blends family fun, fitness trails, and history — a beloved local park with playgrounds, wildlife walks, and room to roam.
The Legacy Trail is Sarasota’s safest and most scenic family bike ride, stretching from Payne Park in downtown Sarasota all the way to Venice Island. With smooth paths, shaded rest stops, and trailheads along the way, it’s perfect for kids, parents, and riders of every level.
Explore Rothenbach Park Sarasota — a shady oak-canopy trail, playground, and family-friendly park filled with deer, open space, and peaceful paved paths.
Climb the tallest hill in Sarasota at Celery Fields Sarasota — a peaceful landmark where sunsets, bird calls, and unexpected adventures meet.
Explore Oscar Scherer State Park Campground — a peaceful Old Florida escape for camping, kayaking, and discovering Sarasota’s natural beauty.
Explore Myakka River State Park — Sarasota’s wild heart. From alligators and cabins to Deep Hole and the Canopy Walkway, experience Florida as it once was.
Experience the vibrant essence of Sarasota through our comprehensive guide, designed to showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage, stunning coastal beauty, diverse culinary scene, captivating attractions, and engaging recreational activities. Whether you’re seeking artistic inspiration, outdoor adventures, family-friendly fun, or the finest accommodations, our curated selections offer invaluable insights to help you make the most of your Sarasota experience.
Discover Ted Sperling Nature Park Lido — Sarasota’s best spot for kayaking, paddle boarding, and exploring its mangrove tunnels and hidden beaches along Lido Key.
Discover free things to do at Sarasota beaches — from yoga and drum circles to shelling and sunsets. Enjoy Sarasota’s simple coastal pleasures.
