Fun Activities for Kids Sarasota: 15 Memory-Making Ideas

Even the most dedicated beachgoers need a break from the sand. For my family, those “beach breaks” became the moments we remember most — the small adventures, the unexpected laughter, the stories that still come up around the dinner table years later.

If you’re searching for fun activities for kids Sarasota, this list goes far beyond the beach. These are the parks, museums, gardens, and adventures that have shaped my own family’s memories — places where every laugh, surprise, and shared moment turned into something lasting.

This is Sarasota beyond the shoreline. Fifteen places that shaped our family’s story — and maybe yours too.

Mote Marine Aquarium Sarasota: A Shark That Looked Too Real

The first time I tried to snap a photo of my kids at Mote Marine Aquarium Sarasota, I thought I was capturing a simple family moment — one of those photos you glance at years later and smile about.

Both kids stood in front of the massive shark behind them. My daughter’s face, though, wasn’t the smile I expected. Her eyes were wide, her lips pressed tight as she glanced away. I never said “Smile.” I saw her look, but I thought it was the look that I was taking too long to take the picture.

Later that night, I asked what was wrong.
She whispered, “I didn’t want the shark to eat me.”

That hit me hard. She honestly thought that enormous shark was alive — waiting to swoop down the moment I clicked the camera.

That’s Mote: science and wonder colliding. The hum of tanks, the shimmer of fins, the quiet ripple of water. Everything there feels alive — even to a five-year-old with a big imagination.

Just north of here, the magic continues — this time under the big top.

Did You Know?

Mote Marine Aquarium — Did you know Mote was founded in 1955 by a single woman, Dr. Eugenie Clark, known worldwide as “The Shark Lady”? Learn more ➜ https://mote.org/about-us

The Ringling Circus Museum Sarasota: The Greatest Show in Miniature

A few miles away, The Ringling captures a different kind of wonder — one born from sawdust, sequins, and Sarasota’s circus legacy.

My kids loved the miniature big-top display inside the Circus Museum. Every wagon, performer, and parade detailed to perfection. Peering through the glass, they could almost hear the brass band playing.

My favorite discovery came years later when I stumbled upon The Wisconsin, the Ringlings’ private railcar. Inside was another world: polished mahogany, fine china, and old-world luxury that traveled America by train.

We left with our imaginations full — and our feet ready for quieter ground.

Did You Know?

The Ringling & Circus Museum — The miniature circus display took over 50 years and 1.5 million pieces to complete! Discover more ➜ https://www.ringling.org/circus-museum

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: Rainforest Calm and Christmas Light Magic

There’s something about Marie Selby Botanical Gardens after the rain — the banyans glistening, orchids sparkling, the bay breathing in the background.

My kids loved the Children’s Rainforest Garden, ducking through vines and climbing across bridges. But my favorite visit came one December evening when Selby turned into a holiday dream.

Twinkling lights wound through palms and orchids. My daughter squeezed my hand and said, “It’s like walking through stars.”

It was.

From glowing flowers to lots and lots of flamingos in the sun, our next stop carried the color — and the laughter — forward.

Welcome to Lights In Bloom in Sarasota.

Did You Know?

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens — Selby is the only botanical garden in the world dedicated to epiphytic orchids and bromeliads. Explore ➜ https://selby.org/

Sarasota Jungle Gardens: Old Florida’s Living Treasure

Sarasota Jungle Gardens is the kind of place where Old Florida still lives.

I remember taking my wife’s parents there on their first trip from Nebraska. They’d never seen flamingos before. My father-in-law extended his hand, trembling, as the first bird bent down for a treat. He froze, then laughed — full belly laughter.

That’s the charm of Jungle Gardens: not big, not flashy, but real. Kids feeding flamingos, parents remembering what wonder feels like, and grandparents learning that flamingos are friendlier than they look.

Not long after, we found adventure that lifted us from the ground altogether.

Did You Know?

Sarasota Jungle Gardens — These flamingos are so friendly they’ll eat right out of your hand — one of the few places in the U.S. where that’s allowed. Plan your visit ➜ https://sarasotajunglegardens.com/

TreeUmph Adventure Course: Laughter Among the Pines

At TreeUmph Adventure Course, my wife and I swapped flip-flops for harnesses and helmets. We zip-lined through the pines, tangled ropes, and laughed ourselves breathless.

By the final obstacle, we had a choice — safe exit or one last challenge. I chose the challenge; my wife took a rain check for next time. TreeUmph offers a fun, exciting course for adventure seekers of different ages. They also offer an exclusive course for younger kids.

It wasn’t just exercise; it was rediscovery.

Did You Know?

TreeUmph! Adventure Course — Sarasota’s first treetop adventure park features more than 10 football fields of aerial challenges. Climb higher ➜ https://www.treeumph.com/

Bayfront Park Sarasota: Nights Under the Stars

For decades, Bayfront Park has been our family’s constant — the kind of place that never loses its magic.

One night, we sat at the picnic tables overlooking the Bay with reggae filling the air. The kids shared ice cream while my wife and I split a beer, watching the lights from boats moored in the Bay dance like lightning bugs flitting around.

My daughter stopped every few steps to admire flowers along the path. My son read aloud the clever boat names at the marina — “Reel Therapy,” “Seas the Day.”

The laughter, the music, the salty breeze — that’s Sarasota’s rhythm.

And it changes entirely when you trade the bay for the wild and make time for the kids to kick back on the art in the park.

Did You Know?

Bayfront Park — The “Unconditional Surrender” statue is modeled after a real photograph taken on V-J Day in 1945 in Times Square. More info ➜ https://www.visitsarasota.com/bayfront-park

Myakka River State Park: The Hike to Deep Hole

Myakka River State Park (rather, Deep Hole) is not for the timid.

I convinced my wife to hike the mile and a half to Deep Hole, a sinkhole where hundreds of alligators gather each winter. The trail winds through tall grass and whispering oaks dripping in Spanish moss.

When we reached the clearing, the lake shimmered — and the shore looked alive. Dozens of gators sprawled across it. My wife took one look and said, “That’s close enough.”

We didn’t linger long. Back on the boardwalk bridge later, we spotted more gators basking safely below. That’s when she smiled and said, “I prefer the ones behind railings.”

I couldn’t argue.

But sometimes it’s nice to let the kids burn off a little energy on a 3-mile hike through Old Florida to a clearing where from a safe distance they can “enjoy” hundreds of alligators.

What a memory.

Did You Know?

Myakka River State Park — Myakka is one of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks, spanning over 37,000 acres. Plan your adventure ➜ https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/myakka-river-state-park

Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary: The Roar from Across the Hill

We first heard the lions of Big Cat Habitat from atop The Celery Fields.

It was sunset when the sound rolled over the hill — deep, rumbling, wild. We froze. Then it came again.

Finally, we figured it out. It was dinner time for the big cats.

We’re familiar with the animal sanctuary, but those guttural roars seemed out of place as we strolled along the top of Mount Celery.

Close enough to feel it in your chest.

A different kind of roar would follow the next weekend — from amplifiers, not animals.

Did You Know?

Big Cat Habitat — This sanctuary houses lions, tigers, and bears rescued from private owners and circuses. Meet the cats ➜ https://bigcathabitat.org/

Sarasota Farmers Market: Saturday Morning Woodstock

Every Saturday, Sarasota Farmers Market bursts to life — bright tents, sizzling food, local crafts, and music echoing off Main Street & South Lemon.

But the day I’ll never forget was the Woodstock Revival. I didn’t know the days of hippies, paisley shirts, tie-dye, VW vans, live ’60s music — the whole street transformed into a groovy time capsule.

Even the produce looked happier that morning. The Sarasota Farmers Market isn’t just produce or kids would naturally resent having to tag along with their parents. From week to week, we never know what entertainment and uniqueness will greet kids.

By afternoon, we were ready for something cool — and floating.

Did You Know?

Sarasota Farmers Market — Established in 1979, it’s one of Florida’s oldest year-round farmers markets. Visit ➜ https://sarasotafarmersmarket.org/

LeBarge Tropical Cruises Sarasota: Dolphins, Sandbars & Sunshine

If you’ve ever boarded LeBarge Tropical Cruises, you know how easy it is to lose track of time.

We took my wife’s brother and his family one breezy afternoon. They’d never seen dolphins before. The kids leaned over the rail, shouting every time a fin appeared. No doubt, we adults shared the kids’ excitement. No matter how long a person lives in Florida, seeing manatees and dolphins, it’s a treat to see either…and especially neat to see them when family are in town.

Next up: at a sandbar, we watched boaters set up full tables and chairs in ankle-deep water — dinner on the bay. My wife laughed, “Only in Florida.”

Sunset. Music. Salt in the air. That’s Sarasota on a good day.

And when the heat chased us indoors, our next stop offered air-conditioning, lobster & fish…and books…lots of books.

Did You Know?

LeBarge Tropical Cruises — The boat with the palm trees on top? Yep, it’s real — and it’s Sarasota’s most famous sunset cruise. Hop aboard ➜ https://lebargetropicalcruises.com/

Selby Public Library Sarasota: Through the Aquarium Arch

My kids didn’t rush for books the first time we entered Selby Public Library — they ran straight for the aquarium arch.

They ducked through it over and over, mesmerized by fish gliding overhead. Of course, I reminded the kids about dialing it down in a library and thought, even our library feels alive. I could understand their interest & exuberance. It’s a cool arched aquarium.

That’s Sarasota — where learning comes with color and movement.

Next, regardless of your kids’ or grandkids’ ages, they’ll enjoy kayaking the Lido Mangroves or kicking back while someone else does the paddling.

Did You Know?

Selby Public Library — The aquarium arch at the entrance holds nearly 2,000 gallons of saltwater and dozens of tropical fish. Library info ➜ https://www.sarasotacountylibraries.org/

Kayaking the Lido Mangroves: A Crabby Turn of Events

Paddling through the Lido mangrove tunnels at South Lido Nature Park feels like exploring another world — quiet, green, and echoing with birdsong.

That is, until something falls from above.

Oh no, I can’t help myself when laughing about that memory.

One of the first times we kayaked was at the mangrove tunnels. My wife’s kayak wedged sideways in the current, and then she started flailing her arms. I had no idea what she was doing. Flailing arms and then high-pitched desperation. A few tiny crabs rained down on her. Might have been more than a few. Arms flailing, laughter erupting, other kayakers backing up to watch — it was chaos and comedy rolled into one.

To this day, our kids still think I had something to do that incident, always trying to steer my kayak toward the mangroves for “revenge.”

Did You Know?

Kayaking the Lido Mangroves — The mangrove tunnels of Ted Sperling Park are home to manatees, dolphins, and even jellyfish in cooler months. Learn more ➜ https://www.floridastateparks.org/TedSperling

Livingston’s Amusement Center Sarasota: The Birthday Grand Prix

When my daughter turned ten, she wanted her birthday at Livingston’s Amusement Center.

She climbed into her go-kart, hit the gas, and transformed into a pint-sized Dale Earnhardt. Every lap she rammed her brother’s kart, cackling as she blocked his path.

I remember thinking, “We might be in trouble when she learns to drive for real.”

But that’s what birthdays are for — joy, laughter, and a few harmless crashes in a Kart with a top speed of 5-10 mph.

Air hockey

Pool/Billiards

Arcade

Great pizza

Livingston’s makes it easy for families to have a good time and to serve as a great “plan B” when Sarasota’s weather turns south.

Did You Know?

Livingston’s Amusement Center — Family-owned since 1988, it’s Sarasota’s longest-running indoor amusement park. Play here ➜ https://www.livingstonsamusements.com/

SkyZone Sarasota: High Jumps, Higher Laughs

The first time we visited SkyZone, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Within minutes, the kids were flying — literally.

My daughter launched too high, chest-bumped her brother mid-air, and they both landed in a heap. I held my breath until they popped up laughing. That’s kids for you. They never tire.

That’s SkyZone: adrenaline, laughter, and pure energy (with a side of parental panic). But you have to admit, what adult wouldn’t want to grab the nerve balls while hopping around for a healthy game of dodgeball?

Next Up: when we wanted to bring the energy down, we turned to art — and whimsy.

Did You Know?

SkyZone Sarasota — SkyZone started in Las Vegas as the world’s first indoor trampoline park franchise. Bounce here ➜ https://www.skyzone.com/sarasota/

Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy Sarasota: Where Color Comes Alive

From the moment you see the bright pink flamingos at Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy, you know this place is different.

My daughter was spellbound. It took half an hour just to move from outside to inside. Sculpture to sculpture — from a yellow giraffe to a purple seahorse, from a shimmering fish bench to a wall of shell-covered art.

Inside, the art bursts with humor and heart. I credit this place with sparking her love for creativity.

And that’s the thing about Sarasota — even our art smiles.

Did You Know?

Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy — Opened by artist Marietta Lee, the museum’s pink flamingos have become unofficial Sarasota icons. See the whimsy ➜ https://whimsymuseum.org/

Sarasota: Beyond the Sand and Sunshine

Fifteen places. Countless memories.

Sarasota isn’t just sunshine, palm trees, and powder-white beaches. It’s the heartbeat of family stories told under banyan canopies, at splash pads, and on trails that lead to unexpected laughter. It’s the hum of Mote’s aquariums, the color of Whimsy’s flamingos, and the hush before sunset over the Bay.

After nearly four decades of raising my family here, I can tell you firsthand: Sarasota’s magic isn’t found in a brochure. It’s in the days that go sideways, the plans that get rained out, and the memories that sneak up when you least expect them. Rain or shine, there’s always another story waiting just off the sand.

Whether it’s a weekend stroll through the farmers market or a full family day at Myakka, Sarasota always offers something new to explore.

✨ Check out Myakka River State Park in the winter (cooler months) for the best experience. You’ll thank me for this insider tip. Summer is too hot, humid, and muddy. Additionally, alligators disappear during the heat.

✨ Discover what’s happening this week: Sarasota Lifestyle Events Calendar

If you loved this post, you’ll also enjoy these Sarasota Lifestyle stories:

•Bayfront Park Sarasota | Boats, Views & Tropical Vibes

•Urfer Park Sarasota | Family Fun, Trails & History

•Rothenbach Park Sarasota | Trails, Oaks & Family Fun

•Payne Park Sarasota | Circus Playground & Family Fun

Because Sarasota isn’t just where you go — it’s where memories grow. 🌴