Sarasota with Kids: 33 Best Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota, Florida is a gem on Florida’s central Gulf Coast, with access to amazing beaches, water sports, marine biology, museums, and more. Where it once was a haven for retirees, these days it is increasingly popular with families and vacationers eager to escape the cold winters of the north.

An hour south of Tampa, whose airport serves almost every major city in North America, Sarasota, Florida offers plenty of natural beauty. It is a vibrant city rich in arts, culture, and dining delights. Plus, its metropolitan area includes the world-famous beaches of Lido Key, Longboat Key, and Siesta Key.

Here are 33 of the best things to do in Sarasota, Florida with kids, including family-friendly Sarasota hotels and restaurants. Check out our Florida Family Vacation Guide for even more great places to visit in the Sunshine State, including the best Florida beach vacations for families.

3. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

This one-of-a-kind Sarasota, Florida marine research institution features kayak and eco-boat tours; touch tanks; manatee, sea turtle, and shark areas; and even a virtual-reality attraction. Don’t miss it.

4. Sarasota Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Team

If you like water sports but are a bit skittish about participating yourself, check out this nationally recognized team, who perform in their arena adjacent to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium on Sundays from February through May. Shows began at 2pm and are FREE to the public.

5. Marina Jack Cruises

Families can enjoy a relaxing sightseeing tour and meal along the waters of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico. Board the Marina Jack II in the downtown Sarasota Bayfront for an air-conditioned, 90-minute tour where every seat is a window seat.

6. Kayak Tours

If you fancy a quieter time on the water, why not take a kayak tour of Sarasota’s famous mangrove tunnels on Lido Key? Tours are suitable for all ages and skill levels and last two-plus hours. There’s even a chance to see dolphins and manatees up close, especially in the warmer months.

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Known for its brilliant quartz sand, turquoise waters, and many beachside amenities, Siesta Key is a must-visit.

7. Siesta Key

This barrier island just south of Lido Key is famous for its oceanfront. For an inexpensive and memorable time with the kids, head to the beach and watch the sun set; if you pay attention, you can actually see it descend. Kids can play beach volleyball or enjoy the Siesta Beach playground. Later, browse the shops at Siesta Key Village.

8. Ted Sperling Park

This recreational area on the south tip of Lido Key offers a beautiful beach, unmatched views (especially as the sun sets), picnic tables, a playground, and great hiking trails. Just be careful near the water: The 100-acre park interacts with four bodies of water—the Gulf of Mexico, Big Pass, Sarasota Bay, and Brushy Bayou—and currents can be strong along some areas of the shoreline. There are no lifeguards.

9. North Lido Beach Park

Heading north on Lido Key, nature lovers will not want to miss North Lido Beach Park and its 49 acres of Australian pine woods, grassy savannas, and walking trails. The park also offers over 22 acres of beachfront and mangroves. Note: Do not disturb the birds nesting in the area.

10. St. Armands Circle

To walk this real-life Sarasota, Florida traffic circle is to leave Florida and visit a European marketplace. Visitors can explore 100-plus shops, dine in sidewalk cafes, and relax in tropical gardens.

11. Bayfront Park

Head to Bayfront Park to see the iconic, 26-foot-tall “Unconditional Surrender” statue, inspired by the classic photo of a sailor kissing a woman in New York’s Times Square. The park also features an awesome pirate playground and a splash pad.

12. Trolley Rides

Leave your car behind and hop aboard one of Sarasota’s iconic trolleys that travel from downtown to the barrier islands and back. The Siesta Key Breeze Trolley runs every 20 to 30 minutes to Siesta Key and is FREE for all riders.

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The Children’s Rainforest at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a delightful natural space for discovery, exploration, and play. Photo by Alex Stafford Photography, Inc.

13. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Relax amid the combined 45 acres of natural beauty at the two campuses of this 50-year-old botanical oasis, located in downtown Sarasota, Florida and in Spanish Point. The downtown campus is the only botanical garden in the world dedicated to the study of epiphytic orchids, bromeliads, gesneriads and ferns, and other tropical plants. Kids 4 and younger are FREE.

14. Sarasota Children’s Garden

Families can follow the yellow-brick road into this charming land of make-believe. Kids can sail the high seas on The Pirate Queen, climb toward the sky in the tree fort, have tea in Fairyland, create mud pies or mud cakes in the Woodland Cafe in Hobbitville, run through cool mist in the rain forest, and dress up in the costume room.

15. Spring Training Baseball

Two of Major League Baseball’s best teams, the Atlanta Braves and the Baltimore Orioles, call Sarasota County their spring training home. From mid-February through March, families can take in a big-league game at a fraction of the cost of regular-season tickets.

16. Smuggler’s Cove Golf Adventure

At this one-of-a-kind mini-golf facility, players can putt their way through 18 holes’ worth of pirate ships, caves, waterfalls, and, yes—alligators. The course features an American alligator exhibit that is home to over 20 juvenile gators that players can actually feed.

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Hand-feed the free-roaming flamingos at Sarasota Jungle Gardens. 

17. Sarasota Jungle Gardens

At this old-world Florida zoological park, visitors can walk among a flock of free-roaming flamingos, pose with parrots, hold juvenile alligators, and see crocodiles, lemurs, and other rescued animals.

18. Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary

At this 40-year-old exotic-cat rescue, families can get a close-up look at lions and tigers and bears, oh my! You will also find a fair share of wolves, lemurs, bobcats, and more—at a safe distance, of course.

19. Gulf Coast Ponies — Myakka City

Meet, groom, and ride the resident ponies at this delightful equine rescue facility. Trail rides take guests through area parks and beachfront, where the horses benefit from the salt water and sea air.

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The Ringling Circus Museum brings out the inner child in everyone. Photo by Peter Acker

Top Sarasota, Florida Museums and Cultural Experiences for Families

20. The Ringling

There’s lots for families to see and do at the gorgeous Ringling estate. See works from some of history’s most iconic artists at the Ringling Museum of Art. Explore all things circus-related at the Circus Museum, which features interactive galleries where kids can walk a tightrope, squeeze into a clown car, and more. Tour Ca’ d’Zan, the Ringling family’s opulent winter home. Soak up nature in the breathtaking Bayfront Gardens. And see live performances at the historic Asolo Theater.

21. Children’s Theatre at Florida Studio Theatre

This entertainment/educational theater arts venue offers children’s programming each weekend. Day passes and season subscriptions are available. Elementary, middle, and high school students can also learn how to write plays as part of the organization’s educational programs.

22. Circus Arts Conservatory

Fans of the big top of all ages will delight in the performers at this 75-year-old circus, located just off Interstate 75. The affiliated Sailor Circus Academy is the nation’s oldest youth circus and trains students ages 8-18 in the circus arts, life skills, self-discipline, and more.

23. Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy

This whimsical museum contains over 1,750 pieces of one-of-a-kind artwork from various artists. Outside, guests are greeted by large, colorful statues. Then they pass through an archway of seashells, gems, beads, crystals, and more. You never know what you’ll find here! 

Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Sarasota, Florida

24. The Old Salty Dog

The Old Salty Dog is situated on Sarasota Bay with locations in City Island and Siesta Key. In addition to unrivaled views, it offers pub grub, seafood, and its signature fully loaded hot dog.

25. Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar

Another waterfront restaurant, Phillippi Creek offers fish, hot dogs, pasta, shrimp, and fetching maritime decor. While waiting on their food, kids can meander the dock safely, watch the fishing boats as they arrive, and even play a game of I-Spy amid all the mounted fish.

26. Pizza Joints

Sarasota, Florida is loaded with pizzerias that range from mom-and-pop takeout spots to more artisanal establishments. Baker & Wife hosts pizza-making lessons on evenings when the restaurant is closed for business. Creative toppings are the signature at 1592, while the Mellow Mushroom offers a lively, family-friendly environment with great cocktails and craft beers for adults.

27. Arcade Monsters

Gamers of all ages will be in heaven at Arcade Monsters, which features a massive collection of arcade games across two floors. Games include retro classic games, modern offerings, pinball machines, and more. Nosh on Cuban food and slurp all-natural slushies between games.

28. Ice Cream and Sweet Treats

Whether you prefer an artisan creamery or a traditional standby, Sarasota is awash in ice cream. A few of our favorites include Abel’s in Sarasota, the Orange Octopus in Siesta Key, and Tyler’s on Longboat Key. You can also indulge your sweet tooth at candy shops including River Street Sweets and Sarasota Candy Buffet in Sarasota and The Fudge Factory in Siesta Key.

Great Sarasota Hotels for Families

29. Hyatt Regency Sarasota

This hotel on the Sarasota Bay offers pet-friendly rooms with balconies, waterfront dining, an outdoor pool with waterfalls, and a private marina.

30. The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

The Ritz is always a great bet for families seeking a luxurious stay, and the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is no different. It offers exclusive access to The Beach Club on Lido Key, a spa, a championship golf course, two outdoor pools, and a great kids’ program.

31. Zota Beach Resort — Longboat Key

This elegant beach resort was recently named one of the top luxury hotels on the Gulf Coast. Its white-sand beach and infinity pool are the perfect places to cool off and soak up the Florida sunshine. The resort also welcomes dogs that are 30 pounds or less—they even get their own gift bag!

32. Lido Beach Resort

This elegant Sarasota beach resort boasts a secluded white-sand beach, two Gulf-front pools (a family pool and an adults-only one), sailing tours, and more. Enhance your comfort by snagging a condo-style suite with a full kitchen. Dogs are welcome.

33. Tropical Beach Resorts — Siesta Key

This collection of affordable beach hotels is located steps from Siesta Key’s world-famous Crescent Beach. Accommodations range from cozy rooms to suites with full kitchens. Families can enjoy two heated outdoor pools, games including cornhole and shuffleboard, BBQ grills with picnic areas, and more.

Unless noted, photos courtesy of Visit Sarasota

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