Sarasota, Florida, is not just a destination for sun-seeking adults; it’s also a haven for families looking for fun-filled adventures. With its beautiful beaches, diverse cultural attractions, and array of outdoor activities, Sarasota offers something for everyone, including the little ones. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure your family enjoys every moment in Sarasota.
Top Family-Friendly Activities in Sarasota
- Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium: Dive into the wonders of marine life with interactive exhibits, touch tanks, and daily educational programs suitable for all ages.
- Sarasota Jungle Gardens: Encounter exotic animals, stroll through lush botanical gardens, and catch entertaining wildlife shows in this family-friendly attraction.
- Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: Wander through acres of tropical paradise, featuring stunning orchids, towering banyan trees, and a children’s rainforest garden with hands-on activities.
- Sarasota Children’s Garden: Let your little ones explore whimsical play areas, including a fairy garden, butterfly garden, and interactive learning stations designed to ignite their imagination.
- Sarasota Classic Car Museum: Step back in time and marvel at vintage automobiles, classic cars, and memorabilia that will delight automotive enthusiasts of all ages.
Outdoor Adventures for Families
- Siesta Key Beach: Spend a day building sandcastles, splashing in the waves, or collecting seashells on the pristine shores of this award-winning beach.
- Myakka River State Park: Embark on a family-friendly adventure with nature trails, airboat tours, and opportunities for wildlife spotting, including alligators, birds, and deer.
- Legacy Trail: Rent bicycles and explore this scenic trail that winds through picturesque landscapes, parks, and wildlife habitats, offering a leisurely way to soak in Sarasota’s natural beauty.
- Sarasota Bay Explorers: Set sail on a family eco-tour, where you can spot dolphins, manatees, and other marine life while learning about the delicate ecosystem of Sarasota Bay.
- Celery Fields: Take a hike or enjoy a picnic at this scenic park known for its birdwatching opportunities, offering panoramic views of Sarasota’s wetlands and wildlife.
Beat the Heat Indoor Attractions for Kids
- Children’s Rainforest at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: Escape the heat and humidity by immersing yourself in this indoor rainforest, where kids can learn about tropical plants, insects, and conservation efforts.
- The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature: Discover hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, and a planetarium showcasing the wonders of science, history, and the natural world.
- Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary: Get up close and personal with rescued big cats, bears, and other exotic animals in a shaded, climate-controlled environment.
- G-Wiz Science Museum: Ignite curiosity and creativity with interactive exhibits, workshops, and demonstrations exploring the principles of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park: Let your kids bounce, jump, and play to their hearts’ content in this indoor trampoline park, featuring various zones and activities suitable for all ages.
Best Beaches for Families
- Lido Beach: Enjoy gentle waves and powdery sand perfect for building sandcastles and soaking up the sun, with nearby amenities including picnic areas, playgrounds, and concession stands.
- Siesta Beach: With its shallow waters and soft, white sand, Siesta Beach is ideal for families with young children, offering ample space for play and relaxation along the Gulf Coast.
- Turtle Beach: Explore tidal pools, search for seashells, and enjoy calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling, making it a family favorite for beachcombing adventures.
- Venice Beach: Discover fossilized shark teeth along the shoreline, splash in the waves, or embark on a family-friendly shark tooth hunting expedition in this charming coastal town.
- Caspersen Beach: Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in nature at this secluded beach known for its tranquil atmosphere, excellent shelling, and opportunities for wildlife sightings.
Day Trips from Sarasota for Fun Family Adventures
- Walt Disney World Resort: Venture less than two hours away to experience the magic of Disney, with thrilling rides, enchanting attractions, and beloved characters awaiting your family’s arrival.
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Embark on an African safari adventure, encounter exotic animals, and experience adrenaline-pumping roller coasters at this family-friendly theme park.
- Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium: Dive into the wonders of marine life with interactive exhibits, touch tanks, and daily educational programs suitable for all ages.
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Visit Winter the Dolphin and other rescued marine animals, participate in educational programs, and explore exhibits highlighting marine conservation efforts.
- LEGOLAND Florida Resort: Let your imagination run wild in this colorful world of LEGO, featuring rides, shows, and interactive experiences designed for kids of all ages.
Best Eats for Kids in Sarasota
- The Cottage: Indulge in casual coastal cuisine with a kids’ menu featuring classics like fish and chips, macaroni and cheese, and grilled cheese sandwiches, all served in a charming cottage setting.
- Owen’s Fish Camp: Feast on fresh seafood favorites like fish tacos, shrimp baskets, and clam chowder, while kids can enjoy smaller portions and kid-friendly options in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
- Nancy’s Bar-B-Q: Savor finger-licking barbecue ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, and homemade sides that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters, with a welcoming ambiance that feels like home.
- Der Dutchman Restaurant & Bakery: Treat your family to hearty comfort food and mouthwatering baked goods, including homemade pies, cookies, and cinnamon rolls that are sure to delight young and old alike.
- Pastry Art Bakery Café: Indulge in sweet treats and savory delights at this local favorite bakery, offering a tempting selection of pastries, sandwiches, and desserts that will satisfy every craving.
Best Hotels for Families in Sarasota
- The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota: Experience luxury accommodations, impeccable service, and family-friendly amenities, including a kids’ club, pool, and waterfront dining overlooking Sarasota Bay.
- Hyatt Regency Sarasota: Enjoy spacious rooms, resort-style pools, and convenient access to nearby attractions, with family-friendly perks like babysitting services and a kids’ menu at the hotel’s restaurant.
- Sarasota Modern: Immerse yourself in contemporary design, vibrant colors, and family-friendly accommodations, including suites with separate living areas and a rooftop pool offering panoramic views of the city.
- Lido Beach Resort: Relax in beachfront bliss with spacious suites, a children’s pool, and direct access to Lido Beach, where your family can enjoy sandcastle building, beach volleyball, and water sports.
- Holiday Inn Sarasota-Lido Beach-@The Beach: Unwind in comfort at this beachfront hotel offering family-friendly amenities such as a pool, playground, and on-site dining options, all steps away from the Gulf Coast’s pristine shores.
Sarasota is a treasure trove of family-friendly activities, from exploring marine life at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium to building sandcastles at Siesta Key Beach, there’s no shortage of excitement for families in Sarasota. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, indoor attractions to beat the heat, or simply relaxing on the beach, Sarasota offers something for every member of the family. With a plethora of dining options catering to young palates and family-friendly hotels ensuring a comfortable stay, your Sarasota vacation is sure to be memorable. So pack your bags, gather the family, and embark on an unforgettable journey filled with laughter, learning, and lasting memories in Sarasota, Florida.
