Things To Do For Families With Kids and Dogs In Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota, Florida offers a plethora of exciting activities for families with kids. Here are some of the top attractions and events that you can enjoy together. The great thing about Turtle Rock (in Palmer Ranch) is it's a great place to hang out with the kids nearly every weekend. They have pool parties and ice cream socials once per month during the school year, halloween dress-up party, a friendsgiving social party and even have a bus tour of holiday lights in December!
When not enjoying the comfy confines of Turtle Rock with your kids or special 4 legged dog friend you can explore the following:
1. City of Sarasota:
- Bayfront Park: Explore the beautiful waterfront park with playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic areas.
- Sarasota Garden Club: Visit this charming garden and learn about various plant species.
- Shop Rosemary District: Discover unique shops and boutiques in this trendy neighborhood.
- Sarasota Opera House: Catch a family-friendly performance or opera at this historic venue.
- Sarasota Brewing (Gulf Gate): Enjoy a delicious meal and craft beer while the kids have fun in the play area.
- Ringling Bridge (bike): Take a bike ride across the iconic Ringling Bridge and enjoy stunning views of the city.
- Legacy Trail: Embark on a scenic bike ride or walk along this 10-mile trail that runs through picturesque landscapes.
- Oscar Scherer State Park: Spend a day exploring nature trails, kayaking, or picnicking in this beautiful state park.
- Broadway Musicals: Attend one of the captivating Broadway musicals performed at any of the 15 local theaters.
- Sand Sculpting Festival: Witness incredible sand sculptures created by talented artists at this annual festival.
- Sarasota Film Festival: Catch screenings of independent films and engage in cinematic experiences.
- Sarasota Jungle Gardens: Get up close and personal with exotic animals and enjoy interactive experiences.
- Mote Aquarium: Discover fascinating marine life and engage in educational activities at this renowned aquarium.
- Big Cat Habitat: Visit this sanctuary and observe majestic big cats and other exotic animals.
- Dakin Dairy Farms: Take a tour of this working dairy farm and learn about the milking process.
- Sarasota Sea Lion Preserve: Interact with friendly sea lions and learn about their conservation efforts.
- Kids Garden and Art Center: Let your children unleash their creativity through gardening and art activities.
- Bishop Science and Nature: Explore interactive exhibits and learn about the wonders of science and nature.
- Classic Car Museum: Marvel at a collection of vintage automobiles and learn about the history of cars.
- Children's Garden: Delight in this enchanting garden designed specifically for children, featuring whimsical displays and activities.
Englewood / Manasota Key:
- Farmers Market: Browse local produce, crafts, and homemade goods at the vibrant farmers market.
- Dearborn Street: Wander along Dearborn Street and discover unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
- Eat Farlows On the Water: Enjoy a waterfront dining experience with delicious food and stunning views.
Lido Key:
- Lido Beach Recreation Trail: Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along this scenic trail.
- Sunset Sarasota Bay explores: Embark on a boat tour to witness breathtaking sunsets over Sarasota Bay.
- Eat: Crab & Fin: Savor fresh seafood dishes at this popular waterfront restaurant.
Other:
- North Port: Mineral Springs Park: Enjoy outdoor activities, including playgrounds and nature trails, in this picturesque park.
- Myakka State Forest: Immerse yourself in nature by exploring the trails and observing wildlife in this serene forest.
- Pinecraft Park: Let your kids have fun on the playgrounds and enjoy a picnic in this family-friendly park.
- Eat: Dry Dock Waterfront: Indulge in delicious seafood and waterfront dining at this local favorite.
- Eat: Dockside Waterfront Grill: Enjoy waterfront views and delectable cuisine at this popular eatery.
Big Events:
- Throughout the year, Sarasota hosts a variety of exciting events suitable for families. These include powerboat races, music festivals, improv fests, cabaret festivals, film festivals, sand sculpting events, medieval times, and more.
Other Outdoor Activities:
- Sarasota offers numerous outdoor activities for families, such as visiting botanical gardens, exploring nature preserves, horseback riding, fruit picking at Mixon Fruit Farms, watching skiing shows at Sarasota Ski-A-Rees, and embarking on airboat tours.
Culture Coast:
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene of Sarasota through comedy shows, theatrical performances, musical concerts, circus experiences, trolley tours, dance performances, and more.
With such a wide range of activities and events, Sarasota, Florida is a haven for families with kids. Whether you're exploring nature, enjoying cultural experiences, or seeking thrilling adventures, Sarasota has something to offer for everyone in the family.
1. City of Sarasota:
- Bayfront Park: Explore the beautiful waterfront park with playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic areas.
- Sarasota Garden Club: Visit this charming garden and learn about various plant species.
- Shop Rosemary District: Discover unique shops and boutiques in this trendy neighborhood.
- Sarasota Opera House: Catch a family-friendly performance or opera at this historic venue.
- Sarasota Brewing (Gulf Gate): Enjoy a delicious meal and craft beer while the kids have fun in the play area.
- Ringling Bridge (bike): Take a bike ride across the iconic Ringling Bridge and enjoy stunning views of the city.
- Legacy Trail: Embark on a scenic bike ride or walk along this 10-mile trail that runs through picturesque landscapes.
- Oscar Scherer State Park: Spend a day exploring nature trails, kayaking, or picnicking in this beautiful state park.
- Broadway Musicals: Attend one of the captivating Broadway musicals performed at any of the 15 local theaters.
- Sand Sculpting Festival: Witness incredible sand sculptures created by talented artists at this annual festival.
- Sarasota Film Festival: Catch screenings of independent films and engage in cinematic experiences.
- Sarasota Jungle Gardens: Get up close and personal with exotic animals and enjoy interactive experiences.
- Mote Aquarium: Discover fascinating marine life and engage in educational activities at this renowned aquarium.
- Big Cat Habitat: Visit this sanctuary and observe majestic big cats and other exotic animals.
- Dakin Dairy Farms: Take a tour of this working dairy farm and learn about the milking process.
- Sarasota Sea Lion Preserve: Interact with friendly sea lions and learn about their conservation efforts.
- Kids Garden and Art Center: Let your children unleash their creativity through gardening and art activities.
- Bishop Science and Nature: Explore interactive exhibits and learn about the wonders of science and nature.
- Classic Car Museum: Marvel at a collection of vintage automobiles and learn about the history of cars.
- Children's Garden: Delight in this enchanting garden designed specifically for children, featuring whimsical displays and activities.
Englewood / Manasota Key:
- Farmers Market: Browse local produce, crafts, and homemade goods at the vibrant farmers market.
- Dearborn Street: Wander along Dearborn Street and discover unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
- Eat Farlows On the Water: Enjoy a waterfront dining experience with delicious food and stunning views.
Lido Key:
- Lido Beach Recreation Trail: Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along this scenic trail.
- Sunset Sarasota Bay explores: Embark on a boat tour to witness breathtaking sunsets over Sarasota Bay.
- Eat: Crab & Fin: Savor fresh seafood dishes at this popular waterfront restaurant.
Other:
- North Port: Mineral Springs Park: Enjoy outdoor activities, including playgrounds and nature trails, in this picturesque park.
- Myakka State Forest: Immerse yourself in nature by exploring the trails and observing wildlife in this serene forest.
- Pinecraft Park: Let your kids have fun on the playgrounds and enjoy a picnic in this family-friendly park.
- Eat: Dry Dock Waterfront: Indulge in delicious seafood and waterfront dining at this local favorite.
- Eat: Dockside Waterfront Grill: Enjoy waterfront views and delectable cuisine at this popular eatery.
Big Events:
- Throughout the year, Sarasota hosts a variety of exciting events suitable for families. These include powerboat races, music festivals, improv fests, cabaret festivals, film festivals, sand sculpting events, medieval times, and more.
Other Outdoor Activities:
- Sarasota offers numerous outdoor activities for families, such as visiting botanical gardens, exploring nature preserves, horseback riding, fruit picking at Mixon Fruit Farms, watching skiing shows at Sarasota Ski-A-Rees, and embarking on airboat tours.
Culture Coast:
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene of Sarasota through comedy shows, theatrical performances, musical concerts, circus experiences, trolley tours, dance performances, and more.
With such a wide range of activities and events, Sarasota, Florida is a haven for families with kids. Whether you're exploring nature, enjoying cultural experiences, or seeking thrilling adventures, Sarasota has something to offer for everyone in the family.