The Ultimate Family Guide: 18 Best Things to Do in Sarasota with Kids

Planning a family trip to Florida’s Gulf Coast?

Sarasota, Florida, is one of the premier beach vacation destinations for families!

Known for its powdery quartz-sand beaches, rich marine life, and plenty of outdoor adventures, Sarasota offers a dynamic blend of relaxation and high-energy family entertainment.

Whether you are traveling with toddlers, tweens, or teenagers, this updated guide covers the best family-friendly attractions, top beaches, indoor activities, and our favorite local eats.

Top Outdoor & Beach Activities in Sarasota for Families

1. Relax on World-Famous White Sand Beaches

Spending time on the coastline is the top-rated thing to do in Sarasota with kids. Sarasota County encompasses multiple barrier islands (keys), each offering distinct beach experiences:

• Siesta Beach (Siesta Key): Consistently ranked among the best beaches in the U.S. Famous for its 99% pure quartz sand that stays cool underfoot. Features lifeguards, shaded playgrounds, restrooms, concessions, and equipment rentals.
• Lido Beach (Lido Key): Located near St. Armands Circle. Offers a slightly calmer crowd than Siesta Beach, full amenities, concessions, and lifeguards.
• Turtle Beach (Siesta Key): Great for families looking for shells, active sports, or launching a boat/kayak. Features a playground, picnic spots, and nearby dining, but has no lifeguards on duty.
• South Lido Beach Park: Shaded by pine and palm trees, this park is ideal for picnics, nature trails, and watching boats pass through the pass. (Note: Currents can be strong; swimming is not advised in the pass).

Bonus Beach Day Trips: Head south to Caspersen Beach or Venice Beach to hunt for fossilized shark teeth along the shoreline.

2. Kayak or Paddleboard Through the Mangrove Tunnels

Explore South Lido Key’s mangrove tunnels, where a calm canopy of intertwined mangrove roots forms subterranean-like waterways.

Guided eco-tours (such as Kayaking SRQ Tours & Rentals) provide double kayaks for parents paddling with younger kids.

Keep an eye out for manatees, bottlenose dolphins, jumping mullet, fiddler crabs, and wading birds along the route.

3. Reel in a Catch at Hart’s Landing & Saporito Pier

Located at the foot of the John Ringling Causeway, Hart’s Landing is Sarasota’s oldest saltwater bait and tackle shop.

Families can rent rods, pick up live bait, and walk right onto the adjacent T.J. “Tony” Saporito Fishing Pier.

• Family Tip: Fishing from the pier is free. Florida law requires a saltwater fishing license for visitors aged 16 and older, which can be purchased online instantly.

Top Educational Attractions & Animal Encounters

4. Experience the New Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA)

A major upgrade for Sarasota visitors: Mote Marine Laboratory officially opened its flagship, 146,000-square-foot Mote Science Education Aquarium (SEA) at Nathan Benderson Park.

• Highlights: Interactive touch pools, massive multi-story shark tanks, sea turtle rehabilitation exhibits, and hands-on STEM learning labs.
• Fossil Creek: Kids can dig for genuine fossilized shark teeth to take home as souvenirs.
• Planning Note: Advanced online ticket reservations are strongly recommended during peak travel seasons.

5. Explore The Ringling Museum & Circus Campus

The 66-acre estate of circus magnate John Ringling offers an all-day experience for families:

• The Circus Museum & Tibbals Learning Center: Home to the world’s largest miniature circus model (over 44,000 pieces), historical circus wagons, interactive tightrope walks, and a clown car kids can climb into.
• David F. Bolger Playspace: An impressive, free-access playground on campus featuring climbing structures, water play elements, and shade.
• Ca’ d’Zan: The Mediterranean Revival mansion overlooking Sarasota Bay.

6. Hand-Feed Flamingos at Sarasota Jungle Gardens

Operating since 1936, this classic 10-acre attraction features paved, stroller-friendly jungle trails shaded by tropical canopy.

• Interactive Highlights: Free-roaming pink flamingos that eat directly from your palm, daily interactive reptile and bird shows, and photo ops holding young alligators or macaws.

7. Play at The Children’s Garden

Specifically designed for toddlers and young children (ages 2–8), this whimsical garden offers a quiet break from crowded beaches.

Features include costume dress-up stations, a pirate ship play area, a bamboo rainforest with cooling misters, fairy houses, and shaded winding paths.

8. Discover the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens & Children’s Rainforest

Located along Sarasota Bay, the Downtown Sarasota campus features the interactive Ann Goldstein Children’s Rainforest Garden.

Kids can climb a high-canopy rope bridge, explore cave passages under a cascading waterfall, and marvel at massive 100-year-old banyan trees.

9. Tour the Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary

Founded as a non-profit sanctuary for rescued exotic animals, this venue allows families to observe lions, tigers, bears, primates, and birds up close.

They offer daily live educational demonstrations and a goat contact yard for kids.

Entertainment, Shopping & Dining Highlights

10. Play Golf & Dine at PopStroke

Designed in partnership with Tiger Woods, PopStroke (located near University Town Center) features two high-tech 18-hole putting courses with synthetic turf, bunker hazards, and fairways.

The venue includes a full-service outdoor restaurant, yard games, an ice cream parlor, and an outdoor playground for kids.

Get ready for true family fun!

11. Stroll and Shop at St. Armands Circle

Located on Lido Key, St. Armands Circle is an open-air shopping and dining venue with over 140 boutiques, ice cream shops, and restaurants.

• Circus Ring of Fame: Located in the center park, honoring legendary performers of the American circus.

12. Take on the Local Sarasota Donut Trail

Sampling local bakeries is a favorite treats-and-eats tradition for vacationing families.

Don’t miss these top-rated local spots:

• Five-O Donut Co: Famous for extravagant, over-the-top craft donuts and police-themed decor.
• Peachey’s Donut Co: Amish-style, warm glazed donuts and fried Amish pies (check their schedule as they operate via mobile food truck events).
• Der Dutchman: An authentic Amish bakery and restaurant in Pinecraft serving massive cinnamon rolls and handmade cream-filled donuts.
• Meany’s Mini Donuts: Made-to-order mini donuts served hot with customizable toppings on Siesta Key.

13. Jump at Jumpin Fun Inflata Park

If you hit a rainy afternoon or need an air-conditioned break, head to Lakewood Ranch/Sarasota’s indoor inflatable theme park.

With over 15,000 square feet of interconnected bounce obstacles, zip-rails, climbing walls, and a dedicated toddler zone, it is a great indoor activity for energy burn.

14. Catch an MLB Spring Training Game

Sarasota and its immediate surroundings host major league baseball teams every February and March for Spring Training:

• Baltimore Orioles: Play at Ed Smith Stadium near downtown Sarasota.
• Atlanta Braves: Play at CoolToday Park in nearby North Port / Venice.

Family Day Trips from Sarasota

If you are staying in Sarasota for 5 to 7 days, consider these quick day trips:

1. Anna Maria Island (40 mins north): Old-Florida charm, beautiful beaches, Bean Point, and street-side dining on Pine Avenue.
2. Myakka River State Park (30 mins east): One of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks. Offers airboat rides on Lake Myakka, a canopy walk, and widespread alligator viewing.
3. Tampa Bay / Busch Gardens (1 hour north): Theme park roller coasters and world-class zoo exhibits.
4. Clearwater Marine Aquarium (1 hour 15 mins north): Marine rescue center dedicated to sea turtle and dolphin rehabilitation.
5. Orlando Theme Parks (1.5 to 2 hours northeast): Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.