Top 20 Family-Friendly Attractions in Sarasota

Top 20 Family-Friendly Attractions in Sarasota

As someone who loves family travel, I’m always looking for exciting new family-friendly attractions to enjoy. So when I heard about the wealth of options in Sarasota, Florida, I knew I had to put together this list of the top 20 family-friendly attractions in Sarasota. Though I haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Sarasota yet, it’s clear this sunny town has something for families of all types. Miles of white sand beaches await families looking for room to build sandcastles, go swimming, or take in a spectacular sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.

Of course, this family traveller always appreciates spots that entertain kids while subtly exposing them to new skills and knowledge. The botanical gardens, science museums, and other cultural sites on my Sarasota list do just that: blend hands-on play with loads of learning opportunities. Though I can’t wait to plan my first family trip there, I hope this little preview gives other parents a taste of how fantastic Sarasota looks for vacationing clans seeking sun, surf, and family memories that will last a lifetime.

1. Swim & Build Sandcastles at Siesta Key Beach

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Siesta Key Beach is a must-visit for families looking to build sandcastles, go for a swim, or simply relax on soft white sand. This crescent-shaped beach has been rated as one of the best beaches in the country with its powdery quartz sand that stays cool under your feet. The beach is open every day from sunrise until sunset. Parking costs around $5 per hour or $15 for the day.

Make sure to arrive early to secure a good spot! Once you’re there, spend time playing beach volleyball on one of the courts or swimming in the calm, clear Gulf waters designated as safe for children. Rent kayaks and paddleboards on-site for some easy family fun paddling alongside the iconic Siesta Key Beach Pavilion. After working up an appetite swimming and digging in the sand, grab an affordable snack or cold drink at the beach cafe.

2. See marine life at Mote Aquarium

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is a must-see for families to get up close with sharks, manatees, sea turtles, and other incredible marine life. This aquarium combines fun exhibits with serious marine research. General admission starts at $28 for adults and $25 for children, with discounted rates available online. Plan to spend at least two hours exploring all that Mote offers.

Popular exhibits include the touch pools, where kids can gently interact with stingrays and horseshoe crabs. See massive sharks and sea turtles being rehabilitated in recovery pools. For an additional cost, go on a dolphin cruise to meet the resident dolphins one-on-one. Time your visit to catch the fan-favourite sea lion shows displaying these animals’ intelligence and agility. From otters to octopuses, you’ll discover Florida’s amazing marine animals at this top-rated aquarium while supporting important conservation research.

3. Explore botanical gardens

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Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a beloved family-friendly spot offering a peaceful escape to walk among lush tropical plants and orchid displays. General admission is $20 for adults and $7 for children ages 6–11. For these reasonable entrance fees, visitors gain access to Selby’s 15 acres of impeccably maintained gardens featuring plants from around the world.

The layout allows for leisurely self-guided exploration along paved pathways, with plenty of tropical shade trees and benches to relax. Interactive kid stations are set up along the way, allowing children to stop and smell vibrant flowers or search for creatures hiding among the foliage. Families especially enjoy the air plants and bamboo grove, which feature a canopy aerial walkway perfect for burning off energy. After getting back to nature, recharge by grabbing a snack or cold drink at Selby’s botanical-themed cafe set amid vibrant horticulture.

4. Visit Ringling Circus & Art Museum

The Ringling Museum is a must-see attraction for families to explore circus history and incredible art collections. General admission starts at $25 for adults and $5 for children, with discounts available for buying online. Plan to spend 2-3 hours immersed in all the museum offers across its 66 pristine acres. Families can start by touring the Ca’d’Zan mansion to see how famous circus owners John and Mable Ringling lived.

Then head to the circus museum’s collection of whimsical parade waggons and artefacts highlighting the excitement of “the Greatest Show on Earth.” Don’t miss seeing a historic Ringling Bros. circus waggon you can walk through! The on-site historic Asolo Theatre also offers family-friendly shows. Beyond the circus legacy, the Ringling houses impressive European art spanning 500 years, including works by Rubens and van Dyck in opulent galleries. Let kids hunt for the hidden sea creature sculptures decorating the courtyard before stopping for a snack break at the on-site restaurant or cafe.

5. Check out Sarasota Jungle Gardens

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Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a fun, affordable attraction for families to see alligators and exotic birds and explore gardens. General admission is just $15 for adults and $14 for kids ages 3–10. With 10 acres to explore, plan on 1-2 hours to wind along jungle walkways and see over 1,000 animals.

Popular exhibits let kids safely get close-up views of large alligators and flamingos strutting by. Families can burn energy wandering through the red bamboo grove or hedge maze. The charming gift shop sells affordable souvenirs, cold drinks, and snacks to refuel for more adventures. With both shaded jungle trails and sunny tropical flowers, Sarasota Jungle Gardens is an easygoing outdoor option for families to see iconic Florida wildlife.

6. Marvel at Classic Cars

The Sarasota Classic Car Museum dazzles families with over 90 antique and vintage automobiles on display. General admission starts at just $14. Kids will love exploring the galleries of classic cars spanning over 100 years, like vintage Model Ts, stylish ‘50s Corvettes, and even exotic supercars.

Friendly docents provide fun facts on automotive design and history. The museum stays comfortably air-conditioned for easy browsing, with seating scattered throughout to rest weary feet. Don’t miss the charming 1950s-style diner onsite serving up classic soda floats, burgers, and banana splits when you’ve worked up an appetite!

7. Enjoy Treetop Adventure Park

TreeUmph! takes families on a wild outdoor adventure with suspension obstacles, zip lines, and games among the towering oaks. Pricing starts at $35 for kids and $55 for adults to access self-guided aerial trails that take 1-2 hours to conquer.

Kids as young as 7 can join age-appropriate challenge courses high among the trees. Families buzz over the Twisted Bridges course or race down multiple ziplines with bird’s-eye views of the wilderness. Guides provide training for first-time climbers to confidently traverse wobbly bridges, tricky crossings, and tightropes designed to get your heart pumping with fun!

8. Bike along Scenic Legacy Trail

National Archives and Records Administration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Legacy Trail stretches over 10 miles from downtown Sarasota northward through lush nature preserves and parks. The paved trail provides an idyllic landscape for families to bike, walk, run, or skate. As a rail trail, the route is flat, straight, and fully accessible for free public recreation.

Families with kids can venture short sections, while athletic cyclists bike the full out-and-back length. Shady oak hammocks, sweet-scented pine forests, and blooming wildflowers line sections, with plenty of park benches to pause and refuel on snacks. Don’t miss the imaginative playground stops that keep kids entertained along the journey!

9. Camp & Kayak at Oscar Park

Oscar Scherer State Park has over 1,400 acres perfect for camping and kayaking. Pitch a tent for $30 per night among pines and scrub. Paddle tranquil lagoons in rentable kayaks.

Hike 15+ miles of trails to spot wildlife and picnic. Rangers offer free educational programmes on the ecosystem and animals. Cool off afterwards on the family-friendly Lake Osprey beach, which has a playground and swimming.

10. Skate Sarasota’s Huge Skatepark

Sarasota Skatepark thrills kids with its huge 18,000-square-foot skatepark. With beginner, intermediate, and advanced areas, there’s space for skaters and BMX bikers of all skill levels to roll, grind, and catch air.

Kids love zooming over the fun boxes, quarter pipes, and bowls without fear of traffic. Safety gear like pads and helmets are strongly recommended. Shaded seating gives parents a comfortable view of the action to cheer them on. Parking and admission are free. Bring your board and refuel afterwards at nearby cafes.

11. See Glass Art Museum

Families delight in the vibrant colours and magical quality of glass creations showcased at the Imagine Museum. Interactive kids’ stations allow safe hands-on play with light and glass. Children and adults alike will be wowed by watching professional demos as hot glass is manipulated into beautiful art before their eyes.

The thoughtful layout has comfortable seating and ramp access, allowing visitors to take breaks as needed. Admission starts at $15 for adults and $10 for kids 6–17. Affordable Café has healthy snacks and beverages to keep your group fueled for the galleries.

12. Tour Historic Spanish Point

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Tour Historic Spanish Point History springs to life at Historic Spanish Point, where families walk the paths of ancient indigenous people and Florida’s pioneer settlers. Kids can enter recreated buildings to play pioneer games and try period cooking, spinning, woodworking, and more.

The hands-on history and adjacent nature trail keep kids engaged. Admission is $12 for adults and $5 for children ages 5–12. Bring a picnic or dine at the on-site old-fashioned soda fountain serving classic burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes.

13. Watch Circus Performers

No visit to Sarasota is complete without cirque entertainment at the Circus Arts Conservatory. Watch professional aerialists, acrobats, and clowns practice their awe-inspiring acts onstage and even try a trick or two at kid circus camps! Admission is $20 for adults and $15 for kids.

Family 5-packs offer 25% off. The Sailor Circus Academy next door stages affordable shows in an intimate, historic arena where you can watch skilled local kids performing daredevil feats and silly theatrics sure to delight ages 3 to 103. Enjoy snacks & coffee at the on-site concessions. With hands-on opportunities and breathtaking shows, the whole family will be captivated by the circus arts!

14. Visit Myakka River State Park

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Myakka River State Park lets families adventure outdoors. Kids love paddling the river in rentable kayaks and canoes. Easy trails and boardwalks wind through wet prairies and shady palms to spot birds. Picnic areas offer places to eat. Entry is $6 per vehicle, with room for 8 and plenty of parking. See alligators in the wild! The natural beauty and rentals make this park ideal for fun family outings.

15. Explore the Interactive Science Museum

This hands-on museum is the perfect place to spark your kids’ natural curiosity for science. With exhibits exploring everything from physics to marine biology, your little ones will have a blast playing games and taking on challenges. They can even dig for fossils, experiment with giant bubbles, or explore giant lightning machines! 

The best part? Reasonably priced annual memberships encourage repeat educational play so your kids can keep coming back for more. And with the average visit spanning 2-3 hours, there’s plenty of time for them to explore and learn. Admission is just $12 for adults and $9 for kids aged 3–18.  And don’t worry about getting hungry – you can refuel at the fresh café with waterside views before hitting the hands-on discoveries again! So, what are you waiting for? Bring your family to G.WIZ for a day of fun and learning!

16. Catch a match at Sports Complexes

Families can enjoy world-class soccer and cricket in Sarasota, with stadium seating to cheer on the action. Kids will love the excitement of a match at the state-of-the-art facilities. These premier sports complexes host tournaments and leagues year-round.

Bring a hat and closed-toe shoes for safety. Concessions sell family favourites like hot dogs, pizza, and snow cones. Admission starts at around $5, depending on the event. Arrive early to snag seats at field level and maybe even catch a stray ball as a souvenir! Spend a fun-filled day watching top talent compete while the kids practice their footwork inspired by the pros.

17. Downtown Skate & Dog Park

Photo by Iliya Jokic on Unsplash

Located right downtown, Payne Park offers free family fun with its skatepark, dog park, and playgrounds. Kids can learn to skate or bike at the skatepark, which has ramps and rails for all abilities.

Watch dogs play safely off-leash at one of the four dog parks. When the kids get hungry, walk over for snacks & drinks at the café. Have a picnic using the grills and pavilions after tiring out on the playground and tennis courts. With fun features packed into one city park, families will make memories without spending a lot of money.

18. Paint your pottery

Get creative by painting your ceramic creations at the pottery painting places around town. Sarasota offers plenty of walk-in pottery painting studios suitable for crafters of all ages to decorate mugs, figures, bowls, and more.

Staff help kids follow templates if they need inspiration to get started. Prices vary but often include studio time plus bisque firing to finish glossy masterpieces. Paint a set of dishes for the whole family to enjoy for years. Most locations serve snacks, and wine for parents and host birthday parties.

19. Make customised bourbon

For the over-21 crowd, Whisky Obsession is a unique attraction to create your personalised bourbon. No experience is needed! Just mix and match ingredients guided by expert distillers. The tasting room sells incredible craft whisky flights too.

Bring snacks or order food to their lounge tables. Prices start at around $60 per person to blend and bottle your special batch. Book your family-friendly whisky workshop online in advance, as slots fill quickly for this hot destination.

20. Seashell Hunting at Clam Pass Beach

Clam Pass Beach Park offers spectacular shelling and sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico. This protected natural habitat nurtures an abundance of gorgeous seashells washed ashore with the tides.

Families will delight in collecting shells along this less crowded beach, offering calmer waves perfect for young swimmers. Parking costs $4 an hour with free entry onto the beach. Rinse shells and fins off at outdoor showers. Grill up lunch at sites overlooking the sand before spending more time beachcombing at this secluded gem.

Well, there you have it, friends—over 20 awesome ideas for memory-making family fun in Florida’s beautiful Sarasota! With thrills from skate parks to treetop adventures, fascinating history, and beachfront chillin’, everyone can experience their flavour of paradise. J

Imagine gliding down zip lines, cheering at sporting events, or collecting seashells by the seashore together. And with many free or budget-friendly attractions, you can soak up the best of Sarasota without breaking the bank. So why not start planning your next getaway in Florida’s crown jewel? Load up the minivan and set your sights on sunny Sarasota for your most fantastic family vacation yet!