Planning a family trip can be hard when everyone wants to do something different. Luckily, there are plenty of things to do in Sarasota with kids, from sunny beaches and animal visits to museums, gardens, parks, and outdoor fun.
Whether you are traveling with toddlers, school-age children, or teens, Sarasota offers many ways to keep the whole family busy.
This guide brings together the most useful family activities in Sarasota and adds ideas for rainy days, hot weather, free outings, and short visits. You will also find tips to help you choose activities based on your children’s ages, interests, and your travel time.
Quick Answer
The best things to do in Sarasota with kids include spending time at Siesta Beach, visiting Mote Science Education Aquarium, exploring Sarasota Jungle Gardens, and discovering Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Families can also visit The Ringling, explore Myakka River State Park, enjoy Sarasota’s parks, try kayaking, and find free or indoor activities.
Toddlers may enjoy beaches, gardens, and playgrounds, while older kids and teens may prefer kayaking, adventure courses, museums, and water activities. Sarasota also has many family-friendly options for rainy days, hot afternoons, and budget trips.
1. Spend a Day at Siesta Beach
Siesta Beach is one of the easiest and most fun things to do in Sarasota with kids. Its soft, cool sand gives children plenty of space to build sandcastles, play, and enjoy a family beach day. The calm setting also makes it a popular choice for families looking for kid-friendly things to do in Sarasota.
Parents can swim, take a walk, or relax while the kids play nearby. Pack sunscreen, water, hats, and snacks for a more comfortable visit, especially on hot days. Families can also explore Siesta Key and stop by Siesta Village for food or a treat.
If you are looking for the best beaches in Sarasota for families, Siesta Beach is a simple choice for swimming, sand play, and making family memories.
2. Explore Mote Science Education Aquarium
A visit to Mote Science Education Aquarium is a great choice for families who want to mix fun with learning. Kids can get close to marine life, including sea turtles, sharks, fish, and other sea animals. It is also one of the best indoor things to do in Sarasota with kids, making it useful when rain or strong heat changes your plans.
Younger children may enjoy seeing large animals up close, while older kids can learn more about ocean life and science. Parents can take their time moving through the exhibits without needing a full day.
If your children love animals, Mote is one of the top Sarasota attractions for kids. It can also be a good break from the beach when your family needs an indoor activity.
3. Meet Animals at Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Sarasota Jungle Gardens gives children a chance to see animals in a setting that feels more active than a normal museum. Families can see flamingos, parrots, reptiles, and other animals while walking through the gardens.
It is a fun option for parents searching for animal attractions in Sarasota or family-friendly places where children can learn while staying active. Younger kids may enjoy the colorful birds and close animal encounters, while older children can learn about different species and their habits.
Bring comfortable shoes because you will spend time walking. A camera can also be useful because there are many fun photo spots along the way. For families who want a break from museums and beaches, Sarasota Jungle Gardens adds something different to a Sarasota family vacation.
4. Explore Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is more than a place for adults who enjoy plants. Families can explore the Children’s Rainforest Garden, where kids can walk across bridges, explore play areas, and discover nature in a hands-on way.
This makes Selby Gardens a useful choice for parents looking for family activities in Sarasota that are calm but still fun. Children can enjoy the garden while parents take in the plants, water features, and peaceful views.
It is also a good option when you want a slower part of the day after a busy attraction. Bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and allow time for children to explore at their own pace. If your family enjoys nature, gardens, and simple outdoor fun, this is one of the more relaxing things to do in Sarasota with kids.
5. Make The Ringling Fun for Kids
The Ringling offers families a chance to add art, history, and circus fun to their Sarasota trip. The Circus Museum can be especially interesting for children because of its colorful displays and stories about circus life.
Parents can make the visit more fun by talking with kids about the costumes, performers, animals, and old circus acts they see. The larger Ringling grounds also offer gardens and outdoor spaces where children can move around after spending time indoors.
It is a good choice for families who want educational activities in Sarasota without making the day feel like a school lesson. Older children may enjoy the history more, while younger kids can focus on the visual displays. For families searching for kid-friendly museums in Sarasota, The Ringling is worth adding to the list.
6. Visit the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is a useful choice for curious children who enjoy science, space, animals, and hands-on learning. Families can explore exhibits that make topics such as nature and history easier for kids to understand.
One of its biggest benefits is that it gives families an indoor activity in Sarasota when the weather is too hot or rainy. Children can learn while parents enjoy a break from outdoor activities.
The museum can work well for school-age kids, but younger children may also find parts of it interesting. Give yourself enough time to explore without rushing through each area. If you are building a list of educational things to do in Sarasota with kids, this museum fits naturally alongside Mote, The Ringling, and other family attractions.
7. Explore Myakka River State Park
Families who enjoy wildlife and open spaces can spend time at Myakka River State Park. It is a good place to slow down and let children experience Florida’s natural side. Depending on the season and conditions, families may spot birds, turtles, alligators, and other wildlife.
The park also offers walking areas, nature views, and outdoor activities that can make children feel like they are on a real adventure. The Junior Ranger program can add an educational part for kids who enjoy learning outdoors.
Because Florida heat can be strong, plan outdoor visits carefully and carry plenty of water. Morning visits may be more comfortable for families. If you are searching for outdoor activities in Sarasota with kids, Myakka is a strong choice for nature, wildlife, and family exploration.
8. Find More Wildlife at Big Cat Habitat
Big Cat Habitat gives families another way to learn about animals while spending time outdoors. Children can see large animals and learn more about wildlife care and conservation. For kids who love animals, it can be one of the more memorable Sarasota family activities.
The experience is different from visiting a traditional zoo because the focus is strongly connected to animal care and education. Parents can use the visit as a chance to teach children why wildlife protection matters.
Plan for warm weather and wear comfortable shoes, as you may spend a good amount of time walking. It is also helpful to check current visiting information before you go. If your children enjoy lions, big cats, and wildlife, adding Big Cat Habitat can make your list of things to do in Sarasota for kids more varied.
9. Let Kids Play at Sarasota’s Parks and Playgrounds
Sometimes the best family activity is simple. Sarasota has parks and open spaces where kids can play, run, and take a break between larger attractions. Bayfront Park, Payne Park, Urfer Family Park, and The Bay are useful options for families who want outdoor time without planning a full attraction visit.
Parks can also be helpful when children need a break after a museum or long drive. Pack snacks, water, and anything your children need for play.
These spots are especially useful for families searching for free things to do in Sarasota with kids or affordable family activities. A playground can also help toddlers burn off energy while parents enjoy some fresh air. Adding a park to your plan gives your Sarasota family vacation a relaxed balance between paid attractions and simple outdoor fun.
10. Try a Family Kayaking or Paddleboarding Adventure
For families with older children, kayaking in Sarasota can turn a normal day into a fun outdoor adventure. Guided trips can take families through calm waterways and mangrove areas where they may see birds, fish, dolphins, or other wildlife.
Paddleboarding Sarasota is another option for families who want to spend time on the water. The best choice depends on your children’s ages, swimming skills, and comfort level.
Parents should choose an activity that matches the child’s age and follow all safety rules. A guided tour can be helpful if your family has never kayaked before. For active families, these are some of the best outdoor activities in Sarasota for families and can be especially appealing to tweens and teens who want more than a traditional sightseeing trip.
11. Visit Sarasota’s Hidden Family Gems
Not every good family activity needs to be famous. Sarasota also has hidden gems for kids that can make your trip feel more local and less planned around major attractions. Families can consider places such as TreeUmph! Adventure Course, Urfer Family Park, Celery Fields, Sarasota Toy Museum, and Dakin Dairy Farm.
These options can be useful when your children want something different from a beach or museum. Adventure courses can suit active older kids, while parks and smaller attractions may work better for younger children.
Adding a few lesser-known stops can also help spread your family trip across different parts of the area. If you are looking for unique things to do with kids in Sarasota, these local-style activities can give your itinerary more variety and help you discover a side of Sarasota that many visitors miss.
12. Discover Sarasota’s Family-Friendly Beaches Beyond Siesta Key
While Siesta Beach gets much of the attention, families have other Sarasota beaches to explore. Lido Beach, South Lido, Nokomis Beach, Venice Beach, and Caspersen Beach can each offer a different family experience.
Some families may want a quiet place to relax, while others may prefer a beach with nearby food, shops, or walking areas. Venice is also known for shark-tooth hunting, which can turn a simple beach visit into a fun treasure hunt for children.
Before visiting, check current beach conditions and local rules. Bring water, sun protection, and a change of clothes for younger children. Exploring different beaches is a good way to add variety to your Sarasota family vacation and find the setting that best matches your family’s interests.
13. Best Free Things to Do in Sarasota with Kids
You do not need a large budget to enjoy a family trip to Sarasota. Some of the best free things to do in Sarasota with kids include spending time at public beaches, visiting parks, walking along waterfront areas, and enjoying playgrounds.
A beach day can be especially budget-friendly because children can stay busy with sand, water, and simple games. Families can also pack a picnic instead of eating at a restaurant for every meal.
Free activities are useful when you want to save money for bigger attractions such as aquariums or guided tours. They also make it easier to add an extra activity when children still have energy. If you are searching for affordable Sarasota family activities, mix free outdoor stops with one or two paid attractions to create a balanced trip.
14. Best Indoor Things to Do in Sarasota with Kids
Rain and strong Florida heat can quickly change a family plan, so it helps to have a list of indoor things to do in Sarasota with kids. Mote Science Education Aquarium, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, and The Ringling can all provide indoor time while keeping children interested.
Other options may include the Sarasota Toy Museum, libraries, theater, and indoor entertainment. These activities can be especially helpful for families traveling with toddlers or younger children who need regular breaks from the sun.
An indoor plan is also useful during afternoon storms. Instead of ending the day early, you can move from the beach to a museum or aquarium. If you are searching for things to do in Sarasota with kids on a rainy day, keeping two or three indoor choices ready can make your trip much easier.
15. Things to Do in Sarasota with Toddlers and Teens
Families with children of different ages may need to mix activities. For toddlers, beaches, playgrounds, children’s gardens, aquariums, and animal visits can work well because they offer simple things to see and do. Look for places where children can move around and take breaks.
For teens, consider kayaking, paddleboarding, adventure courses, biking, water activities, escape rooms, and longer outdoor trips. Older children may also enjoy museums when they can take part in interactive exhibits.
The key is not to choose every activity for one age group. Instead, combine easy activities with one or two bigger experiences. This approach makes family-friendly things to do in Sarasota easier to enjoy for everyone. Whether you have toddlers, school-age children, or teens, Sarasota gives families enough variety to build a balanced day.
Conclusion
Sarasota offers far more than a beach vacation. Families can explore wildlife, marine life, museums, gardens, parks, nature areas, and outdoor adventures while still finding time to relax. From Siesta Beach and Mote to Myakka River State Park and The Ringling, there are plenty of things to do in Sarasota with kids for different ages and interests.
The best plan depends on your family. Toddlers may enjoy beaches and playgrounds, while teens may prefer kayaking or adventure activities. Free parks can help control your budget, and museums or aquariums can save the day when the weather changes. By mixing outdoor fun, indoor activities, and relaxed family time, you can create a Sarasota family vacation that everyone remembers.
FAQs
What are the best things to do in Sarasota with kids?
Siesta Beach, Mote Science Education Aquarium, Sarasota Jungle Gardens, The Ringling, and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens are popular family options.
Is Sarasota good for a family vacation?
Yes. Sarasota offers beaches, wildlife, museums, parks, nature areas, and activities for different age groups.
What can toddlers do in Sarasota?
Toddlers can enjoy beaches, playgrounds, children’s gardens, aquariums, and animal attractions.
What can teens do in Sarasota?
Teens may enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, adventure courses, biking, water activities, and escape rooms.
What are the best free things to do in Sarasota with kids?
Beaches, parks, playgrounds, waterfront walks, and some outdoor areas can provide low-cost family fun.
What can families do in Sarasota on a rainy day?
Families can visit Mote, the Bishop Museum, The Ringling, the Sarasota Toy Museum, libraries, and other indoor attractions.