Sarasota is a great beach down on the gulf coast, south of Tampa, and not all that far from Orlando.
It is a great base for visiting the area, and there is plenty to do in and around the town as well.
A lot of activities here involve the outdoors, and the weather is almost always good.
It does get hot in summer though.
There are a lot of things kids would enjoy here that are both fun and educational.
From riding a hipline to building a sandcastle, it’s easy to find a lot of things to do in Sarasota.
Things to Do With Kids in Sarasota
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Sarasota Jungle Gardens has been going strong since 1939 and is one of the oldest attractions in Florida.
It may be old, but it will appeal to children of all ages.
It has 10 acres packed with exotic plants and more than 250 types of animals.
There are lots of trails to experience the animals, including a large flamingo feeding area and a petting zoo.
There are several shows throughout the day involving animals.
Most of the animals are native to Florida.
It is not cheap, but you can spend half a day there easily.
The Ringling
The Ringling is the creation of John and Mable Ringling and hosts a couple of museums and the mansion the two lived in.
For years Sarasota was the winter home of the Ringling Circus.
It’s fitting that there is a circus museum, and there is an art museum.
There is a miniature replica of a traveling circus that is fascinating.
The art museum has added an original sculpture by Michelangelo.
There are many other exhibits as well to keep kids of all ages occupied for a day.
The art museum and the grounds are free on Mondays.
Looking for Shark Teeth
Sarasota bills itself the shark tooth capital of the world, and it is not an exaggeration.
Looking for shark teeth has been a favorite pastime for people here for generations, and there is no sign of running out.
Venice Beach is the most popular spot and is a place you can search for shark teeth for free.
While Venice Beach is the most popular, a lot of people like Caspersen Beach, Casey Key, or Manasota Key as places to look for shark teeth.
There are offshore excursions to look for more shark teeth at a cost, but you can do it on the beach for free.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
The Mote Aquarium is a research center, but it is open to the public.
There are programs where you can watch sharks being fed, get very close looks through safety glass, and learn a lot about these predatory creatures.
There are touch pools where kids can touch a shark, and other sea creatures, as well as many hands-on exhibits that kids will love.
There are also special events from time to time, so check their calendar when planning a visit.
Tree-Umph
Tree-Umph is an adventure course about 10 miles inland from Sarasota.
It is a short trip that will be a blast for kids of all ages.
There are 10 football field lengths of areas for climbing among the trees with ropes, bridges, and your bare hands.
There are levels of difficulty for all ages and skill levels.
Kids aged 5-8 can play on the easiest course just 10 feet or so above the ground.
There are higher levels that are more difficult, and some are only for advanced climbers.
You can end the day with a long zipline ride that is easy and fun.
Venice Train Depot
The Venice Train Depot is 18 miles south of Sarasota in the town of Venice.
It features a restored train that kids can play on.
Younger kids will enjoy riding on the Polar Express train, and older kids can ride the Hogwarts Express.
Across the street is a large park filled with unique playground equipment, as well as the more common things to play on that you would expect to find in a playground.
There is a cost for rides on the express, but the restored train and playground are free.
Ann Goldstein’s Children’s Rainforest Garden
The Marie Selby Botanical Garden is a great place to explore nature in downtown Sarasota, near the waterfront.
Inside is the children’s rainforest garden, which allows children to explore nature.
It starts with crossing a rope bridge.
There are huts and caves with themes to entertain and educate.
There are large trees, and kids of all ages can enjoy swings and hammocks to sit under the trees.
This garden has a waterfall that provides a mist throughout the area to give it a real rainforest feel.
They offer various educational programs as well throughout the day.
Sarasota Children’s Garden
The Sarasota Children’s Garden is in downtown Sarasota and offers kids a chance to explore gardening and their own imaginations.
Kids can dress in costumes, be a fairy, a pirate, or something else for a day.
Costumes are optional and the only limit is the imagination of the kids at play.
In Hobbitville kids can make mud pies or cakes.
There are programs that teach kids about growing plants in a fun way.
Check the schedule for weekly arts and nature programs for kids of all ages.
There is a maze, a butterfly garden, and many other nature-related areas for kids to enjoy.
Garden of the Five Senses
The Garden of Five Senses is at Northpoint in Sarasota.
The park is for kids with developmental disorders and special needs.
It focuses on learning with the senses, like smell, sight, sound, and the rest.
It is for kids of all abilities, but it is unique in that it makes playing and learning available for kids with special needs.
The playground allows kids of all abilities to play together side by side without limitations.
There are educational, fun programs that use the five senses to learn about nature, landscaping, and preserving the environment.
Day at the Beach
Beaches are a great reason to live on the beach, and sometimes people who live there take it for granted.
There are several beaches in the immediate area around Sarasota, and all of them have free access.
A day at the beach can be a lot of fun, and it is essentially free if you take your own food and drink.
Parents can set up a home base and let the kids run around and do what they like near the ocean.
Just playing in the waves is a lot of fun, or they could build a sand castle.
Be sure to use sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Siesta Key, Lido, and Caspersen Beaches are the most popular.
Jumpin Fun Inflata Park
The weather is great most of the time in Sarasota, but there are rainy days.
On those days the Jumpin Fun Inflata Park would be a good option for kids.
It’s all indoors.
They focus on parties and events, but you can visit as an individual.
There are 15,000 square feet of inflatable toys to play on.
There is a 250-foot zipline-type roller coaster, also indoors.
There is a pass available that is good for the entire summer, but you can also get daily passes.
There are special days and hours for toddlers when a child and parent are admitted for one low price.
Dakin Dairy
The Dakin Dairy is one of the last dairy farms left in Florida, and this one has been in business for 50 years.
They have fresh milk and a lot of dairy products that have been made at the facility.
Tours are available that kids will enjoy, as well as adults.
Learn the process of how milk goes from the cow to the grocery store.
Kids will get to see cows milked up close.
The Dairy is about 20 miles inland from Sarasota.
Sarasota Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Sarasota Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Sarasota a good place for kids?
Sarasota has not forgotten the younger people in its development.
There are a lot of playgrounds, as well as playgrounds within other facilities that kids will enjoy.
Botanical gardens and nature areas have special areas for kids as well.
The beach is something kids enjoy too.
You will never run out of things to do with your kids in Sarasota.
What is a cool and interesting thing about Sarasota?
While many beach towns focus on things to do indoors, Sarasota is a nature lover’s paradise.
The focus here is on the outdoors and ways to enjoy the outdoors.
There are five state parks in the immediate
area, several great beaches, and a lot of gardens and trails to explore.
It can be as fast-paced or as slow-paced as you like.
When is the peak season?
Winter months, December through February, are normally crowded with northern tourists.
Prices are higher, there will be lines at most attractions, and it is generally just more crowded.
The weather is great, and that is part of the appeal.
Summers are not as crowded, and while it is hot, it is not normally unbearable.
The best times to visit with kids are probably spring or fall when there are fewer tourists visiting.
Are there a lot of free things for kids to do?
Beaches are free for the most part, and there are several nice ones that kids will like.
There are many playgrounds in the city that are free.
Some attractions, like botanical gardens, are free on certain days of the week.
Are there special prices for kids at various attractions?
At almost every attraction prices are lower for kids than for adults.
Kids under three are normally admitted free with a parent.
Attractions have specials, and it is a good idea to check their websites before reserving tickets.
Some have days with free kids with a paying adult or even free kids days.
Sarasota is a great place for families to visit with plenty of outdoor activities, educational opportunities, and fun experiences like the Sarasota Jungle Gardens and The Ringling.