Things to Do in Sarasota with Kids
Looking for fun things to do in Sarasota with kids? You're in the right place!
My family lives on the east coast of Florida, so we are no strangers to beaches, palm trees, and warm weather. But driving across the state to visit Sarasota in 2018 felt like the perfect tropical getaway with my two youngest.
After our family moved to Wisconsin in 2020, I took my oldest on a spring break trip - just the two of us - to visit our friends again in 2021. It was just as beautiful and lively has I had remembered! Pristine beaches and family-friendly activities, plus some good food and restaurants with great atmosphere makes this the perfect beach vacation destination for families!
(For more family-friendly spring break ideas, check out my Spring Break Destinations for Families in the United States!)
St. Pete and Clearwater often seem to get all the attention as the perfect Gulf Coast family vacation spot, but Sarasota is one of the best places to go for family-friendly activities, white sand beaches, and wildlife.
We had close friends that used to live and Sarasota and took every chance we had to go and visit them in this beautiful coastal city. We've visited with babies, toddlers, and elementary-aged kids, and always found something fun to do!
Whether you like outdoor activities, relaxing on the beach or seeing wildlife, Sarasota has something for you!
Here are the best things to do in Sarasota to make your getaway with kids totally worth it.
Disclosure: I received free passes to experience some of the following attractions courtesy of Visit Sarasota. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click one of my links and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Where is Sarasota?
Sarasota is located on the west coast (Gulf Coast) of Florida, south of Tampa and St. Petersburg, and north of Fort Myers and Punta Gorda.
There is an airport in Sarasota (SRQ), so you can fly directly into the city, but nearby airports would include Tampa (TPA) or St. Pete (PIE).
After moving to Wisconsin, my daughter and I took a spring break trip to Sarasota to visit our friends and used Frontier airlines to fly directly into SRQ.
Another great thing to note is that Sarasota is only 90 minutes from LEGOLAND Florida in Winter Haven, and under 2 hours from Disney World, so it's a great beach town to combine with your theme park visit!
Fun Things to Do in Sarasota with Kids
I was pleasantly surprised when first researching what to do in Sarasota that there is no shortage of attractions to visit in the city! Kids of all ages will find something to love here, which we discovered firsthand on our multiple visits!
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
If your kids are obsessed with sharks like my 2-year-old son, they will love their experience at Mote Aquarium on Longboat Key. It actually has two separate buildings, so we started in the main building which contained jellyfish, sharks, and two touch tanks.
The second building had three lively otters who loved doing their flips and tricks for our kids. The lady at the front desk informed us that the otters love red wagons for some reason, so we were really in for a treat! The second building also had a manatee, who we got to watch eat a head of lettuce, giant sea turtles, and an alligator.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Adults (ages 13+): $22
Youth (ages 3-12): $16
Kids (ages 0-2): FREE
Bayfront Park
We always love to find free and cheap things to do when we visit new cities because let's face it: having kids and traveling with kids is expensive! Usually, parks are the perfect option. Bayfront Park is located near the Ringling Bridge and offers a playground, splash pad (Children's Fountain), and walking paths for families to enjoy.
We didn't get a chance to play in the splash pad since we enjoyed this area in the evening after dinner at O'Leary's Tiki Bar. However, my kids loved climbing on the playground, which I was delighted to discover had a crawling area for babies and toddlers.
After the kids finished playing, we strolled along the trails and admired the Sarasota skyline and the gorgeous views of the bay. This is also where you can find the iconic Unconditional Surrender statue. This 25-foot-tall sculpture is of a sailor kissing a woman and is located between O'Leary's Tiki Bar and Marina Jack.
We also love to just walk around the bay and check out the boats and yachts docked in the harbor, or search for fairy doors hidden around the park! Grab a photo in front of the dolphin fountain for a beautiful shot with the Sarasota skyline in the background.
Cost: FREE!
Location: 2 Marine Plaza / Near Ringling Bridge
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
I know, it doesn't necessarily sound like somewhere you would want to take your toddlers or little kids, but these botanical gardens have several spots specifically for little ones. The Children's Rainforest Garden is a wonderland for even your youngest. There are places for the kids to climb, run, and explore, and plenty of benches for the adults to rest.
You can also pick up a plant scavenger hunt for kids to fill out while you wander around and admire the flora and fauna. Don't forget to check out the butterfly garden at the end! There are truly beautiful gardens to wander through, so you could easily spend 3-4 hours here!
Adults: $25
Youth (Ages 4-17): $15
Kids Ages 0-3: FREE
Location: Right off of Bayfront Dr // 811 South Palm Avenue
Siesta Key
There are a few barrier islands off the coast of Sarasota that offer some of the world's most beautiful beaches. A few years ago we got to visit Lido Key, and this time around we explored Siesta Key.
I love Siesta Key Beach for kids because the sand is white and soft so it doesn't get too hot for little feet. In fact, it's consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the United States!
The Gulf of Mexico waves are so gentle so it's easy to take the kids out into the water to play. Siesta Beach also has ample free parking, picnic tables, grills for a lunch at the beach, and pavilions in case it rains.
We also had fun wandering around Siesta Key Village where there are tons of shops, tiki bars, and restaurants. We stopped for ice cream at Big Olaf Creamery and enjoyed people-watching out on the porch. The Ocean Blvd strip is where you'll find everything, so find a parking spot and start strolling!
Cost: FREE
Location: Take the Siesta Drive bridge all the way from downtown Sarasota
Big Cat Habitat
Unfortunately, it started pouring the moment we walked up to Big Cat Habitat so we didn't get to experience this, but I've heard awesome things about it! It's a large animal rescue where they train bears, lions, primates, a liger, and other big cats and exotic animals using positive reinforcement. From the little time I spent chatting with the workers, I noticed how excited they were to share their passion for and knowledge about the animals living at Big Cat Habitat.
There is also a cute petting zoo area with emus, goats, llamas, and chickens! This is the perfect place to go if you have animal lovers in your family!
Adults (ages 13+): $18
Kids (ages 3-12): $8
Kids (ages 0-2): FREE
NOTE: Only open Wed-Sun from 12-4 so plan accordingly! Also, be sure to check on the website for demonstration times to get the most out of your experience.
St. Armands Circle
St. Armands Circle is on Lido Key and is an upscale shopping and restaurant area. Even if you have young kids, there are a few more casual dining options, too. Check out all the Greek statues around the circle, too!
Cost: FREE (unless you want to spend money on shopping and dining. Totally worth it for the beautiful experience!)
Walk the John Ringling Causeway
Another free activity! The John Ringling Causeway is the half-mile bridge you see stretching over Sarasota Bay between Sarasota and St. Armands Key. There are walking paths on the side of the bridge, and it gives you a breathtaking view of the bay, or of the Sarasota skyline.
Either way, it's a fun morning or evening activity to do with kids to stretch your legs and see the city from a different point of view.
Lido Beach
This is the beach we frequented most often when we would go visit our friends. The beach is wide with soft white sand, so it's a great place to plant yourself for a few hours to splash in the ocean and catch some rays.
I would say it's less crowded than Siesta Key Beach, but it's not a hidden gem, either. There will definitely be other people there. However, you'll still have plenty of room to spread out, so bring a beach blanket (this one is our favorite because the edges are weighted), and some sand toys!
Ringling Circus Museum
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is actually a museum complex made up of a circus museum, an art museum, the Ca' d'Zan mansion, and the Bayfront Gardens.
It's a great place to learn about the history of the Ringling Circus, but it's also incredibly picturesque and a very Instagrammable place!
You can take a guided tour, but if you're visiting with young children you can simply explore at your own pace. Be sure to check to see if there are any family programs going on that day, and definitely head out to the gardens so your little ones have room to roam!
There is a playspace where kids can climb, swing, and play with sand, and even a little cafe right next to the play space!
There really is something fun for the whole family here!
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a zoological garden with a great variety of exotic animals, including a flock of flamingoes that you can hand-feed! It's a super kid-friendly attraction that the entire family will enjoy! Animals include parrots, macaws, lizards, snakes, alligators, primates, and more!
You can purchase flamingo feed at the entrance, or from the small vending machines around the park.
You'll have the opportunity for animal interactions, or you can pay extra for private encounters! There are also animal shows scheduled daily, so be sure to check out the schedule if you're interested in attending one of those.
Eat at O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill
In my opinion, this is a can't-miss spot in Sarasota. As a parent with really young kids, I know how impossible it can feel to enjoy eating at a restaurant. This waterfront restaurant is open-air with a great view and a low-key casual vibe. The best part is that some of the seating is on sugary-soft sand where kids can run and play while you wait for your food.
A friend recommended that we bring beach toys like shovels and buckets along to help occupy the kids. I sipped on my perfectly strong margarita while my boys played happily. I would honestly take a trip across the state just to go back to O'Leary's.
Go Kayaking
If you have older kids who love the outdoors, try a kayak or SUP tour through the mangrove tunnels where you could possibly see manatees or dolphins! Your tour guide will help you identify Florida wildlife and share a bit about Sarasota's history, so the tour is both educational and a good workout!
Circus Park
Visit a circus-inspired playground at Payne Park! Bring a picnic lunch and swimsuits on a hot day, because there's also a small splash area for little ones!
The brightly colored playground equipment is a nod to Sarasota's history with the Ringling Circus, and will definitely keep your kids occupied when they need to get their wiggles out.
Get Ice Cream at Big Olaf Creamery
I consider it a hobby to find the best ice cream in every city I visit with my kids. In Sarasota, that's definitely Big Olaf Creamery.
They serve handmade ice cream, shakes, and malts, and we loved taking our ice cream outside to enjoy in the Adirondack chairs outside the restaurant. There are several locations, but this one was in Siesta Village on Siesta Key.
See the Sunset from a Rooftop Bar & Grill
My friend took me to the Westin Sarasota Rooftop Bar and Grill for sunset cocktails without the kids, but kids are welcome, especially during the day!
There's also a rooftop pool, so you can even enjoy snacks and drinks poolside. This would be a fun hotel to stay at with kids, or just stop by the Roof Bar and Grill for a visit.
Where to Stay in Sarasota
We've never stayed in a hotel in Sarasota since our friends have always graciously hosted us in their home, but I've researched the most highly-recommended hotels for families in Sarasota, and here are a few of my suggestions:
On a Budget
Homewood Suites, Comfort Suites, or Embassy Suites in Sarasota are great spots for families because you can stay in a suite with extra space to spread out, and even have kitchen amenities to prepare some of your own food and save money.
Mid-Tier Hotels
Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota is a solid option for families, along with the Westin Sarasota.
Luxury and Unique Hotel Stays in Sarasota
Lido Beach Resort and the Ritz Carlton Sarasota are for families that want to splurge on comfort and style!
DAY TRIPS FROM SARASOTA
There are tons of theme parks and family-friendly cities within a short drive of Sarasota! You could easily combine beach time in Sarasota with a visit to LEGOLAND, Universal Orlando, Discovery Cove, or Disney World!
Alternatively, you could road trip up or down the west coast of Florida to check out some of the other Gulfside destinations.
Tampa Bay
Just an hour north of Sarasota, Tampa is another fun waterfront city with tons to do for families. Busch Gardens is a large theme park with roller coasters and a special area for little kids. The Tampa Riverwalk is an awesome promenade lined with parks, museums, restaurants, and splash pads. And don't forget ZooTampa!
Fort De Soto Park
Fort De Soto is touted as one of the most family-friendly beaches in Florida with its pirate ship playground and natural tidal pools for kids to splash in. Find pavilions, picnic tables, cafes, and more here. Don't forget to check out the historic fort, or even go camping!
We also liked standing on the pier and searching for dolphins! We actually saw a few, and got so excited each time!
St. Petersburg / Clearwater
Known for their incredible beaches, St. Pete and Clearwater are also fun getaways. The Clearwater Aquarium boasts the dolphin from Dolphin Tale and includes touch tanks, sharks, and otters. The Pier in St. Petersburg is awesome, too! Here's what to do in St. Petersburg, Florida with kids!
LEGOLAND Florida
If your kids are into LEGOs, make the drive to visit this theme park. Created just for kids, there is a water park, exciting rides, and entire detailed model cities built entirely from LEGOs!
I've got an entire guide to LEGOLAND Florida, as well as an in-depth review of the LEGOLAND Pirate Island Hotel!
Orlando
Whether you're taking your kids to Disney World or discovering the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal, Orlando is home to some of the most popular theme parks in the world! A lesser-known all-inclusive day resort is Discovery Cove where you can swim with dolphins, pet a stingray, relax on the lazy river, or go snorkeling! It's all-you-can-eat, so it's really nice for parents to not have to worry about bringing food and snacks.
Fort Myers/Sanibel/Captiva
If you want to feel like you're on a tropical island getaway without leaving the United States, simply drive an hour south of the Sarasota area to Fort Myers, then drive over the causeway to Sanibel Island or Captiva Island! This area is known for some of the best shelling in the world due to the east-west orientation of the islands, causing them to act like a scoop, gathering tons of unique shells. Read my guide to Fort Myers, Sanibel, and Captiva with kids here!
Whether you're spending a week-long vacation in Sarasota, stopping by on a road trip, or combining a beach stay in Sarasota with some theme park destinations, you'll definitely have a great time exploring all the city has to offer.
Emily Krause is a Wisconsin-based travel blogger who writes about exploring the world with kids. On A Mom Explores you’ll find best family travel destinations, domestic and international destination guides, Disney World and theme park tips, and how to make travel with babies and toddlers a little easier.
Emily believes that exploring starts in our own backyards, and adventure can happen anywhere with the right mindset.
