The Ultimate Guide to Sarasota with Kids: 15+ Fun Family Activities (2025)

Looking for the perfect family vacation spot in Florida that goes beyond the typical theme parks? Let me introduce you to Sarasota County! We've been bringing our kids here for 6+ years, and it never disappoints. This stretch of Florida's Gulf Coast manages to pack in everything families could want—from world-class museums and gardens to some of America's best beaches. Whether your crew loves marine life, circus history, botanical gardens, or just playing in the powder-soft sand, Sarasota has something for everyone.

Here are all our favourite tried-and-tested spots, insider tips, and family-friendly restaurant recommendations that will help you plan an awesome Sarasota family vacation. Don't forget to grab your FREE Google Map List with 45+ kid-friendly places in Sarasota County, including attractions, playgrounds, beaches and restaurants!

How to Get to Sarasota

Getting to Sarasota is refreshingly simple, especially compared to other Florida destinations! The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) offers direct flights from major cities across the US and Canada, putting you just minutes from downtown and the beaches. For more flight options, you can also fly into Tampa International Airport (TPA) or Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers—both are about an hour's drive away.

Tip: While SRQ might sometimes be pricier than nearby airports, the time you'll save with young kids (especially after a long flight) can be worth the extra cost. The airport is small, easy to navigate, and you'll be at your hotel in no time!

I definitely recommend renting a car—while downtown Sarasota is walkable, you'll want wheels to explore all the amazing spots across the county, from Venice's shark tooth beaches to Myakka River State Park.

Best Things to Do with Kids in Sarasota: Top Family Attractions

Sarasota has so many fun kid-friendly attractions. After years of travelling here with kids, here are our favourite things to do (all tested and approved by my own mini jetsetters!)

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Even if your kids aren't usually excited about gardens, trust me— the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens are different! Located in downtown Sarasota overlooking Sarasota Bay, what started as Marie Selby's personal paradise in the 1920s has grown into a world-renowned botanical research center and one of Florida's most gorgeous public gardens. This 15-acre tropical oasis showcases one of the world's most impressive collections of orchids and epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants). But it’s really great for families with a dedicated Children’s Garden and lots of interactive features.

Best Kid-Friendly Activities at Selby Gardens:

The Ann Goldstein Children's Rainforest Garden is a magical elevated space with rope bridges, caves, and treetop viewing platforms that let kids explore the canopy from 12 feet up in the air! The waterfall is really impressive and there is a play area with on the lower level
The historic koi pond where kids can feed the fish is always a hit!
A massive 100-year old banyan tree beside the Children’s Garden feels like something out of a storybook. My kids are obsessed with banyan trees and love hiding in and explore all of the aerial roots.
Regular family programs and seasonal events, including the amazing Lights in Bloom holiday display that transforms the gardens into a twinkling wonderland every year
The whole area is very stroller friendly!
You’re right on Sarasota Bay, so make sure to look in the water! We frequently see manatees and dolphins here
The on-site café serves fresh, kid-friendly options if you need a break

The Ringling Estate

The Ringling is a MUST see! This spectacular 66-acre estate tells the story of John and Mable Ringling, of the famous Ringling Brothers who transformed American entertainment with "The Greatest Show on Earth." In the early 1920s, as their circus empire reached its peak, the Ringlings chose Sarasota as their winter home and helped shape it into a cultural destination. Today, their legacy lives on through this incredible complex that houses everything from circus memorabilia to world-class art collections. The grounds themselves are also amazing! You’ll want to plan to spend 2-3 hours at The Ringling.

Must-See Family Attractions at The Ringling:

The Circus Museum is definitely the highlight for kids and there is a lot to see and do! It’s divided into two buildings – the Tibbals Learning Center (which includes the Interactive Galleries and Circus Model) and the Historic Circus Galleries.

Interactive Circus Galleries: Start at the Tibbals Learning Center where circus magic really comes alive. There’s an interactive gallery where kids can practice walking the wire (just inches off the ground!), balance on horseback, and squeeze into a clown car. There are lots of interesting multimedia presentations throughout - my 3-year-old especially loved all the old videos of the circus performances!
The World’s Largest Circus Model: While you’re in the Tibbals Learning Center, head upstairs to see the jaw-dropping Howard Bros. Circus Model—an incredible miniature circus that spans 3,800 square feet and consists of more than 42,000 pieces! The model is a historically accurate rendition of an early 20^th century circus and features eight main tents, 152 wagons, 1,300 circus performers and workers, and more than 800 animals. It's absolutely amazing to imagine all the logistical engineering that was required to move a circus of this size around from town to town.

The Circus Wagons: The Historic Circus Galleries house a lot of the artefacts and objects that tell the story of the Ringling Brothers, but our favourite part is the Wagon Room, which is a huge space that houses historic circus wagons of all kinds, painted wagon wheels, sideshow banners, and John and Mable’s magnificent turn-of-the-century private Pullman railcar.

Ca' d'Zan: The Ringlings' stunning Venetian Gothic mansion, looks like a palace transported from Venice to Florida's Gulf Coast. While younger kids will not appreciate the full tour (so I don’t recommend buying the extra ticket needed to visit inside), the exterior and bayfront terrace of Ca’ d’Zan are 100% worth seeing for the amazing architecture and Sarasota Bay views.

Banyan Trees: The bayfront grounds and gardens are just an absolutely beautiful place to stroll through! There is a rose garden, a dwarf statue garden, orange and starfruit growing throughout, and the most incredible collection of trees you’ll ever see. The historic Banyan trees, planted in the 1920s and now among the largest in Florida, create natural play spaces with their sprawling canopies and aerial root systems. They are SO stunning and arguably more entertaining for the kids than the circus museum!

Parent Tips for Visiting The Ringling:

Start at the Circus Museum—it's the most kid-friendly area and sets the stage for understanding the Ringling story
Pack snacks, water and a stroller for younger kids as the grounds are pretty extensive
Visit the Museum of Art during the heat of the day for a welcome blast of air conditioning (and don't miss the scavenger hunt guides available at the front desk!)
There is a Starbucks above the Gift Shop, and also a café and a really nice restaurant

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Mote isn't your typical aquarium—it's a working marine research center where real scientists are making discoveries about our oceans every day (that also happens to be incredibly kid-friendly)! There are lots of engaging and hands-on learning experiences for children, as well as marine animal interactions with Florida locals like seat turtles, sharks and manatees.

Best Things to Do at Mote Marine with Kids

The Touch Tanks are amazing! Kids (and adults, let be real – I was just as excited) can gently touch rays, sea stars, and even small sharks while learning about marine life from knowledgeable staff. Time your visit around animal feedings and training sessions - check their website for up to date schedules.
Visit the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital where you can learn about turtle rescue and rehabilitation (check the daily schedule for feeding times!)
Watch the twice-daily narrated training sessions at the 135,000-gallon shark habitat
See the mesmerizing jellyfish gallery with its color-changing displays
Learn about Florida's beloved manatees and see them in action at the Manatee Research Exhibit

Tip: The Mote has Sensory Saturdays if your child needs a quieter, low-stimulus environment

Sarasota Jungle Gardens

Sarasota Jungle Gardens is one of Florida's oldest attractions (it’s been open since 1939!) This Old Florida gem is located just minutes from downtown Sarasota, but feels like you’re stepping into a tropical paradise with all the lush jungle-like winding paths. But what makes it really special is how close you can get to the animals—you can hand-feed flamingos, meet rescued parrots, and even hold a baby alligator!

Best Things to Do at Sarasota Jungle Gardens with Kids:

Feed the famous flamingos! This has to be one of my FAVOURITE activities in Florida. Dozens of these surprisingly tall, loud and friendly pink birds will eat right from your hand. Such a unique experience
Watch daily wildlife shows where you might see anything from snake handling to parrot training (check the schedule at entrance for show times). You can also interact with the birds after the shows.
Visit the petting zoo area where kids can feed and pet goats and other gentle farm animals
Hold a baby alligator! Another really unique experience that I would recommend for kids

Parent Tips:

Visit early in the day when the animals are most active and the Florida heat hasn't peaked
You can buy the Flamingo, Alligator and Petting Zoo food with your tickets – don’t miss this, it’s such a highlight for kids!
The paths are stroller-friendly
There’s a playground for kids to get their wiggles out and a small café with some snacks and drinks

Sarasota Children's Garden

The Sarasota Children's Garden is such a magical hidden gem in downtown Sarasota! It's unlike any children's garden you've ever seen. Tucked away just blocks from the bay, it's a whimsical wonderland where imagination runs wild. Kids can climb into treehouses, meet garden dragons, dress up as fairies, and explore secret paths through tropical plants. It’s such an amazing space with lots of creative play opportunities, perfect for younger children.

Bayfront Park & Marina

Right in downtown Sarasota, this waterfront park offers everything families need for a relaxing afternoon:

A splash pad perfect for cooling off on hot Florida days
A children's playground with shade structures
Dolphin watching from the marina walkway
Easy access to family-friendly dining at Marina Jack

Sarasota’s Amazing Beaches: Siesta Key and Lido Key

Home to what's often rated as America's #1 beach, Siesta Key's powder-soft white sand is a must-visit for families. The beach playground near the main pavilion is perfect for little ones, and the shallow, calm waters make it ideal for families with young children. We also really love Lido Key where you can grab mango slushies at the beach bar, collect lots of different shells and spot dolphins. Both beaches have pure quartz sand and are perfect for families.

Venice, Florida: The Shark Tooth Capital of the World

Just south of Sarasota is Venice, "The Shark Tooth Capital of the World," and it's one of our favourite family day trips! This charming coastal town sits on top of a fossil layer that's millions of years old, making it the perfect place for a family treasure hunt. The dark, triangular teeth you'll find on Venice's beaches come from ancient shark species that lived in these waters millions of years ago, and hunting for them has become a beloved family tradition.

Venice Beach Fishing Pier is perfect for beginners and we love to pair this with a trip to Sharky’s on the Pier for dinner
Caspersen Beach is our favourite beach with kids because there are plenty of big rocks that create tide pools for the kids to splash in, lots of shells, and a variety of birds. It’s also a local favorite, known for yielding the most shark teeth (especially after storms!) There are also showers, restrooms and a playground.

Tips for Shark Tooth Hunting in Venice:

Get a Florida snow shovel (a special sifting tool available at local shops) to make hunting easier
Visit during low tide for best results (check local tide charts)
Look in the shell lines left by waves, or wade into shallow water to scoop and sift

Historic Downtown Venice

Beyond shark teeth, Venice's historic downtown district has lots of charming family-friendly shops and restaurants that make it worth a full day's visit. One of the things kids will especially love is the Venice Fairy Trail, which is whimsical trail called the Fairy Kingdom of Venezia! It features over 30 intricately crafted fairy doors hidden throughout the historic downtown area. Pick up a map from local shops or download it online to go cute little scavenger hunt for the tiny doors.

More Family-Friendly Things to Do in Venice

The 1-mile Venice Shark Tooth Discovery Trail featuring public art and educational signs about local fossils
Nana’s Children's Shop is SUCH a well curated kids store with toys, books and clothing
We love the ice cream at Venice Avenue Creamery
Venice's Historic Train Depot

More Family Adventures in Sarasota County

Nokomis Beach Drum Circle

Every Wednesday and Saturday evening, groups of drummers and dancers come together on Nokomis Beach to celebrate the sunset. It’s a really fun community event – people of all ages gather to dance and drum as the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico. We used to take the kids when they were little and they absolutely loved it! Make an evening of it by having dinner at Pop's Sunset Grill nearby—a true Old Florida establishment with waterfront views and fresh seafood that the whole family will enjoy.

Myakka River State Park

One of Florida's oldest and largest state parks, Myakka River has some really beautiful scenery and adventures. The highlight is the canopy walkway—a suspension bridge that takes you up into the treetops for a bird's eye view of the forest. Myakka River is also the spot to see alligators and take an airboat tour through Florida wetlands.

Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Sarasota

Let's talk about one of my favorite parts of visiting Sarasota with kids—the food scene! What makes dining here extra special is how many restaurants truly get what families need. Think fresh-caught seafood with your toes in the sand, historic spots where no one minds energetic kids, and waterfront restaurants where spotting dolphins can keep little ones entertained between bites. After years of visiting with our kids, we've found the perfect mix of places where the food is amazing AND parents can actually enjoy their meal!

Waterfront Dining

Sharky's on the Pier: Sharky's on the Pier in Venice is our go-to spot after a shark tooth hunting adventure. This place is absolutely perfect for families - it sits right on Venice Beach with the most incredible sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico. What makes it extra special is that kids can play on the beach between bites and nobody minds a bit of sand. The food is exactly what you want in a beach restaurant - fresh seafood for the parents, plenty of kid-friendly options and great frozen drinks.

Marina Jack has one of the best dinner-with-a-view experiences in Sarasota. Located right on the bayfront, this restaurant lets you watch boats come and go while enjoying fresh seafood and spectacular sunsets. The Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill is great for families - it's casual enough that kids can be kids, but the food and atmosphere is fantastic. The outdoor seating area gives children a bit more freedom to move around, and watching the boats never fails to keep them entertained.

Local Gems

Columbia Restaurant: The original location in Tampa is Florida’s oldest restaurant (established in 1905!). This St. Armands Circle location in Sarasota is just as historic, but surprisingly perfect for families. The outdoor seating area puts you right in the middle of the circle's energy. The Spanish-Cuban menu is SO good – you can’t go wrong! But make sure you don’t miss their famous 1905 Salad, prepared tableside and turns your meal into a little show that kids love to watch. They bring fresh Cuban bread to the table immediately - perfect for hungry little ones who can't wait for their main course and the coffee is A+

Pop's Sunset Grill in Nokomis is exactly what you want in a Florida waterfront restaurant. The views of the Intracoastal Waterway are stunning, and there's something magical about watching boats cruise by while you enjoy fresh seafood. They've created the perfect laid-back atmosphere where families feel welcome. Try to time your visit with sunset - the views are great and there’s frequently live music too.

Owen's Fish Camp in downtown Sarasota has that perfect Old Florida vibe. The casual atmosphere and backyard area make this place great for families - there's plenty of space for kids to explore, including tire swings and a massive banyan tree. The seafood is fresh, but they also have simple options for pickier eaters.

Ristorante San Marco in Venice brings a taste of Italy to the Gulf Coast. This cozy family-run spot in historic downtown Venice serves authentic Italian cuisine in a welcoming setting that works surprisingly well for families. We’ve tried everything on the menu and it’s all absolutely delicious – but their homemade pasta dishes are a standout! The best part are the staff – warm, friendly and family-oriented. I also loved the low-key live music, it was such a pleasant atmosphere. San Marco’s is a great option for dinner after exploring Venice's fairy trail or hunting for shark teeth.

Plan Your Family Trip to Sarasota: Free Google Map with 45+ Kid-Friendly Activities

After years of exploring Sarasota County with our kids, I can honestly say it's one of Florida's most underrated family destinations. From the educational experiences at Mote Marine and The Ringling to the gorgeous natural wonders of its beaches and gardens, Sarasota has that perfect blend of fun and learning that makes for an unforgettable family vacation.

And if you need some more help planning your Sarasota family adventure, click here to access my FREE Google Map List with 45+ kid-friendly places in Sarasota County, including attractions, playgrounds, beaches and restaurants!

This post is sponsored by Visit Florida. All opinions and experiences shared here are entirely my own.