14 Exciting Things To Do In Sarasota For Kids That Will Make You Smile

Are you are looking for both exciting, and surprising, things to do in Sarasota with kids? Are you tired of always doing the same activities on vacation? Well, look no further! Here is our list of the top 14 things to do that the whole family will enjoy.

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A special thank you to Visit Sarasota for our family’s hosted stay, and to the following companies for complimentary experiences; Shark Frenzy, Jungle Gardens, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, The Ringling, the Circus Art Conservatory, Sarasota Car Museum, Sarasota Bay Explorers, and the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. All opinions are my own.

14 Things To Do In Sarasota For Kids

Go Shark Tooth Hunting

At the top of our list of things to do in Sarasota for kids is shark tooth hunting. That’s right! Some of the best beaches to find sharks teeth are in Venice, FL, which is about a 30-40 minute drive from downtown Sarasota.

Your first stop will be to Shark Frenzy. They are a local, family-owned company that provides specially designed shovels and sifters that you can rent. These tools help make searching for sharks teeth a much easier, and more enjoyable, experience.

Our Experience: Everyone in our family had such a fun time searching for sharks teeth! We brought our rental equipment back to the store and Brittanie was kind enough to sort our finds and explain what we had found. Not only did we find several species of shark teeth but we even discovered other fossils that included parts of a turtle shell and stingray mouth plates.

Feed Flamingos At The Sarasota Jungle Garden

Yes, you read that right! At Sarasota Jungle Gardens you can hand-feed flamingos that roam free throughout the Gardens. You can also get up close with albino alligators, lemurs, snakes, birds, and even farm animals and turtles at their petting zoo.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens opened in 1939 and is located on 10 acres, just north of downtown Sarasota. But don’t let the size fool you! Year after year they are continuously voted one of the best places for kids in Sarasota.

There is also a large playground which is a great spot to let the kids burn off some of that extra energy.

Our Experience: Sarasota Jungle Gardens maybe on the small side, but it packs in a whole lot of fun! They offer animal educational shows throughout the day, that were a huge hit with our whole family. The highlight of my son’s experience would be when he got to hold an albino alligator. Did you know that there are less than 200 if them in the world?!

Explore Waterfalls & Rope Bridges At Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

When you think of botanical gardens, the first thing that comes to mind is flowers. While the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens does not disappoint when it comes to flowers, it will also blow your mind with a 12 foot tall waterfall and rope bridges!

The Children’s Rainforest Garden surrounds a 100-year-old banyan tree and includes tons of interactive activities such as a canopy walk, swings, musical instruments, and tons of ways to connect with nature.

The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, known for their orchids and air plant collections, is located on 15 acres on the Sarasota Bay, right in the middle of downtown Sarasota. But, trust me, you will instantly feel like you’ve been transported someplace else!

Our Experience: The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens was a great break from the hustle and bustle of downtown Sarasota. Our whole family enjoyed the beautiful views of Sarasota Bay while walking the mangrove trails and the kids could have stayed all day in the children’s area. We were pleasantly surprised how family-friendly the Botanical Gardens were.

Walk Historic Downtown Sarasota

Whether you are shopping, or looking for someplace to eat, downtown Sarasota offers something for everyone. While on vacation I always try to plan an activity that each person will enjoy, including the parents!

Since I am a huge fan of history and architecture, I knew I had to do the self-guided Historical Walking Tour. And let me tell you, these historic buildings were stunning! Two of my favorites were the Sarasota County Courthouse and Kress & Co. 5-10-25 cent store. Before you venture out, check out Visit Sarasota’s website where you can find a map of the walking tour.

Visit The Sarasota Farmers Market

Another one of the surprising things to do in Sarasota for kids, is the Sarasota Farmers Market. They operate every Saturday, from 7am-1pm, year-round. Not only will you find the freshest local produce, but you can also find plants, handmade items, and food and drink vendors. Which comes in handy after all that walking. (There are even allergy-friendly food items as well!)

Visit A Circus Museum at The Ringling

Did you know Sarasota, FL, was the winter home for John and Mable Ringling? Together with his five brothers, they created the the most successful circus in the world; the Ringling Bros. Circus. John Ringling is also known as the founding father of Sarasota. His jaw dropping mansion, huge art collection, and of course his circus, is what helped the city grow in popularity. The entire property is 66 acres and it is where you will find the Circus Museum, Ringling Museum of Art, Bayshore Gardens, and the Ringling’s mansion, Ca’D’Zan.

The Ringling Circus Museum open in 1948 and was the first museum of its kind that was devoted to the history of circus entertainment. Inside is an extensive collection of circus memorabilia including hand painted posters, hand-carved parade wagons, and even a pair of Tom Thumb’s shoes!

Visit The World’s Largest Miniature Circus

The World’s Largest Miniature Circus, located inside the Circus Museum, was built by Howard Tibbals and has over 44,000 pieces, and covers 3,800 square feet! This Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus re-creation shows the entire circus process from when the circus arrived at the train yard, all the way to the performances under the big top. 

Take A Peak Inside A Historic Train Car

Also located within the Circus Museum is another “do-not-miss” attraction. The “Wisconsin” is the newly restored private railroad car of John & Mabel Ringling. This is the exact train car that they would use to travel the country looking for new acts for their circus. The woodwork, hand painted ceilings, and leaded stained glass windows would rival a lot of historic homes. 

Tour a 1920’s Mansion: The Ca’D’Zan

This beautiful 1920’s, Venetian Gothic mansion was the home of the Ringling Bros Circus magnate, John Ringling and his wife, Mable. Ca’D’Zan literally means “House of John.”

The Ca’D’Zan was designed by New York architect, Dwight James Baum, and the construction took two years. There are 56 rooms spread over 36,000 square feet. Every room has a unique ceiling with hand painted art and intricate woodwork.

When you are inside the Ca’D’Zan you will instantly get a feeling for what life was like in the Roaring 20’s. The crystal chandelier that hangs in the “Court” is from the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York. Every window has pastel stained glass throughout the home that is original. Imagine the stories it could tell! There is a $10 fee for a self-guided tour of the main floor of the home.

Our Experience: The Ringling property, from the Circus Museum to the gardens and the Ca’D’Zan, totally blew our minds! All three of our children loved the Circus Museum as there were tons of interactive things for kids do like balancing on a horse and trying to fit in a clown car.

As for the adults, the tour of the Ca’D’Zan checked all the boxes! After going through a $15 million dollar renovation in 2002, most of what you see in the Ca’D’Zan today is exactly how it was back in the 1920’s. I’ve been in a lot of historic homes, but this one left me with goosebumps. It was that amazing!

Check Out A Circus Performance

After you’ve been bit by the circus bug at The Ringling, make sure you catch a show with the Circus Art Conservatory. During our visit we were able to watch a performance of Circus Sarasota. The performers included dare devils, acrobats, jugglers, trapeze artists, and many more!

Our Experience: Everyone in our family was on the edge of our seats the entire night! Each circus performer had unbelievable talent and was a true entertainer. If you think you’ve been to the circus, think again!

Visit A Vintage Car Museum

A car museum might not be one of your list first choices of things to do in Sarasota with kids, but it should be! This was my husband’s favorite stop on our vacation. The Sarasota Car Museum is filled with beautifully restored cars that include Rolls Royces, Porsches, and so many more!

Our Experience: My husband has always been obsessed with cars ever since he was little, and he has passed on that love of cars to our son. It was fun to walk around and see all sorts of beautiful cars from different eras, including the “olden days” as our kids called it. Make sure you check out the replica of the horse drawn hearse that was used to carry President Lincoln after he was assassinated.

Visit A Beach Where The Sand Doesn’t Get Hot

Did you know that the sand on Siesta Beach is made up of 99% quartz, which originally came from the Appalachian Mountains? I’m sure you’re wondering… why are you tell me this? Since majority of the sand is quartz, it doesn’t burn your feet like other beaches. Which makes it a top contender for things to do in Sarasota with kids for our family!

Once you step foot in the powdery, white sand at Siesta Beach, you will fully understand why it was recently voted the #1 beach in the United States. There is a huge parking lot, concessions/restaurant, a historic pavilion, volleyball courts, a playground, onsite restrooms, chairs and umbrellas for rent, and plenty of swimming.

Our Experience: Even though the parking lot is big, I highly recommend getting there early. We arrived shortly before 10 am and had a difficult time finding a place to park. Also, if you have little ones with you, the beach itself is a bit of a walk from the parking lot to the water. Thankfully, they have a path with sand mats which make the walk and also for wheelchair access to the water. So grab your chairs, load up your wagon, and spend the day at Siesta Beach! FYI: There are other parking options available on the island and you can take the free Siesta Key Breeze Trolley to get to the beach.

Take A Sea Life Encounter Boat Tour

Take a ride with the Sarasota Bay Explorers, the on-site boat tour company for the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. (More on the Mote below!) During the 2-hour tour you will learn all about the history and ecology of the Sarasota Bay from an actual marine biologist! Stop on an uninhabited island for a short nature walk and then make your way to a bird sanctuary (nesting habitat) filled with pelicans, herons, ibis, and egrets. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for dolphins and manatees!

After leaving the island is when the fun really starts! We were amazed to learn that the Sarasota Bay is, on average, only 6 1/2 feet deep! Because of that, with a swipe of a trawl net you are able to get an up close encounter with a sample of sea life that lives on the bottom of the Bay. Our catch included sea stars, crabs, sea urchins, puffer fish, sea horses, and so much more.

Sarasota Bay Explorers recommends reservations, and make sure you check-in 30 minutes prior to departure.

Our Experience: The Sea Life Encounter Cruise was both a fun, and educational, experience for the whole family. Our guide was very knowledgeable about both the Sarasota Bay and the creatures that live in it. There is nothing better than hands-on learning!

Visit Rescued Sea Turtles

When you arrive back from your boat tour, make sure you head into the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. It is home to over 100 marine species, spread out between two buildings: the Aquarium and the Marine Mammal Center. The Marine Mammal Center gives you an up close look at the dedication and hard work involved in the rescue and rehab of sick and injured sea turtles. While you are at the Marine Mammal Center, make sure you say “hi” to the resident manatees, Hugh and Buffett.

The Aquarium building is where you will find many creatures that live in Florida’s fresh water, all the way to the coral reefs. Don’t forget to stop and say “hi” to Molly, a 27-foot-long preserved giant squid!

Our Experience: Our family has been coming to the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium for well over 12 years. It is one of our most favorite things to do in Sarasota with kids because there is so much to see and do! A few of our “must-dos” while there are watching the shark feedings, stingray touch tank, and seeing how we measure up to Hugh and Buffett. Every area of the Mote highlights the incredible dedication, hard work, and research of every Mote scientist.

You can read all about our visit to the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, HERE.

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• The Best Dolphin Tour On Anna Maria Island
• Step Back In Time At The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
• 9 Things You Need To Know About Anna Maria Island Parasailing
• The Best Boat Rental On Anna Maria Island For Families
• 13 Best VRBO Anna Maria Island Rentals You’ll Love!