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☀️ 14 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota with Kids 🌴


☀️ 14 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota with Kids 🌴

SAVE this reel for your trip.

1️⃣ 🏖️ Siesta Key Beach – Famous powder-white sand - often voted among America’s finest.

2️⃣ 🐢 Mote Marine Lab & Aquarium – Sea turtles, sharks & hands-on exhibits

3️⃣ 🍓 Detwiler’s Farm Market – Donuts, the best strawberries & the pineapple slicer kids love

4️⃣ 🚋 Bay Runner Trolley

5️⃣ 🌺 Selby Gardens – Butterfly garden, koi ponds & gorgeous photo spots

6️⃣ 🎪 Circus Performances – Sarasota’s circus culture in action

7️⃣ 🖼️ Ringling Museum & Mansion

8️⃣ 🤹 Payne Park Circus Playground – Bright, playful, and perfect for burning energy

Worth the short drive:

🐎 Sarasota Polo Club – Sunday matches + halftime divot stomping

🍊 Pick Your Own Fruit – Orange or blueberry picking nearby

🐊 Myakka River State Park – Boardwalk views + guaranteed gator spotting

🦈 Venice Beach – One of the best places in the world to find shark teeth

Day Trips:

🧱 LEGOLAND Day Trip – Just 90 minutes away

🧜‍♀️ Weeki Wachee Springs – Real life performing mermaids

✨ Head to www.postcardnarrative.com for the complete Sarasota itinerary!

~~~~

➕FOLLOW for family friendly attractions, itineraries, and travel hacks.

I’m Catherine, a Midwest mom of two boys and I specialize in finding affordably epic family fun.

3/16 Edited to

... Read moreSarasota, Florida, is truly a fantastic destination for family trips, offering a mix of natural beauty, interactive attractions, and unique cultural experiences. One of my favorite memories there was visiting Siesta Key Beach; its famously powdery white sand not only looked stunning but was incredibly soft underfoot—great for kids who want to build imaginative sandcastles all day. The Mote Marine Lab & Aquarium stands out as another highlight. Watching the kids’ eyes light up while spotting sea turtles and sharks up close, plus engaging with the hands-on exhibits, made the visit both fun and educational. It's a great way to introduce children to marine conservation. For a change of pace, we enjoyed Detwiler's Farm Market where fresh strawberries and quirky kid-favorites like the pineapple slicer added a fresh, local flavor to our day. The Bay Runner Trolley offered a relaxed way to explore Sarasota without worrying about parking or traffic, making it very convenient for families. Selby Gardens was a tranquil retreat filled with colorful butterflies and koi ponds—perfect spots for calming breaks and beautiful photographs. The local circus performances and the Payne Park Circus Playground added a playful, energetic vibe that's unique to Sarasota’s deep-rooted circus heritage. Taking a short drive to Myakka River State Park offered a memorable outdoor adventure with its scenic boardwalks and the thrilling possibility of spotting alligators in their natural habitat. Even Venice Beach was a treasure trove for finding shark teeth, a quirky and exciting activity for kids who love nature’s little surprises. For day trips, LEGOLAND and Weeki Wachee Springs brought extra excitement. LEGOLAND’s interactive rides and creative building areas are perfect for kids and adults alike, while the live mermaid shows at Weeki Wachee Springs provide a magical and memorable experience. Overall, Sarasota’s combination of beaches, parks, cultural attractions, and nearby day trips delivers something special for families seeking an affordable yet epic vacation. This blend of outdoor fun and local flavor truly makes Sarasota stand out as a top family destination.

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