Sarasota makes it easy to be the grown-up who planned the really good day.
You can start with Siesta Key’s powdery white sand, spend an afternoon watching sharks and manatees at Mote Aquarium, and even wrap up the day by feeding baby alligators while mini golfing. These seven Sarasota experiences are fun for children, but they aren’t places adults merely tolerate until it’s time to leave. Everyone gets to have a good time.
Here’s where I’d start.
1. Siesta Key BeachVisit website →
Siesta Beach is legendary for a reason. The sand is famously soft and white, the Gulf is beautiful and there’s plenty of room to build a sandcastle, play frisbee or simply take in the view.
The playground gives younger children something to do when they need a break from the water. The free Route 77 Siesta Islander trolley connects Siesta Village, Siesta Beach and Turtle Beach, which can make exploring the Key much easier.
The Sunday drum circle also adds a wonderfully Sarasota ending to the weekend. Bring chairs, snacks and enjoy the sunset.
2. Mote Science Education AquariumVisit website →
The brand new Mote Science Education Aquarium—Mote SEA—is located in Nathan Benderson Park at 225 University Town Center Drive.
There’s a huge aquarium inside where the sharks swim, and I could watch them for hours. Children may arrive excited about the sharks, but don’t be surprised if the adults are the ones who have to be persuaded to move along.
And don’t miss the manatees. Buffett and Lou love people. They’re two of the animals everyone will still be talking about after the visit. I swear they pose for pictures sometimes!
Mote SEA is open daily, but tickets can sell out quickly. Reserve timed admission online and confirm current hours before you go.
3. Myakka River State ParkVisit website →
If someone in your family is determined to see an alligator in the wild, Myakka River State Park belongs on the itinerary.
The park feels like old Florida: broad wetlands, birds everywhere and the very real possibility of an alligator sighting. Walk the Canopy Walkway, which rises through the treetops, or check whether a boat tour is available during your visit.
This isn’t the place for dress shoes or a tightly timed schedule. Bring water, bug spray and binoculars, then give the park enough time to surprise you.
4. Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast SanctuaryVisit website →
Lions, tigers and bears really do belong in the same sentence at Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary.
The nonprofit sanctuary offers close views of exotic and domestic animals, along with a petting zoo, pony rides for small children, animal presentations and opportunities to purchase treats for selected bears and big cats. The feeding experiences tend to be the stories children tell later.
The sanctuary is generally open Wednesday through Sunday rather than every day, and some experiences have separate fees or limited hours. Check the current schedule before you promise anyone a pony ride.
5. Sarasota Jungle GardensVisit website →
Sarasota Jungle Gardens has been part of Sarasota family life since 1939, and the flamingos are still the stars.
You can walk among them and feed them by hand, which feels delightfully strange the first time a tall pink bird decides you’re carrying lunch. The park also has bird, wildlife and reptile shows, animal exhibits and winding tropical paths that make the attraction feel larger than expected.
Buy tickets online during busy periods and check the daily show schedule before arriving. The shows are worth building your route around.
6. Smugglers Cove Adventure GolfVisit website →
Mini golf is already an easy family win. Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf adds caves, waterfalls, a pirate ship — and live alligators are part of it.
The 18-hole course winds through the pirate-themed setting, and golfers can purchase food to feed the alligators with cane fishing poles. Yes, you can play miniature golf and feed an alligator on the same outing. Florida understood the assignment.
Alligator feeding is located inside the course and costs extra, so confirm current prices and hours before you go.
7. Sarasota Bayfront ParkVisit website →
Bayfront Park is the easy answer when everyone needs fresh air but nobody wants an elaborate plan.
The waterfront park has a playground and splash pad, shaded seating, bay views and amazing paths for a walk. Pack a picnic or stop at O’Leary’s Tiki Bar, then wander past the boats at Marina Jack. Children get the playground. Adults get the view. Everybody wins.
Hours, admission prices, animal experiences, trolley schedules and park conditions can change. Confirm current information directly with each attraction before visiting.
Make room for the moments they remember
Pick one adventure, slow down enough to enjoy it and let Sarasota do the rest. The best family days usually aren’t the most complicated ones.
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