Sarasota Vacation: A Travel Guide for Families
Sitting on the shimmering Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota is a dream spot for family fun. This fantastic city has stuff for everyone: amazing beaches, loads of art, and all kinds of animals.
Sarasota’s got you covered if you are thinking about a chill beach trip or a vacation full of action!
This guide will show you the best of Sarasota, from famous spots like the Ringling Art Museum and Mote Marine Lab to hidden treasures that will make your trip memorable. We will also give you tips on where to stay and what to eat so you can easily plan your trip.
So get your bags ready, bring your adventurous spirit, and get set to make some great memories with your family in beautiful Sarasota.
Best Time to Go to Sarasota
The best months for a family trip to Sarasota are March, May, September, and November. The temperature is usually in the low 80s, which is great for outdoor fun. Sarasota is also not crowded during these times, so your family can have a fun and comfortable vacation.
But remember, Sarasota is a fantastic place to visit any time of the year because of its great weather and many different things to see and do.
What to Do with Kids in Sarasota
Sarasota, Florida, offers many child-friendly activities that cater to a wide range of interests and preferences. Here are some of the top attractions and activities for families:
Have Fun on the Sands
Sarasota is like a hidden treasure filled with beautiful beaches your family will love. The best one is Siesta Key Beach, named the #1 beach in the USA in 2020. It has immaculate white sand and clear water – the perfect place for a family beach day.
If you want something less crowded than the main beach, try Crescent Beach and Turtle Beach, also on Siesta Key.
At Crescent Beach, your family can explore cool stuff underwater at the diving sites. And Turtle Beach is an excellent place for picnics and camping. You can sit around a fire, roast marshmallows, and tell stories under the stars.
Lido Key Beach and South Lido Park Beach are also good choices if you want a mix of beach and park fun. They’re great for building sandcastles, playing beach volleyball, or lying in the sun.
But if you want a peaceful and fancy beach, go to Longboat Key Beach. The fancy hotels and condos there have private beach access, which is perfect if you are looking for a bit of luxury.
Coquina Beach on Anna Maria Island is another good spot. It has lots of shade and picnic areas, so it’s an excellent place for a relaxing picnic.
And don’t forget Venice Beach and Manasota Key! Venice Beach is famous for hunting for shark teeth, which can be a fun adventure. Meanwhile, Manasota Key is a great place to see wildlife with its four beautiful beaches. It is not only fun but also educational for both kids and adults.
Learn Together in Unique Museums
Sarasota offers a wide range of museums catering to diverse interests. A notable highlight is The Ringling, a museum complex encompassing the Museum of Art, Circus Museum, Ca’ d’Zan, and Bayfront Gardens.
This fantastic place has famous art, beautiful grounds, and an old mansion, making it great for family exploration. Kids will especially love the Circus Museum, which shows the magic of the Ringling Brothers Circus.
If your family likes science and nature, visit The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. It has many fun and educational exhibits, including a planetarium and natural history exhibits.
Another notable spot is the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. This place is both a marine research lab and a public aquarium so that you can learn about marine life in Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Kids will like the touch tanks and shark feeding shows here!
People who love cars should go to the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, which has over 100 old cars from different times. If your kid likes collecting toy cars, they’ll love this place!
Lastly, the Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy stands out with its collection of colorful and quirky art pieces guaranteed to delight kids and adults alike.
Be Inspired by Nature and Wildlife
Sarasota Jungle Gardens is an exciting family destination in Sarasota—a favorite since 1939. This old-school Florida zoo lets you walk among and feed a group of flamingos that roam freely.
With over 10 acres of tropical plants and jungle paths, the Gardens are home to various wildlife, including birds of prey and many parrots. Kids will love getting close to these colorful animals. Entrance fees cost $24.99 for adults and $14.99 for kids, while infants can enter for free.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is another great place for families to visit in the area. This living museum has one of the world’s best collections of orchids and bromeliads. With 15 acres on the bay, this open-air and indoor museum has over 20,000 colorful plants!
The Gardens have something for everyone: tropical displays and a Children’s Rainforest Garden with waterfalls, bridges, and interactive spots. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens aims to be a peaceful and inspiring place that helps people understand and appreciate plants and nature.
Next, you should also check out the Big Cat Habitat, a sanctuary for large animals in Sarasota. This non-profit place is a safe home for big cats, bears, and other animals, and its goal is to teach the public how to take care of animals and protect them.
Families will see impressive lions, tigers, and other animals in large areas like their natural homes. You can also enjoy learning demonstrations, petting zoos, and meeting animals, making Big Cat Habitat a fun and educational trip for the whole family.
Do Family Bonding Activities in Sarasota’s Parks
Nestled on the shores of Phillippi Creek, just south of downtown Sarasota and east of Siesta Key, is the scenic Phillippi Estate Park. This 60-acre natural area park offers a plethora of family-friendly activities. You can walk on the trails, fish off the piers, or paddle on Phillippi Creek!
The main attraction of the estate is the Edson Keith Mansion, a beautiful building with hand-painted ceilings and fancy design. You must make an appointment to enter the mansion, but walking around the grounds is a treat. The park also has a famous Farmers’ Market. Here, you can buy fresh food and local products.
Not far away is Rothenbach Park, another excellent place for a family day out in Sarasota. This peaceful park is perfect for outdoor activities. It has paved trails for biking, running, or just going for a walk. It also has picnic areas, a playground, and restrooms, so you can conveniently spend the whole day there.
Bayfront Park is another beautiful park in the city, but it is unique because it’s right on the water in downtown Sarasota. It has incredible views of Sarasota Bay, and you and your family can walk along the bay, have a picnic, or play at the playground.
The park also has O’Leary’s Tiki Bar and Grill, the perfect place for parents to relax with a drink while their kids play nearby.
Engage in Various Kid-Centered Activities around Town
At Arts A Blaze Studio, kids can show their artistic side. This pottery painting studio lets you walk in and paint different things like mugs, plates, and little sculptures! It’s a fun way for kids to be creative, and they get to keep what they make as a souvenir of their trip.
If your family likes a little friendly competition, go to Smuggler’s Cove Adventure Golf. This mini-golf course is all about pirates, with waterfalls, caves, pirate ships, and even live alligators you can feed! Both kids and adults will find it challenging and fun.
Meanwhile, Jumpin Fun Inflata Park is a great place for indoor play. It is the most significant inflatable adventure park in Florida, with over 20,000 square feet of space for bouncing. It has slides, obstacle courses, and an oversized jumper. No matter the weather, this park is an excellent place for kids to use up some energy.
Bounce Down Under is another must-visit indoor play area for families with children. Kids of all ages can have fun jumping on trampolines, going down inflatable slides, and going through the inflatable obstacle course. There is also a separate area for toddlers so everyone can have a safe and fun time.
Livingston’s Amusement Center is where you can have family fun while burning off your child’s excess energy. It has go-karts, bumper cars, an arcade, pool tables, and a two-story laser tag arena. Visiting this center is fun, whether celebrating something special or spending a day with the family.
Go on a Thrilling Family Adventure
One family activity that stands out in Sarasota is kayaking, an exciting way to explore the city’s waterways. Whether you paddle through the calm waters of Sarasota Bay, the mangrove tunnels at South Lido Nature Park, or the scenic Myakka River, kayaking provides an opportunity to witness Sarasota’s diverse marine life and beautiful landscapes up close.
Furthermore, it is not only a great way to stay active but also a chance to educate children about the importance of marine conservation.
Another exhilarating family adventure is the TreeUmph! Adventure Course. Nestled among the lush Florida landscapes, this elevated outdoor adventure park presents an exciting mix of challenges and thrills for all ages.
With courses ranging from beginner to extreme, it offers zip lines, wobbly bridges, hanging nets, bungee swings, and climbing walls. Kids and adults alike can test their courage, strength, and agility while safely harnessed. It’s a fantastic way to spend a day outdoors, fostering teamwork and creating unforgettable memories.
The Best Accommodations in Sarasota for Families
Selecting suitable accommodations for all family members is crucial when planning a vacation. Luckily, several resorts and hotels in Sarasota stand out for their family-friendly amenities and convenient locations. Here are some top-rated options:
According to its excellent ratings and reviews, Lido Beach Resort is one of the top choices for families. With its prime beachfront location, it offers spacious rooms and suites perfect for families of all sizes. Its pools and private white sand beach provide fun and relaxation for kids and adults.
Another high-end option is The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. This luxury resort not only provides stunning views and comfortable accommodations but also offers a variety of activities that cater to younger guests, making it a hit with families!
The Hyatt Place Sarasota/Bradenton Airport is an excellent choice for those needing proximity to the airport. It combines comfort, convenience, and a range of amenities to keep the whole family happy.
Finally, Tropical Beach Resorts is another family favorite, receiving high ratings from guests. Its tropical atmosphere, friendly staff, and proximity to the beach make it a popular choice.
Where to Dine with Kids in Sarasota
Sarasota is a great place for family-friendly dining, with many different types of food that both kids and adults will enjoy. There is something for you, whether you’re in the mood for a laid-back meal by the beach or a fancier dinner.
O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill is a fun place to eat with your family. It’s right on the water and has a relaxed vibe, making it a great place to chill out and enjoy a meal with your kids.
If you’re in the mood for seafood, check out The Lobster Pot. They serve fresh, tasty seafood dishes that even picky eaters will love.
Turtle Beach Grill and The Old Salty Dog are great if you’re looking for a more casual place to eat. Both restaurants have a relaxed feel and serve a mix of seafood and classic American food.
Owen’s Fish Camp and Columbia Restaurant are also popular with families. Owen’s Fish Camp serves Southern-style seafood, while Columbia Restaurant is known for its Spanish and Cuban food. Both places offer a cozy dining experience, perfect for those with young kids.
Finally, Bob’s Train is an exciting place to dine because it’s in a restored train car. It’s a fun and unique dining experience that kids will remember!
Apps to Download for Your Sarasota Trip
Visiting Sarasota, Florida, with your family can be an unforgettable experience. Having the right apps on your phone can make your trip more seamless and enjoyable. Here are some apps you might consider downloading for your family trip to Sarasota.
Visit Sarasota County: This app is a comprehensive guide to everything Sarasota offers. It provides information on local events, attractions, restaurants, and more. With its features, you can plan your itinerary, find nearby attractions, and discover hidden gems in Sarasota.
OpenTable: This app is perfect for finding and reserving a table at the best restaurants in Sarasota. You can filter by cuisine, price, and review score to find the ideal dining spot for your family.
ParkMobile: If you plan to drive in Sarasota, ParkMobile can help you find and pay for parking without needing coins or tickets.
Kidmoto: This app is a lifesaver for families traveling with young children. Kidmoto provides safe airport car transportation services with installed car seats for infants and children. It’s a convenient and stress-free way to ensure your little ones’ safety on the road.
Book Kidmoto in Sarasota!
If you are planning a family trip to Sarasota, book Kidmoto for your transportation needs! Especially when flying with a baby or several children, you will need a reliable, convenient, and safety-focused transportation service that caters to families.
Aside from being equipped with NCAP-tested car seats, Kidmoto operates 24/7! You can rely on timely pick-ups and drop-offs regardless of your flight schedule. And with its professional, vetted drivers trained in car seat installation, you can be assured of a smooth and comfortable ride.
Furthermore, the easy booking process through the Kidmoto app adds to the overall convenience. Within minutes, you can schedule rides in advance and eliminate the stress of finding suitable transportation upon arrival. So, book Kidmoto today for a hassle-free family vacation experience in Sarasota!
