Things to Do on a Siesta Key Vacation with Kids
Siesta Key is an island in Sarasota, Florida, known for its white sand beaches. The amazing beaches, fantastic restaurants, and beautiful weather make many fun things to do when visiting Siesta Key with the family!
Featuring a great beach town vibe, Siesta Key is considered one of the most family-friendly destinations in the world. So if you want an incredible vacation to take your children and feel a sense of community, then Siesta Key is the perfect spot.
There are tons of child-friendly destinations and activities in the area! You can relax on the beach, fish inshore or offshore, play mini golf, go kayaking, snorkel, swim, boat, or try something new like stand-up paddle boarding.
If you are visiting this area and want to get the most from your trip, we listed several fun activities for a great Siesta Key vacation with kids!
Visit the Siesta Key Beaches
The beach is undeniably the main reason to go to Siesta Key. Siesta Key offers eight miles of shoreline with various access points. There are three primary beaches in Siesta Key, including:
Crescent Beach boasts stunning white quartz sand cool to the touch. It is also secluded and less crowded than all the other beaches in Siesta Key, making it perfect for families with kids.
Another good thing about Crescent Beach is its soft sands great for building sandcastles and playing in the shallows. The ocean in these parts is typically calm–perfect for all levels of swimmers.
However, Crescent Beach lacks amenities, facilities, and public services. For example, although street parking is abundant, there is no public parking lot or public access.
Siesta Beach is the crowd favorite of the three public Siesta Key beaches. Consistently acclaimed as one of the best beaches in the US, Siesta Beach has plenty of amenities, including a cafe, rentals, picnic tables, restrooms, playgrounds, and beach volleyball facilities.
A note: Siesta Beach has a large parking lot but fills up quickly during the peak summer season. Book a Kidmoto car service with car seats for your Siesta Beach trip so you can ditch the car seats and not worry about parking!
Turtle Beach does not feature the same powdery sand as the other two public beaches in Siesta Key. Still, it is worth visiting because of its gorgeous sunset views and emerald waters. There is also a campground right at the beach and ample parking spots.
As its name suggests, this is the best place to spot turtles in Siesta Key. The turtle nesting season is from May to October. Mothers lay their eggs on the beach because of its secluded atmosphere.
Ride the Siesta Key Trolley
The Siesta Breeze Trolley is one of the most special kid-friendly activities in this Florida beach town. An accessible mode of transportation by Sarasota County, this trolley loops between the beach and Siesta Key Village, around Canal and Calle de La Siesta, and back again.
The open-air trolley operates seven days a week, from 8 AM to 10 PM. Although it practically visits attractions on Siesta Key, its bright colors and classic design make it a tourist attraction.
Watch the Siesta Key Sunset
People travel from all over to see the unique sunset in Siesta Key, but sunset viewing is one of the best things to do in this place.
Sunset Point is a popular spot to watch the sunset in the northern part of Siesta Beach. Since the beach is already a perfect spot for sunset viewing, many tourists, especially those with kids, opt to stay on the deck at the beach cafe.
Arrive at the beach 45 minutes before sunset to witness the changing colors of the sky. Siesta Key can get crowded on weekends, and parking is limited during the peak months.
If you schedule a sunset viewing at Siesta Key beach on a Sunday, do not miss the Siesta Key Drum Circle. This performance by local drummers and dancers at the pavilion is something that even children will enjoy.
Play at the Siesta Beach Playground
If you are vacationing in Siesta Key with a toddler or several kids, the fantastic playground at Siesta Beach would be a favorite! It has a sandcastle theme with two play areas that separate the older kids from the little ones.
The playground is also great for families taking a break from the beach as it has numerous picnic tables and benches. Parents can relax and have some downtime while the kids play on the slides and swings.
Finally, there are even beach volleyball facilities and other amenities near the Siesta Beach playground, which teens and adults will enjoy!
There are other fun parks in Siesta Key, but Siesta Beach park is right on the sands of the said beach. However, you can visit Glebe Park, Turtle Beach Park, and Boyd Park for other options.
Go Shopping in Siesta Key Village
Shopping in Siesta Key Village is the perfect way to get souvenirs. With well-known shops and locally owned stores, you can find various items ranging from touristy accessories to beach gear.
Gidget’s Coastal Provisions is a must-visit for specialty items, unique gifts, and homeware. In addition, this lovely place is a crowd favorite for souvenirs made by local artists and various merchandise.
If you accidentally left swim gear at home, Beach Bazaar is the place for typical beach finds such as swimsuits, clothing, beach gear, and more. Then, head to Island Trader if you are looking for boutique clothing, accessories, and specialty gifts.
Finally, another shop worth dropping by is Sandal Factory, a popular destination in the Florida Keys for casual and outdoor sandals since 1990.
Enjoy Outdoor Dining in a Local Restaurant
A great thing about Florida is the excellent year-round weather; outdoor dining is one thing to enjoy here. Most restaurants in Siesta Key have open-air dining accommodations. However, we found several popular options for families dining with kids:
The Cottage is right on Siesta Beach and has two outdoor dining patios. It has a diverse menu, including sandwiches and fries for kids, made from fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Adults can enjoy a selection of wines, cocktails, and some of Florida’s best brews on tap.
Sun Garden Cafe is an award-winning cafe that is a famous spot for breakfast and lunch. Its casual garden venue is family-friendly, and its menu. From healthy food to hearty dishes, this cafe is an excellent choice to unwind while eating tasty food. Another plus is that pets are welcome, too!
Flavio’s Brick Oven is considered one of the best spots for pizza and other authentic Italian fares in Siesta Key. Families will enjoy the variety of pizza available – even gluten-free options!
The Hub Baja Grill is best for California Baja-influenced Mexican food and enjoy their famous Grouper fish tacos on the covered patio with live music!
The Oyster Bar is a top-rated place for happy hour in Siesta Key for adults needing a break. A stone’s throw away from the beach, this place features porch-style dining, perfect for enjoying its award-winning wings, fresh oysters, burgers, and live music.
Cool Off with Ice Cream
A beach trip is never complete without ice cream! Thankfully, Siesta Key has many wonderful places for this sweet treat that will delight kids and adults!
Big Olaf has been around for 40 years and is a consistent local favorite that serves various handmade ice cream flavors. Another homegrown ice cream store is Local Chill, which has handmade ice cream and outdoor seating.
If you want a healthier option, Made in Rome Gelato serves organic and handmade gelato with unique flavors. It also has Italian Espresso and shakes for those who want more variety.
Visit Family-Friendly Attractions in Sarasota, Florida
Beyond the beach, there are many fun activities near Siesta Key. In its location in Sarasota country, the whole place is full of history and culture.
Some of the best child-friendly activities in Sarasota include:
Sarasota Jungle Garden is for fun animal experiences in a jungle setting. From feeding free-roaming flamingoes to having pictures taken with an alligator, visiting this place will create fond memories for the entire family.
The Ringling Museum has colorful and interactive displays where the family can learn the history of the Ringling Bros. Circus.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens offers breathtaking views of Sarasota Bay. Families usually enjoy taking a stroll down its mangrove walkways while visiting the butterfly garden, koi pond, and cactus collection.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is a fantastic aquarium with a working research lab that features various sea life.
Book Kidmoto for your Siesta Key Vacation with Kids!
If you are flying with a baby or several kids, having a Siesta Key car service with car seats waiting for you at the curb is the ultimate travel convenience. With Kidmoto, you can enjoy a family-friendly vacation without worrying about where to park or lugging a car seat around the airport.
Book a ride easily by downloading the mobile-friendly Kidmoto app so you can experience travel convenience in your Siesta Key family vacation. In addition, Kidmoto has top-notch car seats installed by professional drivers who will ensure a safe and secure ride to or from the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport.
Ditch the car seats at home and book a Kidmoto ride today!
