Sarasota Family Fun

Are you packing up the kids for a vacation on the beaches of Sarasota?   Or maybe you live in Sarasota but you would like to get your kids off the couch doing more active things.  Whether you’re tired of the sand and sun or want to get your kids on the move.  It is time to get out and have some fun.  

Here are some places our babysitters have taken our visiting children while mom and dad are in meetings, playing golf, or just wanted a little adult time.  These places are both educational and fun for kids of all ages.

G Wiz – The Gulfcoast Wonder and Imagination Zone.
A hands-on science center. Exhibits are located on two floors of the science and technology center. They also schedule field trip programs for kids. G.WIZ offers special one-week half day and full day programs during June and July each summer. Open Tuesday – Saturday 10:00am – 5:00pm, Sunday 1:00pm – 5:00pm and closed Monday. Admission is free from 5pm-8pm on the first Wednesday of each month. 1001 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota. (941) 906-1851.

Mote Marine Laboratory and Science Center.
Internationally recognized marine research facility, aquarium and touch tank. Includes a 135,000 gallon marine research and display aquarium where sharks and other marine animals are maintained. Turtles, rays, eels, rare fish, sharks, and manatees oh my. 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota. (941) 388-4441.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens.
Acres of beautiful gardens and nature trails make this a perfect setting for leisurely strolls. Birds of Prey exhibition, Critters and Things show, Reptile Encounter interactive show, Birds of The Rainforest show, and Meet the Keeper. Open daily 9AM to 5PM, closed Christmas Day. 3701 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. (941) 355-5305.

Coconuts Family Entertainment

A variety of games, a jungle gym, prize center, and fun food like pizza, hot dogs and nachos.  Open Tuesday – Thursday 3:00pm – 8:00 p.m., Friday & Saturday 10:30am – 9:00 p.m. 2300 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34239  941-927-3200

Picnic at a Park

Picnics are a great way to spend time with your family and enjoy the great outdoors.  Sarasota is full of parks.  So pack up some healthy foods like fruits, nuts, hard boiled eggs, whole wheat bread with deli meats, and plenty of cold drinks and explore one of our great parks.  While at the park walk along a nature trail, have a nature scavenger hunt, play ball, but whatever you do keep active.  Here are a few parks to try, Myakka State Park, Oscar Scherer State National Park, Island Park, and Arlington Park. 

This is a very short list of the many wonderful things to do with your children here in beautiful Sarasota, FL.   Whether you tackle one of these places or you come across other exciting places to go, just get out and have some fun!

Debra Fortosis