Travel to Sarasota for a family-friendly escape. Florida’s gulf coast town offers down-to-earth attractions in an eclectic setting making it ideal for families to reconnect.
Life’s a circus. Sarasota's circus heritage dates back to the 1930s when John Ringling brought the Ringling Brother and Barnum & Bailey Circus. For decades, the circus wintered in the area. The circus no longer spends the winter but its heritage infuses the community.
The Ringling Circus Museum is the best place to learn the circus’s history. Most impressive is the Howard Brothers Circus, a miniature replica of Ringling's 1930s circus. Over a period of 50 years, philanthropist Howard Tibbals crafted the mini circus complete with trains, tents and spectators. More than 42,000 pieces come together in 3,800 square feet to create this featured attraction.
Beach babies. Sarasota boasts 35 miles of beaches and Siesta Key Public Beach is the destination's jewel for its powder soft, quartzite sand and gradual incline into the Gulf of Mexico. These conditions make it ideal to build sandcastles, play Frisbee and splash in the aquamarine waters. Sunday sunset visitors are treated to the spectacle of the drumming circle. Beach goers bring their drums and free spirit for the weekly event.
Children can gather prehistoric history in Venice. Shiny, black fossilized shark’s teeth dot Caspersen Beach where families stoop or scoop to find the tiny treasures.
Birds of a feather. Feed flamingos and pet parrots at Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Crocodiles, alligators and other critters are on exhibit, too. Various bird and reptile shows entertain families daily.
Fairytales can come true. Kids act out favorite fairytales at the whimsical Sarasota Children's Garden. The adventure begins in the Dress Up Room where little visitors select costumes of frilly gowns or magical capes. Inside, children play atop a wooden pirate ship, bright green dragon and in the homes of the three little pigs. Sculptures crafted from recycled car parts are sprinkled throughout the lush garden.
Fun with science. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is a working marine science lab with fish, sharks, sea turtles and manatees on display with interpretation. Children can touch sea critters such as starfish, sea urchins and stingrays (stingers safely removed). Ecotours depart daily from the docks. A net brings up sea creatures giving curious kids a cross section of what lies beneath.
Saturdays between mid-May and mid-October, families become biologists on Lido Beach. The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota's sea turtle expert takes visitors on a morning walk searching for evidence of Loggerhead sea turtle nesting.
G.WIZ is a hands-on science museum with 85 interactive exhibits, challenging and piquing the curiosity of young minds. The museum is a nice break from the beach.
Here fishy, fishy. Some families call fishing a bonding experience. C&B's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key has fishing charter captains for hire. The Fly Fishing Fleet departs from Marina Jack for half-day and full-day deep sea fishing.
I spy a gator. A trip to Florida isn't complete without spotting an alligator and Myakka River State Park has many gator-spotting opportunities. A bridge on the park's main roadway is a popular spot. Kids will enjoy the large airboat over the Upper Myakka Lake and parents will appreciate the smooth ride. Alligators are frequently scene.
Older children will appreciate a canoeing trip. Bicycles can be rented for families without sea legs. The Canopy Walk along the treetops with a bird's eye view of the park is a must-do.
Where to stay. Sarasota offers a mix of family-friendly hotels and resorts. These include The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, Colony Beach and Tennis Resort and Longboat Key Club & Resort, each with their kid-specific programs. A healthy supply of condominiums and villas are available for extended stays.
Visit the Sarasota and Her Islands site for travel planning.
More in Suite101: Travel to Sarasota with a Dog, The Ringlings of Sarasota: Grand Glamour along the Gulf Coast, Sarasota
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