One Coast, All Ages: A Multigenerational Guide for Families

From circus exhibits and canopy walks to hand-feeding stingrays and flamingos, Sarasota offers endless opportunities for family vacation fun. And at these attractions, there’s something for the whole crew—from grandparents and parents to teens and toddlers—so no one gets left behind!

Sarasota Jungle Gardens

Step back in time at one of Florida’s oldest surviving roadside attractions, where ten acres of lush tropical trails and winding boardwalks offer an up-close look at exotic wildlife. From the iconic free-roaming flamingos to the towering jungle canopy, Sarasota Jungle Gardens provides a nostalgic outdoor adventure for every generation.

For the Adults

Nature enthusiasts and photographers will appreciate the dense botanical beauty, featuring rare tropical plants and ancient oaks draped in Spanish moss. Take a peaceful stroll along the wooden boardwalks through the "Jungle" to spot local wildlife and migratory birds in their natural habitat. Find unique family photo ops with the flamingos (who are famous for posing) for your next Christmas card! It’s an ideal spot for grandparents and parents, too, to enjoy a slower pace while soaking in the Old Florida charm.

For the Kids

The interactive animal shows are a must-see, featuring everything from clever parrots to scaly reptiles that kids can learn about (and sometimes touch!). The highlight for most little ones is the opportunity to hand-feed the long-legged pink flamingos, which will eat right out of their palms. After the shows, head over to the wooden playground and petting zoo area, where kids can interact with pygmy goats and other friendly farm animals. If your children are feeling brave, they can even hold a small alligator or a giant snake for a supervised photo memory they won't soon forget.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

The whole family can wander through acres upon acres of pristine botanical gardens, with massive banyan trees and exquisite orchids at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Both the Downtown Sarasota campus and the Historic Spanish Point campus feature adult-specific and kid-friendly exhibits, tours and activities.

For the Adults

Explore rotating exhibits at the Downtown Sarasota campus, which often display masterpieces on loan from major art institutions worldwide. Legendary artists showcased in previous exhibitions have included Salvador Dalí, Paul Gauguin, Andy Warhol, Marc Chagall, Roy Lichtenstein and Patti Smith. At the Historic Spanish Point campus, check out the region’s only butterfly house. Grandparents, parents and kids alike will enjoy spotting colorful Florida butterflies and their favorite flowers. Docent-guided tours for adults are available at both campuses, and the Historic Spanish Point campus offers a 45-minute boat tour on Little Sarasota Bay for visitors 6 years and older.

For the Kids

Feed the colorful fish at the Koi Pond, or take a walk in the Fern Garden, where toddlers and young children can play hide-and-seek with lightning-fast lizards among the low-lying ferns. The real star of the show at the Downtown Sarasota campus is the Ann Goldstein Children’s Rainforest Garden, which lets kids swing from 27 feet above along the Canopy Walk and Rope Bridge, play scientist at the Research Station or swing to their heart’s content on the Lawn. Got preschoolers? Bring them to the Little Sprouts Club, an interactive program designed for little ones aged 2-5, with hands-on activities, crafts and story time.

Myakka River State Park

The state’s one and only Wild and Scenic River, the Myakka River, stretches 72 miles through three counties, from eastern Manatee County through Sarasota County and into Charlotte Harbor.

For the Adults

Birders, bring your binoculars! Take a trip down the Birdwalk, a boardwalk that extends through the marsh. You can spot herons, egrets, turkeys, roseate spoonbills, ospreys and even bald eagles. Myakka River State Park also features boating, fishing, canoeing and kayaking on the water, plus hiking and biking on miles of trails and back roads. Pitch your tent under the stars, then gather the whole family at a campfire circle for ranger-led presentations and discussions about Myakka. 

For the Kids

Explore the park from above the treetops on the Myakka Canopy Walkway, which traverses 100 feet through the hammock canopy. If climbing the stairwell to the Walkway is a physically challenging endeavor for the older folks, or youngsters afraid of heights, the William Boylston Nature Trail, a 0.8-mile interpretive walk, is a wonderfully scenic "trek" to substitute. Grab a scavenger hunt map from the ranger station for a competitive twist. Make it a weekend trip to remember by staying the night at one of the park’s three campgrounds. 

Mote SEA

Mote Science Education Aquarium (SEA) at Nathan Benderson Park is the perfect rainy-day attraction for visitors of all generations. And this isn’t your typical aquarium — Mote SEA features state-of-the-art habitats, immersive galleries and interactive learning opportunities. 

For the Adults

Whether you’re a science geek or an animal lover, you’ll enjoy taking a look behind the scenes at cutting-edge Workforce Development Labs, where interns and program participants learn about Mote’s research and conservation efforts. And adults, teens and older kids will definitely want to try the Virtual Reality Experience, which lets guests go “under the sea” in a specially designed VR pod. 

For the Kids

Mote SEA is stroller-friendly (guests must bring their own), so little ones of all ages can watch sharks, rays, manatees and river otters in their habitats. Throughout the day, catch animal care and feeding demonstrations, or try hand-feeding curious rays during the Ray Feeding Experience. Don’t miss the Shark Pups & Grownups program, where kids ages 2 through 5 learn about the marine environment through imaginative play, STEM-focused activities and music.

Siesta Key Beach

Siesta Beach ranks among the world’s best for good reason. It’s easy to reach via the free Siesta Key Breeze Trolley, and both the beach and nearby Siesta Key Village are packed with family-friendly activities.

For the Adults

Pitch your beach tent, grab your chairs and sink into the cool, soft quartz-crystal sand, while the kids run wild along the waves. Looking for more adventure? Try snorkeling and diving at Point of Rocks on Crescent Beach, an area rich with coral formations and vibrant marine life. End the night with an adults-only sunset tour aboard Fun Boat Tours or dinner, drinks and dessert in the Village. 

For the Kids

Let the younger kiddos play on the playground or grab beach toys and snacks at the Public Pavilion. Depending on the time of year, take them to spot sea turtle nests (without touching or getting too close) during turtle nesting season. Got teenagers? They'll be thrilled to pick up a game of beach volleyball at the nets, go jet skiing with CB’s SaltWater Outfitters or try parasailing — a great way to see dolphins!

Downtown Wellen Park

At the heart of Wellen Park, this charming downtown district features boutiques, all-day dining, a playground and splash pad, as well as year-round family-friendly events.

For the Adults

The downtown area offers a refined escape from the daily grind. Grownups can enjoy high-end, lakeside dining together at one of the many restaurants, or grab a quick bite at The Yard, a modern food container featuring quick service gourmet options, like PopDawgs, whose popcorn and hot dogs delight everyone in the fam. Friday Night Live Concerts on the Great Lawn are a weekly opportunity to get the family together on blankets and beach chairs to listen to live music in the amphitheater. 

For the Kids

Take the little ones under the giant banyan tree to burn off energy at the playground and Splash Pad, or take a family walk or bike ride on the Grand Lake Trail, a 2.8-mile loop through downtown. The massive Great Lawn is also perfect for unstructured play, from throwing a frisbee to rolling down the grassy hills in a safe, pedestrian-friendly environment. Be sure to grab a sweet treat at Bright Ice, whose ice cream is made using locally sourced, all-natural ingredients. 

Venice Fishing Pier

While a fishing pier might not sound like the most exciting family outing, the Venice Fishing Pier is famous for its gorgeous sunsets and nearby restaurants. 

For the Adults

Love fishing together? Drop a line from the pier to see what Gulf Coast varieties you may reel in — no fishing license required. Families also can play volleyball at nearby sand courts, keep an eye for dolphins and manatees passing by or grab some spiced seafood nachos and a Bait Bucket Margarita from Sharky’s on the Pier, a multi-time winner for Best Florida Beach Bar. 

For the Kids

Toddlers might enjoy just wandering around the pier and watching the fish! Older kids will want to get in on the action, so a trip to Papa’s Bait & Snack Shop for fresh and frozen bait is a must. While there, pick up sifters for shark teeth hunting and head down to Venice Beach, aka the "Shark Tooth Capital of the World." Unearthing little fossilized teeth in the sands will always be a fan favorite – no matter the age! And Sharky’s on the Pier isn’t just for adults — the kids' menu features favorites like popcorn shrimp, chicken fingers and sea weenies (grilled hot dogs). 

The Ringling

The Ringling, a museum and arts complex, is composed of themed exhibits, a historic mansion, theater, restaurant, gift shop and bayfront gardens.

For the Adults

The Circus Museum takes visitors through Sarasota’s circus history with festive music, vintage posters and a 3,800-square-foot Howards Bros. Circus Model, which is sure to capture the imagination of visitors young and old. Those young at heart will enjoy the hands-on activities and interactive installations, including tests like walking the tightrope, balancing on horseback or squeezing into a clown car. 

For the Kids

After you’ve explored circus history, stroll through Ringling's bayfront gardens to find the David F. Bolger Playspace, which features a slide, net swings and a climbing area—perfect for tiring out the little kids. If you happen to visit on a Saturday, the free ROAR! storytime invites families with preschoolers and toddlers to read together, make art and learn about the museum.

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature

A Smithsonian Affiliate, The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is home to a state-of-the-art planetarium, manatee rescue habitat and local history exhibits.

For the Adults

Stroll through the museum’s permanent exhibitions, which display Paleo-Indian artifacts, recent scientific expeditions and local industrialization. Everyone will enjoy a show at the Planetarium, an immersive 50-foot full-dome theater. Space enthusiasts will want to catch “Forward! To the Moon” or “Mars: The Ultimate Voyage,” while physics nerds might appreciate “Messengers of Time and Space.”

For the Kids

The must-see for kids here is the Mosaic Backyard Universe, an ADA-accessible playspace designed for all ages. They can climb the Mighty Oak and Tree House Platform — complete with binoculars and telescopes to explore a scale model of the solar system — launch virtual missions in the immersive Cardboard Rocket, run hands-on experiments in the Science Shed and unearth fossils at the Dig Site. Plan your visit for the first Saturday of the month to join in on Space Saturdays, where kids ages 6-11 can enjoy hands-on activities in the Backyard Universe and a planetarium session with a staff astronomer.