Sarasota on a Shoestring: Family Fun for Less

A memorable family getaway doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag. There are endless ways to explore the Sarasota area and its six barrier islands without breaking the bank. We’ve rounded up the best local gems that offer big-time fun for a small-time budget—or even for free.

Hit the Beach

Find free fun on Sarasota County's family-friendly beaches, from body surfing Gulf Coast waves to picnicking at our public pavilions and concessions. Shellcomb the shoreline for sand dollars and hermit crabs, or hunt for sharks' teeth at Caspersen and Venice Beach. 

Catch a Gulf Coast sunset at the #1 Beach in the U.S.

Love a little friendly competition? Kick off a game of beach volleyball at Siesta Beach’s free net setup. End the day watching a vibrant tangerine sunset, or experience a community drum circle on Siesta Beach, Nokomis Beach or Englewood Beach, a weekly celebration of artists, dancers and passersby. 

Immerse Yourselves in Nature

Big Waters Land Trust, a local nonprofit located at Bay Preserve at Osprey, provides free nature programs for kids. Wade in the grass flats of Little Sarasota Bay and dip nets to collect creatures like fish, shrimp and crabs. Kids can learn to perform a water quality test alongside local scientists, as well as how to be a good steward of coastal habitats.

Lido Key's Ken Thompson Park is a hidden gem for families looking for a quiet, budget-friendly afternoon and one of the best views of Downtown Sarasota's skyline. The park features a winding mangrove boardwalk where kids can spot tiny crabs and local birdlife, as well as a nautical-themed playground with plenty of room to climb. Take advantage of the free fishing pier to cast a line, or set up a picnic at one of the many bayside tables to watch the boats pass through the inlet. 

Check out native mangroves of Sarasota Bay

Lemon Bay Park & Environmental Center in Englewood offers a nature-focused escape, with numerous boardwalks and observation piers that are perfect for spotting manatees, dolphins and nesting bald eagles for free. Kids will love the nature-themed playground and rotating exhibits on local ecology. With plenty of shaded picnic pavilions and an easy-to-walk "interpretive trail" that teaches about the native Florida landscape, it’s a fantastic spot for an educational and budget-friendly family day in the sun. 

In North Port, soak up the Old Florida vibes and lush vegetation in Orange Hammock Wildlife Management Area or Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park. These wild habitats offer recreational opportunities like fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, biking and horseback riding. 

Explore Farmers Markets

Produce aplenty at Lakewood Ranch Farmers' Market, taken by Taylor Riffle

On the weekends, find fresh produce, plants, artwork and artisan goods at the county's many farmers markets—including the Sarasota Farmers Market, Venice Farmers Market, Siesta Key Farmers Market and Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market. The family can enjoy live music, many four-legged friends, food-truck fare and year-round sunshine.

Go Camping

Opt for staying at one of Sarasota County's primitive campsites to save some cash. There are plenty of places to pitch a tent, make s'mores and ditch screen time for nature. 

Love lush views? Explore Myakka River State Park (which requires a small admission and campsite fee). During your stay, spot epic wildlife, climb the Canopy Walkway and fish in the river.

Camping and glamping options at Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey offers access to a bounty of nearby hiking/biking and nature trails, like The Legacy Trail, which is free to access. If you’re at Turtle Beach Campground during turtle nesting season (May-October), you may witness native loggerhead turtles hatch on the beach. 

Play at Local Parks

Garden of the Five Senses

Garden of the Five Senses in North Port is a unique, free-to-visit park specifically designed to engage all five senses through its lush botanical displays and interactive exhibits. Families can wander through a fragrant butterfly garden, listen to the calming rustle of the bamboo forest and explore the Boundless Adventures Playground, an inclusive, ADA-accessible play area built for children of all physical and cognitive abilities. To combine literacy with fresh air, follow the Story Stroll along the paved pathways, where the city regularly updates the featured storybook pages for a new adventure with every visit.

Let the kids climb the Ibis playground at The Bay Park

The Bay Park

True to its "one park for all" mission, this 53-acre signature park provides a wealth of free public programming alongside amenities like a sculptural playground, a shaded mangroves walk and a sprawling sunset lawn. Families can take advantage of an ever-rotating calendar of free activities, ranging from morning yoga and outdoor family movie nights to guided nature walks and paddle tours. 

Bayfront Park

Bayfront Park’s Children’s Fountain and Splash Pad has been recently renovated for ADA-accessible water play area. Kids can cool off under shaded sails or burn off energy at a shipwreck-themed playground. For a more relaxed pace, families can take a scenic stroll along the promenade to admire the moored yachts and sailboats, or enjoy a picnic on the sprawling green lawns.

Meet fellow families and enjoy golden hour at Waterside Place

Waterside Place

Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch blends recreation and entertainment with plenty of no-cost options for visitors. The waterfront park includes a colorful playground and splash area that’s perfect for younger kids, while the surrounding green spaces host weekly farmers markets, live music, beach volleyball nets, yoga sessions and family-focused events throughout the year.

Wellen Park

The master-planned community of Wellen Park offers families an easy (and free) way to spend a day entertained. Its centerpiece, Downtown Wellen, features a large playground and a splash pad where kids can cool off while parents relax nearby. The community regularly hosts free events and activities like outdoor concerts, movie nights, fitness classes and seasonal festivals, with a lively, welcoming atmosphere.

Ride a Trolley Around Town

In Downtown Sarasota, there are a number of pickup and drop-off spots where the family can ride the Bay Runner Trolley at no charge. This open-air trolley service runs 8 a.m. to midnight everyday, and can take you to/from downtown and St. Armands Circle on Lido Key, plus down the shoreline of Lido's beaches. 

Ride the Breeze trolley around Siesta Key

Additionally, Sarasota County Breeze Transit's 77 Islander Trolley provides service everyday, 8 am-10pm. The open-air trolley is a fun (and free!) way to explore the island of Siesta Key—including popular stops at Siesta Beach, Siesta Key Village and Turtle Beach Park. Avoid the stress of parking, sit back and enjoy the views. 

Find more family-friendly activities in Sarasota.