Indoor Family Fun in Sarasota: Things to Do With Kids

"What else can we do besides the beach?"

Of course the main attraction here in Sarasota is the glorious beaches, and when they aren't an option, you may find yourself stuck indoors with rowdy, energy-filled youngsters. Maybe it's raining. Maybe you forgot to put on enough SPF yesterday. Or maybe it's just too hot to be outside. Don't panic. After the forts are made, crafts are drying, Lego masterpieces are erected, tea parties are concluded, and you're about to finally cave into the temptations of glowing screens, throw the kids in the car to explore one of Sarasota's many indoor options and cure that stir-crazy sensation. You won't even miss the beach.

Free & Easy Indoor Activities 

Be a Bookworm

With nine locations throughout the county, there is surely a branch of the Sarasota Public Libraries within the distance you're willing to drive in a hot car with "bored" kids. The Gulf Gate branch features touch-screen computer games while Selby downtown showcases an aquarium tank. And stairs. When my kiddos were younger, the stairs were a huge hit, as we don't have any at our home. Up and down. Over and over again. Hey, whatever floats their boat, especially if it’s free. Programs for young patrons (puppet shows, story times, etc.) and older ones (Lego club, chess) are posted on the online schedule.

Indoor Attractions for Curious Kids 

Be Schooled

Mote Science Education Aquarium (SEA) is all indoors and at a brand-new location at Nathan Benderson Park, so it's a viable option when looking to escape the heat or summertime Florida rain. Surely it's impossible for a kid (or adult!) to be bored when surrounded by schools of sharks, manatees, penguins, and quite possibly the world’s coolest octopus!

Be Present, and Past

Dinosaurs, space, and manatees. What more could a kid want? Explore the fan favorites and learn a thing or two at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, where learning is hands on, the planetarium wows overhead, and rescued manatees meander by. The Mosaic Backyard Universe is every child’s dream backyard, but inside. So even if you can’t be in the Florida sunshine, you can always pretend.

Places to Play, Climb & Explore Indoors

Be Bould

Get the wiggles out by exploring the 14,000 square feet of HexRock Climbing, the coolest indoor climbing gym I’ve ever seen. They’ve thought of everything at this new Sarasota addition, from a foot wash (no feet smell here!) to a disco ball (everything’s better with a disco ball).  If you’ve never tried, fear not - they will literally show you the ropes.

Their hours are incredible – as early as 7am and closing at 10pm – super helpful for early rising little ones or if you’re struggling with time changes.

Be Locked In

Few things get an entire family involved like being forced into a locked room together with no way out and no screens. Think I’m kidding? Grab the crew and head to Evasive Escape Rooms and this nightmare becomes a reality. I love an escape room - the game, the mystery, the timer, the challenge. I love how everyone has their own set of skills that comes out as the puzzles present themselves. I’ve gone with kids as young as seven and adults as old as 70.

Heads up – if you’re claustrophobic, know that the doors are not really locked. You can leave anytime you want to, be it to get a breather or a bathroom break. But the timer does not pause because you, do so choose carefully.

Be Purr-fectly Lazy

There are few things in this world lazier than a cat. Adopt their vibes – and one of them if you’re so inclined – at Katy’s Cat Café, where you can drink coffee while snuggling a cat (or ten). Bring a book or play one of their board games as their fuzzy felines frolic around you. If you get hungry for more than a tasty pastry, you’ll find yourself in the cute Rosemary District, with many walkable dining options.

Be a Mallrat, Turtle, or Dolphin

If you need a break from entertaining little ones, or need to run a few errands at the same time, zip over to The Mall at University Town Center and enjoy the children's play area next to Dillard's on the ground level. Numerous sea animal structures beg to be climbed and explored, surrounded by seats for reading, nursing, or just relaxing. 

Indoor Games & Family Entertainment 

Be a Pinball Wizard

Arcade games and air hockey can keep my kids happy for hours at Evie's, and when you throw in pizza and ice cream for those much-needed breaks, there's no need to ever leave. Bonus: if you're there to escape the heat rather than the rain, you can have your car washed while shooting hoops or playing pool at this Bee Ridge one stop shop.