10 ways to play in family-friendly Sarasota County

Make a splash

Swimming and cooling off in the Gulf gives you a natural high and is so good for you. Sarasota County has an Olympic-size 50-metre pool at the Arlington Park and Aquatic Complex and a 25-yard instructional pool as well as 35 miles of open water beaches north from Lido Key and south to Manasota Key, which are both guarded and unguarded. Alternatively, Sarasota also has a number of springs and other swimming holes in natural bodies of water such as Warm Mineral Springs in North Port about 40-minutes south from Sarasota.

Cast a line

Sarasota County offers some of Florida's best fishing thanks to the healthy estuary supporting a healthy ecosystem. The Florida Gulf Coast is a paradise for fish. Freshwater streams and rivers flow from Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte County into a bay protected by the barrier islands. It’s a perfect-sized estuary teeming with a diverse wildlife ecosystem of birds, fish and mammals.

Area freshwater streams, rivers and lakes hold bass, panfish, catfish and more. As freshwater enters the tidal area, species tolerating the brackish water, such as snook, jack, and tarpon can be found. Out into the bay, snapper, mackerel, sea trout, grouper, drum and many other species will be found in the saltwater haven.

Cast in the bay or offshore for saltwater fish or rent a boat at Cannons Marina.  Freshwater fishing can be found in Myakka River State Park or Oscar Scherer State Park. Alternatively, charter a boat for both inshore and offshore fishing or for a wildlife expedition - fun for all the family.

Fins at Sharky's restaurant also has a great fishing pier jutting out into the Gulf of Mexico visitors can fish from, among other piers in the area.

Grab a paddle

Kayaks and paddleboards serve as great ways to explore the local waters and get some exercise at the same time! Get away from the Siesta crowds and paddle to Turtle Beach, a secluded local beach.  Or head to Ted Sperling Park to explore the mangrove tunnels which are only minutes from Downtown Sarasota. The mangrove tunnels are full of wildlife including birds, fish, invertebrates and even manatees and dolphins and paddling alongside them is a true adventure.

Sink a putt

Sarasota County has a long and rich history of golf and many fine courses on offer if you are looking to play a round.  For fun with the kids, head to Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf.  Featuring 18 holes of adventure style golf in which you’ll venture through a pirate ship, caves, waterfalls and even live alligators! Smugglers golf course has an Educational American Alligator Exhibit that is home to 20-30 American Alligators you can actually feed. At Smugglers Cove you feed the alligators using cane fishing poles for a fun and unforgettable experience.

Alternatively, Popstroke is a family-friendly golf and open-air dining venue, featuring two 18-hole putting courses designed by Tiger Woods and TGR Design. Amenities include a restaurant, ice cream parlour, outdoor games, roof-top bar, and playground.

Use your imagination

Tucked on two acres north of downtown Sarasota, the Children’s Garden brings the fantasy world to life. Children can climb aboard a pirate ship, find their way through a maze, and wander through a mushroom-filled Fairy Garden and dragon-inhabited Monster Garden. They also teach different art, nature, and gardening classes each week so be sure to check out their timetable.

At the Ringling, the Circus Museum features hands-on exhibits where children squeeze into a clown car, walk the tightrope or pretend to be an animal tamer. Young visitors can also show off their artistic side and learn more about the Ringling’s collections during Saturday Family Workshop and Kids Quest programmes.

Spin your wheels

There are lots of places to pedal around Sarasota County. Covering more than 10 miles, the Legacy Trail stretches from Sarasota to Venice and connects with Venetian Waterway Park, which features five further miles of cycling and walking trails on either side of the Intracoastal Waterway. Both offer flat, car-free pathways easily negotiated by cyclists of all levels and ages. Rent bikes at places like Village Bikes and Siesta Key Bike & Kayak. Kids aged 10 and over can ride with Sarasota Bike Tours, which supplies all the necessary equipment and takes participants on rides through places like downtown Sarasota and Siesta and Lido Keys.

Go wild

Most children are fascinated by animals and they can have encounters with all kinds of creatures in Sarasota County. Head to Myakka River State Park to see alligators gliding through the water or sunning themselves on the shore. Visit famous local manatees Hugh and Buffett, rescued sea turtles, and other aquatic animals at Mote Aquarium, or feed flamingos and catch a reptile show at Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Bring binoculars to spot birds and even sometimes bats at the Venice Area Audubon Rookery and Celery Fields in Sarasota.

Take a tour

There is a huge range of nature tours that are suitable for all the family to enjoy. You can dip nets in seagrass flats or go birding with the help of Around the Bend Nature Tours. Sarasota Bay Explorers offers boats tours where children can both learn about and get hands-on with local sea life. Le Barge Tropical Cruises heads out into Sarasota Bay for dolphin and manatee watch and nature cruises, while National & State Park Concessions runs airboat and tram tours that explore Myakka River State Park.

Enjoy a good meal

There are lots of restaurants in the area that provide a family-friendly atmosphere and food that Mum and Dad will enjoy as much as the children. Kids can make their own pizza while parents sample the pasta at Caragiulos and the family will enjoy hearty homemade breakfast portions at Yoder's Restaurant with fast service in a family-friendly atmosphere. Grab some pulled pork or beef brisket at Nancy’s Bar-B-Q, a burger by the water at New Pass Grill, tapas at local institution Columbia, or peanut butter pie at Yoder’s Restaurant. And you can’t come to Florida without sampling the local seafood - Marker 4, Old Salty Dog, and Phillippi Creek Village Restaurant & Oyster Bar all offer interesting settings and plenty of menu options for young and old.