Family Fun in Sarasota County

America As You Like It • 22 August 2019

Sarasota County in Florida has a host of attractions for all ages including sun, sea and glorious white sand. Known as The Circus Capital of the World, Sarasota’s circus tradition stretches back to 1927 when the Ringling brothers travelling circus established Sarasota as its winter home. This tradition continues today, with a host of circus themed attractions as well as many others to keep your little ones entertained. Read on…..


Under the sea

Come and meet the fish at The Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. Home to more than 100 marine species including sharks, manatees and sea turtles, this working aquarium is fascinating for children and adults alike. Explore the secrets of the sea through touch pools, viewable-working labs and interactive exhibits www.mote.org And what better way to end the day than heading over to the beach to search for some real sharks teeth!


Roll up, roll up

The Ringling Estate houses a theatre, gardens, Ca D’Zan (an opulent Venetian style mansion) and an impressive Museum of Art. The Tibbals Learning Center at the Museum features a giant mural entitled The Greatest Show on Earth showcasing famous circus performers from the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. The main draw for young and old alike, however, is the incredible miniature circus model comprising over 44,000 people and animals as well as the performers’ living quarters and dining tent www.ringling.org/circus-museum

Continuing the circus theme, enjoy the fun of the Big Top at Circus Sarasota www.circusarts.org/about/performances/ or take the opportunity to learn circus arts such as the trapeze at The Circus Arts Conservatory www.circusarts.org or Sailor Circus Acade www.circusarts.org/community-outreach/sailor-circus/


Life's a beach

Sarasota County is made up of more than ten beaches, including Siesta Key, which has been voted one of America’s top beaches for its soft, white sand. Amazingly, and great for little ones, the fine quartz sand remains cool throughout the day. The shallow water and year round lifeguard protection make the beach perfect for swimming and families and a recent renovation added a large play area with swings to Siesta Public.

Outdoor fun

From kayaking and canoeing to sailing and chartered cruises, families can explore the beautiful coastal scenery of Sarasota County with a number of water sports activities, including boating. Two unique state parks, Myakka River State Park and Oscar Scherer State Park, provide miles of hiking and biking trails as well as diverse wildlife sightings, guided nature tours, and camping.

Top picks for parks with playgrounds are Payne Park with its circus-themed playgrounds for tots to teens; Sarasota Bayfront Park, outfitted with a playground and water-play area; and Centennial Park’s water fountain area in Venice.

The 1,000-acre Dakin Dairy Farms is the only dairy farm in Florida open to the public. Complete with a six-acre corn maze, farm tours, and hayrides, it’s a fun day out for all the family. Tour the Milk Parlor and get a first-hand look at how a cow is milked. Follow the flow into the Plant and try your hand at making your own butter www.dakindairyfarms.com

Established in 1939, Sarasota Jungle Gardens has more than 200 native and exotic animals on display from parrots and iguanas to alligators and primates. Favourite attractions include the free roaming pink flamingos and petting zoo www.sarasotajunglegardens.com


Places to stay

At the Ritz-Carlton Kids Club, children ages five and up can enjoy on-site crafts, games and outdoor activities at the Beach Club on Lido Beach.

The Resort at Longboat Key Club’s Camp Loggerhead welcomes children ages five through twelve for on-site excursions. Full-day, morning, or afternoon sessions available for a fee. Every Friday night kids can play from 6 to 9 p.m. dinner and dessert included.

In addition to a zero-entry pool and cascading waterfall, Hyatt Regency Sarasota features kayak, paddle board and paddle-boat rentals on-site. Complimentary shuttles to Lido Beach and St. Armands Circle are available.

Dining

A local favourite is for parents and kids alike is O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill in Sarasota Bayfront Park. www.olearystikibar.com

Gecko’s Grill and Pub, with three locations throughout the county, offers a robust and crowd-pleasing menu for the entire family, including hummus and pita bread, red beans and rice, and pizza and sandwiches. www.geckosgrill.com

Der Dutchman is located in the heart of Sarasota’s Amish and Mennonite community of Pinecraft, where diners enjoy classic comfort food, such as fried chicken, mashed potatoes, homemade apple butter and peanut butter, biscuits, and desserts. www.derdutchman.com

For more information on holidays to Sarasota Click Hereor call us on 020 8742 8299.

Book your Sarasota holiday before the 31st October 2019 to receive 10% off! (Valid for stays of 5 nights or more).

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