60 Fun Things To Do With Your Kids This Summer

If you’re drawing a blank and can’t remember any of the myriad of fun things you were hoping to do with your little ones this summer, you’ve come to the right place. Take your pick and get ready for summer fun.

1. From climbing amongst banyan trees to train and circus themes, there is no shortage of public parks to visit.
2. Feed baby gators and play a round of mini golf at the pirate-themed Smuggler’s Cove Adventure Golf.
3. Tour citrus groves, u-pick fresh seasonal fruit and get some Vitamin D walking around local farms.
4. Search for shark’s teeth on the Venice beaches.
5. Pet sharks and sting rays while learning about coastal sea life at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.
6. Grab your buckets and nets to search for sea creatures in Sarasota Bay. Ken Thompson Park is a family favorite. Don’t forget your water shoes!
7. Run, skate, scoot or blade around the 3.5-mile path at Nathan Benderson Park. Start or finish by the park's playground to ensure those little ones are tuckered out. No equipment? No worries: you can rent pedal boats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards on site.
8. Dance to the beat as the sun sets at the Siesta Key Drum Circle on Sunday evenings.
9. Savor an artisan popsicle or fresh coconut water straight from the coconut at the Downtown Farmer’s Market.
10. Go see - or participate in - the circus through the Circus Arts Conservatory.
11. Spend your Saturdays in July getting soaked in the sun, surrounded by succulents, at Selby Splashin’ Saturdays
12. Feed a mythical liger and admire exotic animals at Big Cat Habitat.
13. Feed a flamingo and watch parrots on roller skates at Sarasota Jungle Gardens.
14. Discover a whole new world on kayaks or stand-up paddleboards at the Lido Key Mangrove Tunnels.
15. Cool off at the free children’s fountain and splash pad at Bayfront Park.
16. Grab your rod to see what you can catch during a fishing excursion either from a boat, dock or right from the beach.
17. Sarasota County Libraries abound with activities throughout the summer.
18. Tackle the adventure course and zip line at TreeUmph!
19. Grab your bikes and helmets for a cruise down the Legacy Trail.
20. Hike Myakka River State Park in search of alligators, armadillos, turtles and hogs.
21. Go birding at Oscar Scherer State Park and keep a close lookout for the Scrub Jay.
22. Try skateboarding, rollerblading, BMX or scooting at the skate park on downtown Sarasota’s Payne Park property.
23. Paint pottery at The Artful Giraffe.
24. Burn off energy or relax at the beach!
25. Splish and splash at North Port Aquatic Center, where there’s a splash pad for the little ones, a water slide for the older ones and lap pools for the serious ones.
26. Perfect that long shot at Evie’s driving range then discuss your backswing over ice cream and air hockey a this one-stop shop.
27. Kids can explore, appreciate and make their own art at the Ringling Museum for Family First Saturdays from June through August.
28. Learn about the world beyond ours with a visit to The Bishop Planetarium. Be sure to visit the manatees on your way out.
29. Explore the ancient shell midden and learn about the indigenous people of Sarasota at Historic Spanish Point
30. Countdown as the sun sets.
31. Spend a day at Pinecraft Park then head over to Der Dutchman to stuff your face with the best pies imaginable.
32. Learn about our coastal treasures through interactive wildlife cruises with the Sarasota Bay Explorers.
33. Take a walk over the Ringling Bridge and take in the stunning views of Sarasota Bay.
34. Visit the Jetty in Nokomis for dolphin watching, fishing, and surfing.
35. Take a dip in the Warm Mineral Springs in North Port and reap the benefits of its 51 minerals. 
36. Have a family race up the observation mound at the Celery Fields. Bring a picnic basket and enjoy the scenic views.
37. Fill your bellies with creative cuisine in the Rosemary District. 
38. Visit Sun Outdoors Sarasota for a zip down their mega waterslide.
39. Cool off while watching the waves at Lido Beach Pool.
40. Build a sandcastle — anytime, anyplace.
41. Make a wish at the Mable Ringling Memorial Fountain.
42. Stop and smell the roses and hike the trail at the historic Phillippi Mansion.
43. Have a picnic in the woods at Rothenbach Park.
44. Unstrap and ride freely on the trolley to the beach on both Siesta Key or Longboat Key.
45. Get your strike on at Sarasota Lanes.
46. Let your imagination roam at the Children’s Garden where outdoor and creative play merge into a child’s dream
47. Grab your gloves and play ball at the Englewood Sports Complex.
48. Face off in a game of corn-hole at the South Lido Beach Playground.
49. Check out the view of the beach from the sky with a parasailing ride.
50. Go on an ice cream tasting tour of St. Armand’s. Pro tip: the chocolate peanut butter cup at Kilwin’s is a worthy contender for best ice cream in Sarasota County.
51. Decorate cookies in the historic downtown village of Sarasota.
52. Kids bouncing of the walls? Let them bounce of each other at Knockerball N' Ninjas.
53. Create something innovative at the Suncoast Science Center. Laser cutters? 3D printers? Yes, please!
54. Get your hands dirty and pop into the Kids and Clay class at Carla’s Clay to learn how to throw clay.
55. Enjoy $1 movie as part of the Regal Summer Movie Express at the Regal Hollywood 11 theatre on Main Street. View the schedule online to see which G and PG-rated movies will be playing on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.
56. Venture through the Children’s Discovery Path at the Crowley Nature Center and become the panther, bat, tortoise, and spider.
57. See an owl up close at Save Our Seabirds.
58. Rent a scooter car and zip around Siesta Key Village.
59. Step back in time and marvel at the historic vehicles at the Sarasota Classic Car Museum.
60. Enjoy an adventure in Siesta Key Village - shop for seashells and beachy memorabilia that the kiddos are sure to cherish.