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 novel parks to visit

2. Feed baby gators and play a round of mini golf at the pirate-themed Smuggler’s Cove
3. Tour citrus groves, visit the wildlife refuge and burn off energy at the play place at Mixon Fruit 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 and 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 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 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. Go to 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-N-Fun 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 Rothenback 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 skies with 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.