Science Fun in the Sun in Sarasota County

Many of us have fond memories of school field trips when we got to leave the stuffy classroom and learn hands-on, often outdoors. You can re-create those days during your next Sarasota County vacation (without the permission slip and the grades!). Several area attractions and tour operators offer science-related, active educational experiences.

Water-based Science Activities

When you come to Sarasota County, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll see water, whether it’s the Gulf, Sarasota Bay or the Peace River. To really get to know our marine life, though, book an excursion led by local experts or visit our world-renowned aquarium, Mote Science Education Aquarium (SEA). You’ll find indoor and outdoor exhibits featuring various animal species, from baby seahorses to massive manatees. Just by reading the signage and talking with the friendly staff, you’ll become educated about Mote’s expansive marine life. 

If you want a more in-depth and personal experience, sign up for one of Mote Science Education Aquarium's education programs, science talks, summer camps or lifelong learning programs, where you can soak up local knowledge and expertise on our area's fascinating marine science and research. For one, you can immerse yourself in a private adventure by choosing Dip Netting, where participants will wade waist-deep into Sarasota Bay to observe the plants and marine animals that live in the nearshore seagrass beds.

Hop aboard a dolphin and manatee watch cruise with LeBarge Tropical Cruises to have a chance to glimpse the gentle animals and to learn about them from a marine biologist. You’ll discover facts about everything from their eating habits and behaviors to their physical adaptations over the centuries and what protections are in place to keep them safe for a long time to come.

LeBarge’s sister company, Sarasota Bay Explorers, offers its own Sea Life Encounter Cruise that takes you through Sarasota and Roberts bays. In addition to dolphins and manatees, you will not only see but touch puffer fish, stone crabs and other residents of these waters. The on-board marine biologist will share some insight about the local ecology, along with folklore and history. You’ll also see water birds, including pelicans and egrets, in their nesting habitats and enjoy a guided nature walk on an uninhabited island.

For a more active outing, dip your paddle into Tampa Bay and surrounding waterways at Robinson Preserve during a mangrove kayak tour with Happy Paddler. Your guide will weave you through the mangrove forests that grow under the water and hang over it, while informing you about the ospreys, white pelicans, dolphins and other wildlife you might spot. Once you’re back on land, wander one of the trails for more exploration. A 50-foot-high observation tower on the property gives you a bird’s eye view of the preserve and the waters you’ll have just paddled.

Land-based Science Activities

Land lovers won’t be left high and dry in Sarasota County. There are many diverse ways to learn about earthly animals and plants, from a botanical garden tour to a reptile show at a locally owned attraction.

As the world’s only botanical garden devoted to the study and display of bromeliads, epiphytic orchids, ferns and other tropical plants, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus has 15 acres of rainforest, native Florida and desert habitats, along with a display garden. You can join a docent’s tour for details of the botanical specimens the gardens contain, take a self-guided walk through the gardens or register for a lecture from an expert in horticulture, archaeology and other related topics.

Head south to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus for an immersive encounter at the Butterfly House. You’ll get to see vibrant native and migratory species, including Florida’s state butterfly zebra longwing, and the flowers that attract these important insects. If you’re also a history buff, book a group tour on the 30-acre waterfront property in Osprey. It spans centuries, from a prehistoric shell mound to an early 20^th century homestead.

Do your kids collect bugs and watch wildlife in your backyard? Make plans to visit Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Check the show schedule so you don’t miss the chance to hear from the curators during their interactive presentations and ask questions afterward. Plus, there are several opportunities to hold reptiles, pet talented exotic birds and pose with skunks and alligators and other animals who live at the attraction.

Birdwatchers can add to their life lists with the help of the Sarasota Audubon Bird Naturalist Program. Visit Celery Fields from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and volunteers will be on hand to identify the native and migratory birds you’ll see. The program runs daily between November 1 and May 1.

As you can see, science can be fun in Sarasota County. Choose an excursion or two and you’ll bring new knowledge and memories back home with you.