Top Family Activities
on the Gulf Coast
One of the reasons families choose Southwest Florida is that there's always something to do together — and most of it happens outdoors. From world-class beaches to nature trails, marine life encounters, and seasonal festivals, this region delivers experiences that become family traditions. Here are the activities and places I recommend to every family I work with.
The Best Family Beaches
The beaches here aren't just beautiful — they're genuinely family-friendly, with calm water, clean sand, and plenty of room to spread out.
Siesta Key Beach
Consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world, Siesta Key's quartz-crystal sand stays cool underfoot and the shallow water is perfect for families with young children. The wide beach means there's always room to spread out.
Tip: Arrive before 9 AM on weekends for the best parking.
Nokomis Beach
A quieter alternative to Siesta Key with a relaxed, local feel. The jetty at the north end is great for watching boats and fishing, and the beach itself is wide and family-friendly.
Tip: The Saturday evening drum circle at the jetty is a beloved local tradition.
Venice Beach & Shark Tooth Hunting
Venice is the Shark Tooth Capital of the World, and the beach near the fishing pier is one of the best spots to find prehistoric teeth. Kids love the hunt, and it's a genuinely unique Florida experience.
Tip: Go at low tide and bring a small mesh bag for your finds.
South Lido County Park
A beautiful, less-crowded beach with a nature trail through the mangroves and a kayak launch. It's a great option when Siesta Key feels too busy.
Tip: The sandbar at the south tip is a local secret for calm, shallow water.
Beyond the Beach
Rainy days or beach fatigue — these attractions keep families engaged and give everyone a break from sunscreen.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Lido Key
A world-class marine research facility with public exhibits, touch tanks, and dolphin encounters. The new Mote SEA facility at Nathan Benderson Park is expanding the experience further. It's educational, engaging, and perfectly sized for families — not overwhelming like the bigger aquariums.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Downtown Sarasota
One of Florida's oldest continuously operating attractions. Flamingos, parrots, alligators, and botanical gardens in a walkable, old-Florida setting that kids and adults both enjoy.
The Ringling Museum
Downtown Sarasota
Art, history, and circus memorabilia spread across a stunning waterfront estate. The Circus Museum and the Ca' d'Zan mansion are highlights for kids, while the art galleries appeal to adults. The Summer Circus Spectacular runs from July through September 2026.
PopStroke at UTC
University Town Center
Tiger Woods' family-friendly mini-golf concept with two 18-hole putting courses, a full bar and restaurant, and ice cream. It's a hit with kids and adults alike, and the University Town Center location makes it easy to pair with shopping or dining.
Bayfront Park & Marina Jack Playground
Downtown Sarasota
A spacious waterfront park with a large playground, open green space, and views of Sarasota Bay. It's the kind of place where kids can run free while parents relax on a bench.
Legacy Trail
Sarasota to Venice
A paved multi-use trail stretching nearly 13 miles from Sarasota to Venice, passing through preserves, parks, and residential areas. Perfect for family bike rides, runs, or long walks.
Water Adventures
When your family is ready to get on the water, these experiences deliver memories that last a lifetime.
Kayaking the Mangroves
South Lido or Oscar Scherer State Park
Paddle through shaded mangrove tunnels teeming with herons, egrets, and occasionally manatees. Guided tours are available, or you can rent kayaks and explore on your own.
Fishing Charters
Sarasota, Venice, or Nokomis marinas
Half-day and full-day inshore and offshore fishing charters leave daily from multiple local marinas. Redfish, snook, grouper, and kingfish are all common catches depending on the season.
Dolphin Watching Cruises
Sarasota Bay & Lemon Bay
Dolphin tours are available from both Sarasota and Venice. The Spinner dolphins in Sarasota Bay are among the most studied dolphin populations in the world, and seeing them in the wild is unforgettable.
Paddleboarding
Siesta Key, Nokomis, or Bird Key Park
Stand-up paddleboarding is one of the most popular water activities in the area. Calm bay waters are ideal for beginners, and the morning light on the water is spectacular.
Events & Festivals
The Gulf Coast calendar is full of community events that bring families together throughout the year.
78th Annual Labor Day Regatta
The longest continuously running annual regatta in the Southeast, hosted by the Sarasota Sailing Squadron since 1946. Five race courses on Sarasota Bay with a Friday night welcome party and Saturday dinner. Free for spectators.
Lynn Goldsmith Photo Exhibition
A rare exhibition of iconic music and portrait photography at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
Venice Craft Festival
The 17th Annual Labor Day Weekend Craft Festival in historic downtown Venice with artists, craft vendors, live music, and food.
Venice Beach Party
Live music, food trucks, and family activities on the sand at Venice Beach.
Sun Fiesta
The 53rd annual family-friendly festival in Centennial Park, downtown Venice, with arts and crafts, food and beer tents, a kid corner, bed races, a parade, and free admission.
ROCKtoberfest
Free live music, food, and drinks along the Sarasota Bayfront organized by the Sarasota Downtown Merchants. A long-running fall favorite right on the water.
Water Lantern Festival
Thousands of illuminated lanterns with handwritten messages drift across the water at Nathan Benderson Park. A moving, family-friendly evening experience.
Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Festival
World-class sand sculptors create massive, intricate sculptures on Siesta Key Beach. It's a Sarasota tradition that draws families from across the state.
Venice Holiday Parade
A small-town holiday parade through historic downtown Venice with floats, marching bands, and Santa. It has a charm that bigger-city parades can't match.
Sarasota Film Festival
An internationally recognized film festival screening independent films, documentaries, and shorts. Screenings, panel discussions, and events spread across venues throughout Sarasota.
Back to School Bash
A family-friendly back-to-school celebration held at the Mall at University Town Center each August. School supply shopping, activities, and community resources make it a practical and fun outing for families with school-age children.
Venice Wine Walk
A monthly evening event through historic downtown Venice where participants sample wines from local restaurants and shops while exploring the charming Mediterranean Revival architecture.
Englewood Pioneer Days
Labor Day weekend celebration with a parade, arts and crafts, live music, and family activities. It is a beloved community tradition that marks the end of summer on the Gulf Coast.
Fourth of July Fireworks
Fireworks displays over Sarasota Bay, Siesta Key, and Venice. The Bayfront Park viewing area in downtown Sarasota is the most popular spot — arrive early for a good seat.
Sarasota Chalk Festival
Downtown Sarasota streets transformed into a "Museum in Motion" with world-class chalk artists creating massive 3D pavement paintings. Free to watch, and the artistry is extraordinary.
Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival
A classic harvest celebration with hayrides, pony rides, a Pioneer Trades Village, craft show, live music, and a giant pumpkin patch. Weekends through October in east Manatee County.
Venice Reggae Fest
Live reggae music at Maxine Barritt Park overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. Blankets, food trucks, and ocean breezes make for a perfect family afternoon.
6th Annual Grilled Cheese Festival
At 18800 Southwest Villages Parkway in Venice. Local vendors compete for the best grilled cheese, with live demonstrations, a craft beer garden, and family-friendly fun.
Raising a family on the Gulf Coast
Southwest Florida offers a quality of life that's hard to match — especially for families. If you're considering a move to the area, I'd love to help you find the right community and home for your family's next chapter.
Talk to Julie