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 is a beloved July-through-September tradition, and in December the museum hosts Holiday Splendor, a family holiday evening in the Museum of Art courtyard that has been free with a new, unwrapped toy donation.
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
Venice to Sarasota
A paved multi-use trail stretching 18.5 miles from Venice up through Nokomis and into Sarasota, passing through preserves, parks, and residential areas. It links to Oscar Scherer State Park. 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. A highlight of Venice's centennial year.
Witches Walk Downtown Halloween Stroll
A family-friendly Halloween evening in historic downtown Venice with trick-or-treating through the shops, costumes, and live entertainment, part of Venice's centennial celebration season.
Venice 50th Anniversary Holiday Parade
The 50th annual City of Venice Holiday Parade steps off at 6:30 p.m. through historic downtown, themed to celebrate the parade's 50th anniversary, the city's centennial, and America's 250th birthday, with the vintage fire engine "Old Betsy" as grand marshal.
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
Nearly 100 floats, marching bands, and Santa himself step off around 6:30 p.m. through historic downtown Venice, followed by a tree lighting and caroling. Small-town charm that bigger-city parades can't match.
Santa's Grand Arrival Parade
A free holiday kickoff at the Mall at University Town Center with a Wallenda high-wire walk, a tree lighting, a Santa parade with more than 50 floats, and fireworks to close the night.
Suncoast Food & Wine Fest
An early-November food and wine tasting event on the Gulf Coast with samples from local restaurants, chefs, and winemakers.
Siesta Key's Light Up the Village
The Siesta Key Village holiday parade and celebration that turns the village into a glowing seasonal scene, with lights, music, and family fun.
Venice Mayor's Hometown Christmas
The downtown Venice holiday kickoff with a Christmas tree lighting and local choirs in the historic district.
Venice Christmas Boat Parade
A Venice tradition since 1989, with boats of every size decorating themselves in lights and cruising the Intracoastal Waterway from the Albee Road Bridge south to the jetties. Starts around 6 p.m., free to watch, with the best viewing along the seawalls and bridges of the route.
St. Armands Circle Holiday Night of Lights
A carol sing-along, a Santa parade through the shops, and the lighting of the Circle's 60-foot Christmas tree, which stays lit all season. One of the most festive evenings of the year on the Circle.
Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade
Bands, floats, and local organizations march down Main Street on an early December evening in the city's biggest holiday procession.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Lights in Bloom
More than two million lights across 15 acres at the downtown Sarasota bayfront, named a top botanical garden holiday display by USA TODAY. Tickets sell out, so book in advance through selby.org.
Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Decorated boats circle Sarasota Bay in a long-running parade presented with Marina Jack that benefits local children's charities. Best viewed from Bayfront Park and the downtown waterfront, free to watch.
Thunder by the Bay Music & Motors Festival
The 29th annual festival at the Sarasota Fairgrounds, headlined in 2027 by Cheap Trick, Bret Michaels, and The Marshall Tucker Band. Live music, car and bike shows, vendors, and a charity dice run, with proceeds benefiting Suncoast Charities for Children. Children 12 and under get in free.
Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts
The 39th annual juried art festival filling the streets near the Sarasota bayfront on Valentine's weekend with painting, sculpture, jewelry, and more from artists across the country.
Wellen Park Festival of the Arts
A free outdoor art festival in Downtown Wellen in Venice, running 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days with artists, food, and live entertainment. A wonderful family-friendly way to spend Valentine's weekend.
Venice Italian Feast & Carnival
The 38th annual Italian festival at the Venice Airport with food booths, a carnival midway, and live entertainment. A beloved end-of-February tradition the whole family can enjoy.
Sarasota Film Festival
The 29th annual Sarasota Film Festival, running April 9-18, 2027, screens independent films, documentaries, and shorts with screenings, panel discussions, and events across venues throughout Sarasota.
Spring Training Baseball
The Baltimore Orioles play home games at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, and the Atlanta Braves play at CoolToday Park in North Port, which carries a Venice mailing address. Family-friendly Grapefruit League baseball is a spring highlight for kids and parents alike.
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's Historic Burns Square becomes a "Museum in Motion" as pavement artists from around the world create massive 3D chalk paintings, interactive illusions, and flower-carpet works. 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.
Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival
The 37th annual harvest classic at 7410 Fruitville Road, running every Saturday and Sunday in October from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission with $5 parking: pumpkin patch, hayrides, pony rides, a petting zoo, live music, the Torres Family Circus, and costume contests, plus a Haunted Manor for braver kids ages 8 and up.
Boo! at The Bay
A free, not-so-scary evening at The Bay Park at 1055 Boulevard of the Arts with trick-or-treating, free pumpkin picking, yard games, and a family movie on the lawn. A perfect first Halloween event for little ones.
Downtown Venice Halloween Strut
Halloween afternoon in historic downtown Venice from about 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.: trunk-or-treat with local merchants, a kid-friendly DJ, and costumes all around the block.
Wellen Park Spooktacular
Downtown Wellen's family Halloween celebration with trick-or-treating through the shops, live music, costumes, and a dog costume contest, held late October each year.
Sarasota Bay Seafood & Music Festival
Seafood vendors, live music, and a relaxed festival atmosphere at the Sarasota Fairgrounds to kick off the new year.
Valentine's Day at the Beach
A free, long-running vow renewal ceremony on Siesta Key Beach with the Gulf as the backdrop. Sweet, simple, and open to anyone.
Thunder by the Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival
The annual music and motorcycle festival at the Sarasota Fairgrounds, with live music on multiple stages across a long weekend. Part rally, part concert series, and entirely its own atmosphere.
Venice Blues, Rock, Reggae & BBQ Festival
Three days at the Venice Airport Festival Grounds with live music on two stages, a BBQ cook-off, food trucks, and local vendors. A weekend when the whole town shows up.
Myakka River Blues Festival
Live blues along the Myakka River at Snook Haven, with the cypress-lined banks as the backdrop for a relaxed afternoon of music.
Venice Sharks Tooth Festival
Free to the public at Centennial Park in historic downtown Venice: fossil vendors, live music, food trucks, and a kids corner celebrating the Shark Tooth Capital of the World.
Sarasota County Fair
About ten days of rides, live entertainment, food vendors, and agricultural contests for the whole family.
Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival
Team dragon boat races at Nathan Benderson Park, with colorful boats, cheering crowds, and a festive lakeside atmosphere.
St. Armands Fine Art Festival
A juried fine art show that fills St. Armands Circle with paintings, sculpture, and crafts from artists across the country.
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