We made it our mission to scout out adventures and events that won’t leave you wilting, and found dozens of shows, festivals, places and outings that are fun for the entire family even on the muggiest days. And since family fun doesn’t stop with the summer, note that many of these are available year-round; we’ve also included a listing of annual family-oriented events to put on your calendar, and an insider’s guide to the city’s best playgrounds. 

In This Feature:

Your Guide to Boating in Sarasota

You won’t miss the boat with this guide to family fun on our beautiful local waters.

03/31/2017 By Tom Bayles, Ilene Denton, and Isaac Eger

19 Great Things to Do With Kids in Sarasota

You won’t sweat a summer with kids with these great activities.

06/28/2017 By Kay Kipling

The Golden Season: A Stay-at-Home Dad on Summer With His Kids

Tony D'Souza on what he loves best about summer.

05/02/2016 By Tony D'Souza

Ask a Kid: Why Do You Love Sarasota?

Young experts answer: "What's so cool about this place?"

05/10/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker Photography by Everett Dennison

Eight Great Sarasota Playgrounds

Looking for a great local playground for the little ones? We've got you covered.

05/10/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Summer Camp Sampler

There are dozens of good local summer camps; here are five of our faves.

05/10/2016 By Ilene Denton

Things to Do With Kids: Arts & Culture

From circus to the planetarium to music camp, we've got the ultimate arts and culture roundup for kids.

04/29/2016 By Ilene Denton

Things to Do with Kids: Nature & Outdoors

From boat tours to a children's garden to the drum circle, nature is front and center in Sarasota.

05/01/2016 By Ilene Denton

Things to Do With Kids: Make & Create

Channel your inner Picasso with these fun, creative experiences for little ones.

05/02/2016 By Ilene Denton

Things to Do With Kids: Let Off Steam

Exactly where to cool off in that hot summer heat.

05/02/2016 By Ilene Denton

Things to Do With Kids: Road Trips

A variety of fun excursions await just north of Sarasota. Here are a few of our faves.

05/02/2016 By Ilene Denton

Things to Do on a Rainy Day

Don’t let the occasional shower get you down. There’s still plenty to do.

06/30/2017 By Staff