Sarasota is a city full of entertainment opportunities for you and the kids. Do you seek out physical activity? Are you interested in animals? Do you enjoy the circus? What about the beach? There's so much to do here in Sarasota, we encourage you to come, enjoy, and have the time of your life. If you're a homeowner who lives in the area, below are some of our favorite Sarasota activities for kids and adults of all ages.Note: Before heading out on any of the adventures below, take a look at the website for any COVID-19 related closures or amendments to operating hours.
#1 Jumpin' Fun Inflata Park
Address: 7321 Trade Court, Sarasota
Jumpin Fun Inflata Park is a 15,000 square foot inflatable indoor park with activities like a moon bounce, dodge ball, zip rail coaster, air wall climb and a 100-foot obstacle course. The Jumpin' Fun Inflata Park also serves drinks to parents who would like to relax! It's a perfect place to bring your little one for a day while you sit back and enjoy yourself. It's also a great venue for a large birthday party; your little one can invite all their friends without making a mess at home.
#2 Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Address: 3701 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota
Sarasota Jungle Gardens has been an attraction and a family favorite since 1939. The gardens are home to over 200 animals including birds of prey, parrots, macaws, primates, snakes, small mammals, lizards, crocodiles, iguanas and free roaming flamingos.
You can feed the flamingos by hand! Many of the animals in the jungle gardens have been donated by state and federal agencies and animal rehabilitation centers. Supporting Sarasota Jungle Gardens is an excellent way to support animals that may not otherwise have a safe place to go. Interactive educational shows teach visitors about the animals at the park. Each show runs about 20 minutes long.
#3 Livingston's Amusements
Address: 5947 Clark Center Avenue, Sarasota
Livingston’s Amusement Center is a 50,000 square foot state-of-the-art entertainment venue where children can engage in fun activities like bumper cars, Bazooka Ball, billiards, go-kart races, and a full range of arcade games. Livingston's Amusements also serves homemade pizza, burgers, jumbo pizza and more. Come for dinner, dessert, drinks and to let the kids run around!
#4 Ringling Circus Museum
Address: 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota
Did you know that Sarasota is the circus capital of the world? It is! John Ringling made Sarasota the winter quarters of Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus in the 1920's. Since that time, Sarasota has had strong ties to the circus. It's only natural then that Sarasota would be the home of the Ringling Circus Museum, where kids and their parents can learn about the circus lifestyle and history. Visitors to the museum can see the exquisite costumes, interesting memorabilia and more. With half-hour long docent tours and family activities on Saturdays, the Ringling Circus Museum offers a little something for everyone.
#5 Shark Teeth On the Beach
Address: Caspersen & Venice Beaches, Venice Florida
If Sarasota is the circus capital, then Venice is the shark tooth capital! Did you know you could find prehistoric shark teeth on the beaches in Sarasota county? It's true! Just look for tiny, triangular tooth-shaped rocks. They look almost like arrow heads from the native Americans, but you'll find them buried in the sand in the beaches in Venice. If you like finding ancient artifacts and you're interested in sharks, these beaches are for you!
#6 Bob's Train
Address: 2211 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota
Bob's Train is a restaurant on a restored historic train. People who go to dinner on Bob's Train report that the food is delicious, the waitstaff is a delight, and Bob, the man who owns the train, has many stories and interesting anecdotes that make dinner fun. Bob's Train is a great place to come with the kids after a fun day seeing the amusements and enjoyable activities in Sarasota.
Remodeling Your Home? Contact Gilbert Design Build
Are you remodeling your home? At Gilbert Design Build, we can help homeowners like you to upgrade and remodel their homes. We serve families in Sarasota and the surrounding area. Call us today to make an appointment for a consultation.
