As a local in Sarasota, it can be a bit challenging to know how to spend the summer with the kids at home. Let us give you some ideas on how to have a blast this summer without breaking the bank. We have rounded up activities for each day of the week, so take a look and find your summer fun without the stress of planning everything! Happy Summer to all!
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Circus fans of all ages, from near and far, can beat the heat this summer at reasonable prices while experiencing the best of the circus arts, thanks to the continued partnership of The Circus Arts Academy and The Ringling. The Summer Circus Spectacular returns this year, with an amazing hand balancing duo, hilarious clown antics, and astounding talent in aerial, juggling and balancing acts.
The 2023 Summer Circus Spectacular – which has become a seasonal highlight for locals, visitors, families and groups alike – takes place at The Ringling (5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota) from June 9 through August 12.
“This show not only offers an affordable entertainment option for all ages but is also the perfect summer family-friendly activity. Being able to showcase circus talent at The Ringling Historic Asolo Theater makes it one of the most memorable and unique performances in town,” said CAC Executive Vice President/COO Jennifer Mitchell. "All of our shows throughout the year bring circus talent from around the world as well as top artists here in the U.S. With daytime and evening options available at The Ringling, there will always be a convenient time to come and enjoy the magic of the circus arts!”
MONDAYS
The Ringling Museum Free Museum Mondays | The Museum of Art and Bayfront Gardens are free to the public on Mondays. Please note: Regular admission pricing applies to visit the Circus Museum or Ca’ d’Zan; only the Museum of Art and the Bayfront Gardens are accessible without charge.
Forty Carrots Partners in Play at Elsie Quirk Library and The Venice Public Library Enjoy special uninterrupted play time with your child in our drop-in FREE Partners In Play® (PIP) parenting education groups. Mondays, 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM from June 5 – July 24
Mornings with Mommy features educational activities, arts, crafts, story time, snacks and more. Held the second and fourth Monday of every month. Just $5 per family per session! (No first July session)
Welcome to our World A free group for parents and infants. Mondays, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM. June 5 – July 23. Sarasota: Forty Carrots Family Center. North Port: North Port Library 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM. Just show up!
Open Play at BeeHaven | For only $5 per hour on Monday, kids can enjoy fun indoor games, bounce houses and pop-up tents. Must book online in advance.
Hogan's Place Free Petting Zoo | Summer hours 10AM-3PM Where Family, Friend's, and Community Come Together.
TUESDAYS
Summer Circus Spectacular The Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling are happy to partner once again to present the Summer Circus Spectacular at the Historic Asolo Theater. Don’t miss this family-friendly show that runs Friday, June 9 through Saturday, August 12! Catch a show- 11AM and 2PM Tuesdays-Fridays, and 2PM and 5PM on Saturdays. Reserve your tickets HERE
Too Cool Tuesdays Select Tuesdays at The Selby Library. Each Tuesday rotates between programs with Music with Ms Bobby, Fun to Be Fit Kids, and other fun music and active focused classes. Space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Come to the youth desk 30 minutes before the program for a ticket.
Welcome to our World A free group for parents and infants. Bradenton: Little Discovery Center. Just show up. 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Toddler Time at Jumpin' Fun Join Us Every Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday 9-11AM Kids 5 & Under: $11.95 For 1 Parent & 1 Child Get your tickets, here
Regal Hollywood 11 Regal Summer Movie Express tickets are just $2 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays featuring summer movies the whole family will enjoy. Limited number of tickets.
Kids' Summer Beach Runs The annual FREE Kids' Summer Beach Runs, presented by #SRQCountyParks, New Balance of Sarasota and Sarasota Crew, are returning June through July Kids' Summer Beach Runs, a free, one-mile fun run! Tuesdays at Siesta Beach. Registration: 5:30 p.m. Run time: 6:30 p.m.
Stroller Tours, Ringling Museum Join a museum educator for a one-hour tour designed for parents or caregivers visiting the museum with an infant. This tour allows both adults and babies to interact with art and each other. We will play, learn, and enjoy the collections together! Strollers or front baby carriers only, please. June 13 + 27: Abstract Art in the Museum of Art July 11 + 25: Touch & See in the Circus
Glazer Children's Museum On the first Tuesday of every month admission is free.
WEDNESDAYS
Musical Motion A FREE learn & play class that encourages bonding while developing early learning and literacy skills in children. Sessions focus on creative activities that enhance brain development and build preschoolers’ social skills, language skills, motor skills, and more. Wednesdays at Mothers Helping Mothers 10AM-11AM. One time $10 enrollment fee, then free classes.
Nathan Benderson Park REC Days | Select Wednesdays. It's a great way to experience NBP, family-style! Participants will have the opportunity to try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoes, fishing and more! (Wednesday NBP Rec Days! are ideal for homeschool and Florida Online School students!) And beginning in September, we'll offer rides in a 15-foot sailboat (with captain)! Registration required. Fees are $10/person for ages 7-18, FREE for their parents and siblings ages 1-6, and $10/person for adults without children. These family-friendly days are on pause at the moment and will return again soon!
Soar in 4 | On these nights families will get to tour the museum and pre-kindergarten and kindergarten children will receive many literacy materials and books that support classroom learning. Older siblings are welcome to see a planetarium show, visit the manatees and choose a new book from the book bus. FREE 5:30-7PM at The Bishop Museum. No registration required
UTC KIDS CLUB | Select Wednesdays 9:00AM on The Green at UTC. The activities are free and no registration required.
Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics Open Gym
Regal Hollywood 11 Regal Summer Movie Express tickets are just $2 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays featuring summer movies the whole family will enjoy. Limited number of tickets.
Summer Circus Spectacular The Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling are happy to partner once again to present the Summer Circus Spectacular at the Historic Asolo Theater. Don’t miss this family-friendly show that runs Friday, June 9 through Saturday, August 12! Catch a show- 11AM and 2PM Tuesdays-Fridays, and 2PM and 5PM on Saturdays. Reserve your tickets HERE
Astro Skate Bradenton | There's always a fun event happening at Astro Skate, escape the heat and go skating!
Kids' Summer Beach Runs The annual FREE Kids' Summer Beach Runs, presented by #SRQCountyParks, New Balance of Sarasota and Sarasota Crew, are returning June through July Kids' Summer Beach Runs, a free, one-mile fun run! Wednesdays at Brohard Beach. Registration: 5:30 p.m. Run time: 6:30 p.m. Join Sharky's on the Pier for Kids Night afterward!
FAM Open Studios | Join The Ringling on Wednesdays for the new FAM Open Studio! FAM (Family Art Making) is a free program that's fun for the whole family. Each week, we provide a new art material for you to explore using your imagination and creativity! 10AM Reserve a ticket in advance | FREE
THURSDAYS
The Children's Garden Discount Thrifty Thursdays | 20% off admission prices on Thrifty Thursday, where adults get in for $8+tax and children get in for just $5+tax!
Toddler Time at Jumpin' Fun Join Us Every Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday 9-11AM Kids 5 & Under: $11.95 For 1 Parent & 1 Child Get your tickets, here
Thursday Night Sounds |We are adding to the fun in Downtown Wellen Park and introducing Thursday Night Sounds! Every Thursday from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. join local musicians in singing along to your favorite tunes.
“Make It Take It" Manatee County Agricultural Museum in JULY | These are parent/self-guided learning activities for children to have hands-on fun, complete projects, and learn new things! This is an opportunity to help children learn more about agriculture and spend some quality time with parents or other adults. Reserve your space for a 1-1/2 hour experience on Thursdays at 9:30 AM or 11:30 AM in the Museum.
Summer Circus Spectacular The Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling are happy to partner once again to present the Summer Circus Spectacular at the Historic Asolo Theater. Don’t miss this family-friendly show that runs Friday, June 9 through Saturday, August 12! Catch a show- 11AM and 2PM Tuesdays-Fridays, and 2PM and 5PM on Saturdays. Reserve your tickets HERE
Open Play at BeeHaven | For only $5 per hour on Thursday, kids can enjoy fun indoor games, bounce houses and pop-up tents. Must book online in advance. 6PM-7PM
WareHouse Summer Croquet | Free for middle and high schoolers. Every Thursday, June and July, no matter your skill level, everyone comes to play, learn, and have a good time. Instructions provided, no experience necessary. 8-10PM
Mixon Fruit Farms | Thur-Sat 10AM-2PM Bring your bathing suit! Our 20ft inflatable slide is a water slide for summer! $5 per child
FRIDAYS
ROAR at The Ringling Museum ROAR! is our free storytime program that connects art with early literacy! Every week we read together, make art, and learn about an object in the museum. This program is designed for preschoolers and toddlers, but all ages are welcome! Get a free ticket here
Fun Fridays | Selby Library - A variety of fun learning activities geared for toddlers. All ages are welcome. Space is limited, come to the youth desk 30 minutes before the program for a ticket. 11AM
Movie in the Park | Waterside Place Every 2nd Friday of the month. Festivities start at 7PM, movie starts around 8PM.
Mixon Fruit Farms | Thur-Sat 10AM-2PM Bring your bathing suit! Our 20ft inflatable slide is a water slide for summer! $5 per child
The Green at UTC |Fun flicks are shown on The Green at UTC every fourth Friday of the month. The Green is located in the West District at UTC, directly across from Gifts & More at the Paper Store. Limited seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Family Movie Night at The Bay Sarasota Join us for a free family movie on Civic Green right after the sun sets. Bring your chairs, blankets, a picnic, children, grandchildren, and good dogs for a fun-filled evening of family-friendly entertainment under the stars. Select Fridays
FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT Join the fun in historic downtown Venice at the gazebo in Centennial Park! This event is held the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month from 7pm-9pm and is free and open to the public. Bring your own chairs or picnic blankets. CLICK HERE for updates
Friday Fest Van Wezel the free, outdoor summertime concert series returns this year with an exciting lineup of bands who will bring the audience to their feet! The events run from 5-9 p.m. and are located on the lawn of the Van Wezel. Select Friday nights
WEEKENDS
FAM (Family Art Making) Ringling Museum's free program that's fun for the whole family! Join us for creative art projects inspired by an object in our collections. Afterwards, visit the museum to see that object in person! You will be able to visit the Museum of Art and the Circus Museum with your FAM wristband that is provided at check-in. Reserve tickets in advance online
Saturday Market at Dakin Dairy | Come and check it out! Food trucks, Play area for kids, Farm Tours and more! Stay up to date HERE 9AM-2PM
Saturday Mornings at The Nest | Join us at the Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science, and Technology for a morning of discovery. Robinson Preserve 9AM-12PM
Second Sundays at SAM Free Second Sundays at SAM are the Second Sunday of every month.
Saturday Studios at SAM | Saturday Studios are inspired by works of art in Sarasota Art Museum’s special exhibitions. These drop-in studio workshops are designed for children and their families and caregivers, and are open to all ages. 1-3PM Included with admission, free for members
Summer Movie Nights provide a unique experience for everyone during the summer, while remaining fun and affordable. The Movie Nights will take place on most Sundays during the summer months of June and July, inside the stadium at CoolToday Park. Child ages 4-9 just $3.00 | Adults are $7.00. Most Sunday evenings at 5PM.
Summer Circus Spectacular The Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling are happy to partner once again to present the Summer Circus Spectacular at the Historic Asolo Theater. Don’t miss this family-friendly show that runs Friday, June 9 through Saturday, August 12! Catch a show- 11AM and 2PM Tuesdays-Fridays, and 2PM and 5PM on Saturdays. Reserve your tickets HERE
De Soto National Park Ranger-led Kayak Tours | Registration required. For ages 7 and up.
Kayak Tours run on the weekend at 9AM from June to October every other week pending weather, water, and staffing conditions. Participants under 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Nathan Benderson Park REC Days | Select Saturdays. It's a great way to experience NBP, family-style! Participants will have the opportunity to try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoes, fishing and more! (Wednesday NBP Rec Days! are ideal for homeschool and Florida Online School students!) And beginning in September, we'll offer rides in a 15-foot sailboat (with captain)! Registration required. Fees are $10/person for ages 7-18, FREE for their parents and siblings ages 1-6, and $10/person for adults without children. Currently on hold
License Free Fishing Days Freshwater: First consecutive Saturday and Sunday in April Second consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June. Saltwater: First consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June, First Saturday in September
Universal Flight Services Free Airplane Rides for Kids Children ages 8 - 17 can receive a FREE airplane ride on select Saturdays at Universal Flight Services. Seating is limited so you must register your child(ren). Call 941-487-0136.
Sarasota Farmers Market The Sarasota Farmers Market is open every Saturday, year-round, from 7am to 1pm, rain or shine.
Little Leapers at Sky Zone Sarasota Little Leapers is a fun, high-energy play adventure, created for parents and little ones to enjoy together. Saturdays and Sundays from 9AM-11AM. $13 for toddlers and one parent can assist for free. Buy a ticket, here
Toddler Time at Jumpin' Fun Join Us Every Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday 9-11AM Kids 5 & Under: $11.95 For 1 Parent & 1 Child Get your tickets, here
Astro Skate Bradenton | $2 Skate day (plus rental) on Sundays 3-5PM and Family Hip Hop Skate from 5:30-8PM also for $2 (plus rental)
Live Music at Hart's Landing Most Saturday nights from 7-10PM at Werlin Park under the Ringling Bridge.
Music on the Porch at Florida Maritime Museum This FREE music event series is held on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. The jam session begins at 2 pm and continues until 4 pm. Children and adults are welcome; visitors should bring their own chair.
