As a local in Sarasota, it can be a bit challenging to know how to spend the summer with the kids at home. Are you hosting "Camp Mom" this summer?? 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!
PLAYTIME PLAZA | Discover a place where children's imagination and creativity are ignited through play! Our town-themed playhouses and interactive activities provide the perfect setting for adventure and fun. Join us at Playtime Plaza, where every visit is a new journey into the world of imagination. Playtime Plaza is perfect for ages 0 all the way until 10!
Dive into a world where play and learning come together at Playtime Plaza! Our Open Play memberships are tailored to provide unlimited fun and exploration in a safe, engaging environment. Discover why becoming a member is the perfect choice for your family.
Whether you join Palytime Plaza for a special event, Summer Camp, Emerging Readers Club or pop in for Open Play, it's the perfect spot to stay cool and have fun this summer!
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | playtimeplazasrq@gmail.com
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MONDAYS
The Ringling Museum Free Museum Mondays | The Museum of Art, Bayfront Gardens, and Glass Pavilion are free to the public on Mondays. Please note: Regular admission pricing applies to visit the Circus Museum or Ca’ d’Zan
MakerSpace Monday For ALL ages and will be facilitated by teaching artists. It is a wonderful opportunity for drop-in art-making for all of our visitors, with a focus on art instruction at all levels. No registration is required for this program. This program is in conjunction with Free Museum Mondays at The Ringling.
Forty Carrots Partners in Play Enjoy special uninterrupted play time with your child in our drop-in FREE Partners In Play® (PIP) parenting education groups. William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Public Library June 3 – July 22 Mondays, 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM & 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM & Elsie Quirk Library June 3 – July 22 Mondays, 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
Open Play at Playtime Plaza Dive into a world where play and learning come together at Playtime Plaza! Our Open Play memberships are tailored to provide unlimited fun and exploration in a safe, engaging environment. 9AM-1PM 
Musical Motion a FREE bilingual learn & play classthat encourages bonding while developing earlylearning and literacy skills in children. Sessions focuson creative activities that enhance brain developmentand build preschoolers’ social skills, language skills, motor skills, and more.
Central Library, Bradenton |12:30-1:30 pm
Welcome to our World A free group for parents and infants.
Mondays | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | June 3 – July 22 | New Cattlemen location!
Mondays | 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM | June 3 – July 22 | Jacaranda Library, Venice
Drawing Mondays for Tweens and Teens (select Mondays) If you are interested in drawing in any way, you’re invited to attend Drawing Mondays. Any age is welcomed as this will be a beginning drawing class with fun projects and activities. All materials provided.
11AM | Central Library, Bradenton | Reservation required
Camp Creatology at Michael's Craft Store For ages 6 and older, four kits, twelve projects, four ways to participate! Join us in store for just $5 per kid, per class with all supplies included! - Or join from home for free. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10AM to 12PM.
Summer Learning Event (select Mondays) From Meet a Park Ranger to Adventures in slime, Mondays are fun at the library! 10:30AM | Central Library, Bradenton
Doodle Club Come draw with us! In this open hour have fun drawing your own doodle designs.
4:30-5:30 Mondays in June | Jacaranda Library, Venice | Registration Required
TUESDAYS
Summer Circus Spectacular The Ringling presents in collaboration with The Circus Arts Conservatory of Sarasota a fantastic, jaw-dropping, fun-filled show for the entire family. The Summer Circus Spectacular showcases some of the finest circus artists from around the world, performing acts to thrill audiences of all ages. Tuesday - Friday @ 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Saturdays @ 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM Adult: $20 /Child 12 years and under: $15
Reserve your tickets HERE
Chess Club Want to play chess? Can’t find someone or somewhere to play? Wish you knew how? First & Fourth Tuesday of every month. 5 - 7 p.m. North Port Library | Tweens - Adults
Toddler Time at Jumpin' Fun Join Us Every Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday 9-11AM Kids 5 & Under: $14.95 For 1 Parent & 1 Child Get your tickets, here
Join a Summer Class at Stage Door Studios!
Open Play at Playtime Plaza Dive into a world where play and learning come together at Playtime Plaza! Our Open Play memberships are tailored to provide unlimited fun and exploration in a safe, engaging environment. 9AM-5PM
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.
Zoomers Kids Run Series Come join Zoomers for a SUMMER FUN GOOD TIME as we host our inaugural Kids Summer Run Series at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota (meeting at Playtri Sarasota). Kids ages 1-16 are invited to run one mile each Tuesday in June starting June 4th, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, with the last run on June 25th. One time $10 registration fee
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. June 4th - July 30, Excluding July 2nd.
Stroller Tours, Ringling Museum (select Tuesdays) Join a museum educator for a one-hour tour designed for parents or caregivers visiting the museum with an infant or toddler. This tour provides a stimulating walk for little ones while grownups enjoy The Ringling’s collection with a flexible, understanding group. New themes and works of art will be highlighted at each tour. Strollers or front baby carriers only, please. June 11-July 23. Reserve in advance. Tickets will be available 14 days prior to each program.
Glazer Children's Museum On the first Tuesday of every month admission is free. 9:30-5PM | Just show up
WEDNESDAYS
Musical Motion Musical Motion is 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, Sarasota. 10AM-11AM. One time $10 enrollment fee, then free classes.
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. FREE 5:30-7PM at The Bishop Museum. No registration required. June 5th, July 10th, August 7, September 11th.
UTC KIDS CLUB | Select Wednesdays 9:00AM on The Green at UTC. The activities are free and no registration required.
Open Play at Playtime Plaza Dive into a world where play and learning come together at Playtime Plaza! Our Open Play memberships are tailored to provide unlimited fun and exploration in a safe, engaging environment. 9AM-5PM
Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics Open Gym This is a time where kids(18 months to 18 years) can enjoy non-structured free time in the gym. Parents must be present in the gym with children 5 years of age and under. 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM $7 for members and non-members
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 Ringling presents in collaboration with The Circus Arts Conservatory of Sarasota a fantastic, jaw-dropping, fun-filled show for the entire family. The Summer Circus Spectacular showcases some of the finest circus artists from around the world, performing acts to thrill audiences of all ages. Tuesday - Friday @ 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Saturdays @ 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM Adult: $20 /Child 12 years and under: $15 Reserve your tickets HERE
Astro Skate Bradenton | There's always a fun event happening at Astro Skate, escape the heat and go skating!
Camp Creatology at Michael's Craft Store For ages 6 and older, four kits, twelve projects, four ways to participate! Join us in store for just $5 per kid, per class with all supplies included! - Or join from home for free. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10AM to 12PM.
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.
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
Family Night @ Art After 5 Enjoy a special family night at The Ringling! Get your free tickets in advance.
Toddler Time at Jumpin' Fun Join Us Every Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday 9-11AM Kids 5 & Under: $14.95 For 1 Parent & 1 Child Get your tickets, here
“Make It Take It" Manatee County Agricultural Museum in JUne | 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 Ringling presents in collaboration with The Circus Arts Conservatory of Sarasota a fantastic, jaw-dropping, fun-filled show for the entire family. The Summer Circus Spectacular showcases some of the finest circus artists from around the world, performing acts to thrill audiences of all ages. Tuesday - Friday @ 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Saturdays @ 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM Adult: $20 /Child 12 years and under: $15 Reserve your tickets HERE
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. 6-8PM
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
Creation Station Draw a simple, flat design and watch as staff turn it into a file that can be printed on the 3D printer! Kids may also play with model magic clay and 3D doodler pens. You may pick up your 3D printer project the following week. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Registration required. 10:30-12PM Selby Library
Camp Creatology at Michael's Craft Store For ages 6 and older, four kits, twelve projects, four ways to participate! Join us in store for just $5 per kid, per class with all supplies included! - Or join from home for free. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10AM to 12PM.
Movie in the Park | Waterside Place Every 2nd Friday of the month. Festivities start at 7PM, movie starts around 8PM. June 14- A Bug's Life
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
Summer Game Nights at The Nest Drop into the building for an evening of tabletop gaming fun! Borrow a nature-themed game from our game library or bring your favorite game from home. Meet new people and try something new. Role-playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons are welcome too. We only ask that all content and conversations remain family-friendly. Snacks provided. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are not required but are suggested. 6:30-8:30PM
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) is a 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. June 15-July 27 Tickets will be available 14 days prior to this program
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.
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.
Open Play at Playtime Plaza Dive into a world where play and learning come together at Playtime Plaza! Our Open Play memberships are tailored to provide unlimited fun and exploration in a safe, engaging environment. Saturdays 9AM-7PM Sundays 10AM-5PM
Family Art Lab 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
S.L.A.M. Academy S.L.A.M. AKA Story, Lettering, Art, and Marketing Academy is a summer program for kids and teens to pursue their art and writing passion in more detail. Students can take classes a la carte to enhance a single skill or sign up for the entire summer for a complete experience.
$110 for the entire summer of classes. 3:30PM | Bat City Comics, Bradenton
Waterside Market Kids Series Become a storyteller! Asolo Rep brings literature to life and encourages families to learn different methods of storytelling, movement, and art making. Families work together to dive deeper into literacy through theatre– creating characters, exploring movement, sound, and design, and building worlds with objects that are all around us. 1st Sunday of the month
License Free Fishing Days June 8-9 (freshwater); June 1-2, Sept. 7 and Nov. 30, 2024 (saltwater)
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.
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)
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: $14.95 For 1 Parent & 1 Child Get your tickets, here
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.
Helpful Summer Resources
Summer Meal Assistance Programs
