GRAND PRIX BOAT PARADE

Over the years, the Grand Prix boat parade has transformed from a traditional parade with streets lined with fans to a standing parade. Boats line the street, inviting parade goers to stroll among the boats and meet the race teams.

POWERBOAT RACES

LIDO KEY

Thanks to event organizer Suncoast Charities for Children, Sarasota attracts powerboat racers and race fans from around the world. Thousands line the shore for miles before the sun rises on race day. Powering over the Gulf surface at speeds up to 180 mph, the Grand Prix Powerboat Festival caps the weekend with exhilarating world-class racing.

DIG THE BEACH

SIESTA KEY

For 25+ years, the Dig the Beach classic beach volleyball series, the longest standing and biggest series of its kind in the United States, hits the best sand at Siesta Beach throughout the summer. From beginners to pros, Dig the Beach attracts the area’s best volleyball talent as fans surround the courts.

SIESTA KEY DRUM CIRCLE

SIESTA KEY

Every Sunday prior to sunset, percussionists hauling their African tom-toms called djun-djuns & seekers of good vibes gather at Siesta Public Beach for the much-anticipated drum circle. For the next three hours, the Circle invites people from all walks of life to enter & experience the rhythmic vibes.

FARMERS MARKET

SARASOTA DOWNTOWN

Another popular weekly attraction is the Farmers Market in Downtown Sarasota, off South Lemon near Whole Foods. This market is more than field-to-fridge, art, crafts, & live music. It’s locals and visitors coming together for family fun…every week as the Market continues to grow.

FIESTA ON SIESTA

SIESTA KEY

For years, collegiate women sand volleyball teams from around the country have hit Siesta Beach for impressive beach volleyball…with a dip in the warm Gulf after diving for one too many balls.

FRIDAY FEST

SARASOTA

Friday Fest is the Van Wezel’s free outdoor summertime concert series on the Bayside Lawn of the Van Wezel, featuring the hottest local bands in all genres. Concert goers grab lawn chairs, blankets, & cash for the food and drink trucks that encircle the perimeter of the Bayside Lawn. Yet another example of family fun away from the beaches and water.

HUNSADER FARMS

BRADENTON

Fall signals the annual Pumpkin Festival at Bradenton’s Hunsader Farms, a growing Fall festival for the entire family boasting monster trucks, 14 live shows, live music, crafts, corn maze, pumpkins galore, and LOTS of weekend fun on every festival weekend.

JUNGLE GARDENS

SARASOTA

Billed as “Sarasota’s Favorite Family Attraction,” the longstanding Jungle Gardens (operating on 10 acres since 1939) serves the entire family. Providing interactive experiences with animals and nature, Jungle Gardens boasts ~200 native and exotic animals including birds of prey, many different species of parrots and macaws, primates, small mammals, dozens of snakes, lizards, iguanas, alligators, crocodiles and other reptiles – many of them rescued or donated – including Florida’s noted pink flamingos, always a park favorite.

KAYAK FUN

SARASOTA

Throughout Sarasota, Venice, Bradenton, & Florida, kayaking is the #1 outdoor family fun. It’s for all ages. Everyone can kayak, even if you’re blessed to be towed along while tethered to a friend’s or family member’s kayak. Explore the waterways and backs of multi-million dollar mansions from the comfort of your kayak. Row your boat over to the Lido mangroves but beware those crabbies that love to hop into your hair, forcing screams that can be heard in Kansas. <grin>

MARIETTA MUSEUM
OF ART & WHIMSY

SARASOTA

Billed as the “cheerful gallery featuring offbeat, contemporary paintings, sculpture & other artwork,” the bright colors and unique art will alone grab your attention…and it will definitely grab your kids’/grandkids’ attention. Admission is either donation or nomimal ($5). This museum is a hidden gem, including a light show, echo show and a collection of art based purely on Marietta’s whims – animal sculptures, surrealist pieces and humorous prints. You cannot miss Marietty Museum of Art & Whimsy, conveniently located near the Ringling School of Art & Design and featuring towering, brightly-colored whimsical art pieces. You can’t miss it. Make a point to visit. You won’t regret.

MOTE MARINE

SIESTA KEY

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FAMILY PARKS

SARASOTA

Sarasota proudly presents the best family parks imaginable. To pique your interest, try these on for size: Bayfront Park is surrounded by boats, Banyan trees, Bay waters and the adult favorite, O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill; Payne Circus Park with the best playground in town, skate park, & Friday afternoon live music at the Cafe in the Park; Rothenbach Park for a step back in time to Old Florida and majestic oaks dripping in Spanish moss; and the quinessential Myakka State Park with its 100s (maybe 1000s) of alligators roaming around off leash.

THE RINGLING

SARASOTA

Once upon a time, the Ringling Museum of Art boasted its galleries loaded with old masters’ paintings & tapestries and a courtyard dotted with stunning marble statues. Today, The Ringling is rebranded, boasting manicured grounds deserving of “yard of the year” awards, circus museum, Ca’ d’ Zan (John & Mable’s inimitable winter home that’s decked out for the holidays), special performances & gatherings throughout the year that attract all age groups.

SKI-A-REES

LIDO KEY

Since 1957, Sarasota’s Ski-A-Rees launched to promote water skiing as a source of lifelong family fun, competition, and community entertainment. Soon thereafter, the Ski-A-Rees contracted with Cypress Gardens to train and present the area’s best water skiiers. On mid-Sunday afternoons for the past 60+ years, the Ski-A-Rees draws crowds to its local shows from late summer through winter. Enjoy a free performance at the Ski-A-Rees stadium, next to Mote Marine.

“SUP” CHAMPIONSHIPS

SIESTA KEY

“SUP,” short for Stand-Up Paddle boarding, culminates in championship racing on beaches around Sarasota. Whether quietly paddling the Lido mangroves, bucking waves off Siesta Beach, or trying to outrun gators in Little Sarasota Bay, paddle boarding continues to grow throughout the area with all ages grabbing their boards and paddles.