There are so many amazing things to do on a family vacation in Siesta Key, you may not know where to start. When you aren’t spending time on beautiful Siesta Beach which is perfect for families, you’ll have dozens of other nearby attractions to explore on day trips.
Choose one of the following popular kid-friendly Siesta Key family activities to get your adventure going:
Jungle Gardens in Sarasota
Location: 3701 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34234
Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $12.99 – $17.99
The Jungle Gardens is your one-stop shop to please the nature and animal enthusiasts in your family. Learn about and see 200 different animals up close. Keep your camera out, you can get some amazing photos of of ring-tailed lemurs, tortoises, flamingos, goats, emus, reptiles or prairie dogs and more.
The Jungle Gardens have touched millions of visitors, and been the inspiration for books and backdrop of movies and fashion shows. Approximately 85% of the animals at Sarasota Jungle Gardens were rescued and now life peacefully, providing visitors with memorable experiences.
Mote Marine Lab
Location: 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236
Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $14.75 – $19.75
It would be a disservice to visit Siesta Key and not experience the wildlife of the ocean up close. Mote Marine Lab in Sarasota is where to start.
The Mote Marine Laboratory is a remarkable and expansive aquarium housing over 100 species of fascinating marine life. Here you can see manatees, sea turtles, sharks, sting rays, tropical fish, otters, gators, and other incredible Florida wildlife. There’s also a very unique opportunity to pet sting rays and other ocean life, a family favorite!
The people at Mote are guardians of the sea. Driven by research, education and excitement they work to create a better environment. You and your family will be able to get a great overview and understanding of the critical local wildlife that this laboratory works so hard to protect. Frequent events are held right at the laboratory so that you don’t have to go elsewhere to enjoy a fun day full of things to do. Eat breakfast with some sharks, participate in a research charter boat ride, kayaking, eco-boat tours and more family activities for all ages.
Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf
Location: 3815 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL (plus additional locations)
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Cost: Costs vary per location
Enjoy family fun at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf, which has been delivering Florida’s top mini golf experience for five years running. Putt your way through the exciting courses and keep your eyes peeled for alligators who you can feed between holes. You’ll find the course challenging for all ages. A great time to go is around sunset when it might be less crowded and a little cooler.
TreeUmph!
Location: 21805 East State Road 70, Bradenton, FL 34202
Hours: Park opens at 7:30 a.m., closing hours vary
Cost: $25.95 – $42.95
Climb, swing and soar your way to unforgettable family adventure at Florida’s first treetop obstacle course, TreeUmph! There are courses for adventurers ages seven and up, with five progressive courses in total full of wobbly bridges, hanging nets, swinging logs, foot bridges, Tarzan ropes, zip lines and more.
LeBarge Tropical Cruises
Location: 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL 34236
Hours: Hours vary, call 941-366-6116 for current schedule
Cost: Cost varies, call 941-366-6116 for current rates
No visit to Siesta Key is complete without spending some time out on the water. Anchors away on LeBarge Tropical Cruises where you can experience the ocean up close.
Feel the invigorating, salty spray of the sea as your ride past wild dolphins and manatees on the morning or after tours, or relax on the water by sunset on the evening sunset cruise. There’s a tour for everyone. The two-hour dolphin and manatee viewing cruise is particularly popular among families and an ideal choice for your first ocean tour.
The exciting thing about these Siesta Key family activities is that they’re all easily accessible from your vacation rental! So, hop in the car and head out to experience some of these attractions which can fill up your schedule when you’re looking things to do for children of all ages.
Whether you’re looking for Siesta Key rentals or Siesta Key Florida vacation rentals, you can find everything you’re looking for with Siesta Key Luxury Rental Properties!
