Family-Friendly Adventures in Sarasota, Florida!

The Ringling

Why Visit?

Morning: Arrival and Exploring the Museum of Art

Begin your family adventure at The Ringling by diving into the wonders of the Museum of Art. Open at 10:00 AM, the museum hosts an impressive collection of European paintings and other significant works. Park at the main visitor lot and start at the museum to avoid the midday crowd. Engage the kids with a scavenger hunt of mythological characters depicted in the art. Don’t miss the stunning Rubens Galleries!

Midday: Circus Museum and Lunch

Next, stroll over to the Circus Museum, just a short walk from the Museum of Art. It’s a thrilling peek into the history of the American circus, complete with colorful wagons, engaging interactive exhibits, and the Howard Bros. Circus Model—a miniature circus that will fascinate kids and adults alike.

Grab lunch at the Muse at The Ringling, which offers family-friendly meals and has options for various dietary needs. It"s conveniently located between the Circus Museum and the Ca"d"Zan.

Afternoon: Tour the Ca" d"Zan

After lunch, head to the Ca" d"Zan, the lavish mansion that was once home to John and Mable Ringling. The 10-minute walk from the restaurant is scenic, winding through beautiful gardens. Choose either a self-guided tour of the first floor or book the guided tour to explore more extensively and hear all the fascinating stories about the Ringling family.

Late Afternoon: Bayfront Gardens

Wrap up your visit with a relaxing stroll through the Bayfront Gardens. Let the kids run off any remaining energy in the Dwarf Garden, and don’t miss the opportunity to see the sunset from the Secret Garden, a perfect end to a delightful day at The Ringling.

Tips

- Check the events calendar for kid-friendly activities and workshops.

- Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection for outdoor explorations.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

Morning Arrival: Start your day early by driving to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, located at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, Florida. There’s plenty of parking on-site, making it easy to start your adventure stress-free. Upon arrival, grab a map at the entrance and plan your route through the aquarium.

First Stop - Shark Zone: Kick off your visit with a thrilling encounter at the Shark Zone exhibit. Did you know? Mote Marine is home to several species of sharks, and their 135,000-gallon shark habitat offers an up-close look at these fascinating creatures through both above and underwater viewing areas.

Interactive Exhibits: Next, head to the Touch Pools, where kids can feel the texture of sea stars, urchins, and other marine life. It"s a hands-on experience that combines fun with education about marine biodiversity.

Lunch Break: Around noon, stop by the Deep Sea Diner, located within the aquarium. Enjoy a casual meal with views of the aquarium grounds.

Afternoon Exploration: After lunch, explore the Marine Mammal Center where you can watch playful otters and learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of dolphins and manatees. Don"t miss the narrated training sessions that occur throughout the day.

Conservation Talks: Schedule your visit to coincide with one of the daily talks by Mote scientists. These are great opportunities for your family to learn about ongoing research projects and conservation efforts directly from the experts.

Final Stop - The Sea Turtle Rehabilitation: Before you leave, visit the sea turtle rehabilitation area. Mote"s efforts in rescuing and rehabilitating injured turtles provide a compelling insight into wildlife conservation.

Departure: As your day ends, stroll through the gift shop for educational souvenirs, ensuring your family takes a piece of Mote Marine back home.

Remember, Mote Marine is not just an aquarium, but a hub of marine research and conservation. Every visit supports their mission!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary for Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Morning Arrival

Start your day at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens located at 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota, Florida. Arrive early to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Parking is available onsite. Upon entering, pick up a map and event schedule at the visitor center.

Rainforest Garden Exploration

First, head to the Rainforest Garden, where you can wander among lush tropical foliage and towering bamboo. This area replicates a tropical rainforest environment and is a great spot for children to learn about the biodiversity of these ecosystems. Keep an eye out for the fascinating epiphytes, plants that grow harmlessly upon other plants, a favorite in Selby’s collection.

Children’s Rainforest Garden

Next, visit the Children’s Rainforest Garden, specially designed to engage young minds. This area features a waterfall, a canopy walk with rope bridges that are safe and fun for kids, and an adventure trail. It’s an excellent place for children to burn off some energy while learning about nature.

Lunch Break

Around noon, enjoy a picnic lunch at the designated area with views of Sarasota Bay. You can bring your own food and beverages or purchase some from the onsite café.

Aquatic Plant Display

After lunch, take a relaxing stroll to the Aquatic Plant Display. Here, families can learn about life in freshwater ecosystems and see various species of water lilies and lotuses that bloom vibrantly, captivating both kids and adults alike.

Butterfly Garden

Wrap up your visit at the Butterfly Garden. This enchanting space allows you to witness various butterfly species in a naturalistic habitat, an engaging and educational experience for everyone.

Departure

Plan to spend about 3 to 4 hours in total, making sure not to miss the gift shop for unique botanical-themed souvenirs before heading back.

This family-friendly itinerary ensures an engaging and educational visit, combining learning with fun activities suitable for all ages at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.