Family Friendly
Building Happy and Connected Families
Sarasota-Manatee is one of the most family-friendly regions in Florida. On the state’s west coast, the kiddos can venture through downtown Venice on a quest to find fairy doors and the illustrious Princess Buttercup. They can step into the shoes of 18th century pioneers at Historic Spanish Point and enjoy a not-so-historic sandwich from Michael’s Food Truck. Or, they can skip along the rainbow paths of Bradenton Riverwalk’s splash pad while you relax from the comfort of your “outdoor living room.” No matter what adventure you choose, your kids are sure to smile as bright as the Florida sun in Sarasota-Manatee.
K-12 Education
- The Circus Arts Conservatory
- Aquatic Adventures
- Fun on Land
Where the Smiles Never End
In an age of smartphones and iPads, there’s still nothing that can entertain a child quite like “The Greatest Show on Earth.” Ringling Bros. Circus has been a part of Sarasota ever since cofounder John Ringling moved to the county in the 1920s, creating a legacy of family-friendly entertainment. Now, the Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) continues to delight fans with annual world-class performances in its one-ring Big Top. The CAC also donates approximately 80% of ticket revenue to community outreach programs for youth and the elderly within the county.
Get Ready to Splash
Did you know that Sarasota is home to one of the top-rated beaches in the U.S. — Siesta Key Beach? Especially pleasing for families with small children, the beach offers pristine, sugar-white, 99% quartz sand that remains cool underfoot on even the hottest of Florida summer days. Other beaches in the area include Lido Key, Casey Key, Longboat Key, four beaches at Manasota Key and of course shark-tooth hunting at Caspersen Beach in Venice.
Beyond the beaches, Sarasota and Manatee Counties offer unending water adventures — from the state-of-the-art splash grounds and a Warm Mineral Springs Park in North Port to the splash pad at Bradenton Riverwalk and the new Lincoln Aquatic Center in Palmetto.
Entertaining for all Ages
On Florida’s West Coast festivals run throughout the year, like the annual Sarasota Medieval Fair and the Friday Night Concert Series in Venice. And you can’t miss taking the family to Cortez Seafood Festival just outside of Bradenton — this 40+ year running two-day seafood event in the small village of Cortez draws close to 20,000 people annually.
The North Port Arts Center and its after-school arts programs as well as the Morgan Family Community Center, complete with a game room, multipurpose room and teen lounge, are amazing options for your family to make new friends in North Port and to have fun doing it. We also can’t forget about Manatee County’s several youth and adult athletic leagues, making this region a great place for sportsmanship, community and camaraderie.
What’s New in Sarasota-Manatee?
Tops in Florida, Sarasota ranks #5 in nation for best places to live
Florida is the best place for entrepreneurs
Sarasota earns Neighborly accolades
