Sarasota, Florida is a gem on Florida’s central Gulf Coast, with access to amazing beaches, water sports, marine biology, museums, and more. Where it once was a haven for retirees, these days it is increasingly popular with families and vacationers eager to escape the cold winters of the north.

An hour south of Tampa, whose airport serves almost every major city in North America, Sarasota, Florida offers plenty of natural beauty. It is a vibrant city rich in arts, culture, and dining delights. Plus, its metropolitan area includes the world-famous beaches of Lido Key, Longboat Key, and Siesta Key.

Here are 33 of the best things to do in Sarasota, Florida with kids, including family-friendly Sarasota hotels and restaurants. Check out our Florida Family Vacation Guide for even more great places to visit in the Sunshine State, including the best Florida beach vacations for families.

See the greats of the NBA and WNBA at the Basketball Hall of Fame!

These laser tag and paintball arenas in NYC are perfect for teens and tweens craving an outing with a little more action than a visit to the local family-friendly bowling alley or NYC ropes course.

Both laser tag and paintball make for fun birthday party in NYC, too, and we've got the details on exactly where your kids can get in the game. Find more fun outings on this list of extreme sports in NYC for families.

Walt Disney World visitors at EPCOT now have the chance to embark on an entirely new adventure with Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana! My family recently visited EPCOT and explored this immersive walking trail, which offers a unique journey for visitors of all ages. Unlike traditional attractions, this interactive adventure allows guests to engage with water in ways that go beyond the typical ride experience.

Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum has been one of our family’s favorite spots to visit in Washington, DC since our son was 2, when he decided he wants to be an astronaut. The museum houses one of the world’s premier collections of flight and space-related artifacts and history. It closed down for a period in 2018 as it undergoes a monumental, multiyear renovation, but reopened in late 2022 with eight of the planned 23 exhibits completely redone.

We were excited to go back and bring our newest family member (now 2) to the museum. While we were a bit disappointed that so much of the museum was still closed, our children really enjoyed the redesigned exhibits. And the best part is, like all Smithsonian museums, it's completely FREE!

Read on for a peek into what to expect when visiting Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. Then check out our DC Museum Guide for more great museums to visit with kids, including our lists of free museums near DC and the best museums for kids in the DC area.

Exploring Northridge with kids might not be at the top of your Los Angeles bucket list like Santa Monica, Hollywood, or Malibu is. However, this family-friendly suburb in the San Fernando Valley provides an array of activities suitable for kids of all ages. 

CSUN is a big focus in Northridge and acts as the hub of the community. Whether it's outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply spending quality time together, Northridge offers plenty of opportunities for families to have a great time. 

For more family-friendly adventures in the San Fernando Valley, spend the day at Lake Balboa, head to Discovery Cube for science activities, and discover all there is to do in Sherman Oaks with kids. Find more things to do in LA with our Los Angeles Visitors' Guide for Families. 

Buffalo Bayou Park, located in the heart of Houston, isn't just a park—it's an experience! An urban oasis along the Buffalo Bayou waterway that perfectly blends natural beauty and recreational activities, it's no surprise that families come here to escape the bustle of the city.

With exciting play areas, one of the biggest skate parks in the country, meandering trails, and family-friendly amenities, it's an ideal setting for a fun-filled day out with kids. So what makes Buffalo Bayou Park so awesome? Read on to discover my insider's guide filled with the best things to do and insider tips on how to make the most of your visit. 

Looking for more family fun in Houston? Buffalo Bayou Park is located near other activities in Downtown Houston and nearby attractions like the Houston Zoo and the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

If you haven't spent time at one of the two Chicago zoos recently, get ready for a real treat! With tons of upgraded structures and many new animals at the Brookfield Zoo and the Lincoln Park Zoo, you might end up as excited as you were on your first visit as a kid. To help make your trip the best it can be, check out the latest updates, news, and events happening in 2024. Don't forget to wear your walking shoes because it's going to be a long—and fun—day. 

Looking for more fun things to do with kids in Chicago? Be sure to check out our top indoor playspaces perfect for snowy or rainy days, the best laser tag and paintball spots for kids in Chicago, and, of course, 100 things to do with Chicago kids before they grow up.