4 Fun things to do with Kids in Sarasota, Florida
Keeping kids happy and engaged these days can seem like a full-time job. Sometimes, no matter what we do to entertain them, we still hear those two words that most parents have come to dread:
“I’m bored.”
While bored kids can sometimes be a good thing—forcing them to develop their creativity and find things to entertain themselves—it is often followed by an unfortunate level of mischief as they look for something to do. Other times, your kids may continue to remind you that they are bored over and over again throughout the day.
Arguably worse than this is when you hear no complaints whatsoever because your child is spending all their free time staring at their phone, tablet, TV, or game console. While these devices certainly have their place, many parents want to get their kids outside where they can enjoy fresh air and nature, introduce them to educational activities that broaden their horizons, or engage them in family activities that will create memories that will become increasingly precious as the years go by.
It can be difficult to find activities for kids who are sometimes surprisingly jaded or cynical, but it is possible. To help you out, here is an assortment of activities to consider that are great for a day of family fun, stimulating the body, mind, and imagination.
Aerial Adventures
It wasn’t so long ago that climbing trees were a part of almost every childhood. Many kids dreamed of having elaborate treehouses to serve as a hangout with their friends, and there was a time when neighborhoods routinely heard imitations of Tarzan echoing from one backyard to another.
While fewer kids today dream of playing Tarzan (or are familiar with him), many still enjoy climbing trees and swinging from the branches. TreeUmph takes things a step further, letting adventurers of all ages run through huge forest terrain, overcoming obstacles, and testing their physical prowess and courage.
Today’s treetop adventures have a significant advantage over those of the past: safety! Kids in the past effectively took their chances when climbing. As a result, injuries were not uncommon. At TreeUmph, training is provided to participants to ensure that they are able to navigate the courses safely. If participants find themselves in a bind and unable to get past a particular obstacle, guides are on hand to help out.
TreeUmph features 5 courses and a giant zip line, providing hours of activity for the whole family, but keep in mind that kids must meet height requirements for certain courses, such as being able to reach 5’9” overhead while standing on the ground. Other courses, such as the Ape Up course have no height requirement.
You can also take a time-out to enjoy the beautiful grounds if you bring a picnic lunch. If you don’t want to bring your own food, you can also ask the guides about the local delivery options, though it’s recommended to save big meals for the end of your visit; you probably don’t want to be climbing and swinging with a full stomach!
Whether you’re flying through the trees on an exciting zipline or climbing and balancing your way through other obstacle courses, you’ll enjoy a day out in the fresh air, getting back in sync with nature.
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Great things to “Sea”
Are your kids curious about this world under the waves? Do you have a little one fascinated with sharks or other forms of marine life? Then the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is for you!
Mote is an independent, nonprofit institution focused on research and education. Originally devoted to sharks, it has grown over the years and now studies how the environment is impacted by man-made and natural toxic substances. It is also devoted to creating sustainable fish restocking techniques, food production, and the development of technologies that allow for a better understanding of the ocean and our environment.
Part aquarium and part research center, the Mote Laboratory and Aquarium features several exhibits that can take anywhere from 2 hours to half a day or more to enjoy. Two interactive areas and a 135,000-gallon shark tank will keep you and your young ones enthralled as you view and learn about more than 100 species of marine animals such as otters, manatees, and sea turtles.
Who says education can’t be fun? Mote continues to expand, and in November of 2020, they broke ground for the Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA). Mote is the place to be when you want to learn more about the incredible underwater world.
Land Animals Too!
The world under the waves is fascinating, but so is the world above. Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s oldest and largest, where you can spend anywhere from a few hours to a few days discovering even more of what nature has to offer.
With several hiking trails including the canopy walkway that is 25 feet off the ground, you’ll get to explore things from a unique vantage point. On your first visit, you’ll probably want to check out the visitor’s center where you can learn about the history of the park and the many plants and animals it contains.
Two airboats are available to take you out where other boats can’t reach, giving you a view of gators and wading birds. If you are more inclined to stay on solid ground, bike rentals are available so you can explore seven miles of biking trails. With plenty to see, and shade from the overhead canopy, this is a great ride to take in the sights in comfort and at your own pace.
For the kids, check out the Junior Ranger Program. As with many other state parks, bbb participates in this program. Designed to teach kids about the history of the region and its preservation, kids can participate in a scheduled program or do it on their own in the park. Simply ask for a Junior Ranger Kit upon arrival to receive a member ID and the official Junior Ranger badge.
The kit contains 6 core activities for your young ones to complete. Activities teach about the Florida State Parks and efforts to protect them. Once done, turn in the 6 activities to park staff and receive a Junior Ranger patch. As further activities are completed, Junior Rangers earn stamps in their passport. Once the passport is complete, it can be turned in for the official Junior Ranger pin.
You can also have the materials prepared in advance by downloading and printing the Park Kids Activity Book, and Myakka River State Park Activities link.
Pictures Worth a Thousand Words… and Memories
Many young ones today love superheroes, but who can forget the original heroes and magical beings: knights and fairies!
Stories have been passed down through the generations, telling tales of derring-do mystical places. With Enchanted Fairies, your child will love the opportunity to dress up as one of these enchanted beings, escaping from today’s world with its constant buzz of social media and electronic devices.
Let their imaginations run wild as they reconnect with stories and archetypes that have endured for centuries, stepping into a fantasy world of beauty and bravery where our expert photographers capture a special moment in time that will be remembered long after childhood ends.
The world today can seem a bit overwhelming, but there are still places where magic reigns supreme and your child can experience joys and wonders that they won’t find in a handheld device.
Kids of all ages will appreciate the opportunity to let their imagination take flight, and parents will love having a professional portrait to take home and display. Learn more about our fairy photoshoots and mermaid photoshoots now!
Childhood is but a fleeting moment that leaves us too soon. Be sure to capture memories with Enchanted Fairies that you’ll treasure for years to come.
There are so many activities that are entertaining, stimulating, educational, and fun. The TV and other electronic devices will still be there waiting years from now, but childhood lasts only a short time. Make the most of it while you can.b
We look forward to seeing you!
