Our Blog

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Siesta Key & Sarasota

Posted by Best Western Siesta Key onAugust 7, 2020 in General.

Find Your Own Adventure in Siesta Key and Sarasota

When we think about vacationing in paradise, we often picture relaxing in a lounge chair by the pool or on the beach, a frothy grown-up beverage in hand and a slow pace in the near future. However, if your vacation to Siesta Key and the surrounding Sarasota area will include children, chances are your time will be anything but chill. That doesn’t mean you can’t have plenty of fun- you just have to know where to look for it! The experts on fun at The Best Western Siesta Key Gateway know how much kids love getting outside, trying new things, and burning some of that energy. Here we suggest a few ways to wear kids out (in the best way possible!) while in the area. Who knows? You might get some downtime later, after all!

Disc Golf

Several of Sarasota’s parks include disc golf courses. Bring your own frisbees and enjoy the morning exploring one or more of our lush, nature-filled local parks! Lakeview Park and Paw Park, North Water Tower Park, and Payne Park all offer pre-existing disc golf courses as well as a beautiful look at the natural side of Florida. Inexpensive and fun for the whole family, everyone will enjoy the time spent together competing to reach the next goal. If you’re more interested in staying closer to the beach, you can always create your own course, as well- just aim for the nearest palm tree!

Tree-Umph

For the climbers and explorers in your life, Tree-Umph Adventure Course offers multiple ropes courses for adventurers of all ages. Zip lines, rope swings, floating logs and climbing walls are just the beginning! Take the family on a day of activity and trailblazing they won’t soon forget. Wear everyone out and find some well-earned pool time later in the day!

Hunsader Farms

Between the playground and the petting zoo is a farmer’s market and u-pick field that will keep your entire family engaged all day long. Hunsader Farms is a local, fully-operational farm that opens to the public between late September and early June. If you’re visiting in the fall months, this is THE place to be for pumpkins, corn mazes, and more. Find fresh fruits and veggies for your stay, or let the kids roam free in the fresh farm air.

Turtle Beach

Named for our famous sea turtles, Turtle Beach, an extension of Siesta Key Beach, is a great place to find sea turtles nesting and laying eggs in May. By late September or early October, you’re likely to find the babies hatching and heading to the water. Count yourself lucky if you get to be part of the observers helping with flashlights on the water. Cheering the turtles on as they waddle to the sea is an unforgettable experience. If you happen to visit Siesta Key during hatching season, make a point of staying up late and helping these babies find their way to the water.

Paddleboard Lessons

The hallmark of a Florida vacation is your time on the beach and in the water. While some of our water sports (like SCUBA diving or surfing) can take time to master, a quick, fun way to enjoy your time on our glassy gulf is by paddleboarding. Siesta Key Paddleboards teaches stand-up paddle lessons for reasonable rates. Not only will you get out on the water in no time, you’ll find the workout fun and challenging for the entire family. This is a great way to experience the calm Gulf waters while mastering a new skill!

While the beauty of Florida beaches is unbeatable, we understand the desire to creatively explore a new area- especially with kids in tow. They want adventure and challenges while you crave family time (and maybe a nap in the sand later!). Wind them up then wear them out with some of the coolest adventures around. For more great kid-friendly excursion ideas, talk to the professionals at The Best Western Siesta Key Gateway. We’re full of ideas and will love to get your kids hyped up before their new adventure.