As a local in Sarasota, it can be a bit challenging to know how to spend the summer with the kids at home. Are you hosting "Camp Mom" this summer?? Let us give you some ideas on how to have a blast this summer without breaking the bank. We have rounded up activities for each day of the week, so take a look and find your summer fun without the stress of planning everything! Happy Summer to all!
DAILY
Hogan's Place Petting Farm Now that school’s out, it’s time to get outside and make some memories! Come meet our adorable animals, enjoy some family fun, and spend the day at Hogan’s Place Petting Farm! Open 10 AM–4 PM, 7 days a week. Admission: Just $5 per person ages 2 and under get for free!
MONDAYS
🐮 Cow Bingo at CFA Fruitville Rd A fun filled morning with the chance to win exclusive CFA prizes. June 1-Aug 3. 9AM
The Ringling Museum Free Museum Mondays | The Museum of Art, Bayfront Gardens, and Glass Pavilion are free to the public on Mondays. Please note: Regular admission pricing applies to visit the Circus Museum or Ca’ d’Zan
Baby Storytime at LWR Library This program is designed for our youngest library visitors—babies from birth to 18 months—and their caregivers. Each session includes simple stories, rhymes, songs, and sensory play that support early language development and bonding between babies and their adults.
This is a relaxed, supportive space where all babies are welcome; come as you are and enjoy this special time together!
Forty Carrots Partners in Play Enjoy special uninterrupted play time with your child in our drop-in FREE Partners In Play® (PIP) parenting education groups. Venice Public Library Mondays, 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM & 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM & Elsie Quirk Library Mondays, 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM & 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM June 1 – July 20
Welcome to our World A free group for parents and infants.
Mondays | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | June 2 – July 21 | Forty Carrots Family Center (New Cattlemen location)
KIDS EAT FREE Pinchers Crab Shack Every night with purchase of an adult meal ($13.99)
TUESDAYS
Preschool Storytime Join us for Preschool Storytime, an engaging program designed for children ages 3–5 and their caregivers. Each 45 minute session features a mix of picture book read-alouds, songs, rhymes, movement activities, and early literacy games that support kindergarten readiness skills—like listening, taking turns, and following directions—all in a fun, playful setting. 10AM and 11AM
Makerspace Workshop Open Hours During our Workshop Open Hours, guests ages 13+ are invited to explore our creative space and use library equipment under the guidance of staff and volunteers. Whether you’re working on a personal project, trying out a new craft, or completing a school assignment, this is your time to make, learn, and experiment. All projects and crafts are welcome—just bring your imagination! 4:30-7:30PM
Musical Motion a FREE bilingual learn & play classthat encourages bonding while developing earlylearning and literacy skills in children. Sessions focuson creative activities that enhance brain developmentand build preschoolers’ social skills, language skills, motor skills, and more. June 8-July 31 Campus of Caring 9AM-10AM
Summertime Fun with the FCL Braves Select Tuesdays Catch the future stars of the Atlanta Braves in action this May, June, and July at CoolToday Park. The FCL Braves are the rookie-level Minor League Baseball affiliate of the Atlanta Braves and compete in the Florida Complex League. Fans can enjoy complimentary admission to every home game. FREE! Most games begin at 12PM
Regal Hollywood 11 Regal Summer Movie Express tickets are just $1 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays featuring summer movies the whole family will enjoy. Limited number of tickets. June 1-August 13. First Showing at Regal Hollywood Sarasota and Regal Oakmont Bradenton
Kids' Summer Beach Runs The annual FREE Kids' Summer Beach Runs, presented by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and New Balance of Sarasota, are returning to Siesta Beach and North Brohard Park June through July! Tuesdays at Siesta Beach June 2 through July 28. Registration: 5:30 p.m. Run time: 6:30 p.m.
Summer Christian Skate Nights Summer Christian Skate Nights start June 2nd. Join us Tuesday nights ALL summer long at Astro Skate Center in Bradenton for Fun, Games, Skating and Great Christian Music. Admission is $7 and that includes regular skate rental. Help us spread the word; please like, and share and of course there's the old fashioned way, you could just tell your friends.
Kids Eat Free Cody's Roadhouse Bradenton Little Roadies eat FREE every Tuesday at Cody’s! Bring the whole family in for a meal everyone will love. 10 and under
WEDNESDAYS
Open Studios at The Ringling Open Studio is an opportunity for visitors to engage with various artistic mediums in open-ended exploration. Mediums change each week. This art making is free and for all ages. Registration is required. 10AM, 11AM, and 12PM time slots available for registration.
Musical Motion Musical Motion is a FREE learn & play class that encourages bonding while developing early learning and literacy skills in children. Wednesdays at Palmetto Library 11:30AM-12:PM. One time $10 enrollment fee, then free classes.
Soar in 4 | On these nights families will get to tour The Bishop Museum and pre-kindergarten and kindergarten children will receive many literacy materials and books that support classroom learning. FREE 5:30-7PM at The Bishop Museum. No registration required. June 3rd, July 8th, August 5th, September 2nd.
UTC KIDS CLUB | Select Wednesdays 9:00AM on The Green at UTC and story time indoors at Barnes and Noble UTC. The activities are free and no registration required, please check the UTC FB event page for any updates to the schedule. Storytime 2nd Wednesdays; Kids Club with Miss Jodi (select Wednesdays); Gameland: 4th Wednesdays
Junior Jumpers Jam | Altitude | Designed for high flyers ages 6 and under, our weekday jumptime is the perfect place to entertain and exhaust the littles. With open sight lines and comfy seating, you can "sittervise" while the kiddos enjoy active free play. Wednesdays | 10am-1pm | $11.50 for 2 hours.
Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics Open Gym This is a time where kids(18 months to 18 years) can enjoy non-structured free time in the gym. Parents must be present in the gym with children 5 years of age and under. 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM $10 Please check site for updates or changes.
Regal Hollywood 11 Regal Summer Movie Express tickets are just $1 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays featuring summer movies the whole family will enjoy. Limited number of tickets. June 1-August 13. First Showing at Regal Hollywood Sarasota and Regal Oakmont Bradenton
Summer Circus Spectacular The Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling are happy to partner once again to present the Summer Circus Spectacular at the Historic Asolo Theater. Don’t miss this family-friendly show that runs Saturday, June 12 through Saturday, August 8! The Summer Circus Spectacular showcases some of the finest circus artists from around the world, performing acts to thrill audiences of all ages. Tuesday - Friday @ 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Saturdays @ 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM $20 Adults / $15 Child (12 yrs and under). Reserve your tickets HERE
Astro Skate Bradenton | There's always a fun event happening at Astro Skate, escape the heat and go skating!
Kids' Summer Beach Runs The annual FREE Kids' Summer Beach Runs are returning to Siesta Beach and North Brohard Park June through July! Join us for these one-mile fun runs for kids and families to participate in healthy activities together over the summer! Wednesdays at Brohard Beach. Registration: 5:30 p.m. Run time: 6:30 p.m.
THURSDAYS
Make it and Take it Each week will explore a different Florida ecosystem through crafts, games, and hands-on activities. Families will move through the museum at their own pace visiting stations to make crafts, play games, and enjoy hands-on learning activities. This drop-in programming series is designed for families with pre-K to elementary aged children to have fun and learn together. Children cannot be left unattended. No reservations are required, but entry will be limited at the door once capacity is met—first come, first served! Visit www.ManateeCountyAgMuseum.com for more details. Thursdays 9AM-NOON
Summer Circus Spectacular The Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling are happy to partner once again to present the Summer Circus Spectacular at the Historic Asolo Theater. Don’t miss this family-friendly show that runs Saturday, June 12 through Saturday, August 8! The Summer Circus Spectacular showcases some of the finest circus artists from around the world, performing acts to thrill audiences of all ages. Tuesday - Friday @ 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Saturdays @ 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM $20 Adults / $15 Child (12 yrs and under). Reserve your tickets HERE
WareHouse Summer Croquet | Free for middle and high schoolers. Every Thursday, June and July, no matter your skill level, everyone comes to play, learn, and have a good time. Instructions provided, no experience necessary. 6-8PM Sarasota Co Croquet Club
FRIDAYS
ROAR at The Ringling Museum ROAR! is our free storytime program that connects art with early literacy! Every week we read together, make art, and learn about an object in the museum. This program is designed for preschoolers and toddlers, but all ages are welcome! June 12-July 24 Get a free ticket here
Select Fridays Summertime Fun with the FCL Braves Catch the future stars of the Atlanta Braves in action this May, June, and July at CoolToday Park. The FCL Braves are the rookie-level Minor League Baseball affiliate of the Atlanta Braves and compete in the Florida Complex League. Fans can enjoy complimentary admission to every home game. FREE! Most games begin at 12PM
Visit the Manatee County Agriculture Museum We recognize the historical achievements of our pioneer farmers with a hands-on museum. Stop by for a visit and see what's on exhibit. Tuesday - Friday and 1st & 3rd Saturdays 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Movie in the Park | Waterside Place Join us at Waterside Park every 2nd Friday of the month for a free, outdoor, family-friendly movie! Showtimes begin at sunset.
Movies Under the Stars | Fun flicks are shown on The Green at UTC every fourth Friday of the month. The Green is located in the West District at UTC, directly across from Gifts & More at the Paper Store. Limited seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. June 26: Wonka, July 24: Elf. FREE Pre-show fun starts at 7PM
Family Movie Night at The Bay Sarasota Join us for a free family movie on Civic Green right after the sun sets. Bring your chairs, blankets, a picnic, children, grandchildren, and good dogs for a fun-filled evening of family-friendly entertainment under the stars. Select Fridays June 12 The Spongebob Movie,
Friday Night Concert Series Join the fun in historic downtown Venice at the gazebo in Centennial Park! This event is held the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month from 7pm-9pm and is free and open to the public. Bring your own chairs or picnic blankets. CLICK HERE for updates
TBA Summer Game Nights at The Nest Drop into the building for an evening of tabletop gaming fun! Borrow a nature-themed game from our game library or bring your favorite game from home. Snacks provided. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are not required but are suggested. 6:30-8:30PM
WEEKENDS
FAM (Family Art Making) is a free program that's fun for the whole family! Join us for creative art projects inspired by an object in our collections. Afterwards, visit the museum to see that object in person! You will be able to visit the Museum of Art and the Circus Museum with your FAM wristband that is provided at check-in. Tickets will be available 14 days prior to this program. 11AM-1PM
Saturday Mornings at The Nest | Join us at the Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science, and Technology for a morning of discovery. Robinson Preserve 9AM-12PM
Second Sundays at SAM Free Second Sundays at SAM are the Second Sunday of every month. Enjoy a day of art and family fun at Sarasota Art Museum! Free admission for visitors, special performances and art-making activities for the whole family. 11AM-4PM
Summer Movie Nights provide a unique experience for everyone during the summer, while remaining fun and affordable. The Movie Nights will take place on most Sundays during the summer months of June and July, inside the stadium at CoolToday Park. Ages 3 and under: FREE;
Ages 4-9: $3; Ages 10+: $7
Michael's in-Store Crafts Saturdays Dig into creative fun this summer as we create safari themed crafts. $5 each with all supplies included. Saturdays in July 10AM-NOON Michael's Craft Stores
Art in the Park - Palmetto Historical Park - June 16 and June 30- We’re hosting two themed drop in craft days in June at Palmetto Historical Park! Our first event is June 16. Create mosaic art projects using air dry clay and beans. There will be lots of fun projects to choose from including necklaces, pinch pot pottery, and more.The second event is June 30, just in time for the 4th of July and America’s 250th birthday celebration. Make patriotic windsocks, bracelets, and more festive crafts.
License Free Fishing Days First consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June, First Saturday in September, Saturday following Thanksgiving
Music on the Porch at Florida Maritime Museum This FREE music event series is held on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. The jam session begins at 2 pm and continues until 4 pm. Children and adults are welcome; visitors should bring their own chair. Keep in mind that Music on the Porch is a jam session, so music is not guaranteed. Musician participation varies.
Astro Skate Bradenton | Learn to Skate Class $10 includes rental and stay free from 10AM-12PM
Sarasota Farmers Market The Sarasota Farmers Market is open every Saturday, year-round, from 7am to 1pm, rain or shine.
Zoomers Kids Run Series Come join Zoomers for a SUMMER FUN GOOD TIME as we host our 2nd Annual Kids Summer Run Series. The Kids Summer Run Series will be held on Saturday mornings at 8:00 a.m. at Ann & Chuck Dever Regional Park in Englewood, Florida.
Little Leapers at Sky Zone Sarasota Little Leapers is a fun, high-energy play adventure, created for parents and little ones to enjoy together. Saturdays and Sundays from 9AM-11AM. $13 for toddlers and one parent can assist for free. Buy a ticket, here
Universal Flight Services Free Airplane Rides for Kids Children ages 8 - 17 can receive a FREE airplane ride on select Saturdays at Universal Flight Services. Seating is limited so you must register your child(ren). Call 941-487-0136.
$2.99 Kids Combo Sundays | Beef O'Brady's Meal Plus Side, Drink & Treat. Dine-in Only with Adult Entrée Purchase. Available at participating locations
Helpful Summer Resources
Summer Meal Assistance Programs
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