Children and adults had fun making kites at Artists on the Court, a new gallery in Towles Court. Since things to do in Sarasota slow down during summer, this free community art event was a welcome activity.
Kathleen Johnson invited the community to come and help decorate her gallery by creating kites to decorate the gallery on opening night.
Category Archives: Kid’s activities and events
Sarasota Payne Skate Park
The Sarasota Payne Park skating facility is now operated by Sk8skool. In 2010, they took over operation of the skate park from the city of Sarasota. Sk8skool operates it as a not-for-profit organization. Sofia Maldonado is a New York muralist and a skater. Recently she designed a mural and worked with students from Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences, Booker High School and Southeast High School to execute the design in the Payne Skate Park bowl. This new mural is a vibrant addition to a park that already has skater inspired art. Extended hours and lower rates draw local skaters. And if you’re vacationing in Sarasota, add the skateboarding at the park to your list of things to do.
Sarasota Bayfront Island Park
Drive through Sarasota, and you can’t miss our beautiful Bayfront Island Park. Right on Sarasota Bay, this lively park is surrounded with water. The winding sidewalks run all along the perimeter of the park and invite you to walk, jog, roller blade, or walk your dog. In fact, this park is a favorite with local dog owners who often congregate on weekends for some doggy socialization.
With huge grass play areas, picnic tables in the shade, trees made for climbing and plenty of benches and swings, Island Park appeals to all ages. Children love splashing in the water fountains and birthday parties are frequent in playground area. It’s located right across 41 from downtown, so this park is convenient. There’s plenty of parking, so whether you walk, drive, bike or boat to the park, you’re sure to enjoy you time here.
And stop in at the tiki bar at O’Leary’s for a drink or a meal. It’s a great place where you can listen to music, enjoy the tropical breeze and watch the boats go by. Your four legged friends are welcome, too.
Make sure you add Bayfront Island Park to your list of great things to do when you vacation in Sarasota.
Sarasota Children’s Garden
Tucked into the city of Sarasota is a fanciful two acre garden for children. Want to cultivate a child’s imagination? Just set them free in this park under a beautiful shade canopy. It’s a feast for the eyes with whimsical art, topiary animals and funky buildings.
I last visited during the annual Reading Day event and was delighted with the fun that children of all ages were having. With sculptures to climb on, a stage for performing, a pirate ship to stimulate creative play and colorful creatures around every corner – this may just the best place in Sarasota for interactive play!
The garden is open 7 days a week from 10-5. It’s also available for birthday parties and weddings as well as the weekly story time on Thursday mornings. Make a Wish foundation, All Faith’s Food Bank, and the Humane Society of Sarasota are just a few of the local organizations that benefit from special events Robin holds at The Children’s Garden annually.
The Sarasota Children’s Garden is a non-profit gem located at 1670 10th Way. The cost per child (under 13) is only $5, for kids over 13 – including adults who may feel like a kid in this fairyland – a day ticket is $10. Many locals who frequent this amazing playground take advantage of the Family Membership. It’s just $75.00 for 2 adult cards and 3 guests. Check out their special events and other details at their website.