Category Archives: Family Activities

Sarasota Hispanic Latino Festival

The Sarasota Hispanic Latino Festival featured Charityn and Yovany and many other well known musicians. Sponsored by The Academy of Latin Arts and Science, the event offered food, music, dancing and family friendly activities for children. Mostly a family crowd, the biggest excitement was when Charityn, who has been called the Latin Oprah, appeared onstage. She took the time to meet and take photos with her fans individually and seemed to sincerely enjoy this.

Siesta Fiesta 2011 in Siesta Key Village Sarasota

Siesta Fiesta is a 2 day event with lots of things to do and see – art, crafts, food, drinks and music.  Saturday and Sunday, the main village street is shut down and filled with brightly colored paintings, sculpture, hand made clothing and jewelry.  It’s a shoppers dream.  Or you can just sit back with a cold drink and your choice of fiesta food and watch the people go by.  This festival draws mainlanders and vacationers to the key in big numbers, so you’ll see island residents walking or riding their bikes to avoid the traffic.  Held each year in April or May, check the date and come on out and enjoy Siesta Fiesta!

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.