Tag Archives: play

Siesta Key Corona Wide Open Beach Volleyball

Siesta Key, the #1 rated beach in the country, was the first stop on the Corona Wide Open elite beach volleyball tour. This tournament with a $50,000 purse was the first of four events leading up to the US Open of Beach Volleyball. The event, which drew top professional players in both men’s and women’s divisions, was sponsored by the Sarasota County Sports Commission, a division of the Visitors and Convention Bureau.  Several teams included local area players.  Beach volleyball is fun and exciting to watch, plus it’s free!  Two more tournaments are planned in June, so come on out and see them!

Siesta Key Dig the Beach Volleyball

Siesta Key beach hosts the adults and juniors volleyball tournament on May 21-22.  See them compete for cash prizes on the white sand of Siesta beach. Watch hard bodies hit the sand to the sound of house/dance music…a unique experience.   Details at Dig the Beach.

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.