11 Kid-Approved Fun Things to Do in Siesta Key – A Grandparent’s Guide

“What Are We Going to Do Today in Siesta Key?” Kids love to stay active wherever they are but it can be stressful to plan a family vacation when you’re going somewhere you don’t know. That’s why we created this guide, full of fun, affordable ideas of things to do in Siesta Key with kids. Keep reading!

Like us, if you’re a parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle bringing your kids to this beautiful part of Sarasota Florida they are in for a treat!  11 affordable fun activities with kids from 5 to 15 right here on Siesta Key.

These are things to do in Siesta Key that our grandkids still love doing on every visit, so tried, tested = kid-approved!

This post is designed to be your easy-to-use list of the best Siesta Key activities to enjoy on the island with kids, the way we locals do. And most older kids and adults will love them too!

With 3 great beach options, hidden dip netting spots, places to fish from the shore or in the bay, and kid-friendly places to eat, our activities won’t bust your budget. Perfect for families who want to hang out in Siesta Key.

And if you do decide to venture off the island, take a short drive over the bridge and use our Sarasota with Kids guide for a fantastic time in our beautiful Gulf Coast hometown.

1. A Day At Siesta Key Main Beach

Siesta Key Main Beach is simply beautiful and we never tire of spending time here. The white soft sands invite you to find your spot on the wide beach and set up for the day!

Building sandcastles, playing frisbee, shelling, jumping waves, flying a kite, and generally running around are activities our little ones enjoyed the most. Most are free or inexpensive.

Once again voted #1 Beach in the USA in 2025 and #4 globally by Trip Advisor Choice Awards, here are our local tips for enjoying a day (or more) here:

Parking At Siesta Key Main

The main Parking Area at Siesta Key Beach stocks all beach ‘essentials’ within the Pavilion complex including showers and toilets.

The 900+ free parking spots fill up fast, so try to arrive by 11 am (10 am at weekends) to avoid having to head to overflow parking with longer walks.

There are a number of smaller free car parks up and down the island. This Siesta Key Beach Access Guide will help you see which is closest and whether you can just walk to the beach!

If you arrive and the main car parks are full, head to a couple of overflow sites on Midnight Pass Road at St Boniface Church and another in what used to be Bank.  They are well sign-posted! The church suggested a $20 donation to park, others charge between $10-20.

As you can see from the photo above, the walk to the water’s edge can take a good 5-10 minutes from the main car park. If you use wheelchair access, there is a matted walkway down to the beach and you can rent beach and water wheelchairs ahead of time. Just stop by the concession office to arrange it.

Water Conditions

We have a very safe beach for toddlers and smaller children. The waves lap gently, and the beach slopes to shallow waters. During our long summers, the temperature is wonderful.

You can rent a cabana and or sun loungers for the public beach by going to the concession or asking a Beach Attendant who manages them on the beach itself. These are located behind the red and green lifeguard stations.

As we live here, we bring our own, but if you don’t want to carry a bunch of accessories, this might be worthwhile. Expect to pay around $30 for lounge chair, $25 umbrella, and $35 for a cabana (with shade).

If you are staying at a beachfront resort in Siesta Key, you may have your own ‘private’ beach areas and sun loungers will be provided. This is something to bear in mind when you’re looking at overall costs for your stay in Siesta Key.

Eating at The Beach

We usually bring our picnic to the beach as we know the kids will like the food, and it’s easier than trekking back up the beach with all your ‘beach luggage’.

For treats like ice cream, there is a concession stand at the main pavilion.

There are decent facilities at the main carpark including bathrooms and showers, along with retail outlet for sunscreen, hats, water toys etc.  There are also several picnic areas that you can reserve in advance (look for the phone number on each roofed picnic area).

Playground at Siesta Key Beach

Next to the Sun Deck, you will see a great kids’ playground right off the beach. Outdoor showers are nearby. Wash off the salty water and sand and let then loose on the slides and new play adventures 🙂

If you have older kids, there are tennis/pickleball and volleyball courts at this beach. The volleyball courts are right on the beach and are a great free resource for family groups.

To play tennis just turn up at the court with your racket and balls. It is popular so again early in the day or later is better, although a lot of us locals come early, especially in cooler months.

2. Boarding and Shelling at Turtle Beach

Turtle Beach is located at the south end of Siesta Key.  Its beach is much narrower than the main island’s sands and stronger waves push hundreds of shells onto the beach.  

Kids also love searching for the bigger shells just under the surface and when supervised it makes for a great challenge! Older kids will love riding the waves using their paddle boards or just jumping the waves.

Get a few body boards from Walmart or Amazon and let your kids unleash their energy.

This is our second Siesta Key Beach and it has a campground located next to a small lagoon too! Check Turtle Beach Campground Reservations here if you are coming with an RV or tent!

Parking at Turtle Beach

There is free parking but less spaces than main Siesta Beach. If you are staying in the village, why not try the free ‘Breeze Shuttle’ service which drops you right at the beach and runs every 30 minutes.

The operating hours for the Breeze Shuttle on Siesta Key are daily from 8am to 10pm. It’s a fantastic service and we locals love using it too!

Water Conditions

As we mentioned Turtle Beach is more secluded and narrower than Siesta Key Beach. It is a favourite spot to get away from crowds and has a local, hidden gem feel. You can often see a turtle in the sand dunes as you walk from the car park to the beach!

The water typically is a bit rougher here as it can be windier. This makes it great for boogie boards (with adult supervision).

Honestly, take it from us, beach body boards will be a super hit for ages 7-12.  Kids will send hours entertaining themselves inventing all sorts of games and make believe:)  

Eating At Turtle Beach

There are picnic tables around the lagoon area for a picnic off the sand.

Once you are all worn out, head over the road to Turtles Restaurant for a refreshment or dinner. It’s very kid friendly and a relaxing spot to unwind. Last we checked doggies also welcome outside in their patio area.

Playground at Turtle Beach

As well as a playground you can play horse shoes so a fun end to the day after you come off the beach and shower off the sand.

3. Paddleboard In Blind Pass Lagoon

For older kids, we found SUP in the adjacent Blind Pass Lagoon is a great way to keep them active.

Set them up with a lesson which you can book here. After this they build confidence quickly and stay safe with an experienced guide.

Or why not go with them and enjoy the fun too. Siesta Key Paddle Boards rent at Turtle Beach Car Park area. In peak season we recommend booking a day before.

4. Kayak Through Mangroves to Hidden Beach

Another great way to get out on the water as a family is to hire or book a 2 hour kayak tour from Blind Pass Lagoon.

As you paddle along it’s a fun way to educate kids on why mangroves matter to our coastline. Spot birds like ospreys and pelicans, fish and if you’re lucky bigger locals like dolphins and manatees.

Follow your guide, or paddle yourselves (double kayaks are available) into Neville Marine Preserve Trail and keep going until you see a beach. This is our Siesta Key hidden gem: Palmer Point Park, but you can only get here by boat.

Come early in the morning and you might have it to yourselves. Later in the day boats line up so it’s more a party hangout (great for a different vacation !).

5. Dip Net Or Snorkel at Crescent Beach

Crescent Beach is located between Siesta Key’s Main and Turtle Beaches. It’s across from the Stickney Point junction towards the south bridge if you are driving down from the main village.

Many condos line the beach and Sarasota Bay here so if you happen to be staying in this part of the island, you can easily walk to this lovely beach.

Although visitor parking is very limited, try and spend a morning or afternoon here during your stay.

Walk down to Point of Rocks a little further south of Crescent Beach. Here’s where more kiddie magic lies:

• Snorkel to see coral growing, crabs, fish and all sorts of marine life.
• Bring a net and see what you can find, letting kids see things close up and then return them to the waters.
• Enjoy the sands and more shell gathering at the southern end of the beach.

Eating at Crescent Beach

There are no facilities here, so bring a picnic or head back to the car park and head to one of several restaurants nearby including Captain Curts or Daiquiri Deck.

6. Go Fishing

Kids of all ages seem to adore catching a fish. Here in Siesta Key we have a few options for getting your catch of the day.  To be honest, our grandkids favourite fishing is off the dock.

We know this isn’t always possible but if you’re staying next or near to the water, buy a cheap rod from Amazon, Walmart or Target. Pick up a bucket of shrimp from CB Outfitters at Stickney Point and just help them throw a line into the water.

If you prefer someone to do the hard work, book yourselves onto ‘The Flying Fish‘ charter that goes out twice daily from Marina Jacks in Sarasota. There is parking available at the marina near to the departure point.

They take you to near shore reefs, give you a reel, bait and then clean your catch back at the dock. It’s perfect for first time fishing expeditions.  I love that they clean your catch, so all you have to do is cook it up for your young fishing crew at home!

7. Dance at Sunday’s Drum Circle

Since the 1980s the drum circle has been a Sunday sunset event on Siesta Key beach and it’s great fun. Kids can dance to the beat of drums and everyone is welcome to be part of the circle.

Just bring yourself and be ready to dance. It lasts around an hour and we take all our visitors to our Sunday night outdoor fun event.

8. BBQ At the Beach

With little kids it might be easier to get them back to your hotel at the end of a beach day. But perhaps try a BBQ at the beach during your stay.

Here’s how to reserve a BBQ and shaded pavilion at Siesta or Turtle Beach.

Our sunsets are incredible and different every day so consider squeezing in a mid afternoon BBQ Picnic as you watch the sinking sun. If any of your kiddies or you are celebrating a birthday, this is a wonderful way to celebrate outdoors.

9. Ride Breeze Trolley For Ice Cream

Kids love new experiences and although it’s a short ride, why not load everyone onto the trolley from and head into the heart of Siesta Key for an evening ice cream treat.

You can choose from several gelato, yoghurt and ice-cream shops all located close to each other on the Boulevard:

• Olaf’s Ice Cream (our personal favourite) – topping galore with creamy Amish recipes and usually a line. Has indoor & outdoor seating.
• Kilwin’s Ice Cream Parlor – part of a well known brand, they also have an indoor seating area. Their chocolate is delicious too.
• Made in Rome Gelato – perhaps more of an adult choice but great shakes and organic based.
• Jake’s Ice Cream – in the south village, stop by for hand-crafted delicious gourmet ice cream.

10. Dolphin Tour on Sarasota Bay

Another adventure that is easy to plan when you’re in Siesta is a 2 hour dolphin cruise around Sarasota Bay. This one by Fun Boat Tours is good value and includes Donuts Treats as you set sail from Siesta Key Marina at Stickney Point on the island.

11. Buy Souvenirs at Siesta Key Farmers Market

Come here on Sunday mornings to sample freshly baked goods and pick up a memento or souvenir from your time here. Listen to music and enjoy an intimate village market experience.

You can then head to brunch at Sun Garden, Village Cafe or The Broken Egg. All have kids menus and are relaxed spots.

Kid Friendly Restaurants

The village as we locals call ‘downtown’ Siesta Key is very kid friendly when it comes to food.

Click this link for a google map showing the location of Siesta Key ice cream shops and restaurants our kids love the most.

Kids Activities Siesta Key When It Rains

It rains even in paradise!! If you find yourself here and being outdoors is not possible here’s some ideas.

If you’re happy to get in the car and drive a few miles, these activities have all got thumbs up from our grandkids.

• Take them to Jumpin Fun Inflata Park to use up that endless energy!
• The Bishop Museum in Bradenton will enthrall kids with its observatory and rehab center for manatees.
• Enjoy a circus show.  As the home of John Ringling Circus history, Sarasota has everything from high wire performances to Circus Camps for Kids to learn trapeze.

FAQs

🛏️ Where to Stay In Siesta Key

Our picks are based on location, links to transport hubs and value for money.

Siesta Key is small and we don’t have big hotels (we’re glad!). So we suggest checking out smaller more traditional resorts or renting a house for your visit.

If you would like to work with a rentals company based in Siesta Key we can’t speak highly enough of Ascendia Group, an award-winning, friendly and professional rental agency. If you need somewhere close to the beach, pet friendly, kid proofed pool area, they can help you find that private oasis.

One Mistake to Avoid

We know Siesta Key is one of the most amazing islands in the USA to come and relax by the warm Gulf waters.

With Sarasota on your doorstep, it is tempting to get off the island to check out the town, or maybe take a day trip from Siesta Key to Anna Maria Island.

Go for it!! Just don’t try and do this at peak times & weekends when hundreds of vehicles are trying to come onto and off the island.

After 11am it can take an hour to get onto the island from town, and same leaving around 4pm onwards to return. Leave early and return before 4pm or after say 6pm, it will be a lot quicker!

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Siesta Key Florida – Making It Happen!

If it’s helpful to planning your trip to here are our TPOP recommended travel planning resources. We use these ourselves again and again, otherwise we wouldn’t suggest them to you!