Planning a family vacation to Florida’s Gulf Coast? Siesta Key is a perfect destination for parents traveling with kids, offering a laid-back island vibe paired with endless opportunities for fun and adventure. Known for its powdery white sand and calm turquoise waters, this beach town is more than just a place to relax—it’s packed with family-friendly attractions that will keep little ones smiling from sunrise to sunset. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures or interactive nature experiences, this guide covers the top things to do in Siesta Key with kids for a vacation they (and you) won’t forget.
Siesta Key offers three primary beaches in the area: Siesta Beach, Crescent Beach, and Turtle Beach. Both Siesta Beach and Turtle Beach are known for their family-friendly atmosphere, offering calm and shallow waters ideal for families with children. Siesta Beach has lifeguards on duty seven days a week, two concession areas, restrooms, and an outdoor shower. There are plenty of parking spaces available in the large parking lot, but we suggest getting there early to secure a spot.
Turtle Beach, named after its sea turtle nesting habitat, is another great family-friendly beach in Siesta Key. Located on the southernmost end of Siesta Key, Turtle Beach experiences fewer crowds than Siesta Beach and Crescent Beach and offers many of the same great amenities as the other beaches. Beachgoers will enjoy the pedestrian walkways, children’s playground, pavilion, picnic tables, restrooms, and plenty of free parking. While there are no concession stands on Turtle Beach, there are two restaurants right across from the entrance of the beach if you need a little pick-me-up during your beach day!
One of the best ways to experience Siesta Key is by getting out on the water. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, manatees, and other wildlife while kayaking through the mangrove tunnels. Paddleboarding is a great option for older kids or teenagers as it offers a fun, lowkey experience out on the water. You can also take a guided eco-tour with local Siesta Key tour eco-tour companies who can help you navigate the waters and teach you about Siesta Key’s diverse ecosystem.
If you’re looking for the perfect group outing, we highly recommend booking a fishing charter for the whole family. While most fishing charters in the area offer inshore and offshore fishing, choosing an inshore charter is ideal for beginners. Some charters even cater specifically to kids, offering shorter trips and fun coaching. Catch snapper, sea trout, or even small sharks!
While Siesta Key provides plenty of entertainment for the kids, neighboring Sarasota is just a short drive away. Plan an outing in Sarasota and include these family-friendly activities in your itinerary:
A Sarasota attraction since 1939, the Sarasota Jungle Gardens is home to more than 200 native and exotic animals, all within 10 acres of a lush tropical landscape. As you wind through the jungle trails, you’ll get a chance to see lemurs, coatimundi, crocodiles, and more through various exhibits. There are also free-roaming flamingos! There’s so much to do at Sarasota Jungle Gardens, the kids won’t ever get bored.
Dive into the underwater world with a visit to the Mote Aquarium in Sarasota. Located on City Island, Sarasota, visitors will explore and learn about marine life through four different exhibits. The Shark Zone exhibits gives kids the opportunity to come face to face with sharks of all sizes, while the Florida Watershed Wildlife exhibit gives museumgoers an opportunity to see Florida’s native wildlife like river otters and manatees up close.
On Monday, Wednesday and Friday join Mote Aquarium for Narrated Shark Training Sessions at 10:30 a.m. where trainers will feed the sharks in their 135,000 gallon tanks. You’ll learn about how the sharks are trained and nourished.
Our Siesta Key vacation rentals offer world-class amenities so that you don’t have to go far to experience the best of Siesta Key! Reserve a stay at one of our Siesta Key rentals with a private or shared pool for days when you want to take a break from the beach or choose a beachfront property to eliminate the hassle of getting to and from the beach with littles.
