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The Ultimate 2025 Summer Bucket-List for Sarasota-Area Moms
(From splash pads to sailing, here’s everything you need to keep the kids happy—and you sane—between now and the first school bell.)
1. High-Energy Outdoor Adventures
| Activity | Why Kids Love It | Mom Pro-Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Myakka River State Park Canopy Walk & Ropes Experience | A 100-ft swinging bridge and 74-ft lookout tower turn a simple hike into a treetop quest. floridastateparks.org | Arrive right at 8 a.m. when the gates open; you’ll beat the heat and spot more wildlife. |
| TreeUmph! Adventure Course, Bradenton | Five aerial courses, zips and suspension nets for ages 7+. treeumph.com | Kids 9 and under stick to the yellow & green courses—book online to lock a start-time. |
| North Port Aquatic Center | Slides, a lazy river and Friday “swim-under-the-stars” hours until 9 p.m. all summer. northportfl.gov | Sarasota County residents get discounted rates—grab the PDF day-rate coupon on the city website. |
| Warm Mineral Springs Park, North Port | 87 °F “natural spa” lake packed with minerals (also free for locals on Aug 9). northportfl.gov | Bring a pool noodle; flotation devices aren’t rented on-site. |
2. Water Parks & Splashy Day Trips
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SunSeeker Resort Pool Day Pass, Port Charlotte – cabanas + massive lagoon pool (good “rain-plan” with its indoor food hall).
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Adventure Island, Tampa – evening “Island Nights” dance party every Friday Jun 7–Jul 26. adventureisland.com
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Sun Splash Family Waterpark, Cape Coral – newest slide Bon Voyage opened May 2025.
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Centennial Park Splash Pad, Venice – free, shaded, and right next to the Legacy Trail extension.
3. Hands-On Museums & Rain-Day Rescues
| Spot | Summer 2025 Highlight |
|---|---|
| Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium | Weekly Adventure Camps (ages 6-13, Jun 2–Aug 1). mote.org |
| The Bishop Museum of Science & Nature, Bradenton | Full-day STEM camps (grades 2-5) plus planetarium shows. bishopscience.org |
| Glazer Children’s Museum, Tampa | Camp Imagination runs Jun 10–Aug 1; first Tuesdays are always free. glazermuseum.orgglazermuseum.org |
| Sarasota Children’s Garden | Nature-themed mini-camps (ages 5-10) through June 27. sarasotachildrensgarden.com |
| Suncoast Science Center Fab Lab | Week-long STEAM maker camps with 3-D printing & robotics. suncoastscience.org |
4. Creative & Performing-Arts Camps
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Ringling College Teen Studios – 4-day intensives in drawing, animation & fashion (ages 13-18). ringling.edu
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Sarasota Art Museum “SAM Summer” – themed art labs weekly Jul 7–Aug 1. sarasotaartmuseum.org
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Venice Theatre – acting & musical-theatre camps for ages 5-17; SummerStock “boot camp” for teens. venicetheatre.org
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Circus Arts Conservatory – trapeze, juggling, aerial silk camps in air-conditioned Sailor Circus arena. circusarts.org
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Ringling Museum – Open Studio free family art-making every Wednesday, Jul 2–Aug 6. ringling.org
5. Sail & Paddle the Gulf
| Program | Ages | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Sarasota Youth Sailing Camp | 8-17 | One-week sessions on Sarasota Bay, Jun 2–Aug 1. sarasotayouthsailing.org |
| Venice Youth Boating Association | 6-18 | “Pollywogs” half-day or full-day adventure sails all summer. veniceyouthboating.com |
| Manatee River Youth Sailing, Palmetto | 6-16 | Two-week learn-to-sail camps through Aug 9. manateeriveryouthsailing.com |
| Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tours, Lido Key | Family-friendly 2-hr eco-paddle; manatee sightings common. | |
| Kids’ SUP Clinics, Englewood’s Stump Pass | Shallow, calm water ideal for first timers. |
6. Can’t-Miss Summer Events
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Summer Circus Spectacular at Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theater, Jun 26–Aug 9. ringling.org
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Ringling “Family Night” @ Art After Five – $5 admission Thursdays, June 26–July 24 with kids’ crafts. ringling.org
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Selby Gardens “Queen of the Night” Bloom Party – free evening bloom watch, June 5. selby.org
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North Port “Splash into Summer” Festival – free Aquatic Center entry next May 10 (mark 2026 calendars!). northportfl.gov
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Warm Mineral Springs Discover Day, Aug 9 – no-fee swim and nature talks. northportfl.gov
How to Use This Guide
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Save It: Bookmark or print and stick on the fridge—let the kids pick a new square to “check off” each week.
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Book Early: Camps and Friday night water-park tickets sell out fast; many spots now require online reservations.
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Pack Smart: Gulf Coast afternoons bring pop-up storms. Keep a dry bag with towels, ponchos and backup snacks in the trunk.
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Share the Fun: Post your adventures on social with #SummerOnTheSuncoast—tag @TracyJonesRealtor so I can cheer you on!
Have an idea I missed? Drop me a DM; I’m always scouting fresh, memory-making spots for local families.
Happy adventuring,
Tracy Jones – your real-estate pro & Venice mom cheerleader
