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These days my teenagers don’t always want to travel with me. I know, shocking, right? But once in a while, a trip comes around that they enjoy and thank me for after our visit. Recently, that was a trip to Sarasota, Florida. Here’s our list of cool things to do with teens in Sarasota.
Visit Sarasota County invited us as press. All opinions and experiences are my own.
Take a Culinary Tour
When I told my son that we were taking a culinary tour in St. Armands, he remarked later that he didn’t know there’d be food. He just thought we were there to learn about food.
We did learn about food, but we also sampled a good amount of it. During our walking food tour with Key Culinary Tours we sampled food from Shore, Blu Kouzina, and the famed Columbia Restaurant. Additionally, we tasted tested Olive Oil at The Ancient Olive, and tea and spices at The Spice & Tea Exchange. We topped it off with a popsicle treat from The Hyppo.
Both my teens really enjoyed the walking tour. They love to eat and were excited by the variety and amount of food we tried. As an added bonus, we were treated to the history of the area and John Ringling during our tour.
We’d never done a food tour before this and it’s now on our list to do one in every city.
To learn more about St. Armands, click to read the Real Circus and Things to do in Sarasota.
Ringling Museum
In particular, visit the Circus Museum portion of the Ringling Museum. These days, not many kids have gone to the circus. The Circus Museum is a visual journey on scales large and small. See the 44,000 piece miniature replica of the circus coming to town and take pictures in all the interactive elements of the museum.
See a Circus Act
After learning the history of the circus, take in a show at the Circus Arts Conservatory. The incredible acts of human strength and stretching will impress anyone, especially teenagers who spend their days watching weird videos on YouTube.
Take a Flying Trapeze Class or Camp
Want to swing from the flying trapeze? The Circus Arts Conservatory offers youth flying trapeze workshops and summer camps.
Time at the Beach
Time to sit and relax at the best beach in the US is never a bad idea! Visit Siesta Key and just chill.
Eat some more with Savor Sarasota
Teens eat. A lot. Perhaps one of the best things to do with teens in Sarasota might be dining through Savor Sarasota. Savor Sarasota is an annual event in June (and in some restaurants longer) that offers prix fixe menus at the area’s restaurants. Enjoy a two-course meal at lunch for $16 or a three-course meal at dinner, including dessert for $32.
We enjoyed mussels at Cafe Gabbiano, Lobster tacos at Siesta Key Oyster Bar, and savory dishes paired with extraordinary views at Fins at Sharky’s.
Hunt for Shark’s Teeth
Venice Beach is the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World.” The only building on the beach is Fin’s restaurant, making this a virtually undeveloped beach.
Walk Among the Trees
Trek the Canopy Walk at Myakka River State Park. While the walk isn’t long, it’s less than a mile, the height is extraordinary at 76 feet. Just check out this view.
Strike a Pose
With extraordinary views, who wouldn’t want to take some amazing pictures. But with teens, get them involved by encouraging weird and wacky poses.
Do you have favorite things to do with teens in Sarasota? I’d love to hear about them. Comment below and share!
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These are great suggestions for both locals and visitors. Thanks for sharing!