Posted by: Whether it's attending a sunset drum circle at the beach, catching a movie, or visiting an art museum, Sarasota has plenty of free and cheap things to do. Here are 10 family fun adventures you can enjoy in Sarasota, while on a budget.
1. Siesta Key Beach Community Drum Circle
Every Sunday, one hour before sunset, there is a Community Drum Circle at Siesta Key Beach. The event is held between lifeguard stands 3 and 4. Feel free to participate by singing, chanting, dancing, relazing or just listening. People of all ages are welcomed.
2. Palm Avenue Gallery Walks
On the first Friday of the month, on Palm Avenue, First Friday Walks takes place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy gallery openings, antiques, live performances and more. For more information, visit their website.
3. Towels Court Art Walk
If you enjoy music and art, every third Friday of the month, between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., Towles Court host an art walk with music and refreshments. The art walk takes place at 1938 adams lane, Sarasota, FL 34236. For more information, call 941-266-7318.
4. Parkway 8 Cinema
At Parkway 8 Cinema, catch some of the latest hits on a budget. Matinees tickets are $2 and evening tickets are $2.50. The theater accepts cash only. You can also enjoy some old school arcade games on your visit. The theater is located at 6300 N Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34243. For more information, call 941-351-5667.
5. Ringling Museum of Art
Enjoy special exhibition galleries at the Ringling Museum of Art for free on Mondays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also visit the museum for discounted fee of $10 Thursdays, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The museum is located at 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243. For more information, call 941-359-5700.
6. Siesta Key Beaches
Dip into the Gulf of Mexico at Crescent Beach or Turtle Beach, located on Siesta Key, an 8 mile barrier island. Siesta Key is known for its white sandy beaches, made up of 99% quartz. Crescent Beach is located at Beach Way Drive, Siesta Key, FL 34242 and Turtle Beach is located at Turtle Beach Road, Sarasota, FL 34242.
7. Children’s Fountain in Bay Front Park
Take the kids to cool off at the Children’s Fountain in Bay Front Park, on Ringling Boulevard and Bay Front Drive, for free. The summer hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the winter hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fountain is closed from Oct. 31 until April 1. For more information, call 941-365-5318.
8. Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy
The Mariettea Museum of Art and Whimsy is a non-profit organization, full of creative and fun art. The museum is reopening for its sixth season in Oct. 2015 and is closed on major holidays and over the summer. The museum is located at 2121 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234. For more information, call 941-364-3399.
9. Myakka River State Park
Visit Myakka River State Park, one of the oldest and largest state parks, where you can enjoy wildlife, treetops, lakes, hiking, bicycling, the Myakka River and more. The park is open every day of the year from 8 a.m. until sunset. Admission to the park is $6 per vehicle with 2 to 8 passengers, $4 for single occupant vehicles, and $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists. The park is located at 13208 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241. For more information, call 941-361-6511.
10. Lido Beach Pool and Pavilion
Take a dip in the 25 meter lap pool at Lido Beach Pool and Pavillion. The pool is open from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. The daily user fee is $4 for adults and $2 for children under 12. The pool is located at 400 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236. For more information, call 941-329-6181.
Find out more about free and cheap things to do in Sarasota at Visit Sarasota County.
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