Updated: Feb 19
There are a variety of fantastic options for kids on Siesta Key and in the surrounding Sarasota area. If you are visiting the key and want to stay close, the three best playgrounds are at Siesta Key Beach, Turtle Beach and Glebe Park. You can also learn the best ways to get to Siesta Keys in our blog!
1. Siesta Key Beach Playground 948 Beach Rd, Siesta Key, FL 34242 Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
This playground has it all! The sandcastle-themed playscape is Instagram ready and set in a perfect location on Siesta Beach. Join the families who spend hours hopping back and forth from the water to the playground and back again.
Made from recycled materials, this newer playscape has sections to accommodate multiple age ranges. One side is for younger children ages 2-5 years old, featuring swings, slides and climbing sections. The larger sandcastle structure is designed for children ages 5-12 years old, boasting taller slides, jungle gym and hanging rope. Your kids will love exploring all the panels, trying the various slides and climbers.
There is plenty of shaded areas for those hot sunny days and places for parents to sit. Covered picnic tables and charcoal grills surround the playground. And you are just steps from beach amenities including clean bathrooms, showers and a small café with snacks and drinks.
The Free Trolley stops at Siesta Beach and can make your visit stress-free. Ample parking is available however it still can fill up by 9:30 a.m. in season on the weekends and holidays.
Amenities:
Playground
Picnicking
Grills
Restroom
Rinse station
Shelter / Pavilion
Cafe
Beach access
Swimming
Birding
Parking
Trolley stop
2. Turtle Beach Playground 8918 Midnight Pass Road Sarasota, FL 34242 Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. This pirate-themed playground is well maintained with a recycled structure and swing set. Recycled playgrounds are perfect for coastal areas because they're resistant to corrosion. The covered structure stays cool to the touch and features elements with pirate themes including a porthole panel, treasure chest panel, pirate flag mast, ships bow, and more. There are fun slides, climbers, and interactive play panels. Next to the play area is a 2-bay tripod swing set with bucket seats and belt seats, so children of all ages can swing!
Turtle Beach is a scenic spot tucked away from the bustle of the village. It’s aptly named as a it’s a popular nesting site for sea turtles. You can spot the many blocked off areas marked with pink tape and wooden stakes. Both loggerhead and green turtles nest and hatch on this beach between May 1 and October 31. In addition, land tortoises are often hanging around the beach and playground area. These are a fun sight for kids. Land Tortoises should not go in the water and while we should give them space, they love to eat hibiscus flowers. What a thrill to deliver this delicacy!
Home to an expansive mangrove lagoon this site offers fishing, boating, canoeing, and kayaking. Stop by the dock to look for manatee who are often seen in the brackish water. When the weather is colder, they seek the warmth and protection of the lagoon. I’ve seen large groups with mothers and babies visible.
The beautiful beach has a natural appeal and is a great place to see dolphins. The beach is also a popular fishing spot. When the fishermen have a good day, you see more bird and dolphin activity. It’s a short walk from the parking lot to the beach. With a little coarser sand and slightly steeper water line this is a great beach for shelling. I’ve even found a perfectly preserved sea horse!
Across the street you’ll find two excellent restaurants. Turtle Beach Grill has an island feel with dog-friendly outdoor tiki seating and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Serving casual pub food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Turtles restaurant has a full menu lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch with waterfront seating. Both have good happy hour prices and can make for a nice cool down after your playground visit.
The Free Trolley which stops directly at Turtle beach and can be an easy option for any family visit. Parking is available however please be aware during high season it fills up by 9:30 a.m. on the weekends and holidays.
Amenities:
Playground
Picnicking
Grills
Restroom
Rinse station
Shelter / Pavilion
Beach access
Swimming
Tortoise watching
Turtle nesting
Manatee viewing
Dolphin spotting
Birding
Boat Ramp
Canoe/Kayak launch and rental
Stand Up Paddle board
Fishing
Camping
Restaurants across the street
Parking
Trolley stop
3. Glebe Park 1000 Glebe Lane, Siesta Key, FL, 34242 Park hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Glebe Park is a great neighborhood park offering a small playground with slides and swings. A large, covered picnic area suitable for a group gathering. Recreational sports including basketball courts, soccer, and baseball fields. Check out the surrounding trail for a hike, walk or run. Easy access with close parking and clean bathrooms available. This is a great option when you want to skip the sand.
Small parking lot however as this is off the beaten path it should be easy to get a spot.
Amenities:
Playground
Baseball field
Soccer / Multi-purpose field
Basketball
Picnicking
Shelter / Pavilion
Restroom
Trails
Dog-Friendly (leash required)
Parking
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