on June 9, 2017

Here’s my Solution to the Summer Rant… I’m Bored Mom!

Get outside and enjoy Sarasota! Here’s a list of a few things to do that will keep your summer filled with fun! Be sure to pack water bottles or a juice box, a sandwich and snacks for the kids! I can’t tell you how many times a PB&J & juice box and a few cheerios saved the day!

Every Tuesday, Siesta Key Beach – June 13 to Aug 8 beach runs are back! 1 mile fun runs, will take place every week with the exception of July 4th… Race time is 6:30 and registration starts at 5:30. Register at the sunset beach pavilion located by the new park. This year it’s free to participate… There will be free frozen pops and ribbons. The kids will receive a free t-shirt and a 50% off certificate for kid’s sneakers at New Balance with participating in 4 races. Need more info call 861-5000.

Bayfront Park offers a kids mini-fountain water play area near the bay… What an awesome way to cool off from the summertime heat and it’s free! Stroll the park along the Bayfront, have a picnic or visit O’Leary’s for lunch… you can visit the Sweet Surrender statue, for some photo ops or just walk along the Bayfront and take in the grandeur of the many yachts in the marina!

We’ve already mentioned a visit to Siesta Key beach, the new playground & the village so next up…Lido!

Lido Beach & visit South Lido (Ted Sperling Park) for some really cute trails off the beach and plenty of areas for grilling and beach time! (there are no lifeguards there and the current it too swift to swim! Then pile up in the car for a trip to the park under the Ringling Bridge or walk the bridge for some great views…

St. Armands Circle – walk the circle and peek in all the stores, grab an ice cream or lunch. Two of my favorites are a 1905 salad and a cup of black bean soup at the Columbia, and ChaCha Coconuts for a veggie burger and sweet potatoes fries… and dessert at Ben & Jerry’s or Kilwins!

Take a ride out to Longboat Key – check out the views over the bridge near Coquina beach and look for a few of the beach accesses along the way to discover new beaches on LBK… it’s an adventure!

Visit The Celery Fields is a great place to walk, with 360 acres of wetlands, ponds and many hiking trails, including the Great Florida Birding Trail. The area boasts a rarity in Florida, a hill, with a magnificent view! There are a couple of small boardwalks for viewing wildlife. This site is a popular area for bird-watching and over 200 species of birds have been spotted. (East of Cattlemen Rd)

https://www.scgov.net/parks/Pages/CeleryFields.aspx

more about the Audubon…

http://www.sarasotaaudubon.org/

http://www.sarasotaaudubon.org/capital-campaign/the-celery-fields/

Downtown Farmers Market – Main St every Saturday! (best to go early they are open from 7am to 1pm (some vendors arrive a little later & some leave early during summer)

https://www.facebook.com/sarasotafarmersmarket/

There’s no better place to stop and cuddle a kitten! The Cat Depot allows you to socialize with the cats… it gets them ready for their forever home too or maybe you can invite one into your home! June is cat adoption month…. There’s even a kids camp, call for details…. there’s no better time to teach your children about pets & responsibility.

https://www.facebook.com/CatDepot/

Need a date night after all the kid fun? Grab a sitter! Our favorite is back…

Friday Fest at the Van Wezel! From 5pm to 9pm.
Free Concerts at the Van! Friday of every month during summer
Below are the dates… for some pretty awesome local talent! It runs rain or shine (they bring it inside if it rains)

JUNE 16 – Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones
JULY 21 – Kettle of Fish
AUG 25 – Jah Movement Reggae Band
SEPT 15 – Reverend Barry & Funktastic Soul

You may bring chairs or blankets, but no coolers. They do offer food & drinks from vendors.

https://www.facebook.com/events/313882659068399/

Ending with a bang…. For now!
July 1 – Fireworks! Nathan Benderson Park – 5pm to 9:30pm. Fun for the whole family with music, games… gates open at 4:30 don’t forget to bring a blanket or chairs.

http://nathanbendersonpark.org/events-calendar/icalrepeat.detail/2017/07/01/665/-/fireworks.html

Remember: We’ll keep posting, keep coming back for more ideas! More to do… All Summer long!