United States Florida Florida Keys 6 Fun Things to Do on Siesta Key With Kids By Suzanne Rowan Kelleher Suzanne Rowan Kelleher Instagram LinkedIn Suzanne Rowan Kelleher is a nationally recognized family travel expert and an award-winning travel writer and editor. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 04/04/19 Share Pin Email Pola Damont/Getty Images If your family loves a spectacular stretch of sand and a laid-back vibe, then put Siesta Key on your go-to list of Florida vacation spots. This gem of an island is just a stone's throw from Sarasota and one of the best beach vacations in the Southeast. One of TripAdvisor's top picks for the best beaches in America, Siesta Key has become one of the most talked-about destinations of late. Put these kid-friendly attractions on the top of your to-do list. 01 of 06 Behold One of America's Best Beaches View Map Address Siesta Beach, Florida 34242, USA Get directions Web Visit website Famous for its pristine stretch of sugary white sand, Siesta Beach is the best beach in America, according to TripAdvisor, and "a place in the sun that warrants returning again and again.” We're also sold on the primary-colored lifeguard stations, which makes it easy for kids to get oriented. (948 Beach Rd.) 02 of 06 Scream for Ice Cream View Map Address 5208 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34242-3309, USA Get directions Phone +1 941-349-9392 When the going gets hot on Siesta Key, a mandatory stop is Big Olaf Creamery, where delicious ice cream is served in homemade waffle cones and root beer floats get a generous double scoop. With over three dozen delectable flavors, the hardest part is choosing. (5208 Ocean Blvd.) 03 of 06 Explore on Two Wheels Louis Fox/Getty Images View Map Address 1224 Old Stickney Point Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242-3407, USA Get directions Phone +1 941-346-0891 Web Visit website Whether you're looking for beach bikes, tandems, recumbents, trail-a-bikes, cruisers, or kids' bikes with training wheels, you'll find them at Siesta Key Bike & Kayak. This outfitter offers great service and also rents kayaks and paddleboards. (1224 Old Stickney Point Rd.) 04 of 06 Ride a Wave Josh Staiger/Flickr/Creative Commons View Map Address Crescent Beach, Siesta Key, FL 34242, USA Get directions Web Visit website A bit further south of Siesta Beach and with only one public access road, Crescent Beach offers the same azure gulf waters and picture-perfect sunsets but with a quieter, less crowded setting. The waves get bigger here so it's a favorite of surfers and bodyboarders. Continue to 5 of 6 below. 05 of 06 Spy Dolphins and More Josh Staiger/Flickr/Creative Commons View Map Address Point Of Rocks, 7132 Point of Rocks Cir, Sarasota, FL 34242-2631, USA Get directions The aptly named Point of Rocks is adjacent to yet another glorious Siesta Key beach, but the real attraction of this limestone outcropping is that it is a great place to view birds and go shallow-water snorkeling; don't be surprised if you spy dolphins and, during the summer, manatees. (South of Crescent Beach and Old Stickney Point Rd.) 06 of 06 Tour the Mangroves With a Paddle Cyndi Monaghan/Getty Images View Map Address 190 Taft Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA Get directions Phone +1 941-306-1220 Web Visit website Take a guided or self-guided tour around the island's mangroves in a kayak with Liquid Blue Outfitters. The guided tours are highly recommended, thanks to affable group leaders who are extremely knowledgeable about local wildlife and flora. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit