School’s out, the sunscreen is on and summer is in full swing. But if your kids are already starting to utter the dreaded phrase “I’m bored,” don’t panic. That early-summer thrill might be wearing off, but there’s still plenty of time to make the most of the sunny days ahead. Whether you’re looking to spark their imagination, help them burn off some energy, or just try something totally new, these cool and creative kid-friendly activities are here to save the season. Let the summer adventures begin. —K.Wight
Arts A Blaze Studio
Located in Lakewood Ranch, Arts A Blaze is a paint-your-own pottery studio catering to crafters of all ages and abilities. Owner Joann Kavanaugh changes selections with the seasons, so in the summer, kids can choose from pottery designs like surfboards, sharks, mermaids and more. Just bring the kids in, let them choose their pottery and paint, and leave it at the studio to be fired, then come back to pick it up when it’s done (typically within a week). “We just kicked off our Kids Club Membership, which is a yearlong program you can sign up for on our website that saves you 25% or more off the shelf price,” Kavanaugh says. On Wednesday nights during the summers, Kavanaugh also holds kid-friendly movie nights with themed pottery that ties into the film. 8111 Lakewood Main Street #107, Bradenton, 941-306-5840, artsablazestudio.com
Robinson Preserve Canopy Zone
Robinson Preserve in Bradenton has long been a great place to kayak, hike and enjoy scenic views. In 2018, the preserve added an additional 150 acres and in that space built a classroom/event space called the Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science and Technology (NEST) and youth outdoor and play area called the Canopy Zone. The Canopy Zone is a two-story structure with an array of adventure park elements, including boardwalks, climbing nets, rope bridges and slides. Though there’s plenty of room for kids to run around and play, it is self-contained. While much of the Canopy Zone is all ages, some areas are better suited for kids aged 5 and up. The sturdy structure is also more than able to accommodate adults who may want to supervise younger children. 840 99th Street Northwest, Bradenton
Children’s Rainforest Garden at Selby
Built around Selby’s iconic banyan grove, the rainforest garden offers ample shade and you can often feel the breeze coming off of nearby Sarasota Bay. Even on a hot summer day, kids can stay cool under the shade of the banyans as they explore pathways and huts that simulate the rainforest experience. They can also enjoy the sound of rushing water and the refreshing mist that comes off of the twelve-foot waterfall feature. There are interactive and educational activities throughout the rainforest garden, including the popular and dynamic collection of carnivorous plants. On Saturdays in July, Selby also offers a program in the Rainforest Garden called Bubbles Under the Banyans—visit their website or social media pages for more information. 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota, 941-366-5731, selby.org.
Sarasota Children’s Garden
The Children’s Garden is an utterly unique experience. Founder Joan Marie Condon’s sons, Ray and Roy Fulk, built a series of one-of-a-kind features. There are the oversized sculptures–an octopus named Isabel and a giant green dragon called Snuffy—and a massive pirate ship play area. Kids can dress up, put on puppet shows and plays, make mud pies in Hobbitsville and so much more. Condon’s daughter Robin Fulk now teaches garden classes to kids and holds summer camps and other events geared toward kids. But it’s not just the kids who end up having a blast. “It’s fun here because adults can act like kids,” Robin says. “I hear the dads come in and ask, ‘Oh, what’s this all about?’ and by the end of the day I hear them being the Big Bad Wolf.” 1670 10th Way, Sarasota, 941-330-1711, sarasotachildrensgarden.com.
