Family friendly events to enjoy this Spring Break!

It’s Spring Break week for Manatee and Sarasota County public schools! The forecast is looking warm and sunny, so the weather should be just perfect for going to the beach or attending a local event. We’ve rounded up some fun, family friendly events to help keep everyone entertained while on break.

March 23 – 25:  It’s the 32nd Annual Heintz & Becker De Soto Seafood Fest with yummy seafood treats to enjoy and a full slate of live music. Free admission. The Seafood Fest will be held Friday, March 23, 5 pm – 10 pm., Saturday, March 24, 11 am. – 10 pm, Sunday, March 25, noon – 6 pm. Sutton & Lamb Park, 1050 6th Street W, Palmetto.

March 24 – 25: It’s the last weekend of the 82nd Annual Sarasota County Fair at the Sarasota County Fairgrounds. There are exhibits, Midway rides and fair food! The Fairgrounds are located at 3000 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota. For more information click here.

March 24: Imagination Day at Westfield Sarasota Square. Free admission 10 am – 3 pm. Come out and spark your little one’s creativity! Activities include: Science Labs with Mad Science, Rock Painting, Dancing, Ocean Exhibit from Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Reach-In Learning Animal Burrow from Around the Bend Nature Tours, Raffles and Games.

March 24: Archaeology Day at Gamble Plantation. Free admission 10 am – 3 pm. Come learn about local history and archaeology! There will be an exhibit of artifacts recovered from the site, an Artifact ID Booth with experts available to identify materials you have found, demonstrations on archaeological techniques, activities for children and more! 3708 Patten Avenue, Ellenton.

March 26 – 31: Spring Break at Jumpin Fun Sports Trampoline Park. Get a special deal of 2 hours for only $15.95! Click here to claim this special deal. Spring Break Hours: Monday – Thurs. 11:00 am – 8:00 pm. Friday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm. Sat 10:00 am – 10:00 pm. 7321 Trade Court, Sarasota.

March 27: Visit The Children’s Garden for Art Rocks! Do a cool art project to take home in the Painted Bird Art Gallery. 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Price of admission (0-2 years: Free, 3-12 years: $5 plus tax, Teens-Adults: $10 plus tax, 60+ Seniors: $9 plus tax). 1670 10th Way, Sarasota.

March 28: Kid’s fishing Clinic at Jiggs Landing. 8:30 am – 11:30 am. Spring Break is the perfect time to get out of doors and on the water. Learn more about the fish that inhabit the waters of our preserves, explore what it takes to become an ethical angler, practice your casting and knot tying skills, and pick up a few tips that will help you become a master angler! Bring your family out to enjoy a wonderful day and take the skills you learn with you as you go out fishing in the waters of Jiggs Landing and take home your very own fishing rod! Rods, reels and tackle sponsored by Fish Florida. $5.00 material fee. Reservations are required. Please email aedan.stockdale@mymanatee.org or call 941-742-5923 ext. 6039. 6106 63rd Street E, Bradenton. FL.

March 29: Spring Break Kid’s Crafternoon. From 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the Palmetto Library. Fun filled afternoon of crafting with free admission. 923 6th Street W, Palmetto.

March 29 – April 3: Columbus Ships to Land in Venice, Florida! Replicas of the ‘Pinta’ and the ‘Nina’ will be docked at Fisherman’s Wharf Marina in Venice. While in port, the general public is invited to visit the ships for a walk-aboard, self-guided tour. Admission charges are $8.50 for adults, $7.50 for seniors, and $6.50 for students 5 – 16. Children 4 and under are Free. The ships are open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information visit thenina.com. 509 North Tamiami Trail, Venice.

March 29: Art After 5 at The Ringling Museum. Stop by for free art-making and special family activities from 5 pm – 7:00 pm. Art-making activities free with the option for discounted admission to the museum. Visit Ringling’s website for more information. 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota.

March 30: Jungle Trails and Bunny Tails. Easter eggs and more Easter eggs – 45,000 of them – are awaiting the Easter Bunny’s friends at Sarasota Jungle Gardens. This year’s event features continuous Egg Hunts from 10 am. until 3 pm. Guests should bring their own baskets. There will be live interactions with bunny rabbits, a petting zoo, the famous Bird, Reptile and Wildlife Wonder Shows and many other fun, family friendly events. Kids get 50% off admission! Admission is free for children three and under; $6.50 for children 4-16; $17.99 for adults and $16.99` for senior adults before taxes. For more information call (941)355-5305 or visit Sarasota Jungle Garden’s website. 3701 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota.

March 30: Annual Hernando De Soto Children’s Parade! The 2018 theme is “Creatures under the Sea” and will feature floats, schools, families, kids and other organizations decked out as Creatures under the Sea. The parade starts at 10 a.m. at the fairgrounds and ends at Sutton Park, Palmetto, FL. More info De Soto Historical Society’s website.

March 31: 22nd Annual Big Truck Day and EGGstravaganza Egg Hunt! Nathan Benderson Park from 10 am – 1 pm. This fun annual event will feature all kinds of trucks; firetrucks, dump trucks and more for kids to climb explore. There will also be 2 Easter egg hunts at 11 am. and 12:30 pm, so bring a bag or basket. Food and concessions available. Free admission. Call 941-861-5000 for more information or click here. 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota.

March 31: Blue + You Free Movie Night featuring The Emoji Movie! Join your friends, neighbors and community for this free event and bring your lawn blankets and chairs. Complimentary drinks & snacks will be provided. Opens at 7 p.m., movie starts at 8 p.m. West end lawn of the Sarasota Police Department, 2099 Adams Lane, Sarasota.