SARASOTA, Fla. – Families looking for quality time together need not submit to long lines and steep prices at the theme parks this year. Sarasota has enough to offer each and every member of the family, from story-loving tots to older siblings (or grandparents) wanting to test the limits of their abilities and courage.

Little ones will thrill to the enchanted playground offered by the Children's garden and Art Center, where they can wander through a secret garden, navigate a maze, play dress up or step onto a pirate ship, among other things.

Explore the secrets of the sea at the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. Reach out to new friends at the touch pools, watch scientists at work in the labs and check out high-tech interactive exhibits that showcase world-renowned research going on at the Mote Marine Laboratory. Animals include sharks, sea turtles, manatees and more.

Animal lovers of all ages have more than enough to satisfy their passion for things furry, feathered and finned. Sarasota's Jungle Gardens features 10 acres of lush tropical vegetation, winding jungle trails and entertaining, educational bird and reptile shows throughout the day.  Lions, tigers, bears and other endangered species are found at the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. Founded in 1987 by former circus performer Kay Rosaire, the habitat contains three complexes that provide food and comfort to the animals sheltered there. The habitat is a treasure trove of education about the species living there and the efforts to protect them from endangerment. And kids of all ages will thrill to the sight of Kay's son Clayton putting his head inside a tiger's mouth as well as other informative but daring demonstrations.

Everyone loves a circus, and Sarasota is full of three-ring fun. Check out the miniature circus at the Ringling Circus Museum. Attend the real thing under the big top at the European-style Circus Sarasota or the youth-only Sailor Circus. Or kids can fly through the air with the greatest of ease at Tito Gaona's Flying Trapeze Academy and Flying Fantasy Circus in Venice.

Families can spend the day learning where the milk comes from at Dakin Dairy Farms in Myakka City. Take a tour of a working dairy farm, get lost in a corn maze, squeal with pigs, count eggs in the henhouse and giggle with the kids in a hay tunnel.  Then spend the evening checking out the shops and ice cream shops on St. Armands Circle, and play putt-putt at Smuggler Cove Adventure Golf.

Summer vacationers will find Siesta Key irresistible for family fun. Rent a beach house at pet-friendly Banana Bay Club or the luxurious Hyatt Residence Club. Visitors and residents alike stop in at the Crescent Beach Grocer for the very best in deli meats, cheeses, platters and sandwiches. Explore the key on a Segway, bike or scooter from Robin Hood Rentals.

Families who prefer to stay outdoors will find the camping at Myakka River State Park simply sensational for the senses. Explore the park by trail or kayak, or from the treetops across the Canopy Walkway. Join the Myakka Wildlife Tours for up-close-and-personal encounters. The fishing is great, too.

For more information on discovering Sarasota and Her Islands, call the VISIT SARASOTA COUNTY at 800-522-9799 or visit www.visitsarasota.org, as well as www.discovernaturalsarasota.com .

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Contact:

LYNN HOBECK BATES

VISIT SARASOTA COUNTY

941.955.0991 ext. 103

LHOBECK@visitsarasota.org