Sports Activities for Kids in Sarasota: A Guide to Fun and Fitness

Sarasota, Florida, is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant arts scene, and a community that emphasizes wellness and outdoor activities. For parents raising children here, Sarasota is an ideal place to encourage sports and active play. Kids in Sarasota have a wide variety of sports activities available, from organized team sports to individual recreational programs. Whether your child is a budding athlete or just looking for a fun way to stay active, Sarasota has options for every interest and skill level. Here are some top sports activities for kids in Sarasota.

1. Soccer Leagues and Clinics

Soccer is a popular and widely accessible sport in Sarasota, suitable for kids of all ages. Youth Soccer Sarasota at N Zone Sports offers a well-structured program for boys and girls, starting from the youngest levels up to more competitive age groups. With a focus on both fun and skill-building, provides training from certified coaches and holds regular matches to give kids the thrill of competition.

• Location: Robert L Taylor
• Ages: Starting from 3 years old
• Why it’s great: Soccer promotes teamwork, coordination, and cardiovascular health, making it a great foundational sport for young athletes.

2. Youth Baseball and Softball

For kids interested in baseball or softball, Sarasota has a range of programs catering to different ages and skill levels. Sarasota Little League, Cal Ripken, and N Zone Sports Suncoast just to name a few, offer several divisions, for children of all ages. They emphasize sportsmanship, teamwork, and skill development, for a more relaxed option, many parks in Sarasota offer open batting cages and pitching areas where families can practice on their own time.

• Location: Various parks, including Bee Ridge Park and Twin Lakes Park, Robert l Taylor, Cal Ripken
• Ages: Typically 4–16 years old
• Why it’s great: Baseball and softball teach patience, hand-eye coordination, and are steeped in community tradition.

3. Swimming and Aquatics Programs

With Sarasota’s warm weather, swimming is a year-round option that keeps kids active and is a valuable life skill. The Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex offers swim classes for all ages and skill levels, from basic water safety to advanced stroke techniques. Additionally, for children interested in competitive swimming, the Sarasota YMCA Sharks Swim Team offers a comprehensive training program, complete with regular competitions.

• Location: Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex
• Ages: Classes for ages 3 and up
• Why it’s great: Swimming is a low-impact sport that enhances endurance, strength, and coordination. Plus, it’s fun for kids who love the water.

4. Tennis Clinics and Junior Leagues

Tennis is a fantastic way to improve agility, balance, and quick thinking. The Sarasota area is home to several tennis centers, including the Longwood Athletic Club and Payne Park Tennis Center, which offer beginner classes, private lessons, and junior leagues. The clinics are designed to make tennis accessible to children by focusing on skills and offering opportunities for friendly matches.

• Location: Longwood Athletic Club, Payne Park Tennis Center
• Ages: 4 and up
• Why it’s great: Tennis encourages quick reflexes, coordination, and personal discipline. It’s also a sport kids can enjoy well into adulthood.

5. Gymnastics Classes

For young children with lots of energy or an interest in acrobatics, gymnastics is an ideal choice. The Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics Center offers classes in recreational gymnastics, tumbling, and even competitive programs. With a safe, well-equipped facility and expert trainers, kids can learn cartwheels, flips, and more while gaining confidence and strength.

• Location: Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics Center
• Ages: Starting at 18 months with parent-child classes
• Why it’s great: Gymnastics builds strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination, which can be useful for other sports as well.

6. Martial Arts Training

Martial arts are a great way for kids to learn self-discipline, respect, and focus, along with self-defense skills. Sarasota has a variety of martial arts schools, including Sarasota Martial Arts and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Sarasota. Most programs teach foundational skills in a safe, supportive environment, emphasizing personal development alongside physical training.

• Location: Various locations, including Sarasota Martial Arts and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Sarasota
• Ages: 4 and up
• Why it’s great: Martial arts encourage respect, self-confidence, and physical fitness, while helping children channel energy constructively.

7. Basketball Camps and Clinics

For kids who are drawn to team sports, basketball is an engaging option that develops coordination and teamwork. The Youth Basketball Sarasota at N Zone Sports in Sarasota offers youth basketball leagues as well as seasonal camps. With programs tailored for different skill levels, from beginners to advanced players, basketball allows children to improve their skills while making friends.

• Location: Robert L Taylor 
• Ages: Typically 4–15 years old
• Why it’s great: Basketball enhances agility, coordination, and teamwork, making it a great sport for social and physical development.

8. Dance Classes

Dance is a versatile and enjoyable way for kids to stay active, especially if they love music and performing. Sarasota’s dance schools, like Dance, Etc. and Sarasota Ballet School, offer classes in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and more. Dance not only builds strength and flexibility but also helps children develop rhythm and express themselves.

• Location: Various dance studios, including Dance, Etc. and Sarasota Ballet School
• Ages: Starting at 3 years old
• Why it’s great: Dance fosters creativity, coordination, and self-confidence. Plus, it’s a fun way to stay fit!

9. Skateboarding Parks and Programs

For kids interested in something a bit unconventional, Sarasota has several skate parks, including Payne Park Skate Park, which is open to skateboarders of all levels. Kids can join skateboarding lessons or simply enjoy practicing their skills in a safe, supervised environment.

• Location: Payne Park Skate Park
• Ages: All ages, though lessons often start around 5 years old
• Why it’s great: Skateboarding builds balance, coordination, and resilience, and it’s an exciting way for kids to stay active.

Final Thoughts

Sarasota is a fantastic community for raising active, healthy kids. From traditional team sports like soccer and baseball to unique options like skateboarding and martial arts, Sarasota offers activities that cater to diverse interests and skill levels. No matter which sport your child chooses, participating in these activities will not only help them develop physical skills but also boost their confidence, teamwork, and sense of accomplishment.