With so many activities to choose from when staying at vacation rentals in Longboat Key, make the most of family outings by checking out our not-to-be missed recommendations for fun and adventure.
More than an Aquarium
Mote Marine Laboratory offers glimpses of what goes on behind the scenes in marine research and rehabilitation. View working labs and interact with high-tech exhibits to learn about life beneath the ocean. Fascinating Narrated Training Sessions with Sharks take place Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11am where you'll see firsthand how blacknose, sandbar and nurse sharks are trained by aquarists to feed at designated targets in their 135,000 gallon habitat. Reach out to feel the velvety backs of Florida stingrays at the Ray Touch Pool or get up close to sea urchins and sea stars at Contact Cove. Pay a visit to Hugh and Buffett, resident trained manatees that participate in research to aid in monitoring the endangered wild population. Discover the meaning of survival in the wild with Hang Tough, a blind green sea turtle at the Sea Turtles Ancient Survivors exhibit. Or take to the water with interactive Eco-tours to observe dolphins, pelicans and a variety of marine life in their natural surroundings. Located at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway in Sarasota; hours are daily from 10am to 5pm. Check their website for general and package rates.
Watch Big Cats in Action
Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary 12 miles south of your longboat key vacation rental is a safe haven for endangered Siberian and Bengal tigers, African lions and much more. Animals are housed in three spacious indoor/outdoor complexes, each with its own pool surrounded by palm trees and connected to exercise habitats. Using praise and treats, cats are trained to demonstrate natural behaviors on cue to educate visitors as well as entertain. Located at 7101 Palmer Boulevard in Sarasota, tours and training demonstrations are Friday to Sunday from 12:30 to 3pm; suggested donation admission is adults $12, children $6. Reservations are required; call (941) 371-6377.
Golf and Gators
Play a game or two of mini-golf at pirate-themed Smugglers Cove, offering 18 holes of fun for the entire family. Putt your way through dimly lit caves, past waterfalls and pirate ships, and rushing water and paddle wheels. Stand on a lookout above the lagoon and dangle tempting morsels to hungry alligators below. Located in Sarasota at 3815 North Tamiami Trail; open year round from 9am to 11pm.
Kayak Adventure
Discover and explore nature like never before with an Almost Heaven Kayak Eco Tour. The most popular family excursion offered is the South Lido Mangrove Tunnels Tour, where you can sight dolphins year round, catch glimpses of mammoth sized manatees from March through December and view a vast array of tropical birds, from tri-colored herons to snowy egrets. Tours depart from South Lido Nature Park at 2201 Ben Franklin Drive in Sarasota at 10am and 2pm daily, cost is $55 adults and $40 for children under 5.
Choosing a Longboat Key rental is easy at Vamoose.com, where you can sort by amenities, price and size to find just what you need in your home-away-from-home.