Siesta Key is packed full of activities for the family to enjoy, including many local restaurants, the quaint shops of Siesta Village and several clean, beautiful amenity-filled parks right on the island.
Beach and nature parks near Siesta Key are numerous, and the island itself is filled with green spaces and kids’ playgrounds.
Over the years, several public beaches and green areas have been transformed into idyllic family getaways, fully equipped with every facility that families need for hours of joy.
Spend some time outdoors with one of the most popular things to do in Siesta Key. Step out the door of one of our vacation condos on Siesta Key and into a world of outdoor entertainment.
Here is a guide to the best parks near Siesta Key, FL.
Siesta Beach Park
This park makes the top of the list because it’s located right on Siesta Key Beach. Here, kids can enjoy both the sand and the playground area at once.
The park has two playgrounds: a traditional slide and swing set for younger children, and a bigger park with a jungle gym and hanging rope for the older kids.
The park is complete with bathroom facilities and a picnic area and has a pavilion and lifeguard station right nearby. There is a small café that serves up snacks and cold drinks – perfect for when the kids need to quench their thirst from all the running around.
This park boasts a prime Siesta Key Beach location at 948 Beach Rd., just a stone’s throw from Siesta Village and many of our vacation rentals.
Boyd Park
Boyd Park is a Sarasota County parks and recreation gem.
This park is complete with a beautiful, palm-lined beach, a covered playground, and public facilities. This Siesta Key playground is quieter than places like Siesta Beach Park, but still close to the Village.
Only an acre big, the small park is wedged at the juncture of Midnight Pass Road and Higel Avenue on the island’s north end. Visit the park at 4300 Midnight Pass Rd.
Turtle Beach Park
As far as Siesta Key nature parks go, you can’t beat Turtle Beach. Kids playground, campground, and beach in one, Turtle Beach is one of the quietest places to spend an afternoon getting in touch with nature.
Watch dolphins, manatees, and shorebirds play, swim, and fish along the shore, while the kids play in the adjacent playground. It is located on the south end of the island, at 8862 Midnight Pass Rd. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s an adjacent campground where you can pitch a tent for a night under the stars.
Nora Patterson Bay Island Park
This bayside park is positioned conveniently at the very top of the island, right before the Siesta Drive bridge.
It’s the perfect spot to make a pitstop when driving from Sarasota to Siesta Key with plenty of parking and some of the most beautiful unblocked views you’ll find on the island.
There’s a fishing area with picnic tables where kids can let their line – and toes – tangle over the Gulf waters. If you prefer to watch than to catch, this is a great park for birding and wildlife viewing.
The park has a kids’ playground, has paved paths for running and cycling, and is leashed dog-friendly. As the name suggests, Bay Island is a water-access park – launch your kayak or paddleboard, or even go for a waterski!
The park is located at 946 Siesta Dr. and is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Glebe Park
Glebe Park is a small sports park with a soccer field, basketball court, and concession stand halfway up the island.
It is clean and well-maintained, but provides little shade. Be sure to bring hats, sunscreen, and even an umbrella to stay cool and protect your skin from the sun.
Glebe Park is located at 100 Glebe Ln., in the heart of Siesta Key.
We have a variety of monthly rentals on Siesta Key – perfect for multigenerational families with kids of all ages.