Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Art Center Sarasota
GALLERY
941-365-2032;
www.artsarasota.org
; 707 N Tamiami Trail; donation $3;
10am-4pm Tue-Sat)
This community-oriented nonprofit gallery has four exhibition spaces that mix local and
out-of-town artists. In winter,
family days
(per family $5) let kids get creative.
KIDS CIRCUS
The only actual circus in Sarasota is performed by kids, and it's worth planning a trip
ets $10-16; late Dec, Mar & Apr; ), founded in 1949, is truly unique: it's an extracurricular
activity for Sarasota County students, who gear up for two big shows a year: during the
December holidays, and for 10 days in late March and April. They call it 'The Greatest
Little Show on Earth,' but don't be fooled: there is nothing little about this show, which in-
cludes high wire and trapeze, hand balancing and unicycles, and innumerable mid-air bal-
lets while dangling from tissues, rings and bars.
If you miss the show, consider arranging a tour; customized individually, they include
the big tent, costume shop, museum and - hopefully - attending practice. Please bring
your own kids; just know they will nurture, forever after, dreams of running away to the
circus.
Tours
Sarasota Bay Explorers
BOAT TOUR
( 941-388-4200;
www.sarasotabayexplorers.com
; 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Mote Marine Laborat-
ory)
Under the supervision of marine biologists, boat cruises trawl a net and then examine the
sponges, sea horses and various fish you catch. The marine safari (adult/child $45/40)
heads out to Lido Key and nearby sandbars where participants get out into the grass flats
to commune with crabs, sea horses and sea stars under the guidance of a marine biologist.
It also offers guided kayak tours (adult/child $55/45). To get to Mote Marine Laboratory,
