No longer just a magnet for retirees, the Sarasota region now attracts young families with its cultural offerings.

If you’re not too familiar with Florida (outside of the cluster of mega-theme parks), maybe Sarasota only faintly rings a bell. Perhaps the name “Venice” reminds you more of gondolas than beaches. But if you are familiar with this area of Florida’s Gulf Coast, you may have already been inspired by its warm community spirit and cool ocean breezes. Yes, the area is popular for retirees, but it seems that most of the population does anything but sit still.

Enthusiastic volunteerism drives everything from museums to theaters to every other kind of arts and culture organization under the Florida sun. And with an older demographic inevitably comes a younger one—visiting children and grandchildren, ready to take advantage of what Sarasota and Venice have to offer. Families flying or driving in for the weekend will find plenty to do, with or without Gram and Grandpa, at this ideal destination for multi-generational mingling.

Venice’s Sunny, Small Town Charm

The front page of the January 2006 issue of the Venice Gondelier Sun featured headlines like “Wharf Extension to Go to Hearing” and “American Legion Move Delayed: Builder Blamed.” Like Sarasota, its larger neighbor directly to the North, and like the rest of the state of Florida, Venice has encountered a wave of potentially explosive growth in recent years. This charming little town, however, has tempered its development to preserve breezy, walkable residential streets lined with palm trees.

Families visiting Venice will want to drive or stroll to The Soda Fountain (941/412-9860) for some good, old-fashioned nostalgia. As you gaze at the Americana plastering the wall above your booth, you can order burgers, hot dogs, wraps, and a variety of phosphates, all in liberal portions. Be sure to save room for dessert as well—ice cream dishes vary in size as massively as “Howard Huge’s Spruce Goose,” a 21-scoop sundae large enough for an entire family reunion! (Don’t worry; you can also just get a cone.)

But of course, eating isn’t the only thing to do in Venice. If you want to see the area’s golden volunteerism at work and take in a quality play or musical, pay a visit to the Venice Little Theatre (941/488-1115). VLT is the fifth largest community theater in the United States, and the largest per capita. The theatre’s over 600 volunteers contribute to several shows a year on both its MainStage and smaller, edgier Stage II. From Beauty and the Beast to Little Women to Tom Sawyer, there are plenty of shows with multigenerational appeal. To see what’s onstage lately, check out the website.

Running Off with the Circus

Venice, in addition to being a cute little town, is a gateway into Southern Florida’s fascinating circus history. This area was once the summer home of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Baily Circus during its heyday in the early to mid-twentieth century. The dramatically renovated Venice Railroad and Depot, staffed, of course, by enthusiastic and informative volunteers, still stands today, and visitors can imagine all manner of human and animal performers pulling into their destination. PETA sympathizers may want to stay away, but this is just the tip of the iceberg for celebrating circus history in Venice and Sarasota.

Before leaving Venice, be sure to make an appointment at Tito Gaona’s Flying Trapeze Academy ( 941/412-9305), operated with passion by a true legend. Tito “flew” in the circus for 17 years, and older generations may have seen him perform on the Ed Sullivan Show.

When I visited, Tito’s daughter Victoria was already swinging happily on the high trapeze at the ripe old age of 2, throwing her hands up and simply shouting “more” as soon as she landed! Seeing the enthusiasm of young ones like Victoria may help you get over your fear of heights once and for all, as you climb up a tall ladder, prepare on the platform, swing on the trapeze bar, and free fall into a giant net (the scariest part, by far!) You’re safe in a harness the entire time, but what a thrill for both kids ($25/class) and adults ($35/class).

Head North from Venice to Sarasota, and you’ll continue to see why it’s easy to catch circus fever around here. Howard C. Tibbals clearly caught that fever as a young boy, and the newly-opened Tibbals Learning Center displays the product of his lifelong fascination—the largest miniature model circus in the world, built at a meticulous three-fourths inch to one foot scale. Kids will enjoy circling the large exhibit, following the circus train, peering into the mess tents and big top, and spotting real historical figures. Artifacts and displays from contemporary circus troupes like Ringling and Cirque du Soleil round out the Learning Center experience.

On the same grounds are the historical Circus Museum, the Cà d’Zan (John and Mabel Ringlings’ gorgeous, Venetian-style home; maybe not the best choice for “hands on” little ones), and the pleasantly surprising Ringling Museum of Art. Upon walking into a front room with massive Reubens on every wall, visitors quickly learn that John Ringling cherished and collected Old European art, purchasing and shipping it continuously home with his circus fortune.

The result today is an artistic treasury generously left to the state of Florida. Special Sunday activities and a children’s activity sheet available every day make the museum more engaging for the kids. Tram service is available between the Museum of Art, Cà d’Zan, Circus Museum, and Tibbals Learning Center. Food is available on site, and you could easily spend the better part of a day here with sufficiently patient children. You can find more information on any and all attractions on the Ringling Estate website or by calling 941/359-5700.

A Gator’s Eye View of Natural Sarasota

If outdoor activities are more your family’s speed, make sure you check out Myakka River State Park ( 941/361-6511), one of Florida’s largest and most diverse natural areas. Thirty-nine miles of loop trails are available to hikers, a canopy walkway offers a birds’ vantage point of the treetops, and bike rentals are available. Perhaps most thrilling is navigating the Myakka River in a canoe or kayak—you’ll see gators swim by, but they’re more afraid of you than you are of them! Outfitters and guides are available in the area.

If you’d rather see animals in tanks than in the water next to you, Mote Marine Aquarium and Marine Laboratory ( 941/388-4441) is the way to go. Actually, the largest marine animals aren’t just on display to make money—these creatures are in rehabilitation from injury or are being protected from problems living in the wild. Albino sea turtle Edgar, for example, couldn’t survive in the open ocean with her lack of pigmentation (and yes, Edgar is a girl!). Manatees Hugh and Buffett have motor boat scars, so sadly typical for their species, but they now look pretty happy in their huge tank. The more standard aquarium building houses smaller fish.

Kids will appreciate touching small rays and watching incandescent jellyfish and tiny seahorses. “Mote Notes” information sheets, scattered around the attraction and covering a variety of species, will provide plenty of factual fuel for young minds.

Celebrations for All Ages

Other educational, family-oriented attractions around Sarasota include Jungle Gardens (941/355-5305), Selby Botanical Gardens ( 941/366-5731), and G Wiz Hands-On Science Museum ( 941/309-GWIZ).

In the midst of all this kid-friendliness, even independence-seeking teens and social young adults will find a niche—a Whole Foods recently opened downtown for trendy organic grocery shopping, a January “Arts Night” features an open bar and bass-booming fashion show, and the Weekly Planet is Sarasota’s somewhat thinner but event-packed answer to the Village Voice.

Don’t be mislead ever again by the words “retirement community”—all ages can thrive in Sarasota and Venice, and the beach is just the beginning. The secret’s out, Gram and Grandpa.

Details, Details

Wondering where to stay? Sarasota’s Colony Beach and Tennis Resort ( 800/282-1138) is an FTF favorite, known for its personalized service, loyal staff, and amazing tennis. In 2006, it was honored as one of Child magazine's "Top 10 Family Resorts in the US." Plenty of kids’ activities are available through Kinder Kamp (ages 3-6) and Kidding Around (ages 7-12).

Longboat Key Club ( 941/383-8821) is another upscale property with a great beach, and down in Venice, the Inn at the Beach ( 941/484-8471) provides comfy rooms and ocean access.

For more information about lodging and attractions in Sarasota and Venice, visit The Sarasota Convention and Visitor’s Bureau or call 800/800-3906. Here you can also find information on cultural events like shows at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall ( 941/953-3368). Use their office at 655 North Tamiami Trail in Sarasota to jumpstart your stay and start meeting some of those enthusiastic volunteers!