Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

• Observe a marine environment.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Provide a hands-on experience for your child at the Mommy and Me Program at the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium (mote.org) in Sarasota. Schedule a one-hour hands-on activity to share with children aged 2 to 5 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and some Friday and Saturdays at 10 a.m. If your child is 8 or older, she can learn about the marine environment through observation,exploration and research in Behind the Science programs. Additional programs, including summer programs, are also available during the year. Prices vary depending on length and type of program.
  
  

Big Cat Sanctuary

• Visit the Big Cat Sancturary in FloridaJupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Meet lions, tigers and bears, along with a liger, primates, birds and other animals at the Big Cat Sanctuary (bigcathabitat.org). Visit the Sanctuary on Wednesday and Thursday for an animal tour or on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for an educational demo. The petting zoo is open Wednesday through Sunday. Before you go, check the monthly calendar for updates and visiting hours.
  
  

G.Wiz Science Museum

• Located on the bay front in downtown Sarasota, the G.Wiz Science Museum (gwiz.org) provides educational fun through science and technology. The permanent exhibits include the renewable energy exhibits, the Race Track, the Deborah Ann Naiditch Tot Zone, Mindball, Critter Habitat, Illusion Room and special limited exhibits. It's open every day except holidays, and prices are from $7 to $10, with children under 3 free.
  
  

Sarasota Children's Garden

• Provide your child with outdoor activities at the Sarasota Children's Garden (sarasotachildrensgarden.com), a two-acre interactive garden complete with a tunnel, tree fort, maze and fairy garden. Story time is on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Monthly programs also offer your child the opportunity to participate in bug hunts and nature crafts. The Sarasota Children's Garden is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fees range from $5 to $10 depending on age. Check the montly calendar for special programs, including summer-camp opportunities.
  
  

Ringling Museum of Art

• Saturdays are family days at the Ringling Museum of Art (ringling.org), which provides hands-on art activities for children ages 4 and up. Pick up monthly guides at the Visitor's Center or daily guides available at some galleries. Your children can also explore the perpetual garden from January to April or have fun in the Circus Museum from May to September. Or explore the acres of grounds and use one of the family guides to aid with your visit: