If you’re looking for rainy day activities in Siesta Key, we have you covered!
June through September is considered the rainy season, and afternoon showers are not uncommon during this time. The good news is that it rarely rains all day. Even better, plenty of indoor activities in and around Siesta Key can keep you busy while you wait for the weather to clear. You may even want to try a few of these on days when you want to give your skin a break from the sun.
Culture & Nature
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium offers visitors up-close and personal looks at manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, alligators, river otters, and many more entertaining creatures. You can spend hours just wandering around enjoying the hundreds of colorful fish, cute seahorses, and other interesting displays. There’s even an area where you can pet cownose rays – they’re surprisingly friendly!
The Ringling features five attractions on the former estate of John and Mable Ringling. If you have kids, start with the Circus Museum, a colorful, energetic look at the history of the American circus. The mini circus there is not to be missed. Other attractions include an art museum, the Ringling Mansion Ca’ d’Zan, the historic Asolo theater, and the Bayfront Gardens.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature offers a one-of-a-kind planetarium experience that’s sure to take your breath away. Back down to earth, explore fascinating natural and cultural history exhibits, including a manatee rehabilitation habitat.
Sarasota Art Museum is a contemporary art museum that focuses on rotating exhibitions rather than a permanent collection. Explore diverse contemporary art and immersive experiences within its modern setting.
Fun & Games
Livingston’s Amusements is a large indoor amusement area with arcade games, go-karts, bumper cars, and billiards. They also have a restaurant with a full bar and plenty of food options.
Bowlero Gulf Gate features 40 bowling lanes, food, and an arcade. It’s just a few minutes off the Key. The Gulf Gate area is a lot of fun to explore, too, with many locally owned restaurants.
Escape rooms are all the rage these days, and there are several in Sarasota, including Mysterium Escape Rooms & VR, Escape Room Sarasota, Evasive Escape Rooms, Escapology, and Escape Reality. We recommend checking their websites or doing a quick search for themes, difficulty levels, and availability to find the perfect adventure for your group.
Jumpin Fun Inflata Park: If you have kids (or adults!) who need to burn off energy, this indoor inflatable park is a bouncy solution.
Axe and Bull is the only indoor axe throwing facility in Sarasota, and it might be just what you need to to blow off some steam and enjoy a unique challenge. It’s only open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, though.
CMX CineBistro is the closest movie theater to Siesta Key. Catch a movie (or nap, we don’t judge!) in luxurious reclining seats. There is also a full dining and bar experience.
Shopping & Dining
Siesta Key Village is doable even in the rain. You can duck in from shop to shop or bar to bar. There are plenty of overhangs to keep you dry. Take the free trolley, so you don’t have to worry about parking.
UTC District. This is possibly one of the largest shopping complexes in the U.S. It houses the Mall at University Town Center, which is completely indoors, as well as two additional outdoor shopping areas. One is adjacent to the mall, and the other is across the street. If you can’t find what you want to buy or eat here, you’ll be hard-pressed to find it elsewhere!
Local breweries Calusa Brewing and Big Top Brewing offer taprooms where you can hang out and sample their selection of craft beers.
Not a Rainy Day?
You don’t need a weather-related reason to explore Sarasota. There is plenty to do and places to visit (and eat!) on and off the Key.
So, whether the sun is shining or an afternoon shower rolls through, Sarasota and Siesta Key offer endless opportunities for fun and exploration. Dive into our vibrant culture, enjoy thrilling activities, or simply unwind with some retail therapy and great food. Your perfect day awaits, rain or shine!