# Sarasota Littles: things to do with little kids in Sarasota–Bradenton, FL this weekend

> Halloween lands on Saturday this year. The Ringling holds a free Halloween Family Night from 4 to 7, and Village of the Arts in Bradenton does trick-or-treating after dark. Manatee County libraries fill Friday morning with baby storytime and play groups. This week has 8 outings, 7 of them free and 5 indoors.

- Week: Oct 26 – Nov 1, 2026
- Last checked: 2026-10-30
- 8 outings at 8 places; 7 free; 5 indoor. For kids ages 0–6.
- Canonical page: https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/
- This week (Markdown): https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/index.md
- City guide (Markdown): https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/guide/index.md
- Visiting guide (Markdown): https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/visiting/index.md
- Events data (JSON): https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/events.json
- RSS feed: https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/feed.xml

## Top picks this week

- **Halloween Family Night at The Ringling** (Sat, Oct 31 · 4–7pm) at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243. Cost: Free. Ages 0+. Come in costume through the Museum of Art gates for trick-or-treating on the Loggia, a lantern labyrinth in the courtyard and art-making. No registration needed. Bring a canned good for the food bank if you can. Source: https://www.ringling.org/event/halloween-at-the-ringling-2/ Event page (share this link): https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/events/halloween-family-night-at-the-ringling/
- **Trick-or-Treat in the Village** (Sat, Oct 31 · 6–8pm) at Village of the Arts, 1312 11th St W, Bradenton, FL 34209. Cost: Free. Ages 0+. Artists and shops in Bradenton’s Village of the Arts hand out treats along the neighborhood’s small streets. Source: https://www.bradentongulfislands.com/event/trick-or-treat-in-the-village/ Event page (share this link): https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/events/trick-or-treat-in-the-village-arts/
- **Baby Storytime (Palmetto)** (Fri, Oct 30 · 10–11am) at Palmetto Branch Library, 923 6th Street West, Palmetto, FL 34221. Cost: Free. Ages 0–2. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. Songs, rhymes and short stories for babies and their grown-ups. Source: https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/17096911 Event page (share this link): https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/events/baby-storytime-palmetto-branch-library/

## A Saturday that works (Saturday, Oct 31)

1. **Morning**: Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. 10am–5pm. Cost: Adults $25; ages 5–17 $16; ages 0–4 free with a paying adult. https://bishopscience.org/
2. **After nap**: Halloween Family Night at The Ringling, The Ringling. 4–7pm. Cost: Free. https://www.ringling.org/event/halloween-at-the-ringling-2/

Plan for a nap break in the middle. Times come from each event’s page or the place’s own site, so check before you head out.

## By day

- **Friday, Oct 30**: Baby Storytime (Palmetto) (free); Wiggles, Giggles and Tales (Little Discovery Center) (free); 40 Carrots Partners in Play (Island Branch) (free); 40 Carrots Partners in Play (Braden River) (free); 40 Carrots Partners in Play (Lakewood Ranch) (free); Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
- **Saturday, Oct 31**: Halloween Family Night at The Ringling (free); Trick-or-Treat in the Village (free); Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
- **Sunday, Nov 1**: Bishop Museum of Science and Nature

## All outings this week

- **Baby Storytime (Palmetto)** (Fri, Oct 30 · 10–11am) at Palmetto Branch Library, 923 6th Street West, Palmetto, FL 34221. Cost: Free. Ages 0–2. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. Songs, rhymes and short stories for babies and their grown-ups. Source: https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/17096911 Event page (share this link): https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/events/baby-storytime-palmetto-branch-library/
- **Wiggles, Giggles and Tales (Little Discovery Center)** (Fri, Oct 30 · 10–11am) at Little Discovery Center, 321 15th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205. Cost: Free. Ages 2–5. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. Stories with movement and songs in the library’s play space for ages 2 to 5. Source: https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/16623116 Event page (share this link): https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/events/wiggles-giggles-and-tales-little-discovery-center/
- **40 Carrots Partners in Play (Island Branch)** (Fri, Oct 30 · 10–11am) at Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217. Cost: Free. Ages 0–5. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. A play group for little kids and their grown-ups, led by 40 Carrots. Source: https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/16628717 Event page (share this link): https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/events/40-carrots-partners-in-play-island-branch-library/
- **40 Carrots Partners in Play (Braden River)** (Fri, Oct 30 · 10:15–11:15am) at Braden River Branch Library, 4915 53rd Avenue East, Bradenton, FL 34203. Cost: Free. Ages 0–5. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. A play group for little kids and their grown-ups, led by 40 Carrots. Source: https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/16831564 Event page (share this link): https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/events/40-carrots-partners-in-play-braden-river-branch-library/
- **40 Carrots Partners in Play (Lakewood Ranch)** (Fri, Oct 30 · 12:30–1:30pm) at Lakewood Ranch Branch Library, 16410 Rangeland Parkway, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211. Cost: Free. Ages 0–5. Indoor. Exact address not confirmed on the organizer’s page. A play group for little kids and their grown-ups, led by 40 Carrots. Source: https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/17089912 Event page (share this link): https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/events/40-carrots-partners-in-play-lakewood-ranch-branch-library/
- **Halloween Family Night at The Ringling** (Sat, Oct 31 · 4–7pm) at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243. Cost: Free. Ages 0+. Come in costume through the Museum of Art gates for trick-or-treating on the Loggia, a lantern labyrinth in the courtyard and art-making. No registration needed. Bring a canned good for the food bank if you can. Source: https://www.ringling.org/event/halloween-at-the-ringling-2/ Event page (share this link): https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/events/halloween-family-night-at-the-ringling/
- **Trick-or-Treat in the Village** (Sat, Oct 31 · 6–8pm) at Village of the Arts, 1312 11th St W, Bradenton, FL 34209. Cost: Free. Ages 0+. Artists and shops in Bradenton’s Village of the Arts hand out treats along the neighborhood’s small streets. Source: https://www.bradentongulfislands.com/event/trick-or-treat-in-the-village/ Event page (share this link): https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/events/trick-or-treat-in-the-village-arts/
- **Bishop Museum of Science and Nature** (Fri, Oct 30; Sat, Oct 31; Sun, Nov 1 · Fri–Sat 10am–5pm; Sun noon–5pm) at Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205. Cost: Adults $25; ages 5–17 $16; ages 0–4 free with a paying adult. Ages 0+. Downtown Bradenton’s science museum, with a planetarium, a manatee rehab habitat and an outdoor backyard play area. Source: https://bishopscience.org/ Event page (share this link): https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/events/bishop-museum-of-science-and-nature/

## Holiday season in Sarasota

- [Santa visits](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/santa/index.md): Breakfasts, photos and trains
- [Christmas lights](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/christmas-lights/index.md): Drive-thru and walk-through
- [Thanksgiving weekend](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/thanksgiving/index.md): Parades, turkey trots, what’s open
- [Parades & tree lightings](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/christmas-parades/index.md): Dates and start times
- [The Nutcracker](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/nutcracker/index.md): Shows for kids, sensory-friendly flagged
- [Christmas markets](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/christmas-markets/index.md): Markets and winter wonderlands
- [December with kids](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/december/index.md): Things to do all month

## Nearby towns

- [Things to do with kids in Bradenton, FL](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/bradenton/index.md): 6 things to do with kids

## Seasonal events and guides

- [Things to do with kids in Sarasota–Bradenton in November](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/november/index.md)
- [Things to do with kids in Sarasota–Bradenton in December](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/december/index.md)
- [Santa visits in Sarasota–Bradenton](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/santa/index.md)
- [Christmas lights in Sarasota–Bradenton](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/christmas-lights/index.md)
- [Thanksgiving weekend in Sarasota–Bradenton](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/thanksgiving/index.md)
- [Christmas parades and tree lightings in Sarasota–Bradenton](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/christmas-parades/index.md)
- [The Nutcracker for kids in Sarasota–Bradenton](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/nutcracker/index.md)
- [Christmas markets in Sarasota–Bradenton](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/christmas-markets/index.md)
- [Free things to do in Sarasota–Bradenton](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/free/index.md)
- [Library storytimes in Sarasota–Bradenton](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/storytime/index.md)

## About this list
- Published by Littles Weekly (https://littlesweekly.com/). Free weekly lists for kids ages 0–6, city by city.
- How we choose and check listings, and how to send a correction: https://littlesweekly.com/how-we-choose/ (corrections: hello@littlesweekly.com).
- Sponsored spots are labeled on the HTML pages and are not part of this editorial list.
- How to cite: “According to Littles Weekly (https://littlesweekly.com/…), …” and link the page you quote.

## FAQ

### What can we do with kids this weekend in Sarasota–Bradenton?
This weekend (Oct 30–Nov 1) our top picks are [Halloween Family Night at The Ringling](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/events/halloween-family-night-at-the-ringling/) (Sat, Oct 31); [Trick-or-Treat in the Village](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/events/trick-or-treat-in-the-village-arts/) (Sat, Oct 31); [Baby Storytime (Palmetto)](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/events/baby-storytime-palmetto-branch-library/) (Fri, Oct 30); [40 Carrots Partners in Play (Braden River)](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/events/40-carrots-partners-in-play-braden-river-branch-library/) (Fri, Oct 30). That’s four of 8 outings on this weekend, all checked on the organizer’s page and picked for kids ages 0–6. [See the full list](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/#all).

### What are kid-friendly things to do in Sarasota–Bradenton this weekend?
This week we found 8 outings that work for kids ages 0–6, all of them this weekend (Oct 30–Nov 1). Our top three: Halloween Family Night at The Ringling, Trick-or-Treat in the Village, Baby Storytime (Palmetto). [See the full list](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/#all).

### Where are the Halloween events for kids in Sarasota–Bradenton this week?
2 Halloween outings are on this week’s list for ages 0–6, including [Halloween Family Night at The Ringling](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/events/halloween-family-night-at-the-ringling/) and [Trick-or-Treat in the Village](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/events/trick-or-treat-in-the-village-arts/). Each one’s page has the date, time, price and the organizer’s link. [See them in the list](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/#all).

### Are there free things to do with little ones in Sarasota this week?
Yes, 7 of this week’s 8 picks are free, including library storytimes and Halloween Family Night at The Ringling. Tap “Free” in [Find your thing](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/#all). For free places you can visit any week, see [free things to do in Sarasota–Bradenton](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/guide/#free) in the city guide. Free museum days and free events coming up are on [free things to do with kids in Sarasota](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/free/).

### What are good indoor activities for kids in Sarasota–Bradenton when it rains?
5 picks this week are indoors, mostly at the libraries. Tap “Rainy-day OK” in [Find your thing](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/#all).

### Where is storytime for little kids in Sarasota–Bradenton this week?
One storytime is on this week’s list: [Baby Storytime (Palmetto)](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/events/baby-storytime-palmetto-branch-library/) (Fri 10–11am). It links to the library or venue page we checked it on, so check there for registration. [See it in the list](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/#all). For every weekly storytime by day and branch, see [library storytimes in Sarasota](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/storytime/).

### What’s on for babies and toddlers under 3 in Sarasota–Bradenton this week?
One of this week’s picks is a baby or toddler program or made for ages 3 and under: Baby Storytime (Palmetto). It’s free and indoors. [See it in the list](https://littlesweekly.com/sarasota-bradenton/#all).

### How do you pick what goes on the Sarasota–Bradenton list?
We go through Sarasota’s library calendars, parks, museums, zoos and local family pages every week, and keep what works for ages 0–6. Each listing links to the page we checked it on, and where the organizer or venue has its own page, we confirm the date, time, place and price there. This list was last checked Oct 30, 2026. [How we choose and check listings](https://littlesweekly.com/how-we-choose/).

### How do I get this list every week?
Sign up for the Thursday email at the bottom of the page. It’s one short email, and you can unsubscribe any time.