The best trip within about five hours of Sarasota–Bradenton for each of the next 6 weekends, chosen for kids under 6. Every event links to the official page we checked it on.
6 weekends
3 cities
Closest: 1h 15mLast checked against official pages. How we choose
Each ring is one hour of driving from Sarasota–Bradenton. Under two hours is an easy day trip; past three, pack the pajamas.
Orange dots are picks on this page. Drive times are normal driving times without traffic.
We don't post event listings for these places, so check the official page for hours and what's on. The numbers match the map.
Crystal River has the only national wildlife refuge created specifically to protect habitat for the Florida manatee.
You can get a close-up look at Space Shuttle Atlantis, the only space shuttle displayed as if in flight.
You drive your own car through more than 300 acres where big herds roam open habitats, then park for the animal encounters.
The Spanish built Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine, and it is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States.
1h 15m
about 1 hr 15 min from Sarasota–Bradenton
Creatures of the Night, ZooTampa’s family Halloween nights, from 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
The zoo’s family Halloween nights.
Fri Oct 30, Sat Oct 31 · From 4 p.m.ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Event ticket
We couldn't verify a dated event within a few hours of Sarasota–Bradenton that's worth the trip this weekend. This week in Sarasota–Bradenton has the local list.
We couldn't verify a dated event within a few hours of Sarasota–Bradenton that's worth the trip this weekend. This week in Sarasota–Bradenton has the local list.
We couldn't verify a dated event within a few hours of Sarasota–Bradenton that's worth the trip this weekend. This week in Sarasota–Bradenton has the local list.
5h
about 5 hr from Sarasota–Bradenton
Deck the Chairs at Jacksonville Beach is free every evening, and Saturday’s Holiday River Fest has a tree lighting, a lit boat parade at 6:30 and fireworks, also free.
Past three hours, make it an overnight: drive Friday, go Saturday.
Student-decorated lifeguard chairs and free holiday entertainment, Nov. 25–Jan. 1.
Fri Nov 27, Sat Nov 28, Sun Nov 29 · EveningsJacksonville Beach
FreeTree lighting, lit boats on the St. Johns and fireworks.
Sat Nov 28 · From 5 p.m.; boat parade 6:30 p.m.Riverfront PlazaFree
0 min
Nothing within a few hours beats what's already on in Sarasota–Bradenton this weekend.
Sarasota’s holiday parade comes down Main Street downtown.
Sat Dec 5 · See the site for the start timeMain Street, downtown SarasotaFree
Car snacksPack more than you think you’ll need.
StrollerZoo paths and light trails are long for little legs.
Time the napLeave right before nap so the drive does double duty.Overnight bagPast three hours, pajamas beat a 9pm drive home.
Parking cashFree admission days often still charge for parking.
Rain planPick one indoor backup, like a museum, before you leave.Over the next 6 weekends our picks from Sarasota–Bradenton are Tampa, Jacksonville. Each one is chosen for what's on that weekend, with the dates, times and prices checked on the official pages.
Tampa (about 1 hr 15 min), Lakeland (about 1 hr 45 min), Fort Myers–Naples (about 2 hr), Orlando (about 2 hr 30 min), Miami and Fort Lauderdale (about 4 hr 15 min), Jacksonville (about 5 hr). Times are normal driving times without traffic.
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge (about 2 hr 45 min), Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (about 3 hr 30 min), Lion Country Safari (about 3 hr 45 min), Castillo de San Marcos (about 4 hr 30 min). We don't post event listings for these, so check the official page for what's open before you go.
Sometimes one city really does have the most going on two weekends in a row, like a holiday lights opening followed by a show. We don't rotate cities just for variety.
They're what each official page showed on Oct 29, 2026. Tap through to the official page before you go.