Located in the heart of Sarasota, Florida, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens encompass 45 acres of bayfront sanctuaries that offer engaging activities for families looking for things to do in Sarasota with kids. It is a place designed to connect people with air plants of the world, native plants, and regional history.
Visitors to the area can also find convenient Anna Maria Island accommodations to complement their visit to the botanical gardens and the surrounding attractions.
About the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
The Downtown Campus on Sarasota Bay stands as the only botanical garden in the world dedicated to displaying and studying epiphytic orchids, bromeliads, gesneriads, ferns, and other tropical plants. The gardens place a significant focus on botany, horticulture, education, historical preservation, and the environment. The Historic Spanish Point Campus, located less than 10 miles south along Little Sarasota Bay, features one of the largest preserves showcasing native Florida plants open to the public. The HSP Campus commemorates an archaeological record encompassing approximately 5,000 years of Florida history. Visiting the gardens is one of the top family things to do in Anna Maria Island.
Youth & Family Programs
Children’s Rainforest Garden
At Selby Gardens, Ann Goldstein’s Children’s Rainforest Garden offers a delightful, natural space for discovery, exploration, learning, and play. Open daily during regular hours, children and families can witness the wonders of the garden. The Children’s Rainforest Garden also includes an impressive 12-foot waterfall cascading down a rock face covered with lush plantings, adding the splash and gurgle of rushing water to the rainforest soundscape. Other attractions include the Forest Pool, Canopy Walk, Rope Bridge, Amphitheatre, Village Shelter, and more.
Sarasota-Manatee EcoFlora Project
The Sarasota-Manatee EcoFlora Project, a citizen science initiative, uses the user-friendly iNaturalist platform to engage Floridians in protecting and preserving the state’s native plant species. The project assembles new, original observations and data on the state’s flora to better inform policy decisions about the management and conservation of the state’s natural resources. By using iNaturalist, individuals can share biodiversity information and contribute to vital scientific data on Florida’s diverse flora, thereby enabling new insights and opportunities for research, conservation, and engagement.
Family Friendly Events
Immerse yourself in a peaceful mind and body yoga experience at the beautiful Selby Garden Downtown Sarasota campus. This family-friendly event, open to all skill levels, will focus on alignment, breathing techniques, and relaxation. The class takes place on September 4th, 7th, 11th, 14th, 18th, 21st, 25th, and 28th, starting at 9:30 a.m. and ending at 10:30 a.m. Be sure to bring comfortable clothes, a yoga mat or towel, sunscreen, and a water bottle. Experience an exclusive tour of the Steinwachs Family Plant Research Center on select Wednesday afternoons. This state-of-the-art facility showcases Selby Gardens’ preserved plant collections, green technology, and sustainability features. The 45-minute tours include access to the Marieb Herbarium, Carlyle A. Luer Spirit Laboratory, Nathalie McCulloch Research Library, and the Marieb Laboratory. Regular daytime admission applies, and the tour is free for Selby Gardens members. Space is limited to 12 guests per tour.
Other Exhibits
Selby Gardens, in collaboration with the Clyde Butcher Gallery & Studio, is currently featuring an outdoor exhibition titled “Nature Through the Lens,” showcasing Clyde Butcher’s stunning black and white photographs of Florida’s natural landscapes. Visitors can view these large-scale prints on aluminum at the Historic Spanish Point campus from November 11, 2023, to August 31, 2025.
The other upcoming exhibition, “Patti Smith: A Book of Days,” running from November 9, 2024, to August 31, 2025, will showcase the photographs of the renowned poet and musician. The exhibition will offer a glimpse into her life through intimate photographs taken from her bestselling publication, “A Book of Days.” The outdoor setting aims to provide visitors with the opportunity to experience the photographs in harmony with nature, further enhancing the viewing experience.
Plan Your Visit!
Whenever you book a vacation with Mello on the Beach, you can expect to be surrounded by countless family things to do in Anna Maria Island, making it the perfect destination for the entire family! Explore our family-friendly Anna Maria Island rentals and book your favorite today. Endless memories await!
Visitor Information
The Gardens’ visitor information ensures a seamless experience. Adult admission is $28, ages 5-17 are $12, and children ages 4 and under are free. Please bring a photo ID. Selby Botanical Gardens is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Places to Stay on Anna Maria Island
If you’re planning a visit to the area, there are plenty of Anna Maria Island things to do around the area. With its beautiful beaches and range of activities, Anna Maria Island is a popular destination for vacationers. To make the most of your stay, consider the amenities provided by Mello on The Beach. We offer various types of rentals, including pet-friendly rentals on Anna Maria Island and 1- and 3-bedroom AMI accommodations, catering to groups of all sizes. By choosing to stay with Mello on The Beach, guests can enjoy the convenience of comfortable and spacious accommodations while being just steps away from the beach. Take advantage of all the attractions and activities this area has to offer, knowing that a relaxing and well-equipped AMI rental awaits you at the end of the day.
