BEST CHILDREN’S ATTRACTION Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

Lions and tigers and bears and parrots and jungle gyms—oh my! The extra special field trips of youth shape us into the adults we become. And honestly, the more fun you have as a kid—the better. These local attractions inspire young minds and let their imaginations run wild all while secretly sneaking in a bit of learning as well. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium patents itself once again as Platinum. Big Cat Habitat roars into Gold, baring its teeth at any challengers. Sliding into Silver for yet another year is Sarasota Jungle Gardens and jumping onto the board this year for Bronze is Playtime Plaza. Don’t hold the phone or your horses for Honorable Mentions Jumpin Fun Inflata Park, Ibis Playground at The Bay and Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy.

Melissa Connelly (on Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium) There’s always something new and interesting to see. My children love it! Their favorite thing to do is touching the sharks and stingrays. Kaylee Dutkiewicz (on Big Cat Habitat) My siblings and I love it here! The people are so nice and the animals are so beautiful! They have fantastic animal shows. You can’t leave without a smile after visiting this place. Naomi Rivera (on Playtime Plaza) We absolutely love Playtime Plaza! Hands down the best indoor playspace in town.

BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL Hershorin Schiff Community Day School

They say it takes a village to raise a child—educators know it also takes a whole staff of dedicated teachers. Those special people who make counting fun and somehow manage to have you memorize every state with a catchy tune—something some of us can recite decades later. They bring books to life and get kids excited about learning. These are the people we want in our village and these winners are just that in Sarasota. Hershorin Schiff Community Day School places Platinum and Sarasota Christian School gets Gold. Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School celebrates Silver and Incarnation Catholic School beams in Bronze. Check out the syllabus at Honorable Mentions The Out-of-Door Academy, The Classical Academy of Sarasota, St. Martha Catholic School, Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School and Bradenton Christian School.

Christy Dillon (on Hershorin Schiff Community Day School) The care and dedication shown to each child is outstanding. Kathryn Ledford (on Sarasota Christian School) SCS not only cares about the whole child, but the whole family. It’s a community of families and teachers working together for the good of children. At SCS, Jesus reigns and people smile! Becky Boydston (on Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School) They have a holistic approach to education and truly love every student. Angela Molineaux (on Incarnation Catholic School) Incarnation Catholic School is the best kept secret in town! Nestled safely in a park-like setting, Incarnation offers a strong, catholic, faith filled classical education. Teachers are hand picked for their values and moral compass and are trained to nurture and guide students based on the core values of our Catholic faith.

BEST CHARTER SCHOOL Sarasota School of Arts & Sciences

With the welcoming admissions of public schools and the freedom to curate a unique curriculum of a private school—the charter school embodies the best of two educational worlds. SRQ moms and dads who were looking for a non-traditional traditional education for their children gave these schools an A+. Sarasota School of Arts & Sciences proved a principle-y Platinum pick for picky parents while Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy graded their way to a Gold star. Sarasota Suncoast Academy was super-intendently Silver and Dreamers Academy put in the homework for Bronze. There’s no substitute for amazing Honorable Mentions Rowlett Academy K-8 and Parrish Charter Academy.

Vilia Dragovoy (on Lakewood Ranch Prep Academy) The dedicated staff creates a supportive and engaging learning environment, ensuring that each student’s individual needs are met. The small class sizes allow for more personalized attention, and the curriculum is both challenging and innovative, with emphasis on critical thinking, creativity and character development. Kari B (on Sarasota Suncoast) My son and four nieces all went to or currently go to Suncoast Academy and they all have had such a positive experienceRobyn A. Marinelli (on Dreamers Academy) Special because of the dual language immersion classes that it offers. Rachel Beard (on Parrish Charter Academy) All three of my children have attended PCA. Mrs. Patterson; as well as the rest of the school’s staff do an amazing job.

BEST AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITY The Makery SRQ

Education doesn’t stop when the bell rings. Kids move through the world like little sponges soaking up all the interesting tidbits they can—here are the best places for them to keep absorbing info after school lets out. The Makery SRQ is Platinum with G League HoopS going for Gold. The Sarasota Children’s Garden shapes the little one’s minds with their Silver-winning stuff, Miss Jodi’s School Of Dance bounces and bounds into Bronze. Hop on over to Honorable Mentions SPS Tutor - Sarasota, Kumon Math and Reading Center of Sarasota - Bee Ridge and NextDoor Tutoring LLC to keep the post-scholastic fantastic vibes going.

Kim Livengood (on The Makery SRQ) Nothing better than making slime—not at your house! Adam Khorshid (on G League Hoops) If you’re looking for top-tier basketball training, you’ll get that and so much more. This program builds character, fosters lifelong friendships, and brings together great families who all share a commitment to developing student-athletes who make a difference on and off the court. Alison Rini (on Miss Jodi) Ms. Jodi provides amazing programs and is always looking for ways to support children and families. Jothi Jothishankar (on Kumon Math and Reading Center of Sarasota - Bee Ridge) My kid greatly improved his math and reading skills after enrolling. Stacy Bigert (on Nextdoor Tutoring) They make it fun and engaging. The group of tutors cover so many different subjects. In person or online it has helped my son to achieve so much during his education.

BEST KIDS-FRIENDLY MUSEUM Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Like sneaking vegetables into chicken nuggets, sometimes the easiest way with kids is to simply hide the objective under something shiny. Museums are in essence the veggie chicken nugget of education. Hear us out. School is school. No matter how many gym periods you have, at some point you’ve got to sit down and do math. Museums, however, have all the educational fixings of an art class or science class without being stuck in an uncomfy chair. They’re big, they echo (woohoo) and after being handed a map they’re pretty darn close to a modern-day treasure hunt. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium pulls off yet another Platinum win followed by Gold-winning The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. Step outside and smell the flowers with Silver winner The Sarasota Children’s GardeN or bring your kids to bask in the Bronze-winning art at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Don’t miss out on Honorable Mentions Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy and Sarasota Art Museum.

Melissa Connelly (on Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium) This is our clear favorite! Meg Everingham (on The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art) This place is great for all ages. We love getting an annual family pass. Our three kids absolutely adore it. There are open spaces to roam around, as well as art and circus history exhibits. Dr. Jen Maecker (on Sarasota Art Museum) A wonderful museum experience, enhanced by enriching community programs like the Teen Arts Council internship.

BEST PEDIATRICIAN Latitude Pediatric & Family Clinic

When your little one is running a fever and you don’t know who to run to—these pediatricians are just what the doctor ordered. Patient with their patients and certified Platinum by our readers is Latitude Pediatric & Family Clinic taking home the top spot. The diagnosis is in—Comprehensive Childcare Associates has Gold. Next up Katherine M. Keeley, MD, stethoscope’d out a Silver win while Weiss Pediatric Care stitched up the competition to take home Bronze. Don’t forget to let these Honorable Mentions help out when your little one is feeling under the weather Good Pediatrics, Happy Soul Pediatrics, Sarasota Children’s Clinic, APC Pediatrics and Danilo Zuniga-Pedrianes, MD.

Brittney Baker (on Latitude Family Clinic) Latitude has exceeded our expectations when it comes to a pediatrician for our children. They provide a clean, comfortable and welcoming environment. They listened to all of our needs with our children and performed the proper testing to be able to come up with a diagnosis as well as an effective treatment plan. Our children also love the toy dispenser after the visit. Alison Rini (on Comprehensive Childcare Associates) Dr. Murphy is a great listener and problem-solver. Very compassionate clinician. Laska Parrow (on Weiss Pediatric Care) I love that they try to make vaccinations as calm and painless as possible.

BEST DENTIST FOR KIDS Silas E. McAninch, DDS, P.A.

The dentist, for children, is a bit like eating broccoli. No matter how you dress it up, it’s always going to be a bit uncomfortable and scary to try. Luckily, these cavity-cleaning cool cats know all the right tricks to make their new (mini) clients feel comfortable. Silas E. McAninch, DDS, P.A. Pediatric Dentistry might have to pull a tooth, but they’re doing it Platinum style, taking home the top spot once again. SmileWorks Kids Dentistry knows the drill and how to ensure that spooky sound doesn’t scare off their tiny teethed patients—it’s a Gold win for them. Ensuring a Silver-winning smile for your tots is Integrated Dental of Florida while Children’s Dentistry of Lakewood Ranch brushes past the competition for a Bronze. Don’t worry, we’ve got plenty more wisdom on our town’s best dentists—check out Honorable Mentions All About Kids Pediatric Dentistry, Kids Choose Us Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Mary Egan, Starfish Smiles and Give Me A Smile Pediatric Dentistry.

Lori Bergeon (on Silas E McAninch, DDS, P.A. Pediatric Dentistry) He was my daughter’s dentist and now my grandchildren’s dentist! Loyal Sarasota pediatric dentist. Christina Edwards (on SmileWorks) The SmileWorks team goes above and beyond to make going to the dentist a fun and worry free experience! Our children had two major procedures this year and both went so smoothly due to their immense care and compassion. Vanessa Hamalian (on SmileWorks) SmileWorks takes all the pain out of going to the dentist and even makes it fun for the kiddos. Buddy Benson (on Integrated Dental of Florida) If you want the best service, come here. From the first phone call to check out, the staff at Integrated Dental go above and beyond! They were so sweet and patient with my daughter.

BEST ORTHODONTIST FOR KIDS Freeman Orthodontics

No need to brace yourself before heading in for braces at these spots. These proficient professionals fought tooth and nail to be your top picks. Nothing will ever come between them and your little one’s comfort. Except floss. Definitely floss. Freeman Orthodontics takes the dental crown yet again as Platinum pick. Varone OrthodonticS head-geared for Gold. Ensuring a smile as shiny as Silver is Dr. Frank Pazulski, Above & Beyond Orthodontics and Carroll & Sutton Orthodontics fills out the list as our Bronze winner. Melissa Connelly (on Freeman Orthodontics) Dr Freeman is a fun, friendly orthodontist who is able to put people at ease. The facility is nice. Jason Patt (on Freeman Orthodontics) I have known Dr Freeman since I was in high school. Dr Freeman and his team are amazing and go above and beyond for their patients. I am no longer in Sarasota but I always recommend him to friends and family still in the area.

Rhea Tankersley (on Dr. Pazulski) Dr. Pazulski and his team are so wonderful. My oldest child just got his braces removed and his smile is amazing. The whole process from start to finish was handled so professionally and it was always a joy visiting the office because the staff is so kind. Vanessa Hamalian (on Dr. Pazulski) Dr. Pazulski took care of me as a young adult and now is caring for my daughter. I have nothing but good to say about him and his practice. His staff is a reflection of his excellence as well and always a pleasure to work with.

BEST LOCAL SUMMER CAMP Summer Success Institute

June hits, teachers clock out and parents clock-in—but for those many working moms and dads who need their kids occupied from 9-5, enter the summer camp. It provides the perfect mash-up of everyone’s favorite school subjects. Plus, lunch. What 10-year-old can resist finger painting followed by swimming finished with hot dogs and popsicles. Of course, there are camps that offer fantastic specialized programs from circus arts to cooking, but the general outline remains—fun in the sun. Summer Success Institute packs a Platinum punch of summer fun with academic success while Gold winners The Makery SRQ and The Circus Arts Conservatory keep young artists occupied. Another tie-winning team, Incarnation Catholic School Summer Camp and Pineapple Kitchen, snagged Silver with Girls Inc. of Sarasota County bustling in to claim Bronze. These Honorable Mentions can host your summer fun! Sarasota Jungle Gardens, Sarasota Musical Theater Co. / My Musical Theatre and Hershorin Schiff Community Day School.

Courtney Green (on Summer Success Institute) ​The founder, Autumn Mcconnell is is one of the most driven and caring people I’ve met in my life. She is devoted to providing a safe, fun and educational environment for the children in our community over summer breaks. Her passion for her work with children is unmeasurable. Kim Livengood (on The Makery SRQ) Although this is a new camp to the Sarasota scene, the owner has decades of experience working with children. And it shows! At the end of each day you can hear the kids tell their parents they had “the best day ever.” It’s a great way for them to explore their creative side. Melissa Connelly (on The Circus Arts Conservatory) This was my children’ s favorite camp! They already want to go next year. Amy Proch-Moore (on Incarnation Catholic School Summer Camp) ICS Summer camp is designed and implemented by certified teachers. Students are having fun, engaged, still learning, and most importantly safe every day. The field trips are fun and dynamic. Katie Schenk (on Pineapple Kitchen) A truly unique and one of a kind experience for both the children and their families, with the children creating their own pop-up restaurant to end the camp serving their families meals that they have learned to cook on their own. Pineapple Kitchen believes culinary education is a very important skill for everyone to know, especially starting at a young age. Bobby Weston (on Sarasota Musical Theater Company) The most amazing woman, and her seven children make this camp the most incredible experience a kid could possibly have.

BEST MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO Red Tiger Martial Arts

New to our list this year, but certainly not to Sarasota here is where you can send your very own Karate Kid. Red Tiger Martial Arts pulled no punches, landing in Platinum with our readers while Transform Martial Arts gets the Gold. Voters sen-sai’d that Ancient Ways Martial Arts had some of the best chops in town as our Silver spot followed by Clark’s Self Defense—busting through wooden blocks for Bronze. High kick a hello to Honorable Mentions Premier Martial Arts University Park and Ninja Squad Athletics.

Marcia Schaffner (on Ancient Ways Martial Arts) All the instructors are great and have given my great granddaughter a positive influence. Vanessa Hamalian (on Clark’s Self Defense) Best in town! The confidence they are building in my children is priceless and I am forever grateful to the wonderful Clark family. Ann Karwoski (on Ninja Squad Athletics) The instructor is very knowledgeable. He is patient and makes sure you understand why each move is important. Would highly recommend.