In the sunny and enchanting state of Florida, the land of dreamy beaches and enchanting amusement parks, a magical phenomenon occurs every single day. A colorful legion of art and craft enthusiasts, affectionately referred to as ‘Crafty Critters,’ come alive. These aren’t ordinary kids, oh no, they are extraordinary creators who conjure up a storm of colors, shapes, and patterns that could even make a rainbow blush! Leading the Crafty Critters parade is the incredible and wildly imaginative, Sir Doodle-doo. Sir Doodle-doo, a hilarious flamingo with an artist's beret permanently perched atop his head, wields a magical paintbrush. He's not your ordinary flamingo, as he’s spotted in polka dots instead of the usual pink, thanks to a hilarious mishap with a paint bucket. Sir Doodle-doo, with his squawking chuckles and paint-splattered feathers, guides all the young Crafty Critters of Florida. He takes them on an incredible journey through the world of colors and crafts. From designing superhero capes out of old t-shirts to making sandcastles that can withstand the highest tides, there’s no creative challenge too big for these Floridian craft masters. Our Crafty Critters and Sir Doodle-doo frolic and laugh under the warm Florida sun, their hands joyously busy, creating art that's as vibrant as the state's sunsets. The rest of the animal kingdom watches in awe and a whole lot of amusement, as these young Crafty Critters, guided by a polka-dotted flamingo, continue to redefine art, one craft at a time. So, the next time you find yourself in Florida, look out for Sir Doodle-doo and the Crafty Critters. You'll know them by the trail of glitter, the laughter, and the creativity that takes flight under the Florida sky.
Read morebest art-crafts programs in Sarasota, FL
For over 50 years, Frontier Camp has been dedicated to making disciples of Jesus by sharing God’s Word amidst the beauty of His creation. Since our founding in 1969, we’ve been licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services and are proudly accredited by the American Camping Association. We’re also a member of the Christian Camping and Conference Association. Our mission is to use Christian camping and outdoor recreation as a means to support local churches in fulfilling the Great Commission—evangelizing people of all ages and discipling believers toward deeper maturity in Christ. Frontier Camp offers a dual ministry: during the summer, we host a 10-week youth camp, and throughout the rest of the year, we serve as a retreat facility for churches and like-minded religious organizations. Whether through summer camps or retreats, our goal remains the same: to expose people to Christ and encourage their spiritual growth through His Word and by reflecting His character in everything we do. While we provide top-notch recreation and exciting programming, the heart of our camp is the spiritual impact, rooted in the truth of God’s inerrant Word.
At Art Center Sarasota, we are dedicated to providing the best experience for our guests while keeping everyone’s safety in mind. We are continuously monitoring the COVID-19 situation and are committed to following all local, state, and federal guidelines. We are proud to be able to continue to bring the arts to the Sarasota community despite the challenges presented by COVID-19. Our curated and juried exhibitions, workshops, classes, and outreach initiatives will continue to provide guests with meaningful experiences. At Art Center Sarasota, we understand the importance of keeping our staff, volunteers, and guests safe. We have implemented CDC required safety precautions and best practices to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. These measures do not eliminate the inherent risk of potential exposure to COVID-19 in public spaces. We want to assure our guests that their safety is our top priority. We are continuously monitoring the COVID-19 situation and are committed to following all local, state, and federal guidelines. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, we are proud to be able to continue to bring the arts to the Sarasota community. Our curated and juried exhibitions, workshops, classes, and outreach initiatives provide guests with meaningful experiences. We are committed to the health and safety of all of our guests and look forward to continuing to serve our community.
CoreSRQ is proud of its role in the Sarasota community. The grassroots movement has brought back the programs and services that have been enjoyed by the community for generations. Their innovative and comprehensive wellness and community outreach programs offer people the opportunity to make the most of their fitness, wellness, and community engagement. CoreSRQ is committed to broadening its reach to underserved members of the community to increase their physical, mental, and social health. Being a member of CoreSRQ is a great way to support the community, and there are many volunteer opportunities to contribute to the cause.
At Longwood, there is something for everyone in the family. Families can enjoy a refreshing atmosphere while exploring the many programs and amenities that are available for all ages. Nestled in a quiet, relaxing environment, Longwood offers a variety of activities for all to enjoy, from 18 tennis courts (13 har-tru, 1 red clay, and 4 hard courts) with evening play available on 11 lit courts, to a recreational pool, pool house, children’s play area, and picnic area. Longwood provides an ideal location for families looking for a tranquil and fun-filled day. With all the amenities and programs available, everyone in the family is sure to have a great time.
At Sarasota School of Glass, learning and creating is an ongoing process. We are proud to be able to offer a variety of classes, workshops, and open studio opportunities that not only help our students increase their skills, but also foster a nurturing atmosphere. Recently, SSG has expanded its work space, allowing for more students to join the community. We are now staffed with nine people to help support our students and ensure their success. We look forward to seeing what the future brings, and we are excited to see our students reach their potential.
At our martial arts school, we are proud to offer more than just self-defense and physical training. We are committed to cultivating a safe and supportive community and giving back to our local area. Our 7,100 square foot facility is located on 5 acres of land and includes plenty of parking. We also have an outdoor training area and obstacle course. Our year-round programs include an after-school program and summer/day camp. We provide a unique opportunity for our students to learn and grow in a fun and healthy environment.
Our workshops are designed to bring out your inner artist and help you explore unique and creative projects. At Sarasota Clay Company, we believe that creativity can be cultivated and nurtured! If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at pottery, now’s your chance! Our workshops at Sarasota Clay Company will give you the opportunity to explore your own creative potential. We offer a variety of projects, from one-time classes to ongoing courses, so you can find the perfect fit for your artistic goals. Come on down to Sarasota Clay Company and let your imagination run wild! Our studio provides an exciting, new environment for you to discover and express yourself through pottery making. With the help of our experienced instructors, you’ll be able to craft unique, one-of-a-kind creations that will last a lifetime.
We have become a vibrant, world-renowned marine research institution, recognized by our peers for our commitment to ocean exploration and conservation. At our institution, we recognize that the future of our oceans is inextricably linked to the future of our planet, and our research and education programs are focused on finding solutions to the most pressing challenges facing our oceans today. We strive to empower our children and future generations with the knowledge and skills they need to create a brighter future for the marine environment. Together, we will work to find the answers in the ocean that will help us protect and conserve it for generations to come.
At Capokids, we understand the importance of providing children with the tools they need to grow and thrive. That's why we offer a variety of martial arts programs, including Capoeira. This Brazilian martial art is designed to help kids develop physical and mental discipline, balance, strength, and social skills, while also introducing them to the exciting music of the martial arts. We are the only licensed martial arts school in Sarasota and Manatee counties, and our instructors are CPR and First Aid certified and have undergone background checks by the FBI. We offer regular classes, preschool and after-school programs to meet your child's unique needs and help them develop the skills to improve the quality of their lives for a lifetime. We've been empowering children in our community for more than 20 years, and we've seen the positive impact our programs can have on their lives.
At Expressive Arts Florida Institute, we strive to empower individuals, groups, and communities by helping them discover and nurture the creative wisdom within. We offer a variety of programs, workshops, and certificate training to help individuals reach their full potential. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to helping you or your loved one tap into their creativity and use it to create a more fulfilling life. At Expressive Arts Florida Institute, we seek to enhance the lives of individuals, families, and communities through creative expression. Our workshops are designed to encourage creativity, self-discovery, and personal growth. We also offer certificate training to help individuals develop skills and knowledge that can help them pursue their creative endeavors. Finally, our therapists are here to assist those in need with specialized therapy tailored to their individual needs. At Expressive Arts Florida Institute, we believe that creativity is a powerful tool that can be used to enrich lives and foster meaningful connections. Our programs are designed to help individuals, groups, and communities explore their creative potential and harness the wisdom within. With our experienced team of therapists, workshops, and certificate training, we are dedicated to helping you or your loved one unlock their creative potential and create a life that is fulfilling and inspiring.
As a result of her dedication to STEM education, Alisa founded the STEM Education Initiative in 2013. Her mission was to bring STEM to all children, especially those living in underserved communities. She has since worked with local schools and nonprofits to develop effective STEM education programs that are tailored to the needs of each community. Alisa has also partnered with industry leaders to provide internships and career mentoring to deserving students. Through her organization, Alisa has been able to make a positive impact on the lives of children around the world.
At the Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab, our goal is to inspire and support tomorrow's innovators. We offer a unique experiential learning opportunity in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) through our Faulhaber fabrication lab and innovative programs. Our team is passionate about helping people of all ages explore ideas, build skills and confidence, and become lifelong learners. We believe that the knowledge and skills acquired through our STEAM initiatives will help to shape the future of our community and the world.
Parents Magazine is proud to recognize ALSO Youth, an organization that has been working to support the mental health of LGBTQ+ teens since 1992. The organization was created in response to the alarming suicide rates among these youth, and has worked in cooperation with other local organizations such as PFLAG, Planned Parenthood, and YMCA Youth and Family Services. Volunteers were recruited to conduct a support group for Sarasota area youth and contact with school officials was initiated to create training programs for educators. Since then, the types of services and numbers of people served by ALSO have steadily increased. We recognize their dedication to the well-being of LGBTQ+ youth and applaud their efforts to create a safe and supportive environment for them in the community.
Climb into a world of make-believe and follow the yellow brick road to our enchanted Woodland Cafe! Here, little ones can explore their wildest dreams and sail the high seas on our Pirate Queen. Fairies can make tea in Fairyland and adventurers can ascend to the clouds in our tree fort! Kids can also get creative by making mud pies or mud cakes in Hobbitville, running through the cool mist in the rainforest, or dressing up in our costume room for some playful fun. Come join us in our mission of keeping kids connected to nature and help us make a difference in the lives of children!