Polo: Every Sunday afternoon, the public is invited to bring out their picnic baskets and enjoy the thrill of the "fastest game on four feet". With pony and Clydesdale wagon rides, exciting action, tailgating, half-time entertainment, divot stomping and plenty of fresh air, Sunday polo is the perfect place for a family outing; dogs are even welcome on a leash. (December-April)

Sculling: Competitive rowing is one of the hottest amateur sports in the country and Sarasota County’s Nathan Benderson Park is quickly gaining a stellar reputation in the rowing community.

Grab the field guide and binoculars as this is the place where migratory visitors invade our resident bird population. The open fields are conducive for kites, bikes and a little bit of… climbing and the ponds afford plenty of fishing and wildlife identification.

There’s a Radio Control Squadron model airplane flying field in Rothenback Park at the East end of Bee Ridge Road 3 miles east of I-75 off Exit 207. The event is free to the public and features Large radio controlled Model Airplanes that must have wing spans of 80 inches or larger. There is a concession stand at the field with food and drinks, porta-potties and sun shelters. The field is handicap friendly and you should bring a lawn chair, sunscreen and your cameras.

Big Cat Habitat: Come see our big cats, bears and more at the Habitat’s (January-February) Extravaganza. If visiting on other dates, go to their website for free viewing of training sessions and animal visitation.

If you have toddlers, even one in a stroller, this shady park is a relaxing respite from sand and sun. The preserve has several miles of hiking trails, a small playground, picnic shelters and a fishing pier.

Fifteen miles of trails through natural habitat provide opportunities for hiking, bicycling, and wildlife viewing. This park is one of the best places to see our Florida scrub-jay, a threatened species found only in Florida. Canoeists and kayakers will enjoy paddling along South Creek, a black-water stream that eventually flows into the Gulf of Mexico. Rentals are also available.

Totaling more than 18 miles in length the trail runs from just south of the City of Sarasota to Caspersen Beach following the former CSX railroad corridor. The trail provides 15 areas to stop, rest, learn about its history or just enjoy the natural beauty. The rest stops include 7 trailheads which offer access points with free parking. The trailheads are located at Potter Park in Sarasota, Bay Street Park and Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey, Laurel Park in Laurel, Nokomis Park in Nokomis, Patriots Park and the historic Venice Train Depot in Venice. In addition to the trailheads, users will find eight rest station areas that offer restroom faculties and places to sit and relax. Take the bike bridge over Tamiami Trail to the featuring a 10 mile trail along both banks of the City of Venice’s Intracoastal Waterway. Joggers, bikers and walkers with four legged friends can travel all the way to .



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