Ca' d'Zan

Ca' d'Zan, the magnificent 56-room mansion built by circus magnate John Ringling, transports families back to the glamorous 1920s with its stunning Venetian Gothic architecture and waterfront setting. Kids fascinated by history, architecture, or circus lore will be captivated by the ornate rooms, colorful tile work, grand tower with panoramic bay views, and stories of how circus royalty once lived in this breathtaking palace.

• ✓Climbing the Belvedere tower for spectacular bay views and bird's-eye perspective of the mansion
• ✓The elaborate Great Court entrance with its marble columns and colorful tile floors
• ✓Mrs. Ringling's stunning rose-colored bathroom with pink marble and gilt fixtures
• ✓The grand ballroom with its massive windows overlooking Sarasota Bay
• ✓Original 1920s furnishings and decorative arts from the Ringlings' world travels

1. 1.Purchase tickets to The Ringling Museum complex which includes Ca' d'Zan, the art museum, circus museum, and gardens for the best value,kids get to experience multiple attractions in one visit
2. 2.Start with Ca' d'Zan first thing in the morning when it opens at 10 AM to beat crowds and get the best photos without people in the background
3. 3.Don't miss climbing the Belvedere tower for stunning 360-degree views of Sarasota Bay,it's the highlight for most kids and great for family photos
4. 4.The mansion tour is self-guided, so prepare kids beforehand with fun facts about the Ringlings or the circus to keep them engaged throughout
5. 5.Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll explore multiple floors and may want to visit the adjacent museum grounds and gardens afterward

Visit on weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) between 10 AM-12 PM for smaller crowds and cooler temperatures. Winter and early spring (December-April) offer the most comfortable weather for exploring the mansion and grounds, while summer mornings are best to avoid afternoon heat and thunderstorms.

Admission to Ca' d'Zan is included with general admission to The Ringling ($25 adults, free for children 5 and under, $5 for ages 6-17). Free parking is available on-site, and there's a café on the museum grounds for snacks and lunch, though outside food is welcome in designated picnic areas.

The mansion is open year-round with consistent hours. Sarasota's winter season (January-March) brings the most pleasant weather and largest crowds due to snowbird visitors. Summer months can be hot and humid but offer fewer crowds. Special holiday tours and events are sometimes offered during the winter season,check the website for seasonal programming.

The Ringling Museum Café on the grounds serves sandwiches, salads, and kid-friendly options in a casual setting. For a post-visit meal, head to Yoder's Restaurant (4 miles away) for Amish comfort food that's a local favorite with families, or visit Owen's Fish Camp (6 miles) for Southern seafood in a fun, casual atmosphere kids enjoy.