Nathan Benderson Park

🍍🥭 From dragon fruit to lychees, it was a fruit-filled adventure at NBP this week!

A huge thank you to Aaron “The Fruit Hunter” from for stopping by our NBP Water Adventure Camps and introducing campers to an incredible variety of fresh and exotic fruits. The kids were fully engaged, asking great questions, learning about where different fruits come from, and eagerly tasting everything offered.

The biggest fan favorites? Dragon fruit and mango stole the show! 🌟 But we were especially excited to see so many campers step outside their comfort zones and try new fruits like fresh lychees and kumquats. Many even came back for seconds… and thirds! 😋

Experiences like these help campers discover new foods, learn about the world around them, and build confidence through exploration.

Thank you again to our wonderful community partner, Detwiler’s Farm Market, for making this memorable experience possible!

🎆 Be sure to stop by the Detwiler’s table for free watermelon & cookies during Fireworks on the Lake: America 250 Celebration, presented by , on July 3 at Nathan Benderson Park. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Today we celebrate Global Running Day and the runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts who make Nathan Benderson Park such a special place.

From sunrise miles to evening strolls around the lake, there’s no better place to get moving.

Tag your favorite running buddy below! 👇

From casting lines to captaining boats, Nathan Benderson Park Water Adventures Camps are turning summer into two months of skills and memorable moments! 🌊🎯⛳

🎉 Featured Camps:
⚓ All Around NBP Camp
🚤 Spirit of America Boaters Camp where campers can learn AND earn their Florida Boater Safety License 🛥️

Plus:
🎣 Fishing camps
🏹 Archery camps
🌿 Outdoor adventures, sailing ⛵️ & more!

Campers will also enjoy epic field trips to local favorites like and for hands-on science, golf, and summer fun beyond the park.

☀️ Half-day & full-day weekly options available
📅 Camps run June 1 through August 7
👟 Warning: side effects may include tired kids, zero screen-time arguments, and nonstop storytelling at dinner.

Register now before spots disappear faster than sunscreen at a water park 👇
www.NathanBendersonPark.org/kids-camps

NBP Kids Summer Vacation Camps Sarasota & Bradenton - Water Sports & More Experience the ultimate summer camp in Sarasota and Bradenton at Nathan Benderson Park, offering exciting activities for kids. Enjoy outdoor fun, including water sports and unique programs—perfect for unforgettable kids vacation camps.

Our website is currently down due to some unplanned maintenance. It should be live again later this afternoon. Thank you for your patience. In the meantime, please contact [email protected] with any camp registration questions or requests. We are counting down to the 10th annual Fireworks on the Lake - America 250celebration, this year, proudly presented by ! Ticket sales open this Friday, May 29 at 9am!

This Thursday, get ready to move with SWEATSANITY!
FREE dance fitness classes at the Playground Pavilion!
Every 3rd Thursday of the month
(May-July) 9:00 AM
Come sweat, smile, and have fun with an energizing, all-levels dance workout in a great outdoor setting.
Bring your water, bring a friend, and let’s dance!


SWEATsanity Fitness

Congrats UCF Women's Rowing!!! Thank you to all Big 12 Conference Rowing teams for coming to NBP. See you next year!

UCF wins Big 12 women’s rowing championship at Nathan Benderson Park

https://www.mysuncoast.com/2026/05/17/ucf-wins-big-12-womens-rowing-championship-nathan-benderson-park/

The water is buzzing at Nathan Benderson Park as the 2026 Women’s Rowing Championship officially gets underway! 🚣‍♀️🔥

Today, was onsite capturing the energy, speed, and excitement from the shoreline and on the water, featuring crews from , , and as they powered through practice and prepared for championship racing.

The boats are flying, the fans are arriving, and the stage is set for an unforgettable weekend of Big 12 competition here at NBP. 🌴🏁

Good luck to all athletes competing this weekend! .rowing

Making Waves on ABC7 Sarasota - WWSB 🌊📺
Our team took over the studio this week to talk about water safety and summer fun!

Our very own Programs Coordinator, Brett Bosse joined forces with the incredible Lindsay Shoop— Sarasota Crew Coach and Olympic Gold Medalist—to share everything you need to know about staying safe on the water and the amazing camp opportunities waiting for your kids at the park this summer.

Trust us, when it comes to water safety, we aren't just "testing the waters"—we're bringing in the pros! 🚣‍♀️✨

Watch the segment below! https://www.mysuncoast.com/2026/05/14/summer-camps-nathan-benderson-park-sarasota-crew-focus-water-safety-confidence/

A huge thank you to the ABC 7 team for having us! Whether your child is a future Olympian or just looking to make a splash, we’ve got a spot for them this summer. Camps runs June - August. Register for camp today at www.nathanbendersonpark.org/kids-camps and www.sarasotacrew.org

Summer Camps at Nathan Benderson Park and Sarasota Crew Focus on Water Safety and Confidence Nathan Benderson Park’s Summer Adventure Camps are open to children ages 6-13 and include activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Organizers say many children begin camp nervous around the water, but gain confidence through guided instruction and positive reinforcement....

Catch the "Oar-inspiring" Action! 🚣‍♀️✨
Looking for plans this weekend? Stop "row-crastinating" and head over to Nathan Benderson Park! We are thrilled to host the 2026 Big 12 Women’s Rowing Championships, and the stakes couldn't be higher. 🏆

The water is ready, the sun is out, and these powerhouse programs are set to leave it all on the lake. Come deck yourself out in your school colors and bring that championship energy to the shores!

🚣 Featured Teams:
UCF Women's Rowing, K-State Rowing, University of Kansas Rowing, WVU Rowing, University of Tulsa Women's Rowing, ODU Rowing

Atmosphere: High stakes, fast boats, and plenty of fresh air! Grab a coffee or refresher at NBP from SipnBrewco

💻 Stream It Live:
If you can’t make it to the park to hear the starting horn in person, don’t miss a beat of the broadcast! Catch the full livestream coverage here:
👉 https://big12sports.com/feature/2026-rowing-championship?path=

Whether you're cheering from the grandstands or your living room, let's show these athletes some love! Practices Thurs-Fri, 8-11 & 4-6:30pm, Sat: 8-11am & 3-5:30pm. Finals on Sunday from 9-11am!
Visit Sarasota County Bradenton Area Sports University Town Center Sarasota