IncrediBello! at the Historic Asolo Theater

Expect lots of hair-raising fun when Sarasota’s own circus superstar, Bello Nock—the comic daredevil with the mile-high hair—takes over the Ringling Museum’s Historic Asolo Theater for hour-long shows of IncrediBello. Twice daily through July 29; family-friendly ticket prices. (941) 360-7399; ringling.org

South Florida Museum and Planetarium

The first Saturday of the month is Family Night at downtown Bradenton’s South Florida Museum, with half-price admission after 3 p.m. (and the museum stays open until 8 p.m. for working parents). Every month is a different theme; Aug. 5, it’s “Stormy Weather,” with an exploration of the science of weather and a screening of the movie, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Sept. 2, it’s “Take Flight,” with kid-appropriate lessons on the physics of flight. Check out the summer science camps for elementary and middle school students, too. (941) 746-4131; southfloridamuseum.org

Florida Studio Theatre’s Children’s Theatre

Kids can discover the thrill of making someone laugh out loud with Florida Studio Theatre’s Children’s Theatre. The cast performs scenes, makes up songs and tells age-appropriate stories. And those who want to jump onstage can get involved in the action. Shows July 6, 7, 20, 21, 27 and 28; also July 15 as part of the Sarasota Improv Festival. Recommended for ages 4 and up. (941) 366-9000, floridastudiotheatre.org

Music Compound

Sarasota’s newest music collective has everything from family jam sessions, music movie nights, parent-child beginning guitar classes and even Rock Band Camp July 24-28. “Parents, grandparents, caregivers, nannies and friends welcome,” says Music Compound founder Jenny Townsend. A membership-based organization, it offers a 20 percent family discount for two or more members. We like the mission: “to inspire, collaborate and educate children and young adults in pursuit of their love of music.” (941) 379-9100; musiccompound.com

STAR: Storytelling Theatre at the Ranch

Brand-new this summer at Lakewood Ranch: The Players Center for Performing Arts is presenting monthly storytelling sessions with live performances at the Polo Club Clubhouse. Every participating child gets a book to take home. Aug. 12 is "Stage Fright on a Summer Night," Sept. 9 is "Midnight on the Moon" and Oct. 14 is "Haunted Castle on Hallow's Eve." Registration required.  (941) 365-2494; theplayers.org