Things to do. From our visit on October 4, 2026.

Things to do near Lakewood Ranch: a family afternoon at HexRock Climbing.

I am a mom of four boys, so I am always looking for things to do on a hot afternoon. This month we tried HexRock Climbing, a new indoor climbing gym just southeast of Waterside Place. The boys climbed for hours, and so did I. Here is what we found.

What it is.

HexRock Climbing is a big indoor rock climbing gym on Sarasota Center Boulevard. It opened this year. There is about 14,000 square feet of wall to climb, from short boulders to tall rope walls.

What you can climb.

There are three main ways to climb. Bouldering walls are short, with thick mats below and no rope. Auto belays let you climb a tall wall on your own, and the rope lowers you down slowly when you let go. Top rope and lead climbing are there too, for climbers who know how to belay.

More than climbing.

Upstairs there is an overlook where you can watch the whole gym, which is nice if you are not climbing. There is a coffee bar, a fitness area and yoga classes. They also run programs and camps for kids.

Before you go.

Check the gym's website for the waiver, current hours and what to expect on a first visit. Wear clothes you can move in. Plan on more time than you think: our boys did not want to leave.

I sell homes in Lakewood Ranch, and places like this are part of what families like about living here. If you are moving to the area with kids, start with my family guide to moving here.

Also new: the athletics and aquatics center coming to Lakewood Ranch and the Lakewood Ranch guide.