Big Truck Day 2026 Returns to Sarasota County: Family Fun Rolls into CoolToday Park April 18
Get ready for one of the Suncoast’s most beloved family traditions. The 30th Annual Big Truck Day is set to return on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at CoolToday Park — and this year’s event promises more hands-on fun than ever.
Hosted by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, this free community event invites families to explore, climb, and interact with more than 40 big trucks, emergency vehicles, and heavy equipment up close.
A Hands-On Experience for All Ages
Big Truck Day isn’t just about looking — it’s about experiencing. Kids and adults alike can sit behind the wheel of everything from fire engines and dump trucks to construction vehicles and specialty machinery they see around town every day.
This immersive experience helps spark curiosity about how things work while introducing children to potential careers in public service, construction, and transportation. Families who enjoyed last year’s Big Truck Day at CoolToday Park will find even more to explore this time around.
More Than Just Trucks
Beyond the vehicles, the event is packed with family-friendly entertainment and activities.
- Interactive crafts and creative stations
- Pedal cars for younger kids
- Inflatable play zones
- A live DJ keeping the energy high
- Educational activities in partnership with Suncoast Remake Learning Days
- Behind-the-scenes tours of CoolToday Park, the spring training home of the Atlanta Braves
Sensory-Friendly Hour and Event Details
To ensure everyone can enjoy the event, organizers will offer a sensory-friendly experience from 9 to 9:30 a.m., where horns and loud noises will be minimized, making it more accessible for children with sensory sensitivities.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase on-site, making it easy for families to spend the entire morning enjoying the festivities. The event is supported by community partners including CoolToday, Suncoast Remake Learning Days, and New Balance Sarasota.
- Date: Saturday, April 18
- Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Location: CoolToday Park (18800 W. Villages Parkway, Venice)
- Cost: Free admission
A Suncoast Tradition
Now in its 30th year, Big Truck Day continues to grow as one of Sarasota County’s most anticipated family events, blending education, entertainment, and community connection into one unforgettable day.
Whether your child dreams of driving a fire truck or just loves big wheels and loud engines, this is a can’t-miss event on the Suncoast calendar. For visitors making a day of it in the area, Suncoast Post’s guide to Florida Gulf Coast spring training destinations offers more background on CoolToday Park and the surrounding region.
For more details, visit the Sarasota County Parks website or call 311.
Families looking for more Sarasota County activities may also want to read about other Sarasota County parks and public-space updates as they plan their spring outings.