Whether you're looking to brush up on art or soak up some nature knowledge, there are plenty of options to get schooled in Sarasota. Several of Sarasota's most renowned attractions offer classes for people of all ages and make education fun again.

Become an art connoisseur at The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Ringling's adult programs offer attendees the opportunity to truly engage in the museum's collections. Offerings include lectures and educational events like The Art of Food.

The Art of Food is a three-hour event that explores the history of the Ringlings and features an inspired multi-course meal at the museum's restaurant, Treviso (for tickets, call 941-358-3180). Lectures take place in the Historic Asolo Theatre and deal with various topics in art. Artists and art history lovers will love the beautiful setting for learning. Call (941) 360-7399 for details.

In addition to adult programs, the museum offers up family fun. Ringling program Art After Five offers interactive family activities included in the price of general admission. Visit www.ringling.org for schedules and more information.

Be a Ringling student. The Ringling College of Art and Design gives visitors and locals the chance to learn artistic skills in a multitude of classes and workshops offered all year long. The classes are open to children, teens and adults.

Community art programs and certificate programs are available. Peruse the entire catalogue of community art programs at http://www.ringling.edu/CommunityArtPrograms.html and check out the online interactive catalogue, as well. Courses in photography, fine arts, art and healing and digital design are among the offerings. For more details, e-mail cssp@ringling.edu or call (941) 955-8866.

In addition to the courses offered at Ringling College of Art and Design, workshops are also offered at the Englewood Art Center and the Longboat Key Center for the Arts. To register for a one, two or three-day workshop at the Englewood Art Center, register in person at 350 South McCall Rd. in Englewood or call (941) 474-5548. Workshops include drawing, painting, jewelry, printmaking, sculpture, photography and more. Longboat Key Center for the Arts offers classes in the spring. To register, call (941) 383-2345.

Become a performer. The Sarasota Ballet School offers adult ballet classes starting at just $15 for a single class. You can register for the year for just $300 for all classes. Youth programs are long-term, running the length of a school year.

In addition to ballet, the school also provides weekly Pilates classes and Latin cardio and beginner flamenco classes. The downtown location, Studio 20, provides additional classes. No prior registration is required and all students can pay before class. All levels of adults are welcome. Call (941)359-0099 ext. 120 for more information or visit www.sarasotaballet.org.

The Sarasota Youth Opera helps young aspiring singers follow their dreams. Choruses rehearse weekly from September to May, so if you're in Sarasota all year long, it's a wonderful opportunity for musical children. Visit www.sarasotaopera.org.

The Asolo Repertory Theatre offers up several educational opportunities for children. Families can explore theatre together in "Early Stages," an affordably priced program ($10 a week, $8 for Asolo Rep subscribers) that explores popular children's books. Walk-ins are welcome. The program is intended for families with children ages 3-6. Other course offerings include workshops like "Play in a Day." To check out all of this season's offerings, visit www.asolo.org. To register for events or get more information, call (941) 351-9010 ext. 3306 or e-mail education@asolo.org.

Get in touch with nature at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Selby Gardens offers community classes that are incredibly diverse. There are several classes a week, including offerings such as art, horticulture, photography and health. Visit http://www.selby.org/learning/classes for a full list and details.

Help your kid be a zookeeper for a day. At Sarasota Jungle Gardens, kids from 3-12 can participate in the Jr. Zoo Keeper Club. Children get the whole uniform and even a feed bucket. The events page at www.sarasotajunglegardens.com has more information.

Discover Myakka River State Park. Educational classes at Myakka offer information on fishing, allergy plants, nature photography, kayaking, butterflies and much more. Visit www.myakkariver.org for details. To peruse the incredible array of classes and outings offered as part of the Nature Adventure Series, click here: http://www.myakkariver.org/Friends%20Classes.pdf

Get up-close-and-personal with marine life. At Mote Aquarium, the whole family can get involved. Mote offers classes for children and adults, including a lecture series and workshops. Learn about marine life in a variety of programs. Most are offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, as well as some Fridays. Pre-registration is required.

"Mommy and Me" is an interactive program for kids and adults. On some days, marine-themed games, stories and crafts are used to teach and a guided visit to a Mote exhibit is included. "Exploring the Bay" classes are also offered in good weather, which is common. The cost is $17 for non-members and $14 for members ($5 for additional children). While "Mommy and Me" is reserved for kids 2-5, children 6 and up can participate in a variety of exciting courses. "Behind the Science" has all sorts of fun things for aspiring marine biologists or just science-loving kids, like spineless sea squid dissection and rescue and rehab courses.

Lecture series tickets are $12. To register online for the lecture series or to learn more about all of the course offerings, visit www.mote.org. Click on "Education" to peruse according to age group and specific interest.

Learn and explore at the Crowley Museum & Nature Center. Crowley is home to nature trails, a museum, an observation tower and historic structures. Programs, typically held on weekends, are usually free with admission. Visitors can take a guided nature walk through native Florida terrain to learn about plants, birds and animals.

Adventure tours and classes cover a variety of topics, from fossils to edible plants. The cost is generally $10 for children and $14-19 for adults. There's really something for everyone, such as a nocturnal walk in the moonlight, a birding adventure, or a day dedicated to creepy, crawly bugs. Survival school, group tours and various programs for students are also available. Visit www.cmncfl.org for more information.

Get on the water with Dolphin Dive & Kayak. Take an introductory kayaking class to learn the basics of getting out on the water in a kayak. You'll learn how to stay safe while having fun. Group classes meet on Saturday mornings. Reservations are required. Equipment is provided. Private and advanced classes are also available with your own equipment. Visit www.floridakayak.com for more information.