Taking a vacation on Anna Maria Island allows you to explore some of the most beautiful outdoor sites in all of Florida. But what are you supposed to do if you get caught in an afternoon shower or just have a bad day weather-wise? Take advantage of some of the awesome indoor activities on Anna Maria Island!
Just because it starts to rain doesn’t mean you have to give up all the fun of your vacation. Here are a few of the top indoor activities we would recommend during your stay in one of our Anna Maria Island rentals.
Painting with a Twist
Even if you don’t consider yourself artistic, a visit to Painting with a Twist is sure to create incredible memories as well as a beautiful piece of artwork that you can remember your travels by! Located just on the mainland in nearby Bradenton, Painting with a Twist allows you to bring your friends and family to come out, enjoy a drink together, and work with an expert painter to create a one-of-a-kind work of art. This is an especially great activity if you are in town with your friends for a special occasion like a Bachelor or Bachelorette party or wedding!
Painting with a Twist is one of those activities that you can do again and again, because there will be a new picture to paint every time you visit. Sometimes, they even hold trivia nights where you can brush up on your knowledge of a specific theme while literally brushing a beautiful picture onto your canvas! You can opt for a public in-studio event or book a private event for your group. You can take a 2-hour class for $35, 3-hour class for $45, or kids’ class (1.5 hours) for $25.
Florida Maritime Museum
If there’s a history buff in your group or you just want to get a little insight into the area where you’re staying, don’t miss a trip to the Florida Maritime Museum. Located in the nearby city of Cortez, the Florida Maritime Museum allows guests to go back in time and learn about the rich maritime history that has grown the Anna Maria Island area into what it is today. The museum holds a number of permanent attractions with artifacts from years past, as well as rotating exhibits that present something new and unique every time.
During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to view the incredible Blake Banks shell collection, detailed scale ship models, and the extensive Maritime Library. In addition to the exhibits, the Florida Maritime Museum also holds a regular lecture series that will broaden your horizons to a specific topic related to maritime history. If you have a large group, you can call the museum in advance to book a group tour! The Florida Maritime Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Best of all, this destination is an incredibly budget-friendly activity; admission is completely free, but donations are certainly accepted and appreciated.
The Island Players Florida Student Theater
One of the most fun and unique Anna Maria Island rainy day activities is seeing a show with The Island Players. The Island Players was originally founded back in 1949 and is the oldest community theater in all of Manatee County. But the history doesn’t stop there; The Island Players Theater is actually located inside of an old community house that was built elsewhere and transported to its current location more than a hundred years ago in 1912!
This community theater puts on five performances each year that happen between October and May. Some of their previous performances have included “A Christmas Carol,” “The Fox on The Fairway,” “An Inspector Calls,” and “Steel Magnolias.” Tickets can be purchased in person at the box office or by phone. Performances are held Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m., as well as Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. If you’re searching for a unique and fun way to get your family out of your vacation rental and experience a dose of culture, this is the perfect way to do so!
Red Barn Market
By taking a quick journey onto the mainland and into the city of Bradenton, you’ll find the Red Barn Flea Market. This establishment has been open since 1981 and has been owned and operated by the exact same family ever since! This isn’t your typical flea market; it’s a full-fledged shopping experience that you can spend all day taking in! The Red Barn Flea Market is located in a spacious facility of more than 145,000 square feet, including your typical flea market as well as food courts, plaza shops, and open-air farmers’ markets.
The flea market itself holds more than 600 booths and shops, virtually guaranteeing that you will find something unique to remember your travels by. In addition to shopping, you can grab all kinds of fresh produce to take back to your vacation rental or sit down for a fresh meal from one of the incredible local restaurants. The operating hours for the market can vary from winter to summer, but on the days they are open, they operate from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
UTC Mall
The Mall at University Town Center, also known as the UTC Mall, is a great place to get out of the rain and get some shopping done. This establishment has everything you might be looking for while you’re shopping, from apparel for the whole family to accessories and jewelry, electronics, home decor, and more. You’ll find well-known brands such as Apple, Anthropologie, Banana Republic, and Carter’s, as well as local establishments such as Custom Teez and Obsessed Boutique.
Besides shopping, you can also grab a bite to eat at the mall. They’ve got more than 20 restaurants with everything from casual to upscale, including establishments like Cinnabon, Kona Grill, The Cheesecake Factory, Brio Tuscan Grille, and many others. Finally, the mall often holds various events throughout the year, so there just might be something unique going on while you’re in town! UTC Mall is located at 140 University Town Center Drive in Sarasota. Their hours are as follows:
- Monday through Thursday: 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.
- Friday through Saturday: 10 a.m. until 9 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Plan Your Trip
We are proud to offer Anna Maria Island vacation rentals that are perfect for families of all sizes, so even the biggest of groups won’t feel cooped up on a rainy day. No matter what your vacation plans hold, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to learn more about our vacation rentals in Anna Maria Island!
Enjoy Your Rental
Finally, while it’s nice to get out and explore all of the area’s best indoor activities, you might want to simply spend some time enjoying your rental. For instance, our vacation rentals in Anna Maria Island are perfect for families who want to spend the day inside cooking up a great meal, having a family movie night, or simply relaxing and enjoying their vacation.
Take advantage of features like the ample living space to set up a game night with your family, multiple TVs in every room so each person can catch up on their favorite TV show, or high-speed internet access that allows you to research the area and figure out what you’re going to do when the rain lets up!
