While family vacations can be some of the most exciting times of your year and can lead to some incredible memories with your loved ones, they can often be stressful to plan. You’re likely looking for a vacation destination with plenty of family-friendly activities, including lots of things that kids and adults alike will enjoy. You also want a destination that will be safe for your family and won’t break the bank.
Look no further than Anna Maria Island! The Sunshine State’s hidden gem has that “Old Florida” feeling that is hard to come by these days. With so many family-friendly Anna Maria Island activities, you’re guaranteed to find something the entire family will love.
Here’s everything you should know before planning your family vacation to one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals!
Why Stay on Anna Maria Island?
Anna Maria Island is becoming increasingly popular with families. Still, compared to other major destinations in Florida like Orlando, Tampa, or Miami, this area is much less crowded and allows you to truly relax and unwind. You won’t find tons of chain restaurants or high-rise hotels; instead, you can walk or bike down the sidewalk, mingle with the locals, and experience your vacation as it was meant to be. Get to know the locals, take your time heading down to the beach, and simply personalize your vacation. There are tons of convenient vacation rentals in Anna Maria Island near all the best activities, so you’re never far from any attraction on your itinerary.
Anna Maria Island Family-Friendly Activities
While it’s always important to find a vacation destination that is safe and affordable, you also want somewhere with tons of activities. Luckily, there are countless things to do with kids on Anna Maria Island, so you’ll never run out of ideas! We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite family activities on the island, giving you an idea of all the fun that is to be had here. Check out some of these establishments while you’re in town!
Dolphin Tours
It can be tons of fun to take your family down to the beach and spend your day splashing around in the water, but to truly take advantage of the stunning Gulf of Mexico, embark on a dolphin tour! Several marinas and companies on the island offer convenient dolphin tours to take you around the local waters, and you’ll always be well taken care of by an experienced captain. They’ll be able to teach you a bit about the history of the area and point out plenty of wildlife, including the majestic dolphins as they pop out of the water!
Shiny Fish Emporium
You’re definitely going to want to grab a unique souvenir to remember your travels by, and the Shiny Fish Emporium is one of the best places to pick one out. They have all kinds of special items, including Anna Maria Island-themed T-shirts, toys, jewelry, candles, and more. This shop offers one-of-a-kind items from artists both local to the area and from around the world. While you’re shopping around, your children are welcome to visit the shop’s play area, perfect for kids of all ages!
The Fish Hole Mini Golf
Get competitive with your family on one of the 18-hole courses at The Fish Hole Mini Golf! Located on the southern end of the island in Bradenton Beach, this establishment offers two exciting 18-hole mini-golf courses perfect for visitors of all ages. As you go throughout either of the courses, you’ll experience challenging holes, stunning landscaping, and Anna Maria Island’s incredible weather. Feeling extra competitive? Try both courses! Best of all, The Fish Hole is located on Historic Bridge Street, within walking distance from great shopping and dining experiences.
Holmes Beach Skate Park
Located right in the middle of the island, Holmes Beach’s community is home to Holmes Beach Skate Park. While this is a relatively small attraction, it recently got a significant upgrade in 2019 and is now a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. From 10:00 a.m. to sunset every day of the week, skaters of all ages and skill levels are welcome to come to learn or try their tricks here. Both rollerblades and skateboards are welcome. If you’re not able to bring your equipment with you from home, you can visit West Coast Surf Shop nearby to pick out a penny board or skateboard!
TreeUmph! Adventure Course
Want to experience Florida with the unique bird’s eye view? Head over to Bradenton on the mainland to experience TreeUmph! Adventure Course! At this attraction, you and your family will be geared up to swing and climb through the trees, experiencing fun obstacle courses and getting a one-of-a-kind view of the land below. There are 14 acres’ worth of trails for you to choose from, ranging in intensity from easy to complex. They even have a special course designed specifically for kids ages 7 and 8! If you’ve got older kiddos in your group, this is one attraction you definitely don’t want to miss out on.
Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
Formerly known as the South Florida Museum, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is an incredible destination to explore, appealing to everyone from the tiniest toddlers to the oldest adults in your group. Here, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with incredible permanent exhibits across two floors, like ancient fossils and items from local maritime history. The museum even has a planetarium and a manatee habitat! On top of its stunning permanent exhibits, the museum also hosts several rotating camps and temporary exhibitions, providing a unique experience every single time.
GT Bray Park
What kid doesn’t love going to the park? GT Bray Park is one of the most exciting places to bring your kids, but adults are sure to love it as well! Bring your family for a fun picnic at the picnic area, and if you’re traveling with your furry friend, they’re welcome here, too! GT Bray Park also has tons of courts for any sport you might want to play, exercise and fitness facilities, hiking and biking trails, and so much more. If you’re going to get your family out in nature but need a little break from the beach, take an excursion to this fantastic park located on the mainland in Bradenton.
Plan Your Next Stay
Whether you’re just coming for the weekend or are planning a full-blown trip, we’ve got you covered. Our friendly staff is always available to help you find the perfect rental or answer any questions you might have about the area. Just contact us today to learn more!
Where to Stay
Now that you know just a few of the best Anna Maria Island things to do with kids, are you ready to plan your family getaway? We’re here to help! We are proud to offer a wide range of Anna Maria Island vacation rentals that will suit families big and small.
