Planning a family vacation that’s filled with excitement and beauty? Look no further than Anna Maria Island and its surrounding areas of Longboat Key, Bradenton, and Sarasota. These destinations offer endless options for all ages to enjoy. Check out this blog for ten family-friendly activities to try out during your visit. Whether you choose one or all ten, your family is sure to have a blast!

1. Visit the Anna Maria Island Beaches – The beaches on Anna Maria Island are absolutely beautiful and perfect for a day(s) of family fun. The white sandy beaches and clear blue waters make for the ideal place to splash around and make sandcastles. You can also rent paddleboards, kayaks, and other equipment to maximize your fun at the beach.

2. St. Armands Circle – This area is a shopper’s paradise and is home to a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon, and some beautiful beaches are nearby if you decide to take a beach stroll and catch a sunset.

3. Sarasota Jungle Gardens – This is a great place to take the kids (or even without the kids) for a day of exploring and learning about different animals and plant species. The gardens are home to over 150 exotic and native animals, and getting up close and personal with them is always fun.

4. Myakka River State Park – This beautiful park is excellent for a long walk or bike ride. You can see alligators, sandhill cranes, and maybe, if lucky, a panther in their natural habitat. There are also boat tours and kayak rentals that take you through the park’s waterways, where you can see turtles, alligators, and other wildlife up close.

5. The Ringling – The Ringling is a museum and art gallery that is located in Sarasota. The museum is home to a variety of contemporary art pieces, as well as ancient artifacts and other exhibits (like the Circus Museum) that are perfect for all ages.  The gardens surrounding the museum are also a beautiful place to relax and take photos.

6. Siesta Key Beach – This beach has won numerous awards for its beautiful white sandy beaches and clear blue waters. It’s a great place to spend a day building sandcastles, swimming, or just soaking up the sun. Plenty of restaurants and cafes are nearby if you need to grab a bite to eat.

7. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium – This is a great place to learn about marine life, and there are plenty of interactive exhibits that are perfect for kids. The aquarium is home to over 100 species of marine animals, and there are also research exhibits that showcase the work being done by the laboratory.

8. Anna Maria Island Historica Society Museum – This museum is a great place to learn about the history of Anna Maria Island and see some of the artifacts that have been uncovered over the years. There are also exhibits that provide information about the island’s early heritage and the stories of its first settlers.

9. Robinson Preserve-  Robinson Preserve is an option fit for the whole family, with activities to keep everyone from the little ones to grandparents and even our pets happy. From its scenic walking trails, large observatory towers, treehouse play-gym, kayaking opportunities, and breathtaking bike paths, Robinson Preserve is a great spot to bond with the whole family. 

10. Manatee Village Historical Park – This park is a great place to learn about the history of Manatee County, and there are plenty of exhibits that showcase the lives of early settlers. Take pictures of “Old Cabbage Head,” the 1913 steam engine, as well as a blacksmith shop and other historical sites like the cemetery and the 1860 Courthouse.

So there you have it – whether you want to spend a day at the beach, explore the local history, or get up close and personal with the local marine life, there’s something for everyone while exploring all this beautiful area has to offer. Anna Maria Island and its neighboring areas are the perfect places to escape life’s stresses and find total relaxation. With its unbeatable views, sunsets, and endless activities, Anna Maria Island has something for everyone. If you are interested in making a purchase or selling a property, please don’t hesitate to contact me, Chelsea Oelker, and together we can help create amazing opportunities that will last generations.