Kid Friendly

Open sunrise to sunset, Neal Preserve, is a 120-acre ecological gem that overlooks Sarasota Bay. Located on the south side of Manatee Avenue just a few minutes from Anna Maria Island, the preserve features passive outdoor recreation opportunities including a 20 foot tall observation tower, shell trails, and boardwalks that wind through the coastal environment. Neal Preserve is a very historically significant site. As you walk, imagine the active Native...

Hunsader Farms got its start in 1967 when three Hunsader Brothers left their Wisconsin dairy farm to try their hand at growing vegetables in the sunny south. The brothers cleared the land by hand and planted their first crop of 80 acres of tomatoes in the fall of 1967. Through the years the farm has added many events and activities, including a barn-style farmer’s market, a petting zoo, playground, an...

Kick back and relax island style with a personal cruise on the beautiful waters that surround Anna Maria Island with Captain Frank on the M/V Minnow. Offering excursions to Egmont Key, dolphin watches, sunset cruises and private charters. Captain Frank discovered Anna Maria Island over 10 years ago when he and his wife stumbled upon their slice of paradise while visiting friends. His passion for the water and boating has...

As part of the South Florida Museum, the Bishop Planetarium is the region’s premier astronomy education facility, as well as a multimedia theater for films, lectures, live music and digital art performances.

As part of the South Florida Museum, the Parker Manatee Aquarium, is designed to house three adult manatees and holds nearly 60,000 gallons of water, including a medical pool. The pool offers both deep and shallow water, allowing the manatees to maintain natural feeding behaviors. An exhibit area within the facility helps to educate the public about manatee anatomy and offers above and below water viewing. Manatee Care specialists provide...

The Island Branch Library in Holmes Beach is one of six locations in Manatee County’s Library System that serve the public. The MCPLS seeks to offer all citizens of Manatee County a responsive, proactive, innovative program of library service, capable of upgrading the educational, cultural, and recreational quality of life in the community. Hours: Sunday and Monday: Closed Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Wednesday: Noon...

Join Captain Kasay Gunter and Coastline Dolphin & Snorkeling Excursions for a wonderful day out on the beautiful waters of Anna Maria and you may even see dolphins and manatees up close and personal! You’ll set sail in a new, 22-foot, fast and sturdy Boston Whaler with a center console. It is a very dry, comfortable boat that provides comfy seating and dry storage for personal items. There is a...

Once known as the ‘Sandpile’, the $6.2 million dollar Bradenton Riverwalk is now a public park that rivals any downtown park in Southwest Florida. Bradenton’s most highly anticipated project in decades opened in October 2012 and has been a popular spot for art and music festivals as well as other events. The 1.5 miles long stretch includes an interactive splash zone, first-class skate park, tidal discovery zone, kayak launch, beach...

Jet skis (or wave runners) are a great way to explore Anna Maria Island our on your own! Jet skis offer the thrill of flying across the water and allow you to see unique views of AMI! You will get the chance to see all kinds of aquatic wildlife whether you are exploring the Gulf of Mexico, Palma Sola Bay, Manatee River or Tampa Bay! Jet skis can accommodate up to three people on one...

Lil’ Toot, a 28-foot boat that cruises the Intracoastal Waterway and more, is available for eco-tours, fishing trips, sunrise and sunset cruises! Look for coastal birds and dolphins (they love to ride behind the waves of the boat!) and catch a unique view of Anna Maria Island from the water. Take a family fishing trip to the backwaters of Tampa Bay or Palma Sola Bay. The custom tailored trips are meant...