Rainy Day

Great Explorations Children’s Museum has served the Tampa Bay area since 1987. Designed for children 10 and under, the 23,000 square foot museum is filled with exhibits and activities to stimulate learning through creativity, play and exploration. The museum is a learning playground where children can make a discovery, make a mess, and even make a new friend. The museum is the first mid-size children’s museum in the country and...

Just a 15-minute drive from Anna Maria Island, Bowlero Bradenton – previously AMF Bradenton Lanes – offers traditional bowling on 64 lanes in a completely renovated center that features a new Qubica scoring system. Relax and take a break in the separate bar that features two flat-screen TVs, a 96-inch projection-screen TV, dart boards, pool tables and some family-friendly arcade games. Open to midnight every day except Friday and Saurday...

Astro Skate and Family Fun Center is dedicated to providing safe, clean, family friendly fun with an emphasis on a high value experience at an economical cost. Home of the world famous Party Pandas, this family owned and operated business started over 32 years ago and has three locations, with its most recent location opening in 2010 in Bradenton. With a large wood skating floor, dance rooms, inflatable bounce houses,...

Recognized as the second oldest continuously operating antique car museum in the country, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum is a must-see for any classic car enthusiast. As you stroll through the museum, which is about a 30-minute drive from Anna Maria island, travel back in time and into the future of man’s greatest invention . . . the automobile! The museum features over 75 automobiles, consisting of the alphabet of...

Weather not cooperating with your beach plans? Don’t worry, you can always check out the latest Hollywood blockbuster. But, before you leave be sure to check the websites listed for updated hours of operation and pricing. Note the distance from Anna Maria Island starts at the Coastal Cottages AMI office (9908 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria), so depending on the location of  your rental property, your distance may be different. Regal...

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island, a non-profit organization, was formed in 1989 with a goal to promote and support creative processes by bringing together all artists – visual and performing and writers – to share experiences, expertise and work together to develop and promote the artistic community on the island. They held the first weekend art festival on Anna Maria Island that fall. In February 1990, The Artists’...

A rich variety of art by talented local artists awaits the art lover at Island Gallery West. Located in Holmes Beach in the heart of Anna Maria Island, where the works of nearly 30 local artists, artisans, and craftspeople are on display. We offer paintings, photographs, mixed media, ceramic arts, stained glass, pottery, fiber art, decorative tiles, jewelry, notecards a,nd more. The works of a different artist are featured each...

Whether you are an artist or a first timer with no artistic background, once you step through our door, you will feel your creative juices flowing at Arts A Blaze Studio in Bradenton. Adults and children of all ages are welcome to come and create in a warm and inviting atmosphere. With its large selection of bisque you are sure to find that perfect piece whether it’s something to fill...

Just an hour’s drive from Anna Maria Island, the world famous dancing horses are a must see! Founded in the 16th century for the exclusive use of the Hapsburg Royal family of Austria, the Royal Lipizzans are unquestionably the rarest, most aristocratic breed of horses in the world. The pride of the Hapsburg Empire, the Lipizzan breed was first established by Archduke Charles at Lipizza (now part of what was...

Located two blocks south of Cortez Bridge off Gulf Drive behind Bradenton Beach City Hall, Tingley Memorial Library is a community recreational reading facility open all year round. The library is a non-profit corporation, independent of the county library system. It is funded by generous donations (including that of benefactor, Beulah Tingley) and operated by friendly volunteers. No tax dollars are used. There is a nominal yearly membership fee; children 14...