With summer just around the corner, it’s that time of the year when families are planning their vacations. If you’re looking for fun kid-friendly activities here’s a list of our favorites on and around Anna Maria Island.
Home to a 7-mile-long strip of beaches with white, powdery sand and clear blue waters. Anna Maria is beautiful year-round, but at its best during the spring and summer. It is paradise to visitors.
Activities your little ones will love to do on and around Anna Maria Island
- Collecting Sea Shells on Anna Maria Island
The beaches in Anna Maria are renowned for their biodiversity. Specifically, their intricate and colorful seashells. Many beaches on the island, like Manatee Public Beach, Bayfront Park, Bean Point and Coquina Public Beach are chock-full of seashells.
Just take your kid out for a stroll to the beach and help them dig up beautiful shells to add to their collection. If you’re lucky, you may even find some sand dollars.
- Workshops and exploration at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
The Selby Botanical Gardens is a world unto itself. Over 5500 species of plants are housed here along with butterflies and birds that live off of them. The Gardens hold regular exhibits for kids and there are workshops organized to get children interested in wildlife conservation.
The Children’s Rainforest Garden, in particular, is a favorite among kids. Let your little one channel their inner adventurer, as they explore caves, rope bridges and waterfalls of the garden.
The Selby Gardens are located on the shores of Sarasota Bay and open daily, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Dolphin tours in the Gulf
Want to give your kids the most amazing vacation? Take them on one of Anna Maria’s famous dolphin tours.
Your family can paddle down to the viewing spots in the Gulf in a kayak or canoe or take a motorboat up to the viewing spots in the Gulf. All boats, including canoes and kayaks, will be manned and controlled by a lifeguard and life jackets will be provided for everyone on board.
- Safari at the Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary
Does your child love wildlife? If yes, check out the Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary in Sarasota, less than an hour from the island. The habitat has over 150 animals and offers live animal encounters as well as information on how to preserve wildlife. Take your family here for a fun and educational experience.
Where to stay when in Anna Maria?
Anna Maria Island has many beautiful beach houses and condos where visitors can stay in comfort and style. Sato Real Estate offers spacious and fully-equipped vacation rentals at various price-points on the island. Each vacation rental is located situated close to the island’s main attractions and has close access to public transport.
Call Sato Real Estate at (941) 778-7200 or shoot us a quick email for more information.
