Family Fun on Anna Maria Island · Florida

Traveling with kids can sometimes require additional planning. Here is a comprehensive list of family friendly activities on Anna Maria Island. These activities will keep both kids and adults entertained.

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A Day at the Beach

Whether you want to lounge in the sun, go swimming, snorkel, skim board, hunt for shells, or build sandcastles, there is something for everyone on AMI beaches. The best parts of AMI are its calm turquoise waters and sugar sand beaches. It’s the ideal location to take a dip in the water.

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Bike

Biking around AMI is a great way to see and experience the island.

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Boat Tours

There are several tour companies on AMI that offer tours in the Gulf waters. Prices range between $35 per person to over $1,000 depending on the number of guests, age of guests, the length of the tour, type of boat, and amenities provided. They offer a variety of tours as follows:

• fishing
• island hopping · Egmont Key, Jewfish, Beer Can Island, Shell Key, Passage Key
• marine life · dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, birds, rays
• moonlight
• private and public
• pub crawl
• sandbar hopping
• shell and shark teeth
• snorkel
• sunset

Below is a list of companies providing tours:

• AMI Boating Tours
• AMI Discovery Charters
• AMI Escapes
• Anne’s Calm Water Charters
• Bay2Bay Boat Tours
• Bayshore Fishing Charters
• Bradenton Beach Marina
• Captain Bam’s Jungle Float
• Coastline Dolphin & Snorkeling Excursions
• Crysten’s AMI
• Frayed Up Fishing Charters
• Fun Boat Tours
• Island Hoppers Boat Tours
• Just Reel Fishing Charters
• Kathleen D Sailing Catamarans
• Kokomo Charters
• Nature Boy Troy’s Coastal Adventures
• Nature Coast Excursions
• Orca Pro Charters
• Paradise Boat Tours
• Passage Key Dolphin Tours
• Positive Waves
• Seas the Day Adventures
• Shore Thing Tiki Cruises
• Well Played Charters

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Captain Kathe

Captain Kathe, a fourth generation Cortezian, offers a sightseeing boat tour and a eco-tour. Pup-Pup, a Cocker Spaniel, is her first mate. Call to schedule your tour and pick up location.

• 941-812-3241
• website

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Fishing

Anna Maria Island is a fisherman’s paradise. Fish from one of three piers. The water around the piers is home to many species of fish including snook, snapper, sheepshead, and redfish.

• Rod & Reel Pier · Anna Maria · extends 350 feet into the water · gone after the hurricanes
• Anna Maria City Pier · Anna Maria · extends 700 feet into the water · damaged after the hurricanes
• Bridge Street Pier · Bradenton Beach · extends 550 feet into the water

While fishing, do not be surprised if Great Blue Herons perch themselves close to await a hand out. Florida does require a fishing license for anyone over the age of 16 years. Check the Florida fishing requirements here. Currently, you can buy a license at the Bridge Street Pier.

For guided fishing trips on a private vessel run by an experienced captain AMI hosts many options.

• AMI Flats Fishing
• Fish AMI Fishing Charters
• Frayed Up Fishing Charters
• Gulf Coast Charters
• Skyway Sportfishing
• Ultimate Fishing Adventures

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Hair Fun

Besides featuring boho clothing, beach apparel, and accessories, Gypsea Tides Beach Boutique offers the following:

• beaded beach braids
• beaded extensions
• beaded mermaid braids
• colorful hair feathers
• hair wraps
• shimmering fairy hair
• glitter tattoos

Appointments are recommended, however walk-ins are welcome.

• Monday through Saturday · 10 AM to 5 PM
• Sunday · 10 AM to 4 PM
• 5602 Marina Drive · Unit A · Holmes Beach
• 941-285-3130
• website
• facebook
• instagram

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Horseback Rides

Horseback riding through the calm, shallow waters of Palma Sola Bay offers a truly unique coastal experience, where you and your horse wade side by side in the gentle surf. Surrounded by natural beauty and Gulf breezes, it’s an unforgettable way to explore Florida’s shoreline from a whole new perspective.

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Kayak Tour

AMI Paddleboard offers guided ECO mangrove tours in kayaks and on paddleboards. Your guide will point out horseshoe crabs, starfish, cormorants, sea sponges, and much more. You might even see dolphins or manatees before heading into the mangrove tunnels. Soak up the sun and bask in the peace and quiet.

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Specializing in small-group tours, Anna Maria Island Kayak Tours offers personalized eco-tours that take you through hidden mangrove trails and tranquil inlets. Their tours are great for beginners and families looking for a relaxing, nature-filled experience.

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Anna Maria Island Tours offers clear kayak LED glass bottom night tours. Their kayaks are 100% clear creating a complete window into the Gulf waters.

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Beach Bums Kayak Tour begins with an orientation on kayaks, instructions on proper paddling techniques, and a discussion of the mangrove system. 

• First stop · bird rookery · see Roseate Spoonbills, Blue Herons, and White Egrets
• Second stop · Mangrove island · wade in the sea grass to view fish eggs, hermit crabs, and mullet
• Third stop · oyster shoal
• Fourth stop · sandbar · cool off with a swim

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Happy Paddler offers numerous kayak tours. Each of their guides have deep local roots and plenty of formal education under their belts.

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Kayak Jacks offers both a guided and self-guided kayak eco tour. Both tours allow you to Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the mangroves and encounter various vibrant wildlife.

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Library

The Island Branch Library in Holmes Beach offers a list of fun things to do on AMI. Stop in for family story-time, Mahjong, yoga, sewing, and many other activities.

These library events are open to the public. Check the calendar to see what is happening. 

• Monday through Thursday · 9 AM to 8 PM
• Friday and Saturday · 9 AM to 6 PM
• Sunday · closed
• 5701 Marina Drive · Holmes Beach
• 941-778-6341
• website

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Movies

Take in a movie at Regal Oakmont theater in Bradenton, the closest movie theater to AMI. Recline your seat and enjoy some Hollywood entertainment while snacking on buttery popcorn, candy, hot dogs, and soda.

• Check for movie times
• 4801 Cortez Road West · Bradenton
• website

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Parasail

Parasailing is a great way to get a bird’s eye view of the island, and if you’re lucky, you can spot wildlife from above, including dolphins, fish, stingrays, sharks, and more!

• AMI Parasail
• Bradenton Beach Parasail
• Sea Rockets
• YOLO Adventures

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Playgrounds

Take the kids to play at one of the many island playgrounds!

• Bayfront Park · 316 North Bay Boulevard · Anna Maria · only swings as of September 15, 2024

• City Pier Park · 103 N Bay Boulevard · Anna Maria

• Coquina Beach · 2650 Gulf Drive South · Bradenton Beach

• Herb Dolan Park · 26th Street North and Avenue A · Bradenton Beach
• Lou Barolo Park · 107 4th Street North · Bradenton Beach

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Pirate Adventure

Pirate Adventures in Cortez offers an interactive cruise on the Sea Gypsy. Buccaneers will live out their pirate dreams and go on exciting treasure hunts around Palma Sola Bay, Anna Maria Sound, and Sarasota Bay. Book online.

• 4110 127th Street West · Cortez
• 941-226-5640
• website
• facebook
• instagram

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Sea Doos

Enjoy riding around on Sea Doos. If the waters are rough, stick to the Inter-coastal waterway where you can see an abundance of marine life like dolphins, manatees, and shore birds. Definitely educate yourself on the channels and stick to them because it gets extremely shallow in a lot of areas and you don’t want to damage the local underwater wildlife habitat.

• Anna Maria Jet Skis
• Bradenton Beach Marina
• Coastal Watersports AMI
• Costa Coast
• Freedom Jet Ski Rentals
• H2O Watersportz
• Little Philly Sea Adventures
• Seaside Island Adventures
• Sunshine Living Boat Rentals
• Triple G’s Golf Cart Rentals

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Shiny Fish Emporium

Visit the Shiny Fish Emporium to paint sand dollars. Creativity awaits at this fun boutique. They add a glitter sealant and a ribbon when it’s dry so you can hang it. They also offer Kala Brand Ukulele and Anna Maria Island themed T-shirts.

• Monday through Friday · 10 AM to 5:30 PM
• Saturday · 10 AM to 5:00 PM
• Sunday · 11 AM to 4 PM
• 306 Pine Avenue · Holmes Beach
• 941-896-9742
• website
• facebook

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Skate

Are you ready for fun on wheels? Cruise on over to Astro Skate Family Fun Center in Bradenton. They offer trainer, regular quad, and speed/inline skates for rent. They offer beginner or advanced skate lessons. There is a full arcade to play games and win prizes and a snack bar.

• Check the website for skate times
• 3611 3rd Street West · Bradenton
• 941-747-8602
• website

Surf Lessons

• Monday through Thursday · 9:30 AM to 5 PM
• Friday through Sunday · 10 AM to 4:30 PM
• 3902 Gulf Drive · Holmes Beach
• 941-778-1001
• facebook

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Swing

Enjoy the beautiful scenery from the swings at the end of the Bridge Street Pier. The swings are a great spot to watch the boats, drawbridge, and local wildlife.

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Paint

There’s always something fun happening at Painting with a Twist. They offer Girl’s Night, Date Night, Trivia Night, Paint Your Pet, Family Day, and Kid’s Night events to create some colorful memories. Their website provides an on line calendar.

• Monday through Saturday · 10 AM to 7 PM
• Sunday · 11 AM to 5 PM
• Event times may differ
• 5917 Manatee Avenue West · Suite 209 · Bradenton
• 941-795-7928
• website

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At Distractions Art Studio select from a wide range of unpainted pottery or a blank canvas and use their art supplies to paint a unique piece. They will glaze and fire. Your masterpiece will be ready for pickup in just seven days. Ask about shipping to send your artwork home.

• Daily · 10 AM to 6 PM
• 5306 Holmes Blvd Unit 800 · Holmes Beach
• 941-348-0818
• website

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Miniature Golf

Located in Bradenton Beach on Bridge Street is the Fish Hole, an 18 hole fishing-themed adventure course. Putt your way around ponds, mills, and other obstacles on their lush and tropical course.

• 115 Bridge Street · Bradenton Beach
• Daily · 9 AM to 9:30 PM
• 941-778-3388
• website
• facebook

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Meet the Parrots

Sun and Surf Beach Shop occupies the eastern corner unit at Island Shopping Center in the heart of Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island. Flanking the front doors are some noisy residents…11 colorful birds! There are African gray parrots, macaws, and other exotic birds sheltered in 10 cages. Stop by and meet them.

• Daily · 9 AM to 7 PM
• 5418 Marina Drive · Holmes Beach
• 941-778-2169
• website

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Mote Marine

Mote Marine is a fantastic way to learn all about the marine life surrounding local and global waters. Get up close with resident manatees Hugh and Buffett and sea turtles Hang Tough, Harry, Shelley, Montego, and Squirt 2. There are over 100 marine life species at Mote Aquarium including the 135,000 gallon shark habitat. Enjoy the hands-on the stingray exhibit.

Mote Marine offers Day Camps for campers 5 – 10 years old. Each session combines their groundbreaking research with fun, hands-on, and inquiry-based activities. Day Camps are single-day programs that run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. They feature Day Camps during Winter break, Spring break, Summer break Thanksgiving break, and other school holidays. Pre-registration is required.

Tickets are $13 for ages 3 – 12 and $29 for ages 13 and older. Purchase your tickets here.

• Daily · 9:30 AM to 5 PM
• 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway · Sarasota
• 941-388-4441
• website
• facebook
• instagram

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The Center of Anna Maria Island

There are multiple summer camps and programs at the Center such as fitness, art, piano, tumbling, soccer, fishing, and volleyball. Check the website for details.

• Monday through Thursday · 7 AM to 8PM
• Friday · 7 AM to 7 PM
• Saturday · 8 AM to 3 PM
• Sunday · Closed
• 407 Magnolia Avenue · Anna Maria
• 941-778-1908
• website
• facebook

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Turtle Talks

Turtle Talks is sponsored by the AMI Shorebird and Turtle Monitoring Group. Turtle Talks are free and held Monday mornings from 10 to 11 AM during the months of May, June, July, and August at Holmes Beach City Hall. These talks are filled with photos and videos, free activity books, and temporary tattoos. Donations are welcome to help keep this organization doing great things.

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Anna Maria Island Historical Museum

Learn more about the history of the island at the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum. Built in 1920, the building was originally an ice house. The exhibits tell the story of the first settlers on the Island. It also includes fishing and baseball history.

• January through March · Tuesday through Thursday · 10 AM to 4 PM
• April through August · Tuesday through Thursday · 10 AM to 1 PM
• September · closed
• October through December · Tuesday through Thursday · 10 AM to 1 PM
• 402 Pine Avenue · Anna Maria
• 941-778-0492
• website

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Anna Maria City Jail

Built in 1927, the Anna Maria City Jail operated until 1940 when the roof was destroyed by a fire. The open-air jail left prisoners to sweat in the hot sun and be bitten by mosquitos at night. The fear of being stuck in jail in those conditions kept most people from getting into trouble. The remains of the jail can be visited by anyone today.

Today it is a popular photo-op spot!

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Coquina Beach Market

Check out the outdoor market at Coquina Beach Park to find unique vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, local arts and crafts, jewelry, art, apparel, and other items. Enjoy some yummy food as you cruise the beachside market. Check their facebook page​ for scheduled closures.

• Reopens · October 1, 2025
• Sunday · Wednesday · Friday · 10 AM to 2 PM
• South Coquina Beach, adjacent to Longboat Pass
• website
• facebook

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Ice Cream

It’s not a beach vacation without ice cream. Luckily AMI has lots of choices.

• Two Scoops · Anna Maria · 101 South Bay Boulevard
• Dips Ice Cream · Anna Maria · 503 Pine Avenue
• Anna Maria Island Creamery & Bakery · Anna Maria · 9801 Gulf Drive
• Small Town Creamery · Holmes Beach · 5404 Marina Drive
• Baskin Robins · Holmes Beach · 3302 East Bay Drive
• Holy Cow · Holmes Beach · 3234 East Bay Drive
• Island Scoops · Bradenton Beach · 103 B Gulf Drive North

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Bishop Museum of Science and Nature

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is the largest science and nature museum on the Florida Gulf Coast. There is a section dedicated to the fossils discovered in Florida and a planetarium with an advanced all-digital projection systems. Buy tickets on line.

• Tuesday through Saturday · 10 AM to 5 PM
• Sunday · Noon to 5 PM
• 201 10th Street West · Bradenton
• 941-746-4131
• website

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Create a Donut

The Donut Experiment makes custom fresh donuts right in front of you! Choose your icing (Chocolate, Vanilla, Maple, Caramel, Glaze or Special), topping (Rainbow Sprinkles, Bacon, Fruity Pebbles, and more), and/or drizzle (Caramel, Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Raspberry or Special). Or choose their specialty donut creations such as Sriracha and Key Lime.

• Daily · 7 AM to 1 PM
• 210 Pine Avenue · Anna Maria
• 941-896-3172
• website
• facebook
• instagram

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Bowl

• Monday · 11 AM to midnight
• Tuesday · 9 AM to 10 PM
• Wednesday · 11 AM to midnight
• Thursday · 9 AM to 10 PM
• Friday and Saturday · 9 AM to midnight
• Sunday · noon to 11 PM
• 4208 Cortez Road West · Bradenton
• 941-758-8838
• website

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Skate Park

Whether a beginner or not, this is a great park to skate at for all levels. Rollerblades and skateboards are allowed.

The park is divided into three areas.

• viewing area · a few benches to watch and relax on the sidelines.
• grind bars and a lift table
• quarter pipe · a grind and multi-piece ramp in the middle for different line runs

Currently, there is not a place to rent boards or gear. If you need equipment, West Coast Surf Shop offers a selection of skateboards and penny boards.

• Daily from 10 AM to sunset
• 5801 Marina Drive · Holmes Beach

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Trolley

The Anna Maria Island Trolley is a free and easy way to get around the island. Trolleys typically run at 20-minute intervals from 6 AM to 9 PM, and at 30-minute intervals from 9 to 10:30 PM. There are trolley stops every 2 to 4 blocks. Hop on and off as often as you like. Shoes and shirts are required.

Download the myStop app to know where the trolley is in real time, how long it will be before it gets to your stop, or where the nearest trolley stop is located.

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Preserves

Preserves are areas set aside for their eco-systems and natural settings. Most preserves are open from sunrise to 8:00 PM.

Leffis Key Preserve

This preserve is a hidden treasure located on the island. A trail up to a small 26-foot high hill delivers a great view of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Meander through the 30 acres mangrove forest, rich with local floral and fauna.

Gulf Drive South · Bradenton Beach

Grassy Point

Located in Holmes Beach across the street from the Walgreens, Grassy Point has shell and boardwalk trails leading to bay views.

3021 Avenue C · Holmes Beach

Neal Preserve

Located just one mile off the island, this 120 acre coastal habitat boasts mangrove forests. Climb the 20 foot observation tower after winding through trails and boardwalks. This location is great for bird watching.

12301 Manatee Avenue West · Bradenton

Perico Preserve

Perico Preserve, originally a farm, was transformed back to its original coastal wetlands to support the fragile eco-system. This is a good spot for bird watching.

11700 Manatee Avenue West · Bradenton

Robinson Preserve

Robinson Preserve offers 682 acres to explore and the most amenities: beaches, canoe and kayak launches, fishing, picnic grill pavilions, playgrounds and trails. It is located on the northwest side of Bradenton just a short ride from AMI. There is a 40 foot tall observation tower with a bird’s eye view of five different bodies of water. In addition, a 53 foot tower offers views of Tampa Bay. Robinson Preserve Trail Map here.

1704 99th Street NW · Bradenton

Parks

A park is a designated area by local governments for the public to enjoy. Visit one of the local parks on AMI that are open from sunrise to 10:00 PM. The free island trolley stops at each location with the exception of Bayfront Park where you would disembark at the Anna Maria City Pier stop and walk westward over the humpback bridge to the park.

Manatee Public Park

Manatee Public Park is located directly on the beach. It boasts volleyball, benches, bike racks, changing cabanas, concessions, gift shop, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, showers, restrooms (closed at 9 PM), and beach wheelchairs.

• 4000 State Road 64 and Gulf Drive · Holmes Beach
• website

Coquina Park

Coquina Park is the longest stretch of park on AMI. There are benches, bike racks, changing cabanas, concessions, gift shop, grills, restrooms (closed at 9 PM), showers, beach wheelchairs, volleyball, water fountains, picnic tables, playground, and five pavilions.

• 2650 Gulf Drive South · Bradenton Beach
• website

Bayfront Park

Bayfront Park is located on the northern tip of AMI with views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and Egmont Key. It offers some protection from wind, considerable shade, a playground, grills, picnic pavilions, benches, outdoor showers, restrooms (closed at 9 PM), and water fountains.

• 316 North Bay Boulevard · Anna Maria
• website

Herb Dolan Park

Herb Dolan Park offers terrific views of Sarasota Bay, Anna Maria Sound, and Tampa Bay. The park offers picnic areas, basketball court, playing field, swing set, play structure, and a kayak launch.

• 26th Street North and Avenue A · Bradenton Beach
• website

John Chappie Park

This park offers beach access and benches.

• 1400 Gulf Drive North · Bradenton Beach
• website

Katie Pierola Sunset Park

Katie Pierola Sunset Park is located right on the beach and features picnic tables sheltered under tiki huts and benches.

• 2212 Gulf Drive North · Bradenton Beach
• website

Lou Barolo Park

The Lou Barolo Park features a picnic area, play structure, and pickle-ball court.

• 107 4th Street North · Bradenton Beach
• website

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This list of family friendly activities should keep you and your children entertained, happy, and active on AMI.

Parking enforcement is strict on AMI. “No parking” means…NO parking. If you find a spot that allows parking on the side of the road, be sure all four tires are off the road.

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Until next time…

· izzy