You arrive to Anna Maria Island for your dream vacation. You pack your beach bag, lather on the sunscreen, step outside of your rental…only to discover it’s raining!
The good news is that even when the weather is not cooperating, there are still many activities to keep you entertained. Here is a list of popular rainy day activities on AMI.
ON THE ISLAND
Distractions Art Studio
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
Island Branch Library
The Island Branch Library in Holmes Beach offers many fun things to do on AMI. Stop in for family story-time, family movie night, 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
- 5701 Marina Drive · Holmes Beach
- website
Island Players Theater
This AMI community theater is the place to go to see affordable productions. They often perform interpretations of classic and contemporary shows. Tickets can be purchased on line and there really are no bad seats in the theater.
- Tuesday through Saturday · 8 PM
- Sunday Matinee · 2 PM
- 10009 Gulf Drive · Anna Maria
- Seating capacity 143 · 137 in tiered rows, 2 free-standing chairs, and 4 mobility impaired
- 941-778-5755
- webite
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
Spa Day
Spa days are the best days. Take advantage of the many spas located on AMI. Treat yourself to a new hairstyle, manicure, relaxing massage, facial, and the list goes on.
- Acqua Aveda
- Aluna Wellness Center & Spa
- Body and Sol Spa and Wellness
- Island Therapeutics
- Salon Salon of AMI
- Sea-rentity Beach Spa and Bou-Tiki
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.
Yoga
Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just beginning your practice, Anna Maria Island has a variety of yoga studios and wellness centers to explore. Step onto the mat and connect with the island’s relaxed, welcoming yoga community.
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OFF THE ISLAND
Astro Skate Family Fun Center
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
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.
It is home to the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat which is part of Florida’s rescue and rehabilitation program for manatees. Lastly, The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature hosts the Mosaic Backyard Universe and temporary exhibitions. Tickets can be purchased on line.
- Tuesday through Saturday · 10 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday · Noon to 5 PM
- 201 10th Street West · Bradenton
- 941-746-4131
- website
Bowl
Bowelro Bradenton, a 15 minute drive from AMI, is a bowling center which features 64 lanes with Qubica scoring system, an arcade, billiards, dart boards, on-site pro shop, free wifi, and sports bar with a 96 inch projection screen TV.
You can order food and drinks while bowling or watching the games. They offer an extensive selection of beer and cocktails.
- 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
Livingston’s Amusements
Livingston’s Amusements in Sarasota’s is an entertainment experience. With over 50,000 square-feet of state-of-the-art fun, Livingston’s is the ultimate place to hang out, play games, eat, drink and socialize.
Their arcade offers a large collection of individual or multi-person games and attractions. They feature 8’ pro tables, 9’ tables, 12 Olhausen tables, and Brunswick Gold Crown tables. Disco lights and pulse-pounding music elevate the SpinZone bumper cars. Race with their indoor NasKart experience.
In addition, you can eat and drink at their bar surrounded by high definition televisions.
- Monday through Thursday · 4:30 PM to 12:00 AM
- Friday · 4:30 PM to 1:00 AM
- Saturday · 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Sunday · 12:00 to 11:00 PM
- 5947 Clark Center Avenue · Sarasota
- 941-295-7667
- website
Painting with a Twist
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
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Mote Marine is a great way to learn all about the local marine life and surrounding global waters. The aquarium focuses on research and education. 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. The Florida Watershed is an exhibit dedicated to the Florida wetlands. There are windows into the Mote Science Center to see the work done. Visit the hands-on stingray touch tank exhibit for a cool experience. There is a virtual reality experience which allows you to swim with humpback whales or dive with sharks.
- Daily · 9:30 AM to 5 PM
- 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway · Sarasota
- 941-388-4441
- website
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
Paint Pottery
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. They website provides an on line calendar as well as at home kits.
- 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
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 and 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
Ringling Museum of Art
This historic home was built by circus magnate John Ringling and his wife, Mable. The museum holds a collection of art related to John and Mable Ringling, works by Rembrandt and Degas, and other European art. The museum hosts an impressive line of performances including ballet and live music. Other events on the grounds include classes, workshops, films, lectures and other events. There are several restaurants and cafes on-site. Purchase tickets on line.
- Daily 10 AM to 5 PM
- 5401 Bay Shore Road · Sarasota
- 941- 359-5700
- website
AMI provides a variety of fun-filled activities to enjoy on rainy days. With these ideas, even a rainy day in the Sunshine State won’t put a dent in your AMI vacation.
Until next time…
· izzy
Test your knowledge while having fun and enjoying a good laugh.
With enough questions for 10 games, this Friendly Feud Beach Edition game will entertain you for hours.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and finding the perfect restaurant can make a significant difference in starting your day off right. Anna Maria Island is home to many delicious breakfast restaurants with each spot offering a unique style and flavor.
Attached is a list of breakfasts spots on AMI.
Traveling with kids can sometimes require additional planning. Here is a comprehensive list of kid friendly activities on Anna Maria Island (AMI). These family friendly activities will keep both kids and adults entertained.
There’s something magical about beach bars — the salty breeze, cold drinks, live music, and a relaxed vibe that instantly puts you in vacation mode.
But what really sets the best ones apart? Games! Whether you’re battling brains in a round of trivia, going head-to-head over a game of billiards, or just laughing your way through a few rounds of corn hole, beach bar games bring people together.
Looking for the perfect way to end your day on Anna Maria Island?
A sunset cruise combines natural beauty, relaxation, and unforgettable memories. As the sun sets over the water, the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors.
One response to “Rainy Day Activities on Anna Maria Island in Florida”
Such great indoor ideas for rainy days. Libraries and Aquariums are the best!