Anna Maria Island is a fun family destination with something for everyone to enjoy! Whether you are the one planning your vacation and are looking for kid-friendly activities that will please the little ones and teens alike or are just a big kid at heart we have a great list of kid-approved activities to choose from.
Painting Starfish at Shiny Fish Emporium
The Shiny Fish Emporium is great for kids and adults of all ages. This toy shop meets fashion boutique meets art gallery features everything from exclusive toys from France, renowned artwork from local and global artists plus so much more. Book a sand dollar painting session in the store to let your little ones create their own piece of art while on vacation. There’s no better way to take a piece of Anna Maria Island home with you!
Shiny Fish Emporium: 306 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216
Photo Credit: Shiny Fish Emporium
Mini-Golf
Head over to the south end of Anna Maria to Bradenton Beach for a truly fun experience. The Fish Hole situated on Historic Bridge Street is a one of a kind adventure 18-hole miniature golf course that features lush tropical foliage, fun fishing facts at each hole and even a koi pond. Test your skills as you navigate twists, turns and even a stream at the back nine. The perfect place for a friendly game from your littlest adventurers to your oldest kiddos! Once you wrap up head over to the Bridge Street Bazaar right next door for great shopping or one of the great local eateries for a delicious bite to eat.
Fish Hole Mini Golf: 115 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL 34203
Mote Marine Aquarium
Your kiddos will absolutely love spending the day at Mote Marine Aquarium! They will get to learn all about the marine life surrounding our local and global waters, get to see manatees and sharks up close as well as enjoy hands-on exhibits like the touch tanks which allow them to feel stingrays in a safe environment. While planning your trip, make sure to purchase tickets online ahead of time.
Mote Marine Aquarium: 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236
Dolphin Tour
Booking a dolphin tour is fun for the whole family! Get your camera ready as you head out on the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico. While seeing dolphins is guaranteed, you’ll most likely see manatees, a wide variety of birds and several other types of wildlife. Many companies on the island like AMI Dolphin Tours offer public and private options throughout the day or even sunset cruises like Island Pearl Excursions does.
Ice Cream Shops
It’s not a beach vacation without a trip to the ice cream shop and luckily Anna Maria Island has some of the best you’ll ever have. Two Scoops is known for it’s wide variety of options-32 different home made ice cream flavors to be exact! Try a scoop of Gator Tracks, Muddy Sneaker, or Superman and head across the street for a stroll on the newly remodeled Anna Maria Island City Pier.
In the heart of Holmes Beach, you’ll find the Small Town Creamery which features delicious ice cream flavors, out of this world fudge, and lots of fun toys for all ages. Get a scoop of Bubble Gum ice cream and make it “fizzy” for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Two Scoops: 101 N Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL 34216
Small Town Creamery: 5404 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
Photo Credit: Small Town Cremery
Bike Rentals
Our pedestrian friendly island is easily explored by foot, golf cart or even the free Island Trolley Service but there is just something about pedaling a bike to the beach. Ride along our beautiful streets adorned with tropical trees and multi-colored beach cottages to truly experience AMI like a local. When you rent bikes from Fun and More Rentals, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from that include women’s, men’s and kid’s for all different age groups. The best part is, they will deliver them to your vacation rental before you arrive and pick them up after you depart!