Spring break is just around the corner, and if you’re looking for a family-friendly place where you can let the kids run free and soak in some much-needed sunshine and relaxation, Anna Maria Island is just the place to be. Here, the streets remain relatively uncrowded, there’s no loud nightlife to contend with when trying to enjoy a nice dinner out, and the beaches are as pristine as always. That doesn’t mean there’s nothing fun happening in Anna Maria Island during spring break, though! We have several events and annual beach parties that beckon in the changing seasons and promise a safe and family-centric experience for our locals and visitors alike. If you’re planning a spring break trip to Florida and want to make sure it’s one you can fully enjoy without all the craziness, check out our guide to the perfect family-friendly spring break in Anna Maria Island, and start planning your getaway today!
Preparing for Spring Break in Anna Maria Island
With most area spring break vacations falling between mid-March and mid-April, you can expect to see a steady stream of visitors to the island during the next several weeks. As you plan your family-friendly spring break in Anna Maria Island, here are some important things to keep in mind:
- Anna Maria Island Spring Break Weather – Anna Maria Island tends to see temps ranging from the mid-70s to the low-60s (degrees Fahrenheit) with high humidity, making the days feel warmer and muggy at times. As a dryer part of the year, you don’t have to worry too much about rain messing up your spring break beach days, but, as a coastal town, it’s not uncommon to have a short-lived passing shower. Water temperatures will still feel chilly in March as they hover around 66 degrees, so small children may want to wear a rash guard, but by April, they creep up to the low-to-mid-70s, and everyone should feel great splashing in the surf.
- What to Pack for Spring Break – When it comes to packing for the weather, light layers are best. For other must-pack items, be sure to check your Anna Maria Island vacation rental to see what items, like towels and other basics, may be provided so you don’t overpack. Large items like kayaks, surfboards, or paddleboards are also easily rentable, so you can leave those at home, too. Focus on beach necessities for the little ones, plenty of sunscreen, and a good cooler to keep your snacks cold all day.
- Getting Around During Spring Break – Unlike Panama City Beach, where it can take three hours to drive 2 miles, Anna Maria Island doesn’t see the insanely crowded streets and main thoroughfares other beach towns do during spring break, so getting around is still easy to do by car. While you may want to make a reservation at your favorite restaurant to be on the safe side, getting around shouldn’t add any stress to your spring break visit.
Spring Break Activities in Anna Maria Island
With our gorgeous white-sand shores and turquoise water, we understand the main highlight of your Anna Maria Island spring break will be spending countless hours at the beach playing in the sand and splashing in the waves. When you need a break from the saltwater, though, there are tons of ways to fill your day.
If you want to be on, not in the water, kayaking tours at Robinson Preserve are available from knowledgeable guides who can tell you all about the region's native wildlife as you paddle through beautiful salt marshes and get a closer look at the area’s landscapes. With Get Up and Go Kayaking, they elevate their offerings with clear kayaks so you get a unique view of what swims beneath. Enjoy stops at local sandbars and the Preserve’s 5-story observation deck for the most epic views of Anna Maria Island. For a more adrenaline-packed day on the water, consider a fishing charter where you can compete with your family to see who hooks the biggest catch!
If a day of shopping and tasting the treats from area restaurants is on the agenda, try the Bradenton Beach free Island Trolley, where you can sightsee and enjoy hop-on/hop-off flexibility to wander at your own pace. Or try a Segway tour that takes you past gentle manatees and through historic Bridge Street. After a day on the town, head to the Fish Hole for a lively round of minigolf and cap it all off with some delicious ice cream.
For some high-flying thrills a short drive from Anna Maria Island, check out TreeUmph Adventure Course, where you can spend hours on their ziplines, ropes course, elevated swings, and rewarding climbs through the branches of Florida pines. With lots of packages to choose from, you can customize a full day of adventure and bond as a family as you try these gravity-defying feats.
Lastly, don’t forget about your Anna Maria Island vacation rental! At Anna Maria Island Accommodations, our homes can offer just as much fun as the beach itself. With vacation rentals featuring private pools, hot tubs, putting greens, and game rooms, you never have to leave home to enjoy an epic spring break day.
Annual Spring Break Events in Anna Maria Island
In addition to family-friendly spring break activities in Anna Maria Island, there are also some events that can help you add a dose of local culture to your trip. If you’re visiting in mid-March, be sure to add some of these to your itinerary:
- Springfest | March 16-17, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Don’t miss this annual tradition of celebrating the incredible artists and makers of Anna Maria Island. Sponsored by the AMI Art League, Springfest is a family event that features live music, local food vendors, and exciting exhibits from local artists.
- St. Patrick’s Day Parade | March 17, 2024, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Presented by Duncan Real Estate, the Annual Anna Maria Island St. Patrick’s Day parade is a family-friendly event that brings both visitors and locals out to celebrate in their finest green apparel. Enjoy local floats, music, and fun, then pick up some delicious fish and chips from Clancy’s before heading back to your vacation rental.
- 2nd Annual Downtown Sarasota Fine Art and Craft Fair | March 16 – 17, 2024, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – This outdoor craft festival along Main St. in Sarasota will feature everything from life-sized sculptures and stunning paintings to handmade jewelry and brilliant photography. Find your perfect spring break keepsake among these incredible bespoke items and enjoy a day exploring Sarasota!
In addition to these events, local beaches like Coquina and Bradenton have been known to host spring break beach parties, though no dates have been made public as of this time. As spring break gets closer, be sure to ask your Anna Maria Island Accommodations team member for details on other local events so you can enjoy all the fun during your stay.
Book Your Family-Friendly Spring Break Today
Whether you’re lounging on the beach, splashing in your vacation rental’s private pool, or enjoying the fun sights and sounds around town, we hope this guide helps you plan the perfect family-friendly spring break in Anna Maria Island. Now that you have the details, the only thing left to do is book your stay. At Anna Maria Island Accommodations, we have vacation rentals designed to fit every family’s needs. Whether you’re looking for a pet-friendly beachfront home with a private pool or one with a private boat dock and putting green, with more than 200 properties to choose from, you can find the ideal spot for your family. Browse our available vacation rentals and then book your family-friendly spring break directly with us. We can’t wait to see you at the beach!