Kid Friendly

A rich variety of art by talented local artists awaits the art lover at Island Gallery West. Located in Holmes Beach in the heart of Anna Maria Island, where the works of nearly 30 local artists, artisans, and craftspeople are on display. We offer paintings, photographs, mixed media, ceramic arts, stained glass, pottery, fiber art, decorative tiles, jewelry, notecards a,nd more. The works of a different artist are featured each… Continue Reading Island Gallery West

For the serious beachcomber, the most important thing about shelling is to know the tides. Charts are featured in most local newspapers, as the best shells are found just before low tide. Another opportune time is after a storm – advancing cold fronts tend to push water away from the beach and tropical storms can churn up the tides bringing shells ashore. Three excellent locations for shelling on Anna Maria… Continue Reading Shelling

Whether you are an artist or a first timer with no artistic background, once you step through our door, you will feel your creative juices flowing at Arts A Blaze Studio in Bradenton. Adults and children of all ages are welcome to come and create in a warm and inviting atmosphere. With its large selection of bisque you are sure to find that perfect piece whether it’s something to fill… Continue Reading Arts A Blaze Studio

Have you ever fed a giraffe? Have you ever smelled their grassy breath? These are memories that will last you a lifetime. At Giraffe Ranch in you’ll experience first hand, the lives of giraffe and other species from around the world living under huge live oaks in a setting that is right out of Africa. Giraffe Ranch is a licensed working ranch that specializes in exotic species as well as… Continue Reading Giraffe Ranch

Crowley Natural and Cultural History Center also known as “Crowley” is a non-profit organization furthering natural and cultural history located on 190 acres of pristine Florida including pine flatwoods, oak hammock, hardwood swamp, sawgrass marsh, and the Myakka River. Enjoy a guided or self-guided tour of untouched Florida landscapes. Kids love the Children’s Discovery Path with five interactive stations on native Florida creatures. Farm animals, organic garden, and more! Open… Continue Reading Crowley Natural and Cultural History Center

Located two blocks south of Cortez Bridge off Gulf Drive behind Bradenton Beach City Hall, Tingley Memorial Library is a community recreational reading facility open all year round. The library is a non-profit corporation, independent of the county library system. It is funded by generous donations (including that of benefactor, Beulah Tingley) and operated by friendly volunteers. No tax dollars are used. There is a nominal yearly membership fee; children 14… Continue Reading Tingley Memorial Library

Anna Maria Bayfront Park is an ideal place to put things in perspective. From any vantage point, you get a sweeping view of Tampa Bay and the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge, but the best lookout is arguably from the end of the century-old Anna Maria City Pier. There you can have a drink and a sandwich while watching fisherman reel one in. You may also spot dolphins or manatees. This… Continue Reading Anna Maria Bayfront Park

Whether you are sitting on the beach or kayaking near the still water’s edge at Fort De Soto, you find yourself absorbed in the abundance of natural beauty for as far as the eye can see. The complexity of the ecology is not immediately apparent, but the park offers the greatest diversity of systems just about anywhere. Emerging from the wealth of bird life, sea life, wild life and plant… Continue Reading Fort De Soto Park

Rent a boat from Bradenton Boat Rental LLC and see the crystal clear blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Water Way! Bradenton Boat Rental LLC prides itself in offering some of the lowest prices in boat rentals in the Bradenton, Sarasota, Anna Maria Island, Siesta Key, Lido Key and Longboat Key areas! Bradenton Boat Rental LLC does not rent pontoon boats which are slow and unstable,… Continue Reading Bradenton Boat Rental LLC

Open sunrise to sunset, Neal Preserve, is a 120-acre ecological gem that overlooks Sarasota Bay. Located on the south side of Manatee Avenue just a few minutes from Anna Maria Island, the preserve features passive outdoor recreation opportunities including a 20 foot tall observation tower, shell trails, and boardwalks that wind through the coastal environment. Neal Preserve is a very historically significant site. As you walk, imagine the active Native… Continue Reading Neal Preserve