What makes Anna Maria Island special? Is it the fact that the island is quietly tucked away surrounded by some of the most beautiful gulf coast beaches in Florida? Is it the brilliant views, the affordable vacation rentals, or the many little adventures to go on? All of these and more give just the tools you need to have a great family vacation.
Anna Maria Island attracts visitors of all ages and interests year-round, and the beach is certainly a highlight, especially for kids. They’ll likely want to spend the majority of their vacation days playing in the water, floating on inflatable toys, building sandcastles, and looking for shells. Families have plenty of things to do on the beach while in Anna Maria.
However, you may be looking to generate some new ideas for different family-friendly activities with the kids on your next stay at one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals.
1. Go for a Bike Ride on Coquina Beach
Did you know Coquina Beach has an awesome bike trail on the southern end of the island? It has a lot of intricate yet wide trail paths. Fortunately, the majority of the path has nice and thick foliage to keep you under the shade this summer, at least some of the time! Lizzie Lu’s has bikes available for rent exclusively for our guests so rent bikes for the whole crew.
2. Get Your Hands Dirty Doing an Art Project
The Anna Maria Island Art League, a small local gallery, features weekly workshops for kids and adults. Some activities specifically cater to kids, such as the sand dollar coloring. Classes may include making wind chimes, painting, tying dreamweavers, and more. Contact the gallery for details on the different kids’ activities they will be offering this season. The Art League is located at 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach.
3. Eat with Your Toes in the Sand
The Sandbar Restaurant is one of the only island locations with a casual family-friendly atmosphere that gives visitors the chance to eat with their toes in the sand. It also has fantastic sunset views, and you might get to witness a wedding as they host many island weddings each year. Manatee public beach also has all you can eat pancakes right on the beach or ice cream for a nice snack after playing in the sand!
4. Catch a Baseball Training Game
Anna Maria Island is well-known for its enthusiastic ties to baseball. Spring is a great time to get out to a local practice game and check out the famous Pittsburgh Pirates as they hopefully raise the stakes and practice new techniques. Get close with this classic American sport- there is no better time to do it than when staying on Anna Maria Island. The kids can also run around and play during practice.
Plan Your Visit
Utilize the features of the many rentals on Anna Maria Island, lounge out on the patio, enjoy the pool, or watch a movie. There’s plenty to do right outside and in your property that doesn’t require you to go anywhere at all.
5. Play Tag at the Beach
You don’t have to hit the sights or head off the island to have an amazing time with the whole family. Find some unique beach toys or games that are new to the whole family at one of the island stores – The Beach Hut located by Ginny and Jane Es offers lots of beach gear as does Beach Bums on Pine Ave. Play tag, throw a ball, or build a big sandcastle!
