Are you planning a family trip to Anna Maria Island, Florida? Anna Maria Island is a gorgeous vacation site off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. It is the perfect getaway for families and couples who want to relax and enjoy quality time together.
Because of its pristine beaches, boutiques, and excellent restaurants, this island has been a favorite vacation spot for families.
Various fun, family-friendly activities are available, from shopping and sunset cruises to kayaking, fishing, and nature hikes. There are even options for horseback riding and dolphin watching, which are perfect for young kids.
Whether planning your family trip or looking for child-friendly options, we made a guide for kid-approved activities and spots to visit that will make for a memorable vacation!
When to Visit Anna Maria Island
The ideal time to visit Anna Maria Island is from March to May. Although Florida is typically sunny for most of the year, spring offers the perfect weather for doing outdoor activities on the beach.
The winters on the island are not as hot but are still perfect for beach days and people looking for cooler temperatures. However, January and February have chilly days, reaching the 50s and 60s, so it is best to remember this when planning the trip.
Getting to Anna Maria Island
If you are flying to Anna Maria Island, the nearest airport is Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, which takes about 30 minutes. Other accessible airports include the Orlando International Airport and Tampa International Airport.
However, the drive from Orlando International Airport takes about two and a half hours, and Tampa International Airport takes a little over an hour to Anna Maria Island.
When traveling with kids, especially when flying with a baby, booking a car service with car seats and a professional driver is one of the best ways to ensure a safe ride to and from the airport. So ditch the car seats and book a ride with Kidmoto for travel convenience on your family vacation on Anna Maria Island!
11 Family-Friendly Activities on Anna Maria Island
Explore the Island
Once on Anna Maria Island, you may ride the free Island Trolley service, where you can hop on and off and visit various stops along the way. The trolley is a fantastic way to see the entire island and explore all the sights and attractions.
Nature lovers will adore the lovely trails at The Robinsons Preserve or Coquina Baywalk. Shopping enthusiasts will love the boutiques on Bridge Street, Pine Avenue, and Historic Green Village.
Pine Avenue has some of the most charming boutique shops on the island, where you can find a trinket for everyone in the family. From unique collectibles to ice cream, an entire day of exploring this street is always worthwhile.
The Beaches
Visiting the beaches on Anna Maria Island is necessary when you are here. The public beaches on this island are some of the safest in Florida, with excellent family-friendly facilities, lifeguards, and gorgeous ocean views.
Many have proclaimed that Anna Maria Island’s beaches are like no other. With the brilliant turquoise Gulf of Mexico in the background and seven miles of sparkling white sand, the scene is something that sticks to your memory.
The island has four beaches: Bean Point, Anna Maria Beach, Manatee Beach, and Coquina Beach. However, Manatee and Coquina beaches are ideal for families because of their calm and clear waters, picnic areas, concessions, and other amenities.
If you are visiting in November, check out the sand sculpting event called Sandblast, where the beaches are studded with marvelous creations by professional and amateur sand sculptors.
Building sandcastles is an activity enjoyed by old and young, and you can do this all year round. However, if you build sandcastles on the island between May and October, do not forget to smash them afterward because it is turtle nesting season.
Anna Maria Historical Museum
This museum features historical items on Pine Avenue and a restored Belle Haven Cottage from the Anna Maria City Pier. The area is one of the top options for family pictures on the island, especially at the old outdoor jail and lovely indoor displays.
Shiny Fish Emporium
The Shiny Fish Emporium is a family favorite on the island, and it is like a toy shop, fashion boutique, and art gallery all rolled into one! You can have fun browsing the artwork from local and global artists, check out exquisite toys from France, or appreciate the whimsical decors.
Children can even paint their sand dollars in the shop while other family members browse around. The crafting activity is a fun way to pass the time while making a beautiful souvenir.
Mote Marine Aquarium
Everyone in the family, especially the kids, will have a fun time spending the day at Mote Marine Aquarium. Learn about the local and global marine life, see the sharks and manatees up close, and touch stingrays in a firsthand exhibit.
Purchase aquarium tickets on their website to ensure entry since, sometimes, the venue limits admissions.
Dolphin Tours
Book a dolphin tour with Paradise Boat Tours, Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours, or a sunset cruise with Island Pearl Excursions on the Gulf of Mexico. Seeing dolphins is an incredible experience for the whole family. You can also encounter a variety of wild birds, manatees, and other wildlife out on the ocean.
Kayak Tours
If you have always wanted to kayak, learning to do it on Anna Maria Island is the perfect way to start.
There are several kayak tour providers on the island, including Beach Bums Kayak Tours, Happy Paddler, and AMI Paddle Board. Learn the proper technique with these tour guides for a fun and unique experience of seeing the wildlife, island scenery, and ocean up close.
Some guided tours go through the Robinson Preserve, where various local fish, crabs, wading birds, native plants, and other marine life species exist.
Bike Rentals
Anna Maria Island is pedestrian friendly and can be easily explored by renting a bike and cruising along the quaint streets lined with tropical trees and colorful beach cottages.
Fun and More Rentals has bicycles for the whole family. Its staff can deliver the bikes to your accommodations before you arrive and pick them up on your departure.
Visit the Piers
There are three famous piers on Anna Maria Island: the Rod and Reel Pier, Bradenton Beach Pier, and the historic Anna Maria City Pier.
Constructed in the 1900s, Anna Maria City Pier lies at the North end of Pine Avenue. From this spot, you can see panoramic views of Tampa Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. This pier is also excellent for year-round fishing and birdwatching.
The Rod and Reel Pier on the Northeast side is smaller but has a rustic feel that is perfect for some downtime. Watching boats pass by fishing right off the pier, and enjoying fresh seafood from the Rod and Reel Pier Restaurant are several family-friendly activities to do in this place.
The last pier at the southern part of the island near Coquina Beach and Bridge Street is a historic and modern hotspot. This spot is perfect for an Old Florida-style afternoon where you and your kids can sit on the white benches while eating ice cream amidst the quaint atmosphere and stunning views.
Hike at Nature Parks
Since a remarkable ecosystem surrounds Anna Maria Island, there are several beautiful seaside nature parks with protected habitats and forests. These parks are perfect for families looking to take pictures and see exotic birds, dolphins, crabs, manatees, and even alligators.
Some nature parks near the island include Perico Preserve, Robinson Preserve, and Neal Preserve, right across the Anna Maria Bridge.
Mini-Golf
At the south end of Anna Maria lies The Fist Hole, which is on Historic Bridge Street at Bradenton Beach. This 18-hole miniature golf features a verdant tropical setting and a koi pond.
Great for families with older kids, playing mini-golf together and navigating the twists and turns of each course make for a good bonding experience. Afterward, head to the Bridge Street Bazaar for shopping and dining experiences to cap a day of play!
Book Kidmoto Now!
Download the Kidmoto App for a safe and convenient car service with car seats to Anna Maria Island. The mobile-friendly app is easily downloadable from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Book a ride in a couple of taps through the app or by filling out the form at www.kidmoto.taxi.
Whether coming to or from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport or Orlando International Airport, your professional Kidmoto driver will provide a properly fitted top-notch car seat in your chosen vehicle. Kidmoto is available 24/7 to accommodate even red-eye flight arrivals and departures.
Reserve a Kidmoto ride to experience travel convenience during your family getaway on Anna Maria Island!
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