Embarking on a family vacation is an exciting opportunity to forge unforgettable memories, enhance bonding, and explore new places together. On this beautiful Gulf Coast island, you’ll find lots of fun attractions, delicious Anna Maria Island restaurants, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
As you browse through Anna Maria Island hotels or look for the best places to stay on Anna Maria Island, you’ll find that the island’s charm extends from its pristine beaches to its quaint shops, eateries, and a variety of outdoor activities for all ages.
Plan the perfect family beach vacation with these awesome family-friendly activities on Anna Maria Island!
Have an Anna Maria Island Beach Day
When it comes to the best things to do on Anna Maria Island, spending a day soaking up the sun and enjoying that beautiful Anna Maria Island Weather on its beautiful beaches surely tops the list. Boasting seven miles of breathtakingly beautiful coastline, the beaches on the island offer an ideal setting for a perfect family beach day. As you plan your itinerary, consider these popular beaches!
Bean Point
Hidden away on the island’s northern tip, Bean Point is a peaceful and secluded paradise. This pristine beach is perfect for those seeking serenity away from the usual crowd. The crystal-clear water and the white sandy beach create a perfect backdrop for building sandcastles, collecting shells, or taking a quiet family stroll. Due to its location, it’s often overlooked by visitors, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful picnic.
Coquina Beach
Next on your list is Coquina Beach, the largest public beach on the island. This expansive beach has amenities, including picnic tables, barbecue grills, a playground, and volleyball courts. The beach’s parking, cafe, and restroom facilities add to its appeal. And if you’re looking for places to stay on Anna Maria Island near Coquina Beach, our Captain’s Quarters Accommodations are the spot for you!
Manatee Public Beach
The heart of the island lies at Manatee Public Beach. Centrally located in Holmes Beach, it is one of the most family-friendly beaches on the island. It offers free parking, lifeguards, picnic tables, volleyball nets, and a beachside café. The calm, shallow waters make it a safe choice for little ones eager to paddle and swim.
Each of these beaches offers something unique for every family member. As you plan your stay on Anna Maria Island, consider how each beach fits your family’s preferences and interests.
Enjoy Some Mini Golf
After a full day of sandy fun, why not change the pace and enjoy some mini-golf? Anna Maria Island offers some fantastic mini-golf courses that are entertaining and uniquely themed, ensuring an afternoon or evening of family fun.
Plan Your Visit
There is no end to the amazing family-friendly things to do in Anna Maria Island, making it the perfect destination for your family getaway. And when you’re looking for the perfect place to stay while you’re here, look no further than Anna Maria Island Inn! View all our accommodations and start planning an unforgettable vacation today!
The Fish Hole Miniature Golf
The Fish Hole Miniature Golf is a vibrant part of the island’s recreational scene. Nestled on historic Bridge Street in Anna Maria Island, this course is a vibrant part of the island’s recreational scene. It features an 18-hole adventure golf course where each hole brings a new challenge.
The Fish Hole is famous for its 3,000-gallon koi pond, home to many koi of different sizes and colors. Kids will delight in feeding the fish and turtles, adding interactive fun to their mini golf experience. The course is surrounded by food, drinks, and shopping, making it ideal for an evening outing after a day at the beach. Its proximity to our Anna Maria Island accommodations ensures you won’t have to travel far for this family-friendly activity!
Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf
For a more adventurous mini-golf experience, consider Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf. This course has been voted the “Best Mini Golf in Florida!” for five consecutive years, thanks to its immersive pirate-themed layout. As you play through the 18 holes, you’ll traverse a pirate ship, caves, and waterfalls and even encounter live alligators!
You read that right! Smugglers Cove features an Educational American Alligator Exhibit home to 20-30 American Alligators. For a small fee, you can feed the alligators using cane fishing poles, providing a fun and unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impression. The courses at Smugglers Cove are designed with unique, one-of-a-kind layouts filled with extraordinary obstacles, ensuring every round is a new adventure.
Mote Marine Aquarium
Another captivating attraction near Anna Maria Island is the Mote Marine Aquarium. A short drive away in Sarasota, this renowned marine laboratory and aquarium promise an educational and entertaining outing for the whole family. It’s open 365 days a year, so you can visit anytime during your vacation.
Located at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway in Sarasota, the aquarium is just minutes from downtown Sarasota and Lido Beach.
The Mote Marine Aquarium offers diverse marine life exhibits and interactive opportunities. Many fascinating creatures are ready to meet you, from manatees and sharks to sea turtles and otters. The touch pools offer a hands-on marine experience that kids will adore, allowing them to feel the unique textures of various marine creatures like starfish and sea cucumbers.
But the experience doesn’t stop at viewing and touching. The aquarium is a window into the science and conservation efforts of Mote Marine Laboratory. You can witness science in action, explore interactive exhibits, and learn about ongoing research projects.
Visiting the Mote Marine Aquarium is about having fun and understanding the importance of conserving marine life while learning how science helps protect and preserve our oceans. It’s a fantastic place to teach children about marine biology in an engaging, fun-filled environment.
Visit an Anna Maria Island Ice Cream Shop
No family vacation on Anna Maria Island is complete without a visit to a local ice cream shop. For a sweet treat, consider Dips Ice Cream, a local favorite since 1993, located at 503 Pine Ave. If you’re in the mood for more variety, stop by Two Scoops, known for its 32 flavors of homemade ice cream. Located in Bayview Plaza, it’s received Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence for its delightful offerings.
Indulge in Italy treats at the Anna Maria Island Creamery and Bakery, a family-owned store offering handmade Italian gelato, sorbets, pastries, and gourmet specialty coffees. These ice cream shops are cherished destinations on the island, perfect for a relaxing dessert after a day of Anna Maria Island activities.
Where to Stay on Anna Maria Island
When choosing where to stay on Anna Maria Island, the Anna Maria Island Inn is a delightful option that caters to various vacationers, including couples and families.
The Driftwood accommodations at the Anna Maria Island Inn are perfect for anyone looking for a relaxing vacation. Conveniently located about two blocks from the island’s white sandy beaches, these accommodations provide easy access to the coast. Plus, you’re just a short walk away from tons of local restaurants, shops, and other attractions, making it a prime location for those eager to explore.
The Retreat at Anna Maria Island Inn is an excellent choice for those seeking modern and updated lodgings. Situated just across the street from the stunning Gulf of Mexico beaches, you’ll have the beach practically at your doorstep. Guest rooms surround a heated pool, ensuring a refreshing dip is always just a few steps away. The Retreat offers convenient amenities and everything you’ll need for a fantastic beach vacation.
Whether planning a jam-packed itinerary of Anna Maria Island activities or looking forward to lazy days on the beach, the Anna Maria Island Inn provides comfortable and conveniently located accommodations that allow you to make the most of your stay on this charming island.
