Anna Maria Island is a popular Gulf Coast vacation spot for families. The island has a little over 8,000 inhabitants and attracts thousands of tourists each summer with its beaches and warm weather. It's so conveniently compact that you'll see most folks cruising along Gulf Drive in golf carts instead of cars!
You'll find fun for the whole family here. Whether you're heading to Anna Maria Island on a day trip from nearby cities such as Sarasota or for your summer vacation, there are so many great things to do on the island. Most love it so much, they plan to spend their entire getaway staying at a vacation rental home on the island.
While there are plenty of great things to do for adults, for those traveling with kids, you'll be pleasantly surprised by just how family-friendly our island is.
These are our top 15 things to do with kids on Anna Maria Island for the perfect family vacation.
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The beaches are incontestably one of the main draws of the island. Popular beaches include Coquina Beach, Bayfront Park, Palmetto Avenue Beach, Manatee Public Beach, Cortez Beach, and Bean Point.
Although the island is small, each beach is different and offers a range of amenities and activities, from having it all at Coquina Beach to having nothing but the sand and sea at Bean Point.
Spending an afternoon at the beach is the perfect opportunity to relax and sunbathe. Your children will enjoy activities like swimming, snorkeling to spot marine life, building sandcastles, or flying kites. Those seeking an adrenaline hit will also be happy to know that
parasailing is also available in AMI.
Tip: If you head to the beach in the morning, you have a good chance of finding sand dollars, starfish, and shells.
The Donut Experiment is one of the most fun Anna Maria Island things to do if you have children. You can find this donut shop on Pine Avenue, a popular spot for shopping and restaurants in the city of Anna Maria.
The Donut Experiment offers a donut bar where your children can choose their icing and toppings to create a customized donut. Pine Avenue isn't far from the City Park, and you end the day by eating donuts on the beach.
If donuts aren't your thing, try Dips Ice Cream, Two Scoops, Hometown Desserts, or the Anna Maria Island Creamery and Bakery for ice cream and other treats.
3. Explore Anna Maria City Pier
Photo Credit: shutterstock.com/stephen b. goodwin
The City Pier is a popular spot among locals and tourists. You can find it at the end of Pine Avenue, on the northern coast of the island. You can spend your afternoon strolling through Pine Avenue to explore shopping options or grab a few snacks and end your day at the City Pier.
The pier is an ideal spot for walking, relaxing, and watching the boats go by. It's also a popular fishing spot, and you can sometimes see birds and dolphins from the pier.
4. Relax in Bayfront Park
Bayfront Park offers a relaxing mix of sand and greenery. You can get a breathtaking view of Tampa Bay from the park. The park can get busy in the summertime, but it's a great place to relax if you're visiting the island in the off-season.
There are plenty of things to do in Bayfront Park, including swimming in the ocean, renting kayaks and paddleboards, or fishing. You will find amenities for grilling and a playground for your children.
5. Shop at the Markets
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The island has different markets that make for a fun family activity. You can head to Bradenton Beach for the Bridge Street Market or visit Coquina Beach for its weekly beach market.
These markets have food vendors, but you can also shop for jewelry, wares, arts and crafts, and other items. Visiting these markets is an exciting activity because of their lively and vibrant atmosphere and because of the original items that some of the vendors offer.
We recommend letting your kid pick their own souvenir from these markets to bring back home a small slice of Anna Maria Island.
6. Discover the Regina SS Wreck
The Regina SS is one of the most famous wrecks in Florida. This boat sank in 1940 with a cargo full of molasses.
It's now an underwater archaeological preserve and a popular scuba diving spot. It's only 200 yards away from the shore, and it's very easy to access the wreck, even if you're new to scuba diving.
Exploring the wreck is an exciting activity that teens will enjoy. You can go on a scuba diving tour with Sea Kat Dive Shop if you lack experience.
7. Spot the Native and Migrating Birds
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The entire island of Anna Maria is a bird sanctuary. It's a nesting spot for different species, including herons, egrets, pelicans, doves, mockingbirds, and more. You can see birds anywhere on the island, but there are areas you can visit if you want to do some birdwatching.
Head to Grassy Point, Leffis Key, or Neal Preserve to introduce your children to birdwatching. Don't forget to bring some binoculars so you can observe birds without disturbing them.
Boat tours are another fun option if your children are into birdwatching. You can go by natural preserves and observe the shore to spot seabird nesting sites. Keep in mind that most species nest in the spring, which means you might see fewer birds if you visit the island during a different season.
8. Join a Dolphin Tour
Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours, the Anna Maria Explorer, and the M/V Minnow offer some of the most popular dolphin tours on the island.
These excursions typically last an afternoon. The best time of year to see dolphins in the wild is from late May to August, but you can go on one of these tours to observe other animals. Besides spotting dolphins, you might see some manatees, stingrays, and birds.
9. Kayak Through the Mangroves in Robinson Preserve
Robinson Preserve is a 682-acre area made up of mangroves, tidal marshes, and coastal wetlands. Many tourists visit this area of natural beauty to enjoy a picnic or still along the raised boardwalk. To discover the waterways in more detail, consider a kayaking excursion instead.
Note: if little legs aren't able to walk or kayak, there's also a free tram tour of the preserve which makes the site accessible to everyone.
10. Explore on a Trolley-Style Bus
Anna Maria Island is only seven miles long. You can tour the entire island in a trolley-style bus, which is a convenient alternative to driving on roads that can get busy during the summer.
The island's public transit system is free, and you will find trolley-style buses with large windows so you can enjoy the different sights. You can go from the City Pier in Anna Maria to Coquina Beach on the southern coast of the island during a 20-minute bus ride.
It's a fun activity that allows you to discover the island and see some beautiful sights, and it's a convenient way to visit different beaches around the island.
11. Hop Aboard a Fishing Charters
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Booking a fishing charter is a unique experience and a great way to spend some quality time as a family. A charter boat can take you to the best fishing spots, and booking one of these tours is a fun way to introduce your children to saltwater fishing.
There are different options to consider, including AMI Charters, Anna Maria Charters, or Captain Casey's Island Fishing Charters.
12. Check Out the Family-Friendly Dining
Anna Maria Island has a wide range of dining options. A vacation on the island is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some fresh seafood, but you can also find some excellent family-friendly restaurants.
We recommend the Sandbar Restaurant on Pike Avenue if you want classic American fare. The Waterfront Restaurant is a great option if you want to dine with a view on the beach, and Poppo's Taqueria is a place the entire family will enjoy if you like quick bites and Mexican food.
Minnie's Beach Cafe is another great option, thanks to its family-friendly atmosphere. Harry's Grill is a fun option if you like vintage-themed restaurants, and your children will love the kid-friendly menu items served at the Ugly Grouper.
13. Learn to Surf
Teens and pre-teens will have a blast exploring the island's top surfing spots. If you're staying in the city of Anna Maria, the White Avenue beach access is one of the most popular surfing spots among locals. You can also catch some waves by heading to the area located north of Coquina Beach. Just know, if you're used to surfing elsewhere, the waves here are quite small and best for beginners.
14. Go on a Sailing Adventure
Take to the seas and explore the crystal-clear waters that AMI is famous for. You can go on a tour of the Gulf of Mexico or book a sunset tour to take some amazing pictures while sailing. These tours typically last a little over two hours and make for a relaxing family activity. You can also book a customized package.
15. Play Miniature Golf
Unleash your competitive side at The Fish Hole mini golf course on Historic Bridge Street. The fun-packed activity is an ideal activity for families and abilities of all levels are catered to. The course itself is as tropical as AMI itself, and the 3,000-gallon koi pond is especially magnificent!
How Will You Spend Your Kid-Friendly Vacation?
Anna Maria has a lot to offer. You will probably spend a lot of your time relaxing at the beach and swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, but take the time to explore the island's history, visit a few landmarks, try some local restaurants, and get away from urban areas to do some bird watching for a fun family vacation.
If you're considering a visit to AMI, why not spend a few days on our glistening shores soaking up endless fun in the sun. Our modern, comfortable vacation rentals are equipped with everything your family will need to have the best time ever on Anna Maria Island.
