Family Friendly Activities on Anna Maria Island

Welcome to Anna Maria Island, the perfect vacation spot, home to pristine white, sandy beaches and clear Gulf of Mexico waters. The number of family-friendly activities in this small corner of heaven will delight you and your loved ones. Explore the vivid underwater environment, home to marine life, by diving into the clear waters. Encounter playful dolphins, graceful manatees, and vibrant tropical fish while snorkeling or on a guided boat tour. 

With so many wonderful things to do on Anna Maria Island, it can be hard to know where to start your vacation planning, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are a few of our favorite activities to add to your vacation itinerary while staying in one of our vacation rentals near Anna Maria Island!

Explore some of the best family-friendly activities on Anna Maria Island that you and your whole family will love and create unforgettable memories on your next vacation!

Mote Marine Aquarium

Mote Marine Aquarium is a must-see location for families looking for an engaging and informative experience and is close to Anna Maria Island. Visitors may get up close and personal with intriguing creatures from the ocean depths at this top-notch facility, which features a broad assortment of marine life. 

The aquarium offers engaging exhibits and educational programs for guests of all ages, including fascinating sharks, cheerful sea turtles, and vibrant tropical fish. Learn about marine conservation initiatives, discover the beauties of the ocean, and develop a new respect for our undersea world.

Little girl Mote Marine Aquarium
Photo from Shutterstock

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

One of the top things to do near Anna Maria Island with your family is to spend the day exploring the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. A stunning haven for nature lovers and families in the center of Sarasota, not far from Anna Maria Island and near some of the best restaurants in Siesta Key. Explore the verdant gardens, filled with excellent tropical plants and exotic flora, to enter a natural beauty and peaceful world. 

Stroll through winding trails, admire the colorful orchids, and inhale the air’s enticing aromas. The gardens provide visitors with educational activities and exhibit that introduce them to the wonders of botany and environmental preservation. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is the ideal place for a family-friendly getaway into the enchanted realm of nature, owing to its tranquil atmosphere and magnificent exhibits.

Plan Your Visit 

Now that you know all of the best Anna Maria Island things to do, all you need is the perfect place to stay, and there’s no better place than with Destination Paradise! Our vacation rentals near Anna Maria Island are perfect for your next family beach vacation and are built with everything you need for the ideal stay. View all of our rentals and book your stay today!

The Fish Hole Miniature Golf

The Fish Hole Miniature Golf is an excellent option for a family outing on Anna Maria Island. Residents and tourists love playing on this imaginative, engaging miniature golf course. Stepping onto lush greens, you’ll encounter difficult obstacles, entertaining water features, and perhaps even some aquatic species as you go through the 18-hole course. 

Grab your putter, assemble the family, and get ready to test your mettle at The Fish Hole Miniature Golf while making priceless memories and enjoying the beautiful Anna Maria Island Weather.

Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge

Take a break at the alluring Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge near Anna Maria Island. Families are drawn to this undiscovered gem because of its pristine beaches, diverse fauna, and fascinating history. Explore beautiful pathways and look for nesting sea turtles, dolphins, and beautiful shorebirds. Discover the ruins of ancient Fort Dade, which once protected Tampa Bay, and discover the island’s fascinating history by viewing the educational exhibits. 

Relax on isolated beaches, soak up the sun, and cool off in the pristine waters. Snorkelers will adore the beautiful underwater landscapes with intriguing marine life and captivating corals. The immersive experience provided by Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge offers stunning natural scenery and close interactions with wildlife. It’s a family trip that will foster enduring memories and a deep respect for nature’s beauties. Set out on this beautiful adventure and allow Egmont Key to enchant you.

Where to Stay

Discover the ideal tropical getaway by escaping to Destination Paradise! Experience the stunning beaches, swaying palm trees, and stunning vacation rentals near AMI! With our vacation rentals near Anna Maria Island, you’ll have everything you need for the perfect beach vacation and be close to some of the area’s top activities and attractions. Enjoy top-notch cuisine, explore the fun family attractions, or just relax and unwind on the stunning Anna Maria beaches. Don’t pass up the opportunity to live blissfully in paradise. Book your reservation with us today and get ready to enjoy this slice of paradise!