Discover Anna Maria Island, a beautiful town located on the stunning Gulf Coast of Florida. If you’re looking for the perfect family vacation destination, look no further than Anna Maria Island. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and endless sunshine, this island offers a wide array of activities and attractions that cater to all ages while staying in our Anna Maria Island rentals.
From snorkeling with manatees to exploring botanical gardens, Anna Maria Island has something for everyone. Let’s dive in and discover the best family things to do in Anna Maria Island.
Anna Maria Island Things to Do with Family
Crystal River Manatee Snorkeling Tour
Find fun on the Crystal River Manatee Snorkeling Tour, offered year-round. Experience the excitement of swimming with majestic manatees in their natural habitat in spring-fed Kings Bay. This three-hour Anna Maria Island snorkeling experience is guided by an expert in-water guide and photographer who ensures your safety and captures the memories of this remarkable journey. For a more intimate experience, consider booking a private cruise to snorkel with these amazing creatures.
Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours
Experience a thrilling 2-hour Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tour and get up close and personal with the resident bottlenose dolphins. Cruise along the seven-mile stretch of pristine white beaches and soak in the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico and the back bay. Their expert guides will lead you to the best spots to encounter playful dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, ospreys, and more.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Immerse yourself in marine conservation and education at the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. This nonprofit institution is dedicated to the sustainable use of the oceans and marine science research. Join the Mote Boat Eco-Tour and explore the waters guided by experts who provide insights into the marine life you encounter. Get hands-on at the Fossil Creek exhibit, where you can sift through sand to find real fossilized shark teeth, stingray barbs, and other marine treasures.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Established in 1939, it is one of the oldest continuously operated attractions in Florida. This 10-acre sanctuary is home to over 200 native and exotic animals, including birds of prey, parrots, macaws, primates, small mammals, reptiles, alligators, crocodiles, and Florida’s noted pink flamingos. Take a stroll along the winding jungle trails and encounter free-roaming flamingos, witness alligator feeding, and marvel at the giant tortoises. The petting zoo offers an opportunity for interactive experiences with friendly animals.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Located in nearby Sarasota, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens offers two campuses across 45 acres of bayfront sanctuaries. The Downtown Sarasota campus features 15 acres of rainforest, desert, native Florida flora and fauna, and display gardens, along with a bayfront mangrove walkway. The Historic Spanish Point campus, just 10 miles south, showcases 30 acres of native and pioneer history, including well-preserved collections of native Florida plantings. At the Downtown Sarasota campus, families can explore smaller gardens filled with a world-renowned living plant collection. The Historic Spanish Point campus provides opportunities to discover native plants in different habitats, nature trails, and boardwalks. Families will be delighted by the Ann Goldstein’s Children’s Rainforest Garden, an interactive space for discovery, exploration, learning, and play. From the Banyan Tree to the Canopy Walk & Rope Bridge, there are endless adventures awaiting families at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
Mini Golf Anna Maria Island
The Fish Hole
The Fish Hole is an 18-hole adventure golf course located on historic Bridge Street in Anna Maria Island, offering a leisurely mini-golf experience surrounded by lush natural surroundings. Visitors can also enjoy feeding koi and turtles at the 3,000-gallon pond and indulge in refreshments and ice cream products on-site. With a typical duration of 45 minutes to an hour for a group of four players, The Fish Hole provides an engaging and convenient family-friendly activity that allows for interaction with charming wildlife.
Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf
Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf offers a unique adventure golf experience with 18 thrilling pirate-themed holes. Families can encounter obstacles, caves, waterfalls, and even live alligators. The course includes an educational alligator exhibit where visitors can feed the alligators using cane fishing poles. Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf has been voted the “Best Mini Golf in Florida!” for five consecutive years. It is the ultimate destination for families seeking an action-packed mini-golf experience.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Anna Maria Island, FL
The Ugly Grouper
Located in Holmes Beach, The Ugly Grouper is a vibrant, entirely outdoor dining venue with live music daily and a team that’s second to none. The restaurant offers local seafood and refreshing beverages and warmly welcomes everyone, including furry friends. Kids would love its playful atmosphere with entertaining activities like cornhole, outdoor games, and TV with their favorite sports games. Try their House Grouper Cakes, made with wild-caught grouper, housemade cajun remoulade, vegetables, and Caribbean rice.
Plan Your Visit
Planning your next family getaway? Browse our full selection of Anna Maria Island rentals, and click or call today to book your escape with Mello on the Beach!
The Waterfront Restaurant
The Waterfront Restaurant is a charming dining destination situated on Anna Maria Island, with fresh, natural flavors and favorites many will recognize – picatta, au Poivre, pesto, mojo and others. The restaurant devotes one page of its daily menu to rare seasonal items provided by local watermen and special presentations prepared with cutting-edge techniques. The Frutti de Mare, made with Diver Scallops, Shrimp, Mussels, Clams, Garlic, Olive Oil, Tomato, Basil, and Linguini, is a must-try dish.
The Sandbar Restaurant
With toes in the sand, brilliant views and a great family atmosphere, you are sure to create fantastic memories with your family. The atmosphere is enhanced with not-to-be-missed sunset celebrations while you dine with your toes in the sand as the sun sinks below the horizon of the Gulf of Mexico. Kids would love its Stuffed Shrimp, made with crabmeat stuffing, bahamian rice, farm vegetables, and beurre blanc. Grab beachfront seating for the little ones to play safely in the sand while waiting on your meal.
The Feast
The Feast is a captivating island-style restaurant located in the charming city of Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island. The restaurant takes pride in serving incredible pastas, pizzas, salads, steaks, seafood specials, and an enticing selection of beers and wines. The Bourbon Street Scallops, made with Massachusetts diver scallops seared and topped with applewood smoked bacon, bourbon, brown sugar, and caramelized sweet onion jam, is a must-try dish.
Places to Stay on Anna Maria Island
When it comes to Anna Maria Island accommodations, Mello on The Beach offers a variety of options to suit every family’s needs. Whether you prefer a 2- or 3-bedroom Anna Maria Island rental, you’ll find the perfect place to stay on the island. For those seeking a home away from home, consider renting with Mello on the Beach, offering exclusive amenities like our private pool, lawn for games and activities, bike rentals, and more. Anna Maria Island is the ultimate family-friendly destination, offering a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and memorable experiences. Whether you’re exploring the underwater world, dining at delicious restaurants, or unwinding in luxurious accommodations, Anna Maria Island has something for everyone. Plan your family getaway to this tropical paradise and create lasting memories together with Mello on The Beach.
