Bradenton Area is a fantastic destination for families. There are miles and miles of glorious beaches with soft sands and warm waters. Watersports and boat trips are popular with tourists but there are lots of other fantastic places to take the kids. We share our pick of the best six throughout the Bradenton area.
Doughnuts for breakfast at The Donut Experiment
Yes, we said it, doughnuts for breakfast. Naughty, right? The Donut Experiment allows you to pick your toppings so you can choose whatever you want. You could opt for maple and bacon which for us, makes it a valid breakfast but you can visit anytime until 1 pm. The Donut Experiment is located at the tip of Anna Maria Island so it’s a great grab-and-go spot if you’re eager to head to the beach.
Bradenton Riverwalk
Spanning 1.5-miles, Bradenton’s Riverwalk is a great place to take the kids as there are lots for them to see and discover, plus there’s plenty to keep the grown-ups amused too. Cool off at the Family Fun Zone & Splash Pad, a colourful splash fountain with water jets and a children’s playground. Inquisitive wildlife lovers will adore the Tidal Discovery Zone where you can get up close to the water’s edge, whilst the adults will enjoy relaxing in the sunshine by the Mosaic Ampitheater.
Manatee Village Historical Park
History fans of all ages will enjoy exploring the Manatee Village Historical Park, a preserved village where you’ll take a step back in time to the 1920s. Kids can have their photo taken inside locomotives, in the schoolhouse and even see inside a general store, stocking products that have long gone out of production. The best news is, it’s free to visit with a donation, so there may be a little more room in the budget to visit the gift shop.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
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Get stuck into lots of interactive and interesting exhibits at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. Learn about Florida’s earliest animal inhabitants and peer through the underwater viewing water to see a collection of manatees who are being cared for in the rehabilitation facility. The museum also has an incredible digital full-dome planetarium theatre where the kids will be fascinated with the twinkling stars which dance across the screen.
Hit the Beach
The beach is always a winner with the kids. The Bradenton Area is known for having miles upon miles of award-winning shores, so no matter where you set up camp, you’ll be surrounded in beauty. As you relax in the sunshine, the kids can run around, make sandcastles, and take an obligatory dip in the sea. When you get hungry, find one of the many beachfront cafes to fuel up before embarking on your next adventure.
Mixon Fruit Farms
Florida is known for its rows of glorious, sweet orange groves which you can still see today. Mixon Fruit Farms is a fantastic family attraction with row upon row of zesty citrus fruits as well as lots of activities which the kids will love. Explore the butterfly garden, take a tram tour around the groves, and meet friendly animals in the wildlife centre. Let the kids run around the children’s maze or the play area whilst you enjoy the stunning surroundings. Before you leave, dine in the restaurant which boasts lots of dishes using the farm’s very own fruits.
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