Where a Kid can be a Kid

Family Fun on Anna Maria Island Before Back-to-School

As summer winds down and back-to-school season approaches, Anna Maria Island is still the perfect place to soak up the last days of sunshine with your family. While stores across Florida are swapping out beach towels for backpacks, our beautiful seven-mile stretch of pristine beaches is ready to welcome you for one last summer getaway.

Anna Maria Island is a favorite vacation spot for families, especially during the summer months when our vacation rentals are filled with guests of all ages. But if you’re wondering how to keep the kids entertained beyond building sandcastles, there’s plenty to explore!

Little ones will love searching for seashells and spotting dolphins along the shore, while older kids can try stand-up paddleboarding, go snorkeling near the piers, or rent bikes to explore the island at their own pace. Families can also visit the Anna Maria City Pier for fishing fun, take a nature walk through Leffis Key Preserve, or enjoy a picnic at Bayfront Park where kids can play while parents relax by the water. And of course, no visit is complete without a stop at one of our island’s famous ice cream shops!

If you haven’t booked your Anna Maria Island family vacation yet, it’s not too late. Whether you plan a full week or just a weekend before school starts, the island’s beaches, activities, and laid-back charm make it the perfect place to create lasting family memories.