Your 2022 Summer Fun Guide from A-to-Z

We are so lucky to live in a beautiful city full of so many fun things to do! Summer is almost here and the kids will be out of school soon.  Now is the time to go out and make those family memories.  I have put together a list, from A to Z, of fun FREE and INEXPENSIVE things to do to keep yourselves and your families busy this summer.  Enjoy!

Thank you to our sponsor MYSTIC MINES - GEMSTONE MINING!  The support of our sponsors allows us to continue to offer Macaroni KID Bradenton at no cost to you! 

Mystic Mines is the area's largest Gemstone Mining Attraction! Come down and have some fun MINING for rough stones, clusters polished and tumbled stones, fossils, and crystals of all kinds. You never know what’s hidden in that bucket just waiting for YOU! Kids of all ages LOVE to Gemstone Mine. Three bucket sizes to choose from $15, $25, and $40.  SUMMER SPECIAL: EVERY MONDAY UNTIL THE END OF AUGUST ENJOY A SPECIAL ROUGH STONE BUCKET FOR ONLY $10!

Arts and Shops  

• Artwalk weekends at Village of the Arts are the first weekend of every month - Friday at 6PM to 9:30PM and Saturday at 11AM to 4PM.  Enjoy the galleries, shops, restaurants, live music, and tasty treats during one of Bradenton's favorite monthly events.  FREE!
• First Friday Sip and Shop Downtown Sarasota - Eat, drink and shop in historic downtown Sarasota every First Friday of the month from 5PM to 8PM.
• Fresh Fridays Downtown Sarasota are the first Friday of every month from 7PM to 10PM.  Enjoy downtown Sarasota with live music, dancing, gallery shows and shopping.  Each month features a new theme and celebrates downtown through a new lens, offering residents and visitors a dynamic opportunity to experience the city’s diverse music, food and cultural assets.  FREE! 
• Market at Coquina Beach - Weekly outdoor market on the beach at beautiful Coquina Beach Park.  Stroll the market where you will find fresh produce, arts and crafts, jewelry, local artists, apparel, pottery, purses, health and beauty items, music and more. Open through July every Wednesday and Friday from 10AM to 4PM.  FREE!

Baseball

The Bradenton Marauders season is in full swing!  Grab the family and make a day of it at the ball field.  Tickets start as low as $7 and can be purchased HERE.  Check out the schedule for home games and special promotions, including Star Wars Night (June 11), Back to School Night (July 30) and Fan Appreciation Night (September 3).  Also sign up for the First Mates Kid's Club (open to ages 12 and under) and take advantage of members-only activities and events during the season! 

Camp Creatology at Michaels Stores 

Dig into creative summer fun for four weeks of fun beginning June 20.  Kids (ages 6 and up) can join in store or online every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10AM to 12PM.  Each week is a different theme.  FREE - just bring your supplies!  Check out the schedule HERE.  Also check out additional crafting programs at Michaels:

• Sunday Makebreak classes are every Sunday from 2PM to 4PM are every Saturday from 1PM to 3PM (cost varies depending on supplies needed for class).    

Dinner  

Don't feel like cooking tonight?  We have you covered!  Check out our Kids Eat Fun, Free or Cheap Guide HERE! 

Exercise   

• UTC Fit - Free, fun outdoor workouts every Saturday morning at 9AM.  Bring a mat and water.
• UTC Fit Sunset Yoga - Free outdoor yoga classes every Wednesday evening from 5:30PM to 6:30PM.  Bring a mat and water.
• Robinson Runners - Join us weekly to breathe the fresh air, challenge yourself, & create community. Savor the trip along the 1-3 mile routes through Robinson Preserve South and notice as life becomes a little more vibrant.  Every Saturday morning at 7AM. 
• Walking in Wonder - Enjoy a nature walk weekly on Wednesdays at 9AM and 10AM with a Naturalist from Around the Bend Nature and Discovery Tours. Register in advance. FREE.
• CoreSRQ at The Bay: Bootcamp.  A 45-minute class that targets muscle building, reducing body fat, and increases cardiovascular fitness. Every Monday 8AM to 8:45AM.  Register HERE.
• CoreSRQ at The Bay: Fit Kids.  An engaging workout for ages 6-13 that incorporates basic aerobic exercises and physical activities.  Every Tuesday 8AM to 8:45AM.  Register HERE. 
• CoreSRQ at The Bay: Tai Chi. A low impact class using an ancient form of Chinese exercise consisting of slow, beautiful, relaxed movements.  Every Wednesday 8AM to 8:45AM. Register HERE. 
• CoreSRQ at The Bay: Moving Moms.  A prenatal, pregnancy, or postpartum workout that teaches how to prevent injuries and rehabilitate the body back to balance.  Every Thursday 8AM to 8:45AM.  Register HERE. 
• Beer Yoga at Big Top Brewing Company.  Every Tuesday at 6PM and Sunday at 12:30 PM in the beer garden.  $10/yoga + 1 beer.  Bring your mat and register in advance.  

Farmers Markets 

• Meadows Farmers Market - Fruits and vegetables from local farmers at low cost to you. One of a kind unique items from noted artist. Delicious food and great music!  Every Sunday 10AM to 2PM.
• Weekly Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch - Shop local every Sunday from 10AM to 2PM with 75+ local vendors including organic produce, flowers, specialty spices & rubs, honey, fresh bread, baked goods, prepared foods, pet products, jewelry, and more.
• Sarasota Farmers Market - Serves the community with local produce, plants, prepared foods, and artisans.  Open every Saturday from 7PM to 1PM.
• The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime - Enjoy 50+ small businesses, live music and food.  Limelight Market is every third Saturday of the month from 10AM to 3PM.  
• UTC Night Markets - A monthly outdoor market event featuring live music and a great mix of local farmers and makers selling handmade goods, jewelry, art, gifts and more. This event is held every third Thursday of the month from 5PM to 9PM.

Great Summer Deals 

• Thrifty Thursdays: Every Thursday the Sarasota Children's Garden is offering 20% off admission prices.  Children get in for just $5.00 (plus tax) and adults get in for $8.00 (plus tax).  (Children 2 and under are FREE).
• The Florida Railroad Museum is offering FREE train rides for kids June-August.  A maximum of 2 children can ride for FREE for each adult ticket purchased.  Reserve your tickets HERE.
• Defy Bradenton - Purchase the Summer Pass and get 90 minutes of jump time every day for less than $1 per day.  Redeemable from date of purchase until 9/21/22.  Limited quantities available.
• Jumpin Fun Inflata Park - Purchase a Summer Pass 2022 and receive 90 minutes of jump time daily.  May 27 through August 9.
• Bounce Down Under - Purchase a 30-Day Bounce Pass for only $45 and get unlimited bouncing for a whole month.  This equates to just $1.50 per day!
• The Kids Party Company is bringing Soft Play to Bounce Down Under every Monday through Friday from 9AM to 12:30PM.  Get a monthly membership for only $60/child ($30 sibling).  
• Mixon Fruit Farms Amazing Play Place Annual Pass - Come play all year for only $30.  The Play Place includes a brand-new bounce house, an obstacle course bounce house, a 20ft slide (currently a water slide for summer), lookout tower with slide, large sandbox and more!  Open Thursday-Saturday from 10AM to 3PM - summer hours will be extended.  
• Summer Passes are available at Bowlero at a cost of $45.95 for children 15 and under.  This program allows you to play 3 games every day (including shoes) beginning May 2, so if you take full advantage of this program, it is an extremely good deal!  Get more information on it HERE.
• KidsSkateFree.com: Children 12 and under get free skating passes! (Locally available at Astro Skate of Bradenton - kids skate FREE Wednesday 6:30PM to 8:30PM and Saturday 10AM to 12PM).
• PopStroke Sarasota - Kids days are every Tuesday!  Kids get a game of golf and ice cream for only $16 plus enjoy $2 kids lunch.  
• License-free Fishing Days!  No license is needed to fish!   Second Saturday June 11th and Sunday June 12th in June (freshwater) || First Saturday June 4th and Sunday in June 5th (saltwater) || First Saturday in September (saltwater) September 3rd.
• Free Airplane Rides for Kids - Children ages 8 - 17 can receive a FREE airplane ride at Universal Flight Services courtesy of EAA Chapter 579. Seating is limited so you must register your child(ren).  Go HERE to find the next date for a flight.

Hands-on Classes and Workshops

• Home Depot offers a FREE Kid's Workshop the first Saturday of each month from 9AM to 12PM.  
• Make It Take It Workshops on Tuesdays in July at the Manatee County Agricultural Museum.  These are parent/self-guided learning activities for children to have hands-on fun, complete projects, and learn new things!  FREE / Registration required.
• Lowe's DIY Kids Workshops - Register to bring your mini-DIYer into Lowe’s at one of the select time slots. Workshops hosted by their Red Vest experts are held from 9AM to 12PM, in-store only.
• Take It and Make It events at JOANN - The first Saturday of every month, there will be FREE seasonal craft kits for kids to take home. While supplies last!
• FREE Family Fun at Sarasota Farmers Market - Join WholeheARTed Education for free family fun on the 4th Saturday of every month beginning at 9AM.
• For those rainy or really hot days, visit Table Talk Board Game Bistro for an afternoon of playing board games.  The cost is $5 with food and drink purchase | $10 without food and drink purchase | $5 kids ages 11 and under.  Hours are Thursday - Saturday 11AM to 10PM and Sunday 11AM to 5PM.

Island Exploring 

Explore our beautiful beaches on the trolley!  Take the FREE trolley to Anna Maria Island or Siesta Key. This service will transport you to all your favorite shops and restaurants.  

• Anna Maria - Daily service runs from 6AM to 10:30PM every 20 minutes from the Anna Maria City Pier on the north to Coquina Beach on the south.  Get more information on the Anna Maria trolley HERE.  
• Siesta Key - Daily service runs from 8AM to 10PM and follows Ocean Boulevard to Beach Road and down Midnight Pass Road.  Get more information on Siesta Key trolley HERE.  

Journey through a Museum

• Glazer Children's Museum offers FREE admission the first Tuesday of every month from 10AM to 5PM.
• Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum - Always FREE admission (donations accepted).  Museum hours are 10AM to 1PM April through December.  Closed every Saturday and Sunday and the month of September.
• Family Heritage House Museum - Always FREE admission (donations accepted).  Museum hours are 10:30AM to 3:30PM Tuesday through Thursday || By appointment Monday, Friday and Saturday || Closed Sunday.
• Florida Maritime Museum - FREE admission (donations accepted).  Musuem hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 9AM to 12PM and 1PM to 4PM.  Plus check out their events calendar for more information on their Music on the Porch event (every 2nd and 4th Saturday 2PM to 4PM).
• Gamble Plantation Historic State Park - Always FREE admission (donations accepted).  Tours are $6 per adult, $4 per child (6 to 12 years).  Museum hours are 8AM to sunset.
• Manatee County Agricultural Museum - Always FREE admission (donations accepted).  Museum hours are 10AM to 4PM Tuesday through Friday and the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month.  Plus check out their events calendar for more information on their Make It Take It program in July.
• Manatee Village Historical Park - Always FREE admission (donations accepted).  Museum hours are 9AM to 4PM Monday through Friday and the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month.    
• Musuem of Art and Bayfront Gardens - Always FREE admission on Monday 10AM to 5PM.
• Palmetto Historical Park - Always FREE admission (donations accepted).  Museum hours are 10AM to 12PM and 1PM to 4PM Tuesday through Friday and the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month.  

Kayak Tours

• The De Soto National Memorial offers FREE ranger-led kayak tours during the summer from June to October.  All equipment including Kayaks (2 person tandem), paddles, and personal floatation devices (vests) are provided by the park for participant use. Tours average 1.5 hrs. and are conducted from park grounds.  Children must weigh at least 50lbs and be at least 7 years old. Children under 15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Tours are designed for all ages and all levels of skill.  Get more information HERE.   
• Ride and Paddle at The Bay - Come experience all of the flora and fauna at The Bay from the water! Every Thursday from 8AM to 10AM, enjoy a FREE, guided kayak nature tour through the Mangrove Bayou.  Kayaks and life jackets are provided.  You must RSVP in advance HERE.
• NBP Rec Days - Your opportunity to try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoes, fishing and rides in a 15-foot sailboat with captain!  $10 for adults, $5 for children, ages 6 and younger are FREE.  

Library Events 

The Manatee County Libraries have many different FREE programs over the summer, including story times, puppet shows, sewing classes, arts and crafts, magic shows, yoga and more!  Check out the SIX branches in Manatee County, including the Central (Downtown) branch, the Braden River branch, the Island branch, the Palmetto branch, the Rocky Bluff branch and the South Manatee branch. Check out the schedule of events HERE.

Movies

• Screen on the Green - Fun flicks are shown on The Green at UTC every fourth Friday of the month at dusk. The Green is located in the West District at UTC. Bring your blankets and chairs!  Limited seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• 2022 Regal Summer Movie Express -  Summer Movie Express tickets are just $2 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays featuring summer movies the whole family will enjoy.
• Family Movie Night at The Bay Park - Join us for a free family movie on the Municipal Auditorium Civic Green. Bring your chairs, blankets, a picnic and children for a fun night.  Registration required.  May 27 - Luca / June 24 - The Incredibles / July 29 - Shark Tale / August 26 - Spy Kids / September 30 - Despicable Me.
• CoolToday Park Movie Nights - Family-friendly Movie Nights provide a unique experience for kids (and parents) during the summer, while remaining fun and affordable.  Movie begins at 6 PM on Sundays starting June 5 - July 31.  Ages 3 and under: FREE
  Ages 4-9: $3.  Ages 10 and older: $7.
• Ruskin Family Drive In - Features current movies in a drive-in setting. Admission is $7.00 for ages 9 and up, $2.00 for ages 5 to 8 and FREE for ages 4 and under.  This includes both movies playing that night.  CASH ONLY.  Get the schedule of movies HERE.  
• Summer Movie Series at Waterside Plaza.  Enjoy a free, outdoor, family-friendly movie this summer! Showtimes begin at 8pm. This event is graciously sponsored by Grace Community Church.  Seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please bring a blanket and/or lawn chairs.
  June 23 - Luca
  July 14 - Clifford the Big Red Dog
  August 4 - Encanto    

Nature Preserves 

Robinson Preserve, Emerson Pointe Preserve, Jiggs Landing...these are just a few of the beautiful preserves in our area. Get your hiking shoes on, grab a picnic and enjoy a day of nature!  Also, don't miss out on the FREE programs offered at the preserves including the Families Flock Together program, Tall Tails Tribe, Kid's Archery and more.  See the monthly calendar of Preserve events HERE.  

Outdoor Music

• Lakewood Ranch Music on Main is the first Friday of every month from 6PM to 9PM.  Come enjoy live musical entertainment, vendors and a fun FREE Kid's Zone sponsored by Grace Church with a variety of inflatables and other fun activities.  
• Van Wezel's FREE Friday Fest on the Sarasota Bayfront offers great music, food and fun!  Dates are June 17, July 15, August 12 and September 16.
• Music on the Porch is a jam session* at Florida Maritime Museum that begins at 2PM and continues until 4PM on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. Children and adults are welcome. Audience members are encouraged to bring a chair and umbrella. (* Jam session so music is not guaranteed - musician participation varies).
• Siesta Key Drum Circle - The community drum circle at Siesta Key Beach plays every Sunday in Sarasota, about 1 hour before sunset, just south of the main pavilion between lifeguard stands 3 and 4 on Siesta Public Beach.  Just follow your ears!  

Parks and Playgrounds and Tours 

• Kids need fresh air and exercise.  There are many parks and playgrounds in the area - check out our Parks and Playground Guide.
• Mixon Farms - Take an informative and educational one-hour ride on the Orange Blossom Tram, through the Orange Grove, past the Garden Oasis & Koi Pond with a stop at our Wildlife Rescue. You'll learn all kinds of interesting facts about Florida citrus and other tropical fruit. The stop at our Wildlife Rescue will provide an enjoyable interactive presentation about the current rescued Florida animals, reptiles and birds.  Tours are 11AM and 1PM, Tuesday through Saturday (May through October).  $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 3 to 12 and under 2 is free.  Also, the Amazing Play Place is $3 for ages 3 to 16 and everyone else is free. Open 10:30AM to 2:30PM Thursday through Saturday May through October.
• Dakin Dairy Farms - Learn “Where Milk Comes From” and how milk travels from the cow to the bottle.  Tours include tasting our chocolate and whole milk and making your own butter. You’ll also get to feed the resident livestock while learning about calves, goats, and sheep.  Tours cost $8 per person plus tax (children under are 2 free) and will run Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9:30AM and 1PM. Tours are an hour to an hour and a half. Reservations are mandatory. Purchase your tour reservations via the online booking system.

Quiet Time

Summer is a great time to pick up a great book.  Check out all of the Summer Reading Programs for your chance to read some awesome books while earning prizes!  

R uns

The Kids Summer Beach Runs are 1-mile beach runs held every Tuesday (June 7 - July 26) at Siesta Beach on Siesta Key near the pavilion, and every Wednesday (June 1 - July 27) at Brohard Beach (1600 Harbor Drive) next to the Venice Fishing Pier, near Fins at Sharky's, Venice. This one-mile fun run for kids is a summer favorite and a great opportunity for families to exercise together and have fun at the beach! Weekly registration begins at 5:30PM with race time at 6:30PM. Kids receive a participation ribbon at each run. Complete four runs and earn a free custom t-shirt. No runs the week of July 4th. Fun for ages 1 to 17.  FREE.    

Story Times, Crafting Events and Mommy and Me Play Groups 

• Barnes and Noble - Join both Sarasota and UTC locations for story times and activities on Saturday at 11AM.  Check their calendar HERE for the schedule.  Plus join the Kid's Club program for discounted books, rewards for purchases and even a free cupcake to celebrate your child's birthday.
• Storytime on the Green at UTC - Held every second Wednesday of the month starting at 10AM.  Parents and their children are invited to enjoy storytime, crafts and snacks.  FREE.
• Summer Fun Club at UTC - Join The Mall at University Town Center for free weekly events just for kids this summer! Thursdays in June and July, join us for: fun weekly themes, crafts and activities, character meet and greets, face painting, giveaways and more!  June 16, 23 and July 14, 21 from 10AM to 12PM.  
• Forty Carrots Partners in Play - FREE play class for mobile babies through age 5.  Classes are held at the local libraries in both Manatee and Sarasota counties - check out the schedule HERE. Classes are limited to the first 12 families.
• Block Fest - Uses hands-on block play to have a greater impact on school readiness and later math success for young children. This will be 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 for families and children ages 8 months to 8 years old.  4 times/locations: 
• • June 6 John H Marble Park at 2:30PM
  • June 20 Pride Park at 2:30PM
  • July 11 Blackstone Park at 2:30PM
  • July 18 East Bradenton Park at 2:30PM  
• Fun to Be Fit - Kids will have fun moving and dancing. Various classes at various locations throughout the summer.  Check out their Facebook events page HERE for more details. 
• Musical Motion - FREE program for kids ages 0 to 5 and their caregivers.  Sessions focus on creative activities that enhance brain development and build preschoolers’ social skills, language skills, motor skills, and more. All classes are offered in both English and Spanish.  Various days/times/locations available on a first come first serve basis.
• Children's World - Offers FREE events and programs select Saturdays.  Check out their Facebook page HERE for event details.

Tumbling, Toddler Times and Open Gyms 

• KidJump at Defy Bradenton - Children ages 6 and under will take over the park every Monday through Friday from 9AM to 10AM.  Cost is $12 which includes an accompanying adult jumping for free.
• Toddler Time at Bounce Down Under - Time for children ages 5 and under Monday through Friday from 10AM to 2PM; the cost is $10.  
• The Kids Party Company will be bringing Softplay to Bounce Down Under Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 12:30PM.  For children ages 0 to 5; the cost is $10 / siblings $5.  Please wear socks! 
• Family Play at Acro Fit Gymnastics - Every Saturday (beginning June 11) from 11:15AM to 12PM.  For children ages 5 and under.  $10 cash.
• Toddler Time at Jumpin Fun Inflata Park - For kids 5 and under!  Every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from 9AM to 11AM.  Cost is $10.95 (for 2 hours) which includes one parent.  Must wear Jumpin Fun socks.
• Little Leapers at SkyZone Sarasota - Sessions include a mix of structured and unstructured activities lead by instructors and/or parents that allow children to explore, learn, and grow as they play. We welcome children 5 years old and under.  Cost is $13 (for 2 hours) and one parent can assist for FREE (no jumping).  All children and parents must wear Sky socks.  Every Saturday 
• Parrish Elite Open Gym - Friday nights kids can enjoy Open Gym from 6PM to 8PM.  Ages 5 and up.  Special summer pricing of $5 (cash only). 
• Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics Open Gym - Kids (ages 18 moths to 18 years) can enjoy non-structured free time in the gym. Parents must be present in the gym with children 5 years of age and under.  Every Wednesday from 11AM to 12PM for $7 and every Saturday 6:30PM to 8:30PM for $15.

Unique Summer Events 

Special events pop up throughout the summer!  Check out the following special events:

• Sarasota Shrimp and Music Festival - Enjoy seafood, meat and vegetarian entrees cooked fresh onsite, live music and a marketplace of arts and crafts.  May 20-22 at JD Hamel Park.  FREE admission.
• Summer Fest Music Bop - Hosted by Mixon Fruit Farms - take your picture with JJ lookalike mascot, meet Lillaquin from Planet Peekaboo, enjoy fun crafts, jam to the top kids songs and enjoy the play place which includes a 20ft water slide, bounce houses, sandbox with new toys, sprinklers and more!  June 11 from 10AM to 3PM.  Tickets are $10 on Eventbrite.
• Laser Light Nights at The Bishop Museum of Science and Industry - Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night from May 26 through August 13, we are rocking out to some of your favorite artists in the Planetarium!  Tickets are only $15 per person.
• The Suncoast's Largest Food Truck Festival - Featuring 30+ Food Trucks, a Kid's Zone, vendors, fireworks and more.  July 2-3 at The Mall at UTC.  FREE admission and parking.

Vacation Bible School

Many Vacation Bible Schools are FREE!  Check out our Vacation Bible School Guide HERE.

Water Fun 

Bradenton (and Sarasota) has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world!  Grab your swimsuits, towels, beach toys and sunscreen and make it a day at the beach!  And for those of you who are not a fan of sea life, check out Sun Outdoors Sarasota or another local public swimming pool to stay cool.  There are also a number of local splash pads, including Bradenton Riverwalk, the Robert L Taylor Community Complex, the Selby Aquatic Center and the NEW Lincoln Splash Pad (opening Memorial Day weekend!)

Xplore the Ringling 

The Ringling grounds, including the David Bolger playground, is always open during regular business hours.  There are a number of FREE programs (* tickets required) - see below!  Plus admission to the Museum of Art on Monday is always FREE!  

• ROAR - FREE storytime program that connects art with early literacy! Every week we read together, make art, and learn about an object in the museum. This program is designed for preschoolers and toddlers, but all ages are welcome. Thursdays at 2:30PM and Fridays at 10AM through July 29.  Get your tickets in advance.
• Family Art Making - FREE program that's fun for the whole family! Join us for creative art projects inspired by an object in our collections. Afterwards, visit the museum to see that object in person!  Every Saturday 10AM to 12PM through July 30.  Get your tickets in advance.
• FAM Open Studio - FREE program that's fun for the whole family. Each week, we provide a new art material for you to explore using your imagination and creativity!  Every Wednesday 10AM - 12PM through July 27.

You can win GIVEAWAYS!! 

Be sure to subscribe to the FREE Macaroni KID Bradenton weekly e-newsletter (subscribe HERE) to be eligible to win all the awesome giveaways going on this summer.  Also be sure to follow us on our social media pages - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Zzzz...with all this fun you should be ready for a nice nap! :)  

Check out our DAILYCALENDAR for more events!

Welcome to Macaroni KID Bradenton!

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