Macaroni KID Bradenton 2023 Summer Fun Guide From A to Z

Welcome SUMMER!!  School is out and the FUN is in!  We live in an AMAZING community where there is so much to do.  If you want to explore the outdoors, we have beautiful preserves and beaches, kayaking tours, Farmers Markets, outdoor movies and live music, a championship baseball team and playgrounds.  And to escape the heat we have circus shows, arts and crafts, amazing camps and vacation bible schools, open gyms, a list of museums and more.  And many of these events are free!  So get out there and make some family fun summer memories!

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: $5 OFF FRIDAYS!  EVERY FRIDAY THROUGH AUGUST TAKE $5 OFF OUR LARGE BUCKET.

Art and Crafting

•  Arts a Blaze Studio - Open studio catering to crafters and artists.  Walk-in at your convenience, choose a project and create.  No appointments are necessary. Solid paint colors, glazing, firing, and studio time are included in the price.  They will also be hosting Toddler Tuesdays June 6 - August 1.  Recommended for ages 6 and under | $25 | Registration required.  
• Creative Liberties - Artist Drita Dawn will lead families in a creative project that is suitable for all age and skill levels. No RSVP. This is a FREE program held the fourth Saturday of every month from 9AM to 12PM.  
• Painting with a Twist Bradenton - Come enjoy an evening out with friends, have a date night, celebrate a special occasion, or come alone and meet new people!  KIDS Days, Family Paint sessions and more. Registration required.  
• Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College - Offers a variety of artistic fun!  Your Wednesday Playdates: For early learners with an adult, Your Wednesday Playdates deliver an art project led by a professional teaching artist and interactive story times.  Every Wednesday 10AM to 12PM.  Free with museum admission.  Saturday Studios: Drop-in studio workshops are designed for children and their families - open to all ages.  Every Saturday 1PM to 3PM.  Free with museum admission.  Free Second Sundays: Provides drop-in art projects, the chance to explore our art spaces and the opportunity to meet Museum Educators!  11AM to 4PM.  Free.
• The BeeHaven - Bee Creative classes.  Expressions through creativity! Create your own colorful masterpiece. Ages 3-5 at 2PM | Ages 6-8 at 3PM | Ages 9-12 at 4PM.  $15.  Reservation required HERE. 

Baseball 

The Bradenton Marauders season is in full swing!  Tickets start as low as $7 and can be purchased HERE. Check out the schedule for home games and special promotions, including Space Night (June 10), Back to School Night (August 5) and Fan Appreciation Night (September 2). 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! 

Circus 

The Ringing and the Circus Arts Conservatory are once again pairing up this year to bring you the Summer Circus Spectacular.  The one-hour show runs Friday, June 9 – Saturday, August 12, 2023. Show times are 11AM and 2PM Tuesdays through Fridays, and 2PM and 5PM on Saturdays. Tickets are $20 for adults and $13 for children (ages 12 and under).  Purchase your tickets HERE. 

Dinner  

• Don't feel like cooking tonight?  We have you covered!  Check out our Kids Eat Fun, Free or Cheap Guide HERE! 
• The Summer Break Spot is back this summer!  This program provides free meals for kids and teens at multiple locations starting May 30.  Locations and times for distribution can be found HERE. Meals are required to be consumed on-site. 

Exercise   

• UTC Fit - Every Saturday morning at 9:30AM enjoy a FREE outdoor group workout class, led by instructors from our local fitness community. There will be different styles and intensities.  
• Sunset Yoga on the Green - Every Wednesday at 6:30PM, enjoy yoga in the open-air on The Green at UTC.  Free/no registration required. 
• Fit4MOM Stoller Strides - A 60-minute total-body workout with strength, cardio, and core training, all while engaging the little ones in a stroller.  Held every Monday and Friday at 9AM outdoors on The Green at UTC.
• Robinson Runners - Join us weekly to breathe the fresh air, challenge yourself, & create community. Savor the trip along the 1 to 3 mile route every Saturday morning at 7AM. 
• CoreSRQ at The Bay Park offers a variety of FREE fitness options for all ages, including Bootcamp, Intro to Pickleball, Tai Chi, Zumba, Yoga and more. Check out their schedule and register for an event HERE. 
• Free ice skating - Join us at Ellenton Ice Skating rink for a free Try-It class every Saturday!  This class is open to both kids and adults - first come first served. Every Saturday morning at 10:45AM.  Plus, check the Daily Public Skating Session schedule HERE.  
• Astro Skate of Bradenton - Check out their weekly schedule of special events, including Learn to Skate Classes, Hip Hop Family Skate, $2 Skate, Free Pizza Skate and more!  

Farmers Markets 

• Bradenton Public Market - Now open for the summer season on the last Saturday of every month (June 24, July 29 and August 26) from 9AM to 2PM.
• Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch - Shop local every Sunday from 10AM to 2PM with 90+ local vendors.
• Sarasota Farmers Market - Serves the community with local produce, plants, prepared foods, and artisans. Open every Saturday from 7AM to 1PM.
• The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime - Indie indoor market, home to over 40 local creators and curators.  Open Thursday through Sunday from 10AM to 3PM.  Live music from 12PM to 3PM. Limelight Market is every third Saturday of the month.   
• UTC Night Markets - A monthly outdoor market event featuring live music and a great mix of local  makers.  Every third Thursday of the month from 7PM to 10PM on the Green at UTC.

Great Summer Deals 

• The Children's Garden and Art Center - Every Thursday is Thrifty Thursday!  Special admission prices of just $5 (plus tax) for children and $8 (plus tax) for adults.  (Children 2 and under are FREE).
• The Florida Railroad Museum is offering special rates of only $5 for kids to ride the trains this summer.  Reserve your tickets HERE.
• Defy Bradenton - Purchase the Summer Pass and get 90 minutes of jump time every day from date of purchase through September 21, 2023.  Pays for itself in less than 3 visits!  Cost is $64.99 and can be bought HERE.  
• Mystic Mines Gemstone Mining - Every Friday through August save $5 off their large gemstone mining bucket. 
• Jumpin Fun Inflata Park - Purchase a Summer Pass and get 2.5 hours admission every day May 27 through August 9.  Complete access to the park, including the AirRider Zip-Rail Coaster, included.  Cost is $149 and can be bought HERE. 
• Sky Zone Sarasota - Purchase a Summer Pass and get 2 hours of play every day for 90 days!  The cost is only $119 (plus tax).
• KidsSkateFree.com: Children 12 and under get free skating passes! (Locally available at Astro Skate of Bradenton - kids skate FREE Saturday 6:30PM to 10:30PM and Sunday 1PM to 5PM).  Register HERE. 
• PopStroke Sarasota - Kids days are every Tuesday!  Kids get a game of golf and ice cream for only $18. 
• License-free Fishing Days!  No license is needed to fish!  Freshwater dates June 10-11; Saltwater dates  June 3-4 and September 2.  
• 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 (tentative 2023 schedule is May 21, Jun 25, Aug 27, Sep 24, Oct 15).

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.  Workshops are July 6, 13, 20 and 27 and are a 90 minute session at 9:30AM or 11:30AM.  
• Lowe's DIY Kids Workshops - Register to bring your mini-DIYer into Lowe’s to create a project. Select Saturdays from 10AM to 1PM.  May 20 - Spring PopUp Flower Box | June 10 - Lawn Mower Photo Holder | July 15 - Tic Tac Toe Grill Game | August 12 - Rolling Toy Pickup Truck | September 16 - Home Team Football Card Holder.
• UTC Kids Club - This program will be held certain Wednesday mornings starting at 9AM. on The Green at UTC. The activities are free and no registration is required.

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 9:30AM to 5PM.
• Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum - Always FREE admission (donations expected).  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 appreciated).  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 (held every 2nd and 4th Saturday 2PM to 4PM - subject to participation).
• 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 appreciated).  Museum hours are 9AM to 4PM Monday through Friday and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month.   
• Musuem of Art and Bayfront Gardens (The Ringling) - 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 Saturdays of the month.  The Park hosts Hands-On-History Days on every third Saturday in the months of April through July.  This is a FREE, family-friendly event in which students and their families will learn about local history through hands-on crafts and activities.

Kayak Tours

• The De Soto National Memorial offers FREE ranger-led kayak tour along the shoreline of Manatee River. Children must be at least 7 years of age AND weigh over 50lbs. All children 15 years of age and younger must be accompanied by parent or guardian. All participants must be able to paddle a kayak vessel for up to an hour and a half and participate in a strenuous physical activity. Kayak Tours run on the weekend from June to October every other week pending weather, water, and staffing conditions. Tours are by reservation only and are limited to 10 people.  There is a $1 reservation fee that is nonrefundable.  All equipment including Kayaks (2 person tandem), paddles, and personal floatation devices (vests) are provided by the park for participant use. Get more information HERE.   
• Ride and Paddle at The Bay - Come experience the flora and fauna at The Bay through a FREE, guided kayak nature tour every Saturday at 8:30AM.  Tours are for ages 12 and up; all minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Kayaks and life jackets are provided.  Reservations are required and can be made HERE. Ride & Paddle rentals are also available every day from 8:30AM to 4PM - reserve your rental HERE.
• Jiggs Landing - Offers a variety of tours, including Sunset Tours, Full Moon Tours, Lunch Time Tours and even Guided Fishing Tours.  Make your reservations HERE. 

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, plus the Discovery Center. Check out the schedule of events HERE.

Movies

• Screen on the Green - Fun family-friendly 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.  FREE.
• 2023 Regal Summer Movie Express - Summer Movie Express tickets are just $2 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays featuring summer movies the whole family will enjoy.  Taking place at 10AM at both Regal Oakmont and Regal Hollywood Sarasota.
• Family Matinee Movies - Enjoy free family friendly movies at Palmetto Library every Thursday morning from 10AM to 12PM. 
• Outdoor Movies at The Bay Park - Enjoy free family movies on the Municipal Auditorium Civic Green. Bring your chairs, blankets, a picnic and children for a fun time!  Registration required.  Check out the calendar of movies (and other events happening at The Bay Park) HERE. 
• CoolToday Summer Movie Nights - Family-friendly movie nights held most Sunday nights in June and July inside the stadium.  Tickets are only $3 for children (ages 4 to 9) and $7 for adults. 
• 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.  
• Movie in the Park at Waterside Place - Enjoy a free, outdoor, family-friendly movie every 2nd Friday of the month! Showtimes begin at approximately 8PM; come early for face painting and inflatables starting at 7PM. 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.

 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 Events and Live 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.  
• 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.  Every month will feature a special theme with corresponding street entertainment and live music.  FREE!
• Fresh Fridays Downtown Sarasota - Fresh Fridays is a free monthly event series that takes place on the first Friday of the month. Each month features a new theme and celebrates a different section of downtown Sarasota, offering residents and visitors dynamic opportunities to experience the city’s diverse music, food, and cultural assets.  FREE!
• Van Wezel's FREE Friday Fest on the Sarasota Bayfront offers great music, food and fun!  Dates are June 16 (Kettle of Fish), July 1 (One Night Rodeo), August 11 (Ten-76) and September 22 (Jah Movement).
• Live Music at the Waterside Place Plaza - Enjoy live music on The Plaza from 6PM to 9PM while taking in waterfront views of Kingfisher Lake.  Select Fridays and Saturdays.
• 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 is based on 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!  
• Jiggs Landing - Enjoy live music every day the 3 hours before sunset.  Go HERE to see the band schedule.   
• Fiorelli Wineyard and Vineyard - SUMMER CONCERT SERIES happening the 3rd Friday of each month from 7-10pm! Food Trucks, Drink Specials, Fun for the Whole Family! $5 in advance / $10 at door.

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 HERE.
• Mixon Farms - Mixon Farms is closing for good on July 29 so don't miss out visiting them one last time!  Take an informative and educational one-hour ride on the Orange Blossom Tram, through the Orange Grove with a stop at our Wildlife Rescue to enjoy an interactive presentation.  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 $5 for ages 3 to 16 and everyone else is free. Open 10AM to 3PM 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. Purchase your tour reservations via the online booking system.
• Pirate Adventures of Cortez - Climb aboard for the pirate adventure of a lifetime by joining the fierce crew of the powerful pirate ship Sea Gypsy.  Embark on a real treasure hunt on the waters of Anna Maria Sound and parts of Sarasota Bay. Sailings four times daily at 9:15AM, 11:15AM, 1:30PM and 3:30PM.  Tickets start at $32.  

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 6 - July 25) at Siesta Beach ( 948 Beach Road) on Siesta Key near the pavilion, and every Wednesday (June 7 - July 26) at Brohard Beach (1400 S Harbor Drive Venice) next to the Venice Fishing Pier. No runs July 4 or 5.  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. Participants will receive a finisher ribbon and kids who complete four runs will receive a free T-shirt, a free kid's meal coupon for Gecko's Grill & Pub, and a New Balance Sarasota 50% off kids shoe voucher.  Fun for ages 1 to 17.  FREE.    

Story Times, Crafting Events and Mommy and Me Play Groups 

• Camp Creatology at participating Michaels Stores - Four weeks of crafts that you can do in-store or online. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10AM to 12PM.  Recommended for ages 6+.
• 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.  
• 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.
• Mornings with Mommy - Features educational activities, arts, crafts, story time, snacks and more.  Held the 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month, from 10AM to 11AM at Ascension Lutheran Church.  Just $5 per family per session. 
• The Brats Club SRQ - Learn in a playful atmosphere to support your child's development, guided by energetic, well-trained staff and teachers!  Provides developmental play classes as well as music classes for children (1 month to 4 years) and their parents or caregivers.  Topics include: gross and fine motor skills, early language learning, cognitive development and social-emotional growth.  Summer schedule is June 12 - July 17.  Tuition ranges from $15 to $20 a class.
• 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.

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 12PM.  Cost is $16.99 which includes an accompanying adult jumping for free.
• Toddler Time at Jumpin Fun Inflata Park - For kids 5 and under!  Every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from 9AM to 11AM.  Cost is $11.95 (for 2 hours) which includes one parent.  Additional children under 5 or adults in the same party are an additional $8.95 each.  Everyone 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).  Additional adults are $9 each.  All children and parents must wear Sky socks.  Every Saturday and Sunday from 9AM to 11AM.  
• Junior Jumpers Jam at Altitude Trampoline Park for children ages 6 and under.  Every Monday through Friday from 10AM to 12PM.  Cost is $9.99 for kids and $3.50 for a parent pass. 
• Miss Jodi's School of Dance - Now with locations in Sarasota and Bradenton!  Bradenton (State Road 64 location) offers Open Gyms every day during the summer from 9AM to 12PM for $10.  Both locations offer Parent Night Outs various Friday (5PM to 8PM) and Saturday (5PM to 8:30PM) nights for $35 throughout the summer.
• The BeeHaven Open Gym / Bee Fit Classes - Open Gym are fun indoor games, bounce houses and pop-up tents.  Only $5 for one hour of play.  Every Monday and Thursday at 6PM and 7PM.  Reservations are required HERE.  Bee Fit Classes are inclusive fitness classes that are led by a special education teacher.  Only $15 for a one-hour class.  Every Tuesday and Wednesday at 1PM and 2:30PM.  Reservations are required HERE. 
• Parrish Elite Open Gym - Friday nights kids can enjoy Open Gym from 6PM to 8PM.  Ages 5 and up.  Cost is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers - cash ONLY.
• Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics Open Gym - This is a time where kids (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 $12 members and $15 nonmembers.
• Phoenix Extreme - Join us for Open Gym every Friday night from 6PM to 8PM.  Get extra 1-on-1 training and extra mat time.  $20 cash. 
• Seaside Allstars - Open Gym is a supervised space to work on tumbling, dance and cheer skills while having fun and hanging out with friends.  Every Friday night 7PM to 9PM | $10.
• South Florida Gymnastics - School Age Open Gym will be held every Tuesday from 4PM to 4:55PM for $10 and every Saturday from 12PM to 1:30PM for $15.  Advanced registration is encouraged.  

Unique Summer Events 

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

• Laser Light Nights at The Bishop Museum of Science and Industry - Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night from May 25 through September 2, we are rocking out to some of your favorite artists in the Planetarium!  Show times are 7PM and 9PM.  Tickets are only $15 per person.
• The Suncoast's Largest Food Truck Festival - Featuring 75+ Food Trucks, A Family Fun Zone, Fireworks and more.  $5 general admission to benefit local charities.  July 1-3 at The Mall at University Town Center.
• Jack Hartmann's Final Concert at Mixon Fruit Farms - July 8 at 11AM. Ticket includes: 1 hour concert, access to the amazing play place, and a meet & greet with Jack Hartmann with a photo op with Jack and a personal signed autograph.
• 2023 Wawa Summer Fun Days - Enjoy FREE admission to Bok Tower Gardens (Lake Wales) on the last Thursday and Friday of the month from May through September.  Limit of four visitors per registration (required - based on availability).

Vacation Bible School and Summer Camps

• Many Vacation Bible Schools are FREE!  Check out our Vacation Bible School Guide HERE.  We have over 40 local programs listed, including in Bradenton, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Palmetto and Parrish.
• Summer Camps are a lot of fun and we have a list of many local ones.  Check out our Summer Camp Guide HERE - be sure to tell them Macaroni KID Bradenton sent you as many are offering our subscribers exclusive DISCOUNTS! 

Water Fun 

Good News!  You can swim for FREE at Manatee County Pools this summer, beginning May 27.  The pools at G.T. Bray Park and Lincoln Aquatic Center will host two swim sessions per day, from 11:30AM to 1:30PM and 2PM to 4PM — welcoming swimmers until the facility’s capacity is reached. Check out our Places to Swim, Splash and Cool Off in Bradenton and Surrounding Areas Guide HERE. 

Also, don't forget - 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!  

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. Fridays at 10:30AM June 2 - July 28.  Get your tickets in advance HERE.
• 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 June 3 - July 1.  Get your tickets in advance HERE.
• 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 10 AM to 12PM June 7 - July 26. Get your tickets in advance HERE. 
• Stroller Tours - FREE program! Join a museum educator for a one-hour tour designed for parents or caregivers visiting the museum with an infant. This tour allows both adults and babies to interact with art and each other. We will play, learn, and enjoy the collections together! Every Tuesday 10:30AM June 13 - July 25. Get your tickets in advance HERE. 
• Summer Student Celebration - Join us for FREE admission, guided tours of the grounds and gardens, art making, and snacks as we celebrate students at The Ringling.  June 15 from 10AM to 12PM (reservations available in 30-minute increments).  Get your tickets in advance HERE. 

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!