Back to School and Fall Activities Guide 2023

Whether you are ready or not, it's Back to School season! Summer is quickly fading, and school buses will be re-appearing soon. Manatee County schools start August 10!

As your family prepares for the 2023-2024 school year, Macaroni KID Bradenton has got you covered with the ultimate guide to kickstart the year! While you are shopping for backpacks and pencil cases, be sure to keep this Guide handy - we have put together a list of helpful resources, including classes to enroll your kids in - soccer, dance, art classes, swim lessons, gymnastics, coding classes, LEGO play, martial arts and cooking classes. We also have after school programs, educational resources, spots to buy all those school clothes and even some fun ways to celebrate your kids return to school (bounce house or gemstone mining anyone?) Be sure to take advantage of the exclusive discounts that are being offered to Macaroni KID subscribers - we appreciate you mentioning us when registering for your after-school fun! We also have advice and tips for dealing with that first-day anxiety, printables to make those first-day pics special, and even ideas on what to pack for lunch! And don't miss out on all the fun Back to School events going on the next couple of weeks to celebrate students' return to school!

Would you like your business to be a part of our Back to School Guide? It's not too late!

Email us at deniseg@macaronikid.com to get signed up!

Thank you to our sponsor Premier Escape Adventures! The support of our sponsors allows us to continue to offer Macaroni KID Bradenton at no cost to you!

Premier Escape Adventures is a fun and unique event that is perfect for a family night, time out with friends or corporate team building. Can you escape a room in 60 minutes? Five rooms are available, including the all-NEW Shadows in the Night. Use Code: 10OFFBMK for $10 off 4 or more players!

Art & Soul Dance Company

6279 Lake Osprey Drive || Lakewood Ranch

Offers classes for ages 1.5 to adults
Classes in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Acro. Both recreational and competitive classes available.
Use discount code mackids25 for $25 off your order!

ArtCenter Manatee

209 9th Street W || Bradenton

Offers after school classes for ages 6 to 10 in drawing, mixed media, ceramics, painting, 3D art, printmaking and recycled art, and also Drawing Classes for ages 10 to 15.
5-week and 6-week sessions available

Bricks 4 Kidz - Bradenton / Sarasota

11523 Palmbrush Trail, Suite 418 || Bradenton

LEGO® Brick-based learning for children ages 5 to 12
Offers in school, after school and summertime educational programs. Birthday parties also available.
Mention Macaroni KID and you will recieve 1 FREE Saturday BDAY Workshop Coupon for your Birthday month!

Dance University

5002 Lena Road, Suite 105 || Bradenton

Offers classes for ages 2 to adult.
Classes in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Acro, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Strength/Technique. Recreational and competitive dance programs available.
Registration/Open House will take place on Sunday, August 13th - call 941-374-9589 to reserve your spot.
Mention Macaroni KID and get $5 off of your registration fee!

Fit4MOM Lakewood Ranch/Sarasota

Mutiple convenient locations in Bradenton and Sarasota

Stroller Strides is a total fitness program that moms can do with their babies. It includes cardio and intervals of strength training with body toning exercises using a resistance band, the stroller and your own body weight!
Classes available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Mention Macaroni KID and get your Enrollment fee waived for August.

Future of Dance

2100 Proctor Road || Sarasota

Offers classes for ages 3 to 18.
Classes in Contemporary, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Theatre, and more!
Mention Macaron KID and get your registration fee waived (New students only).

Goldfish Swim School

8205 Natures Way, Suite 111 || Lakewood Ranch

Focuses on water safety and fostering a love of swimming
Provide swim lessons for infants, toddlers, and children up to 12 years old
Shiver-free, 90-degree pool!

Gulf Coast Music Therapy / Music Together

4740 FL 64 || Bradenton

7333 International Place || Sarasota

Offers early childhood music classes for children and families.
Music Together Mixed Age Family Class (for children 5 and a grownup)
Music Together Rhythm Kids Classes (for children 4 to 8)
Individual music therapy sessions for persons of all ages and abilities.

LWR Chargers SC

5895 Post Boulevard || Lakewood Ranch

Provides a fun and safe environment for children of all experience levels ages 4 and up to enjoy soccer.
Recreational and competitive programs available.
Currently registering for the Fall Recreational season to begin late August and will run for approximately 8 weeks.

Miss Jodi's School of Dance

4418 SR64 E || Bradenton

4804 S Tamiami Trail || Sarasota

Offers an after-school program, dance classes, gymnastics, silks and ninja zone classes.
Also offers birthday parties, Parents Night out, summer camps and day camps when school is out.
Locations in Bradenton and Sarasota to serve you.

Ovation School of Musical Theatre

4602 E SR 64 || Bradenton

Offers dance classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary and Hip Hop
Learn acting skills with focus games, improvisations, cold readings and working on monologues
Offers both private and group singing classes

Pineapple Kitchen

4914 Lena Road, Unit 104 || Lakewood Ranch

Offers a Gourmet Food Market, Pineapple Kitchen Kids Culinary Programs, Charcuterie by Jenny Workshops, Kid-cuterie Birthday Parties, and our famous Interactive Murder Mystery Dinners.
Sign up for a Mommy & Me Cake Decorating Workshop - themed dates available for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Save $5.00 off any Pineapple Kitchen Culinary program with code “MACKID2023”.

Spotlight Kids!

4350 17th Street || Sarasota

Train in singing, acting and dancing
Recreational Troupes available for students ages 7-13 with a year-end performance.
Mention Macaroni KID for $25 off registration fee!

Star Academy of Dance and Aerial Arts

308 7th Street W || Palmetto

Offer classes for ages 18 months and up (including adults!)
Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, Contemporary, Acrobatics, Aerial Arts & Circus Classes, Private Piano Lessons, Music Classes, Adult Classes, Tot Classes and more!

Sweet Peas Gymnastics - Lakewood Ranch

10520 Portal Crossing, Suites 107-108 || Bradenton

Educational gymnastics program for children 6 months to 9 years.
Offers gymnastics, tumbling, ninja, Open Gym, Parent's Nights Out and Birthday Parties!
New Students get $10 off annual registration fee!

theCoderSchool of Sarasota

6293 Lake Osprey Drive || Lakewood Ranch

Offers children ages 7-18 years old computer science and software engineering classes.
After school programs available at Manatee and Sarasota County schools.
Hosts Kids Nights Out and Workshops; don't miss our Open House on August 19 from 2PM To 4PM
$20 off your first month when you start before October 1st for Macaroni KID readers.

Tinkergarten

Greenbrook Adventure Park ~ 13010 Adventure Place || Lakewood Ranch

Child-led, play-based program for ages 1.5 to 8 years old.
Fall session is September 8 through November 10 | 10AM on Friday mornings.
Use code EARLYBIRD and register by Aug 18 to receive 10% off!

Triumph Martial Arts

4725 Lena Road, Suite 107 || Bradenton

Provides after-school program | picks up from Willis, McNeal, Braden River and Gullett Elementary schools.
Also offers Martial Arts classes, private lessons, Parents Nights Out and Day and Summer Camps.
Get $10 off registration with the code: BMK

Woodland Fine Arts Academy

9607 E State Road 70 || Bradenton

Offers classes for ages 2 and up.
Classes available in music, theater, dance and art.
Mention Macaroni KID for a 10% multi-class discount!

Discovery Point Twelve Oaks

7218 55th Avenue E || Bradenton

Provide care for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years.
Offers full time care, summer camps, VPK programs and before and after school care.
Elementary after school pick up for Bashaw, Braden River, Gullet, Robert Willis and Tara.

Risen Savior Academy

14605 59th Avenue E | Bradenton

Private, Christian-education school located in Lakewood Ranch
Now enrolling Preschool and a NEW Kindergarten program for Fall 2023
Plans to expand every year up through 8th grade!

Spark ALC

1805 30th Avenue W | Bradenton

Bradenton's only private, self-directed school, located in West Bradenton
Serves K through 12th grade
Offers full-time school option as well as opportunities for enrichment days for homeschoolers

Next Door Tutoring LLC

Comes to you | Local Libraries | Virtual

Offers in person and online tutoring services.
Services available for students Pre-Kindergarten to 12th grade.
Buy 4 sessions for $140 and get the 5th free when you Mention Macaroni KID

KidStuff Sale Virtual Consignment Events

Virtual

Provides an online storefront, where it is easy to shop AND sell!
Sellers earn 67%-75% of listed selling price.
The next online sale is January 19-22

Once Upon a Child

2300 Bee Ridge Road, Suite 105 | Sarasota

Buy and sell apparel, shoes and goods for children from Preemie to Youth 18.
Cash paid on the spot for your gently used and in good condition things your kids have outgrown.
Prices up to 70% off retail!

Wildflower Children's Boutique

UTC Mall | Sarasota

Offers unique style of clothing for kids you won't find anywhere else
Carries up to size 14 in girls and up to size 10/12 in boys
Moving to the UTC Mall in August!

Blast Off Bounce

1767 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Unit 251 || Bradenton

Kid and adult friendly bounce houses and water slides
Offers safe, clean and fun experiences
Get 10% off with code MACARONIKID

Mystic Mines Gemstone Mining

1017 12th Avenue W || Bradenton

The area’s largest Gemstone Mining Adventure
Save $5 off a Large Bucket when you mention Macaroni KID Bradenton!

BACK TO SCHOOL EVENTS

July 22 - Florida Penguin's Back to School Bash / Ellenton Premium Outlets ~ Join us for an exciting series of interactive events at the Ellenton Premium Outlet where you'll have the chance to meet with community resources, after school programs, healthcare providers, pediatricians, optometrists, and tutors. And that's not all! Tampa Bay's favorite sports mascots will also be on hand to help you celebrate the start of the school year. We will also be giving away over 250 backpacks at each location and thousands of school supplies through our interactive scavenger hunt. Pre-registration required for the backpacks. Event is FREE and open to the public. 10AM to 2PM.

July 22 - Back to School Fair ~ We will give away pencils, pens, folders, binders, backpacks, highlighters, crayons, markers, glue, tape, calculators, notebooks, erasers, rulers, Sharpies, composition books, scissors and more. While supplies last. Hosted by CRPE Sarasota. FREE. 10AM to 2PM.

July 23 - Back to School Splash ~ Hosted by Dream Church. Featuring water games, temporary tattoos, free haircuts, snow cones, face painting and more. FREE. 12:30PM to 3:30PM.

July 24 - August 6 - Tax Free Shopping Days ~ Shop for back-to-school tax free! Qualifying back-to-school items that are exempt from sales tax include: Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles selling for $30 or less | Most school supplies selling for $50 or less | Clothing, footwear and accessories selling for $100 or less | Computers and related accessories selling for $1,500 or less (when purchased for non-commercial and personal use).

July 29 - Maverick's Backpacks and Brunch ~ Students in kindergarten through college can come to the SCF campus, get an SCF backpack and school supplies, dance to the DJ, and have a delicious brunch. All FREE / register in advance for a backpack. 9AM to 12PM.

July 29 - Community Resource Fair ~ First come, first serve basis for 1,000 students! Free backpacks and school supplies, plus services like school physicals, haircuts, health screenings and more. FREE. 10AM to 2PM. Hosted by Mantee Technical College.

July 29 - Summer Reading: End of Summer Bash - Mulan Party! ~ Hosted by Braden River Library. Celebrate the Culture of China- Crafts, Music and Activities. Ages pre-K to 10. FREE. 11AM to 12PM.

July 29 - Back to School Bash ~ Hosted by Samoset Church of God. We are giving away 150 backpacks stuffed with school supplies for grades K5-5th grade. We’ve also got the best barbers / hair stylist in town for FREE hair cuts!! FREE admission. 12PM to 2PM. Children must be present to receive supplies. While supplies last.

July 29 - Backpack Giveaway ~ Hosted by Premier Rental Purchase Bradenton. They will be giving away free backpacks filled with school supplies (while supplies last), plus free hair cuts, bounce houses, Kona Ice, local vendors and more. FREE admission. Starts at 12PM.

July 29 - Back to School Bash ~ Hosted by Succeed & Believe Tutoring & Educational Services. There will be FREE food and treats, FREE school supplies, vendors, music and more. FREE. Register in advance. 2PM to 4PM.

July 29 - Back to School Bash ~ Twin Angels will be hosting it’s Annual Back to School Bash! Please come out to receive your Free Backpacks and School Supplies!!! At Sutton Park. FREE. 2PM to 4PM.

July 29 - Back to School Bash ~ Hosted by Astro Skate of Bradenton. There will be over 200 backpacks filled with school supplies ready to go out to children grades K-12 (children must be present with paid admission). Admission is $8, plus skate rental - bring a school supply and get in for half price. Barbers will also be giving children haircuts. 2PM to 6PM.

July 31 - August 6 - Back to School Week at Sun Outdoors Sarasota ~ Take part in arts and crafts, charitable drives, food and dining, live entertainment, sports, recreation and more to celebrate the start of school.

August 2 - Back to School Splash ~ Hosted by Woodland Community Church. Enjoy 3 water slides, two for elementary age and one for preschool age. We will also have food and frozen treats. FREE event! 6PM to 8PM rain or shine!

August 3 - Back to School event ~ Hosted by Altitude Trampoline Park. Enjoy an art and crafts tables, glitter tattoos, dodgeball games with referees, raffle drawings for a chance to win an awesome gift basket filled with Altitude swag and a free pass to the VR Arena, and of course lots of jumping. Included with price of admission. 10AM to 12PM.

August 4 - Back to School Bash ~ Join us at GT Bray Park for a fun, community event. Free backpacks, children's bike helmets and other fun giveaways. Free swimming, yard games, and a bounce house! FREE. 11AM to 1PM.

August 4 - Happy School Year ~ Record memories from the first day of the school year with a “Best Day Q & A” list, then tie it with a bow that captures how tall you were on this day. Hosted by Sarasota Children's Garden. Included with garden admission. 11AM.

August 4 - Open House with Art and Soul Dance Company ~ Check out the studios, meet our teachers. Get your FREE dance bag! There will be games and face painting, and you have a chance to win a free month of dance classes! 5PM to 8PM.

August 5 - Back to School Bash ~ Hosted by Bethel Church. Join us for games, water slides and ice cream! There will also be free backpacks with school supplies (while they last!) FREE. 10AM to 1PM.

August 5 - Back to School Bash ~ Hosted by Gulf Coast Church. Enjoy Chick-Fil-A, water slides and an indoor play center. They will be giving out school supplies for preK through 5th grade students (while supplies last). FREE. 10AM to 12PM.

August 5 - Open House at Major Productions Studio of Dance ~ Sign up for classes, meet the staff, win prizes, try a free demo class. FREE. 10AM to 12PM.

August 5 - Florida Blue Back to School Event ~ Enjoy a fun-filled morning with school supply giveaways* and learn about member perks & community resources (while supplies last). FREE. 10AM to 1PM.

August 5 - Florida Penguin's Back to School Bash / University Town Center Mall ~ Join us for an exciting series of interactive events at the University Town Center Mall where you'll have the chance to meet with community resources, after school programs, healthcare providers, pediatricians, optometrists, and tutors. And that's not all! Tampa Bay's favorite sports mascots will also be on hand to help you celebrate the start of the school year. We will also be giving away over 250 backpacks at each location and thousands of school supplies through our interactive scavenger hunt. Pre-registration required for the backpacks. Event is FREE and open to the public. 10AM to 3PM.

August 5 - Sarasota Jungle Gardens Back to School Bash ~ Enjoy FREE admission for the kids (up to 3 children total) ages 11 and under with the purchase of a same day full priced adult ticket. Tickets must be purchased online using code: BTS23.

August 5 - Back to School Backpack Giveaway ~ Hosted by Barbershop Men of Prayer and the Palmetto Youth Center. Enjoy free backpacks and school supplies (while supplies last), VR games, food, water slides, a DJ and more. FREE. 11AM to 2PM.

August 5 - Open House Event at International Ballet of Florida ~ Tour the facilities and see our state of the art studios where every class takes place and meet our expereinced instructors face to face to discuss any questions you may have. Exclusive discounts on enrollment fees offered to those who sign up during the Open House event! 11AM to 2PM.

August 5 - Back to Schol Supplies Giveaway ~ Hosted by Palmetto Boys and Girls Club. Free school supplies, food, haircuts, uniforms, shoes, immunizations, health screenings, games, music, giveaways, vendors and fun. FREE. 11AM to 2PM.

August 5 - Back to School Jamboree ~ Hosted by Second Chance Last Opportunity. Enjoy food and drinks, free haircuts, and win prizes! Register for a free backpack giveaway filled with school supplies. FREE. 2PM to 4PM.

August 5 - Back to School Night with the Bradenton Marauders ~ Cheer on the Marauders against the Tampa Tarpons! The first 500 kids 12 and under through the gate will receive a Marauders backpack, and stay after the game for postgame fireworks show! Ticket prices vary. Gates open at 5PM / first pitch is at 6:30PM.

August 6 - Jump Dance Company Open House ~ Register for fall, give aways, refreshments, snacks, raffles costume sale and more! 12PM to 2PM.

August 7 - Back to School Night~ Bring the kids over to Culvers Ranch Lake Blvd for a fun evening with Scoopie, bingo and prizes and face painting before school starts back up!! FREE admission. 5PM to 8PM.

August 19 - Music Compound Back to School Bash ~ Tour Music Compound, make new friends, connect with old ones, meet rockstars, listen to live music, bounce, and enjoy food. Happening at both their Sarasota and Bradenton locations. FREE. 11AM to 2PM.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

School District of Manatee County 2023-2024 Academic Calendar