Macaroni KID Bradenton 2026 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!

A special thank you to Carousel’s Soft Serve Icery for sponsoring our Summer Fun Guide!

Instead of typical ice cream or Italian ice, Carousel’s Soft-Serve Icery swirls up a family-secret recipe of fruity, frozen ice with a creamy texture and a condensed tidal wave of flavor, without the dairy, fat, and calories of other frozen treats. But, the real magic in Carousel’s is the people – the ones who work with us and in the community around us. We blend it all together. Happiness. Charity. Honesty. Togetherness. Love. And the result is so yummy, you’re sure to come back around. And around. And around.

Art and Crafting 

• Arts a Blaze Studio - Open studio catering to crafters and artists.  Walk-ins welcome. Summer hours are 10AM to 8PM every day. 
• Canvas and Clay Art Studio - A Paint-your-own-Pottery studio and DIY craft space.  Hours are Wednesday–Friday 12PM to 8PM and Saturday-Sunday 10AM to 8PM.
• Creative Liberties - Offers a FREE Family Art Day the fourth Saturday of every month from 9AM to 12PM. 
• Distractions on the Island - Paint your own pottery store.  Sun–Wed 12PM to 6PM / Thurs-Sat 12PM to 8PM. No reservations needed.
• Painting with a Twist Bradenton - Pop In and Paint Days are Mon 11AM-2PM and Thurs and Fr from 11AM-3PM.  No registration required.  
• Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College - Offers a variety of artistic fun!  All FREE with museum admission. Your Wednesday Playdates: For early learners with an adult.  Every Wed 10AM-12PM.  Free Second Sundays: Provides drop-in art projects, the chance to explore our art spaces and the opportunity to meet Museum Educators!  11AM-4PM.  
• Sarasota Children's Garden - Offers nature, gardening and art programs for all ages. Most included in the cost of admission.  The Garden is open Tues-Sun 10AM-4PM.
• The Makery SRQ - DIY art and pottery studio. All ages welcome!  Hours are Thurs-Sat 10AM-3PM.

Baseball  

• Bradenton Marauders tickets start as low as $13 and can be purchased HERE. Enjoy home games and special promotions. Also sign up for the First Mates Kid's Club (open to ages 12 and under) and take advantage of tickets to games and members-only activities during the season! 
• It's a Super Fun Summer at the ballpark with the Florida Complex League Braves. FREE admission and parking at all home games at CoolToday Park.

Circus 

The Ringing and the Circus Arts Conservatory are pairing up again this year for the Summer Circus Spectacular. The one-hour show runs June 12 – August 8, 2026 at 11AM and 2PM Tuesdays through Fridays, and 2PM and 5PM on Saturdays. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children (12 years and younger). Purchase your tickets HERE. 

Dinner 

• Don't feel like cooking tonight?  Check out our Kids Eat Fun, Free or Cheap Guide
• The Summer Break Spot is here with reliable access to no-cost meals and snacks for kids and teens 18 and under throughout the summer months.  No application. No registration. Just find a location and show up!

Exercise  

• Sunset Yoga on the Green - Every Wed at 6:30PM. Free/no registration required. 
• UTC Fit - Enjoy a free outdoor workout.  Dates / times vary.
• Fit4MOM Stoller Strides - FIT4MOM is the nation’s leading prenatal and postnatal fitness program, providing fitness classes and a network of moms to support every stage of motherhood. First class is free!
• Classes 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 Sat morning at 10:45-11:15AM!  Open to kids and adults - first come first served.  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!  
• TreeUmph! Adventure Course - Fly from tree to tree on crazy-fun obstacles that defy gravity. Courses available for ages 5 and up!  Recently added a mini golf course, gemstone mining and expanded walking trails.

Farmers Markets 

• Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch - Shop local every Sun year-round from 10AM-2PM with 90+ local vendors. FREE admission.
• Sarasota Farmers Market - Features local produce, plants, prepared foods, and artisans. Open every Sat from 7AM-1PM.  FREE admission.
• The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime - An Indie indoor market, home to over 40 local creators and curators.  Open Thurs - Sat from 10AM-3PM year-round.  Also has live music from 12PM-3PM and other special events.  FREE admission.
• UTC Night Markets - Shop, sip, and stroll under the stars every third Thurs of the month from 6:30PM-9:30PM.  FREE admission.

Great Summer Deals 

• Arts A Blaze Kids Club - For $15/month ($180 membership fee) your child receives a $20 monthly credit to use on any pottery items, a FREE gift at the end of completing 12 months of pottery painting and a laminated membership card.
• Kids Empire Bradenton - For only $69.90 per child, families get 60 days of unlimited visits all summer long.
• JJ Fox's Treehouse - Purchase the Treetop Critters Summer Play Pass for $100 per child and play any day (closed Wednesdays) all day for one low price, all summer long.  Pass is valid May 29 - August 10.
• SkyZone Bradenton - Purchase the Summer Play Pass for only $59.99 and get 2 hours of jump time during the weekday and weekend and a 20% off Fuel Zone discount.  Valid from date of purchase through 8/31/26.
• Sky Zone Sarasota - Jump into nonstop fun with our Summer Play Pass—just $99 gets you 2 hours of jump time every day through 8/31/26!
• Mystic Mine Gemstone Mining - $5 off buckets every Friday!  Just mention Macaroni KID!
• Planet Fitness - FREE Summer Pass for ages 14-19 from June 1-Aug 31.
• Bowlero Summer Season Pass - The Basic Summer Season Pass ($54.99) includes 2 Free Games of Bowling Every Day and Free Shoe Rental.  The Premium Summer Season Pass ($69.98) also includes $5 Arcade Reload Every Visit and 15% Off Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages.  Passes Valid On: Sunday-Friday Open-Close, Saturday Open-4pm. 
• Urban Air Adventure Park Sarasota - The Unlimited Play Summer Pass gives you unlimited access to the park for 90 consecutive days for $99.99.  
• Florida Railroad Museum - June and July, kids 3-11 ride for $5!
• Popstroke Sarasota - Enjoy unlimited mini golf all summer for just $50! Plus get a FREE scoop of ice cream.  Memorial Day to Labor Day.
• License-free Fishing Days! - Freshwater: June 13-14 | Saltwater: June 6-7, Sept. 5 and Nov. 28

Hands-on Classes and Workshops 

• Home Depot offers a FREE Kid's Workshop the first Sat of each month from 9AM-12PM.  FREE/while supplies last.   
• Make It Take It at the Manatee County Agricultural Museum - FREE family programming at the Ag Museum every Thursday in June from 9AM to noon. No reservation required.
• Workshop Wednesdays at Arts A Blaze - Perfect for ages 8+ and includes a guided pottery project, themed crafts, a snack and bottled water. RSVP in advance.
• Lowe's Kids Workshops - Bring your kids in to create a project. Select Sat from 10AM-1PM.  FREE/while supplies last.  

Island Exploring 

Explore our beautiful beaches on the trolley and ferry!    

• Anna Maria - Daily service runs from 6AM-10:30PM every 20 minutes from the Anna Maria City Pier on the north to Coquina Beach on the south.  Get more info HERE.  
• Siesta Key - Daily service runs from 8AM-10PM and follows Ocean Boulevard to Beach Road and down Midnight Pass Road.  Get more info HERE.   
• The Gulf Island Ferry - The Ferry operates Wednesdays thru Sundays between The Bradenton Riverwalk and The Historic Bridge Street Pier on Anna Maria Island. Round Trip Prices: $11 adults, $7 seniors and under 18 years.  Get more info HERE.

Journey Through a Museum 

• Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum - Always FREE admission (donations accepted).  Visit the Old City Jail, the Museum, Mangrove Walk and the Belle Haven Historic Cottage.  Hours are 10AM to 1PM Tues through Sat.  Closed every Sun and Mon and the month of September. 
• Family Heritage House Museum - Always FREE admission (donations accepted).  Museum hours are 10:30AM to 3:30PM Tues through Thurs || By appointment Mon, Fri and Sat || Closed Sun.
• Florida Maritime Museum - Currently closed for construction. 
• Gamble Plantation Historic State Park - Always FREE admission to the park (donations accepted).  The park is open from 8AM to sunset every day and the museum is open 9AM to 5PM Thurs through Mon. 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 Tues through Fri and the 1st and 3rd Sat of the month.  
• Manatee Village Historical Park - Always FREE admission (donations appreciated).  Museum hours are 9AM to 4PM Mon through Fri and the 2nd and 4th Sat of the month.   
• Musuem of Art and Bayfront Gardens (The Ringling) - Always FREE admission on Mon 10AM to 5PM. Hours are 10AM to 5PM Mon through Sun and until 8PM on Thurs.
• Palmetto Historical Park - Always FREE admission (donations accepted).  Museum hours are 10AM to 12PM and 1PM to 4PM Tues through Fri and the 1st and 3rd Sat of the month.  
• The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature - Visit them on a Soar in 4 Night and get FREE admission plus FREE literacy materials. Select Wed nights 5:30PM to 7PM.

Kayak Tours  

• Ride and Paddle at The Bay - As part of The Bay outreach, we provide a free tour most Saturdays at 8:30am.  
• Kayak Tours and Rentals - Choose Turtle Beach on Siesta Key or The Bay Park — rentals and tours available.
• 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 FREE programs over the summer!  Check out the SEVEN branches in Manatee County, including the Central, Braden River, Island, Palmetto, Rocky Bluff, South Manatee and Lakewood Ranch branches, plus the Discovery Center. See the Schedule of Events.

Movies 

• Regal Summer Movie Express - $1 family movies every Monday through Thursday at 11AM.
• AMC Summer Movie Camp - $3 family movies every Monday and Wednesday from June 22 - August 12.
• Screen on the Green - Family-friendly flicks every fourth Fri of the month at dusk. FREE.
• Outdoor Movies at The Bay Park - Enjoy free family movies on the Municipal Auditorium Civic Green. Check out the calendar of movies (and other events happening at The Bay Park) HERE. 
• 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 Fri of the month! Showtimes begin at approximately 8PM; come early for face painting and inflatables starting at 7PM. 
• Summer Movie Nights - Enjoy family movies every Sun at 5PM at CoolToday Park in Venice.  June 7 - July 26.  Tickets 3 and under = FREE | Ages 4-9 = $3 | 10+ Adults = $7.  

 Nature Preserves  

Robinson Preserve, Emerson Point 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 Events.  

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 with a variety of inflatables and other fun activities.  
• Artwalk at Village of the Arts are the first Friday and Saturday of every month, 11AM to 4PM. Enjoy the galleries, shops, restaurants, live music, and tasty treats.  
• Fresh Fridays Downtown Sarasota - A monthly event series that takes place on the first Fri of the month. Each month features a new theme and celebrates a different section of downtown Sarasota. FREE!
• Friday Fest at the Van Wezel - FREE outdoor summertime concert series on the first Fri of the month from 5PM to 9PM.  Bring your chairs and blankets!  Register for tickets in advance.
• Live Music at the Waterside Place Plaza - Enjoy live music on The Plaza from 6PM to 9PM while taking in beautiful waterfront views.  Select Fri and Sat nights.
• Music on the Porch is a jam session (based on musician participation) at Florida Maritime Museum from 2PM to 4PM on the second and fourth Sat of every month. 
• Siesta Key Drum Circle - The community drum circle plays every Sun, about 1 hour before sunset, just south of the main pavilion between lifeguard stands 3 and 4 on Siesta Public Beach.  
• Jiggs Landing - Enjoy live music 3 hours before sunset on specified days.  See the Band Schedule. 
• Fiorelli Winery and Vineyard - Live music select Sat and Sun from 1PM to 5PM. 
• Laser Light Nights at The Bishop Museum of Science and Industry - Every Thurs, Fri, and Sat nights from May 21 through September 5, rock out to your favorite artists in the Planetarium! Show times are 7PM and 9PM. Tickets are $15 per person.  
• Music BINGO - At UTC Green every third Mon of the month from 7PM to 9PM.  First come first served. FREE.

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.
• 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.  
• Country Critters - Animal sanctuary and petting zoo in Parrish.  Open 10AM to 3PM during the summer.
• Pirate Adventures of Cortez - Experience the pirate adventure of a lifetime by joining the fierce crew of the pirate ship Sea Gypsy to embark on a real treasure hunt on the waters of Anna Maria. Reservations required. 

Quiet Time 

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

Runs 

• The Kids Summer Beach Runs are 1-mile beach runs that take place in June and July: Tuesdays at Siesta Beach under the Sunset Pavilion and Wednesdays at North Brohard Park, meeting under Sharky's on the Pier.  5:30PM to 7PM.  Participation is free for both days / Register in advance.  Runners receive a ribbon each week and earn a T-shirt after completing four runs.
• The Zoomers Kids Summer Run Series hosts a one mile run for kids ages 1 to 16 every Saturday in June (6/6, 13, 20 and 27 from 8AM to 9AM).  There is a one-time registration fee per child ($20), which includes all four runs, a t-shirt, and giveaways.  

Story Times and Mommy and Me Play Groups 

• Barnes and Noble - Join the Sarasota store for story times and activities on Saturday at 11AM. Check their calendar HERE for the schedule.  
• UTC Kids Club - Enjoy a lineup of high-energy, interactive experiences for kids the fourth Wednesday of every month at 9AM.  No registration required.
• Forty Carrots: Partners in Play - FREE play class for mobile babies through age 5.  Classes are held at libraries in Manatee and Sarasota counties - check out the Schedule. 
• Gulf Coast Music Therapy - Offering Music Together summer classes.  45-minute interactive classes for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their grown-ups. 
• Fun to Be Fit - Kids will have fun moving and dancing. Various classes at various locations throughout the summer.  
• The Roots Health Center - Open Play for 0 to 2-year-olds.  Thursdays 9:30AM to 10:30AM.
• Musical Motion - FREE program for kids ages 0 to 5 and their caregivers.  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

• Little Leapers at SkyZone Sarasota - For children 5 years old and under.  Cost is $13 (for 2 hours) and one parent can assist for FREE.  Every Sat and Sun from 9AM to 11AM.  
• Kids Empire Bradenton - Open 10AM to 8PM Mon-Thurs and 10AM to 10PM Fri-Sun. 
• Flip Zone Gymnastics offers Open Gyms for ages 5 to 18. See website for dates.
• Sweet Peas Gymnastics offers Play Dates for ages 1 to 4.  See website for dates. 
• Miss Jodi's School of Dance offers Soft Play every Mon-Fri 9AM to 11AM for ages 2+.  $10 per hour.
• Pathways of Play offers Open Plays, Art Club, Homeschool Hangouts, Drawing Club and more.  Playspace for ages 4 to 11 featuring 6 playscapes, 75+ activities and lots of fun!
• Junior Jumpers Jam at Altitude Trampoline Park for children ages 6 and under.  Every Mon-Fri from 10AM to 1PM.  Cost is $11.50 per child for 2 hours and $3.50 for a parent pass.
• Jump Jump Children Multiverse - Open Mon-Fri 9AM to 12PM and 2PM to 8PM, plus Sat and Sun from 9AM to 8:30PM.  Cost is $19 for 3 hours / sibling is $14 / Day ticket $25.
• We Rock the Spectrum Bradenton - Provides a fun, safe, inclusive environment for all children. Open 7 days a week 9AM to 6PM - please check their Facebook page for any changes to the schedule. $16 for 2 hours and siblings are $14.  $20 for an all-day pass. 
• Lakewood Ranch Play Cafe - A cozy spot for families to connect, kids to play, and parents to relax.  See website for hours.
• The Flock SRQ - The Playhouse for ages 0 to 4 and their grown-ups.  Join them for an Open Play, classes and Parenting Workshops. 
• My Gym Sarasota - Offers children's fitness classes for ages 3 mos-10 years as well as birthday parties, camps &PNO.  See the website for more info.
• KIDZ Gym - Kids Gym for ages 11 and under including gymnastics, ninja fitness classes, camps, special events and more.  See their website for schedule.
• JJ Foxs Treehouse - Climb through tunnels, zoom down twisty slides, and explore our magical indoor treehouse — all rain or shine!  Ages 1-9.  Hours / days vary.
• The Little Gym of Sarasota - The premiere enrichment & physical development center for kids 4 months through 12 years.  See website for classes.
• 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 Wed from 11AM to 12PM for $10 and every Sat 6:30PM to 8:30PM for $20. 

Unique Road Trip Ideas  

Feel like a day trip?  There are a number of fun museums and other special attractions and events, all located within an hour or two of Bradenton.  

• 2026 Wawa Summer Fun Days - Wawa has you covered with complimentary admission to Bok Tower Gardens on the last Thursday and Friday of the month from May through August!  Mark your calendars for May 28-29, June 25-26, July 30-31 and August 27-28.  Pre-registration is required.
• Dinosaur World (Plant City) - Where visitors can see up close and life size the amazing creatures that once ruled the Earth.
• MOSI (Tampa) - A hands-on science center dedicated to interactive learning and playful exploration.
• Glazer Children's Museum (Tampa) - Created specifically for children under 12, this museum offers 170 'interactivities' in multiple themed areas.  Offers FREE admission the first Tues of every month.
• Great Explorations Children's Museum (St Pete) - For more than three decades, Great Explorations has held its position as the foremost children's museum in Tampa Bay, championing hands-on learning experiences through a well-established creative curriculum.
• Florida Children's Museum (Lakeland) - There’s something for the whole family spread across 47,800 square feet of hands-on exploration. Be sure to save time for the Bonnet Springs Park!

Vacation Bible School and Summer Camps  

• Many Vacation Bible Schools are FREE!  Check out our Vacation Bible School Guide.  
• Check out our Summer Camp Guide - be sure to tell them Macaroni KID Bradenton sent you to take advantage of exclusive DISCOUNTS! 

Water Fun  

• Check out our Places to Swim, Splash and Cool Off in Bradenton and Surrounding Areas Guide. 
• Don't forget - Bradenton (and Sarasota) has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world!  Grab your beach toys and sunscreen and make it a beach day!

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 (pre-registration required) - see below!  Plus, admission to the Museum of Art on Monday is always FREE!  

• ROAR - FREE story time program that connects art with early literacy! Designed for preschoolers and toddlers, but all ages welcome. Fri at 10:15AM and 11:30AM June 12 – July 24.  
• Family Art Making - FREE creative art projects inspired by an object in our collections. Every Sat 10AM, 11AM and 12PM June 13 – July 18.  Visit the Museum of Art and the Circus Museum for free afterwards! 
• 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 Wed 11AM to 1PM (starting every 60 minutes) June 10 – July 22. 
• Circus Museum - Immerse yourself in circus history - visit the Historic Circus Galleries and the Tibbals Learning Center, plus NOW OPEN - The Greatest Show on Earth® Gallery! Included in museum admission. 

You can win GIVEAWAYS!! 

Be sure to subscribe to the FREE Macaroni KID Bradenton weekly e-newsletter 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 and Instagram.

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

Check out our DAILYCALENDAR for more events!