5 Family Cultural Activities near Anna Maria Island

5 Family Cultural Activities near Anna Maria Island

It’s important to offer exciting new activities and adventures that the whole family can enjoy… and when they provide some insight into culture, it’s wonderful. Introducing your kids to art, film, music, and history at a young age can help them garner an appreciation for those it for a lifetime. But no matter what age, there is always something new to be discovered.

Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, and Sarasota are known as “beach towns” but they also have plenty of options in terms of cultural activities. We’ve narrowed it down to 5 Cultural Activities for the Whole Family on, or a short drive, from Anna Maria Island.

AMI Historical Museum

See Anna Maria Island’s history like you have never seen it before at the AMI Historical Society Museum. Check out some of the many new features: a YouTube Channel to hear the old-timers’ oral histories, a walking and biking tour of Historic Anna Maria City, an Original Homesteader Map and much more.

Free admission and donations welcome!

www.amihs.org

Movie Day

If the weather outside isn’t cooperating with your beach plans, or you’re just looking for a retreat: Try a family movie day. Either spend the day at the movie theatre seeing a film with a history lesson or cultural commentary. Or, stream some movies you’ve always wanted your kids to see at home! Challenge yourself to ask open-ended questions like “What would you have done in that situation?” afterwards. Encouraging healthy discussion over films you’ve just watched encourages introspection and creativity.

Painting

Take a painting lesson or art class, or visit one of the many art festivals hosted on the island! The Anna Maria Island Art League offers various classes for different types of art. Class sizes are small and space is limited so give them a call at (941)-778-2099

www.islandartleague.org

Or, head into Bradenton to stop by Painting With A Twist for a painting tutorial!

www.paintingwithatwist.com/studio/bradenton/

The Island Library

The Anna Maria Island Public Library is a true treasure in this town. Whether you’re an annual resident, snowbird or a visiting tourist … all are welcome to enjoy the magnificent benefits we offer to our community. Not only do they offer countless books and movies but they are always featuring special exhibits and children’s programs.

It’s only $15 for your family to become members at the Island Branch Library and that money goes to keeping the Island Library resources and services up to date!

www.friendsoftheislandlibrary.com

Ringling Museum

With huge grounds to explore and so many different exhibits at The Ringling Museum in Sarasota, it’s easy for the family to spend a day here and is worth the drive from Anna Maria! The Ringling is home to the State Art Museum of Florida, the historic Ca’d’Zan Mansion, Bayfront Gardens, an Art Library, the Circus Museums and the Historic Asolo Theater. With so much to see, and great offers, it’s the perfect museum getaway for your family.

Admission to the Art Museum and grounds is free for all on Mondays, and it is always free for students with local school ID. Children 5 and under are always free!

www.ringling.org