If you enjoy family-friendly experiences, Bradenton, Florida is the place to be. The sunny town is the perfect getaway for anyone who would love to bask in the sun all year long and walk across amazing artistic and history-filled streets. Pack your bags and get ready to get excited!
Let's dive into some of the fun things you need to see on your next visit to Bradenton, Florida:
Emerson Point Reserve
The Emerson Point Reserve is located on 365 acres of land that consists of amazing wildlife and plants. Nature lovers, this place has to be a must-visit for you and the family. You get to enjoy the amazing trails for either hike or mountain bike riding.
If you want to give your children a history lesson about the Native American community, this is just the place. There is a Native American Portavant Temple mound in the reserve that you can visit. Other things you can do in the reserve is try kayaking in the Manatee River, or you can have picnics in the picnic shelter created especially for that.
Village of the Arts
The Village of the Arts can be found deep in Bradenton and consists of vibrant arts and their pieces. They also have a huge array of restaurants, cafes, and art galleries that you can visit while you are around. Village of the Arts contains so much culture, with cottages built in the 1920s still standing. They have been so well kept that you almost feel like they are still in their old state.
Lake Manatee State Park
If you come from a family that loves sports, then you will love Lake Manatee State Park. The lake sits at a 556-acre park and is a great place to go canoeing and kayaking. With the summer heat in Florida, getting into these waters is a great way to cool off. There are great places on the shores to sunbathe or swim if sporty is not your thing. There are also great camping facilities for you if you want to stay close to the lake.
LECOM Park
Formally known as McKechnie Field, LECOM Park is the Spring Training ballpark to the Pittsburgh Pirates as well as home to the Bradenton Marauders of the Florida State League. It’s one of the oldest ballparks used for Spring Training, originally opening in 1923. It didn’t even have lights until 2008!
Six different major league teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Socks have played at LECOM Park since it’s opening, but the Pirates have called it home since 1969. Click here for more information on the park and to view the schedule.
Manatee Village Historical Park
Manatee Village is rich in history, and you can explore the site without a rush. There’s no admission cost and there are 14 different buildings and exhibits to look at. It’s an awesome way to learn about the history of Manatee County and Old Florida before there were paved roads and electricity.
Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf Is a Must-See.
A few holes of miniature golf are the perfect way to spend a family day out in the Florida heat. Set sail for Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf for a day of fun for the whole family. Play through caverns, streams, and aboard a pirate ship as you putt your way through 18 holes of adventure.
Florida is the place to be in the summer. There are so many amenities and lots of activities to keep you and your family busy.
