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The Best Rainy Day Activities in Anna Maria Island & Nearby Towns

There are many unique attractions on Anna Maria Island that can help keep you and your family active while it is rainy. When you stay at one of the fantastic rentals on Anna Maria Island, you’re right in the heart of the unique activities.

Even when the Anna Maria Island weather is not working in your favor, there are still many things you and the family can do! Here is a list of popular rainy day activities on Anna Maria Island. 

AMF Bradenton Lanes

With an astounding 64 lanes, you’ll never run out of room for fun! Whether you are just starting or an experienced bowling pro, hit the AMF Bradenton Lanes for knocking down some pins! There is an on-site pro shop for those who want to pick up whatever they are missing. If you want to watch the big games, stop by their ultimate sports bar, where all the games are playing on their massive TVs! 

A group of friends bowling on Florida's Gulf Coast

You can also order food and drinks while watching the games or bowling with your crew. They have an impressive selection of beer and cocktails to sip and enjoy. AMF Bradenton Lanes is more than just a bowling alley, however. There is fun for the whole family, even if they don’t like bowling! They have a state-of-the-art arcade for everyone to enjoy, billiard tables to shoot some pool, dart boards to challenge your friends, and a complete lounge for those looking to relax while waiting out the rain. 

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature

The Bishop is the largest science and nature museum on Florida’s Gulf Coast. They have a whole section dedicated to the fossils discovered in Florida while focusing on Florida’s ecological studies. There is also a planetarium with one of the world’s most advanced all-digital projection systems. Families can enjoy the exhibits about the planet and astronomy as they sit back and watch the screens. 

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is also home to the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat. This habitat is part of Florida’s rescue and rehabilitation program for helping manatees make their way back into the wild, serving as a temporary home until they’re healthy again. The Parker Habitat has helped over 40 manatees since 1998. The Bishop Museum is located in the heart of Bradenton on 10th Street West. 

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Florida’s aquariums are a great way to learn about the local ocean ecosystem and its importance to our planet. The Mote Laboratory and Aquarium focuses on research and education about marine life. Its mission is to create a better environment for future generations to enjoy the planet. This independent, nonprofit organization has an aquarium that houses hundreds of marine animals, with science being the main teacher. There are also windows into the Mote Science Center so visitors can see the research and exploration done to help learn more about our oceans. 

Some exhibits on display include the Florida Watershed, an exhibit dedicated to the wetlands in Florida. Mote has a 135,000-gallon shark tank with some of the area’s sharks. You can watch otters play in their exhibit, observe as the manatees swim and play, and learn all about the sea turtles and what efforts are being made for their conservation. There is even a virtual reality experience here at the Mote Marine Laboratory! The VR experiences allow you to swim with humpback whales, dive with sharks, dive into the Legend of Lusca, or take a roller coaster ride on The Tower. There is fun and learning for the whole family!

Astro Skate of Bradenton

Are you ready for the most fun you can have on wheels? Then hit the Astro Skate of Bradenton. Astro’s is the place to be when you’re looking for rainy day activities on Anna Maria Island to help you stay active. Here, you can rent skates and zip around the rink. They have skate lessons for those who don’t know how to skate and are looking to learn. There are also lessons on how to skate with speed and safety! 

You’ll also find a full arcade for you and your family to play games and win prizes! When you’re tired of skating, hit the snack bar to munch on some treats before doing it again. It’s hours of fun that help burn off all of that energy from being cooped up inside during a rainy day. 

Shop at St. Armands Circle

St. Armand’s Circle is just moments from the heart and soul of Anna Maria Island, providing travelers and locals alike with a great place to go shopping and dining. There are many restaurants around the circle to stop in and grab a bite to eat with your family and friends. You will find restaurants from various cultures like Spanish, Cuban, Dutch, Italian, Mexican, and German influences. There are plenty of fantastic seafood restaurants as well! 

For shopping, you will find a lot of fantastic boutique shops. Many of the shops in the circle are local-centric, meaning you will find locals own and operate their shops! Many create a lot of the products you will find on their shelves and in their windows. Since travelers heavily traffic St. Armand’s Circle, you will find many tourist-themed shops, items, and services. So, if you need gifts for relatives back home, you will likely find them at St. Armand’s Circle

Plan Your Visit

There are endless activities to enjoy during your time on Florida’s Gulf Coast… even on rainy days! Book your Anna Maria Island vacation rental today and prepare to make unforgettable memories with the ones you love most!

Aluna Wellness Center & Spa

The Aluna Wellness Center and Spa have everything you need for a relaxing day. Whether you’re looking for a soothing facial, full body massage, or even an acupuncture treatment, Aluna will be able to take care of you. Aluna has organic facials meant to leave your skin feeling healthy and radiant. Your treatment includes deep cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, face masks, and special serums to help your skin relax. 

While the stress of being stuck inside makes you feel wound up, Aluna will relieve all your worries. Aluna also offers yoga classes to stretch out your muscles, especially after a long day indoors. With their healing therapies and meditation sessions, you can find your center and relax in both mind and body.

Book Your Anna Maria Island Vacation Rental

When you stay on Anna Maria Island, make sure you stay at a place that makes you feel like you’re at home on the island. Our rentals provide everything you need to make your Anna Maria vacation rental feel like home. Plenty of Anna Maria Island beachfront rentals let you walk out from your front door and right onto the beach. If you need a larger rental, you can choose from the three-bedroom rentals near AMI. Your rental will be spotless and ready for you and your whole family. 

Are you ready to plan your dream trip? Contact us today to get your Anna Maria Island vacation rental booked!