Weekend Visits on a Whim
When you're looking for a family weekend excursion or to add an adventure to your bucket list, check here for low cost options in the Bradenton/St. Pete area.
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The rooftop bar's view can't be beat for date night! And their beer wall seasonally gets refreshed so there's always something new on tap & is a fun experience all on its own. Plus the menu is kid friendly and their wood fired pizzas are bomb.
There's a planetarium here and they have a great indoor/outdoor kids area with a tree. There is also a manatee exhibit.
This little park is right on the water which makes spotting manatees and dolphins fun! There's a little fishing pier, a playground, a splash pad, and restrooms at this park.
We enjoy watching the local baseball team at the local Lecom stadium.
Our favorite winter time activity, the second part of the season is best (February through April). This location has a stingray touch tank, informative exhibit, and a couple boardwalk areas. Small selection of concessions available.
This is a local's secret, there are two entrances to this preserve on the Western end of Bradenton. The South entrance has an extensive suspended net park for kids w/ several slides and a rentable canopy event space. The North entrance boasts an obs...
Such a great brewery with a lovely outdoor space. It's family friendly w/ a quaint beer garden w/ several lawn games like oversized connect 4 to keep the kids entertained. There are bands and local food trucks that partner w/ the venue on weekends.
This beautifully renovated pier not only serves as a leading tourist attraction but offers local families super fun family events seasonally. They do a fall pumpkin patch and a beach side ice rink during Christmas season. But between their splash pad...
This waterfront park throws the best food truck events. Tacos & Tequila is a local favorite where bands, tequila, and taco vendors gather to put on a good time w/ better eats.
This newest splash pad is in the Waterside community of Lakewood Ranch where there is a great variety of restaurants. There are also movie in the park showings along w/ a corn hole area that keeps kiddos entertained while you sample the local bewerie...
My kids ask for the mac n cheese from this place whenever they get the chance. I also like the shrimp burger and the Thai lettuce cups from here. My girls enjoy watching the turtles in the water and tossing the beanbags on the corn hole turf.
Completely renovated, very aesthetic playground, light coordinated splash pad, and waterfront park. The kids have plenty to explore while parents can enjoy walking along the water. If you're lucky, you'll spot some local wild green parrots 🦜
Perfect stop for chicken tenders & fish tacos... not to mention a beer or Mai Thai.
There is metered parking for most of this beach stretch and any restaurant you find along here is sure to quench your thirst and satisfy your seafood cravings. Don't forget to grab a margarita and sink your toes in the sand whole enjoying the sunset!
This museum houses one of my favorite painting artists, Salvador Dali. I love the gift shop's unique merchandise and the stunning layout and facade of the building. The space often boasts innovative exhibits, like virtual art immersion showcasing the...
Super cool art museum/vendor venue. This multi building warehouse locale houses fluid art instalations that cycle through themes. This summer the venue has hosted multiple pop up raves (but like classy ones 👌).
I have been dying to go here but it's tough to do date nights w/ Littles. It's like an elevated food court, there are frequently pop up events featured at this venue consisting of art, music, and food.