If you are a parent traveling with a toddler (or two), you know the importance of planning your vacation well in advance. Once you have found the right Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, you will likely move on to the next logical step – finding things that will entertain a toddler.
Toddlers can be difficult to please (as you are probably already well aware), so having multiple things on the to-do list for them is a smart idea.
Here are just a few of the ways that you can entertain your toddler while staying on the very kid-friendly Anna Maria Island.
Paint a Sand Dollar
Need things to do on Anna Maria Island with toddlers? Find The Shiny Fish Emporium on Pine Avenue. This super adorable boutique was basically designed as a place for parents to bring their children. This shop is both nautical and whimsical, jam-packed with all sorts of neat toys, handmade clothing, home décor, and delicious ice cream. There is also a huge table in the shop where you can paint sand dollars.
The staff gives you and your kiddo smocks to wear. You take your pick of sand dollars, and there are literally hundreds of paint colors you can use. When you are all done painting, the staff will add glitter and let the sand dollars dry. Once they are dry, the staff will put ribbons on so that you can hang them up at home before packing your sand dollars up to survive the journey.
Get Donuts or Cupcakes
There is a local joint called The Donut Experiment that crafts made-to-order donuts. You will not find something like this anywhere else. Of course, this means the shop normally has a line going out the door, but it is totally worth the wait. (You might have to entertain your toddler with YouTube videos on your phone but, as already stated, it is worth the wait.)
Want cupcakes instead? Hit up Cupcake Delights in Holmes Beach. They make everything from carrot cake to red velvet cupcakes and have many more flavors that they rotate. There are also seasonal cupcakes like eggnog and pumpkin spice. These do require a five-day notice when they’re in season.
Plan Your Visit
Wake up, leave your Anna Maria Island waterfront rentals, and let your toddler experience the fun things AMI has to offer. This is a family-friendly island, so there is no shortage of things to help you entertain your toddler
Go to the Rod & Reel Pier
The Rod & Reel Pier is long, and it is free to visit. Stroller-ing the kiddos might be necessary, as there are parts of it that don’t have railings. Still, it is fun to look out and see dolphins or schools of fish passing by. While you are there, grab some family-friendly grub from the restaurant. Chow down while watching the waves roll in! It’s a great way to get the family out of your Anna Maria Island rentals.
Go to the Beach & Hunt for Seashells
Hunting for shells is the ultimate in ‘fun’ for kids! Get them out there in the morning when the most beautiful shells roll in. Beer Can Island is the best place to snag shells due to the island’s unique shape. Still, you can find beautiful shells just about anywhere along AMI’s beaches. Just make sure you head out early, as the beaches get super busy during the mornings and afternoons.