Summer Activities in Bradenton, FL

Is the house feeling a little crowded this summer with the kids home from school? There are plenty of summer activities in Bradenton, FL to break the boredom streak, enjoy the sunshine, and even learn something new along the way! Explore some of our team’s personal favorites for ideas on things to do this summer in Bradenton, FL. From farmers’ markets to flea markets and museums, there’s no shortage of things to do.

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature

If you’d like to learn more about Florida’s Gulf Coast, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is the place to go. You can easily plan an entire day here checking out fossils, getting mesmerized by the full-dome digital planetarium, and observing Florida’s beloved manatees at the rehabilitation habitat. If you’re looking for summer camps in Bradenton, FL to enroll your kids in, the museum offers multiple week-long Summer Science Camp sessions that explore everything from local wildlife to the mechanics of everyday transportation.

Robinson Preserve

The Robinson Preserve on 99th Street is another favorite among parents and children alike for summer camps in Bradenton, FL. They offer week-long adventure camps where kids can paddleboard, fish, and much more. Solo adventurers and groups of friends will also find plenty to do at the preserve, including day hikes, biking, dog walking, and group camping. There’s also a wheelchair-accessible paved trail that runs from the entrance on 99th Street all the way to Manatee Avenue.

Mixon Fruit Farms

You know Florida is famous for its aromatic citrus groves, but are you aware of all that goes into the farming process? Stop by Mixon Fruit Farms to find out! Hop on Mixon’s Orange Blossom Express for an educational tour of the grounds, during which you’ll learn “all the secrets of citrus.” They even have a wildlife refuge on-site where you can interact with Florida’s scaly, furry, and feathery residents. Before calling it a day, be sure to grab a bottle of Mixon’s fresh-squeezed orange or grapefruit juice.

Village of the Arts

A stroll through Bradenton’s Village of the Arts will have you feeling like you’ve entered a colorful new world. This unique live-work community is occupied by rainbow-bright homes and businesses accented by front yards full of imaginative sculptures and other locally made artworks. During your visit, you’ll find great food, fun workshops, relaxing spas, and, of course, plenty of local galleries to explore. Stop by this weekend to flex your creativity!

Palma Sola Botanical Park

Palma Sola is a free-admission, non-profit 10-acre garden that was born out of a desire to raise environmental awareness and serve as a place for visitors to learn more about nature, landscaping, and preservation. If you’ve been feeling bogged down lately, this is the perfect place to go to re-center yourself. You’ll find peace and tranquility on a walk through the gardens, followed by the chance to sit and reflect in the screened pavilion or gazebos.

Explore the Bradenton Area with Cox Chevrolet!

At Cox Chevrolet, our local expertise doesn’t end with things to do this summer in Bradenton, FL. We can also tell you about our favorite beachside restaurants, the best beaches near Tampa, where to grab a bite to eat in Bradenton, and much more. Contact us today to learn more or share some local tips of your own!