For those that live in my area or visit, this one is for you!

Things to do with your kids other than go to the swimming pool, the beach, the boat, or fishing (:  …

Mote Marine – This is great for all ages.  They have touch tanks, tons of exhibits, and A LOT of marine life.  We love to stop in to the Old Salty Dog for lunch after or before.

Busch Gardens Tampa – For Christmas my MIL has given us year passes for the past two years.  It has SO MUCH for toddlers.  They have an entire Sesame Street area, with more to do than your child will have energy for (if you can believe that).  But the animals are amazing and the biggest reason I take the kids.  They also have a train that takes you through the “Serengeti” which is a hit with my kids too.  One tip if you are bringing kids is that they have “stroller parking” and for no extra charge you literally park at the front of the park.  But you have to tell them you have a stroller with you!

big cat habitat – they are a sanctuary for lions and other big cats.  They have a petting zoo too!

south florida museum – This is right next to JB’s office so we are here alllll the time.  It’s perfect for the time of day when it’s too hot to go to the park.  They have manatees, a lot of exhibits geared toward life and history of Florida, and even a whole room of toys to play with.


just bounce – Also a good spot when it’s too hot outside.  Just an indoor bounce house which Tuck loves.  They have toddler times where you have to be under 5, and it’s only $5.

Jungle Gardens– Fun place to feed flamingos.  Lots of other animals too – some more you can even interact with.

The Riverwalk – Is located in downtown bradenton, also close to JBs work.  I have Tuck ride his bike here along the river to the huge play ground that’s mostly shaded.

Great Explorations Childrens Museum – If you are freaked out by germs, probably best to stay away.  I think they do a good job, given the task, of keeping it as clean as they can.  Personally we haven’t had any sort of stomach bug come out of going here and we’ve been a lot.  There’s even an area more for crawlers and smaller babies.  Another great place to go when it’s hot out.

Sunken Gardens – This is a pretty park that’s almost completely shaded.  I love it and the kids mostly walk through the whole thing, leaving them pretty tired at the end (: … Admission isn’t free though!

Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics – This is where Tuck has gymnastics class.  But if you’re just interested in open gym, they have that too!


Little Kicks out in Ellenton – not very structured but how can you be with kids 3 and under?  It’s a good place to get the wiggles out and learn a little soccer.

Parks I love in this area:
Robinson Preserve
Botanical Park 
Lewis Park
Desoto National Memorial
Emerson Point Preserve

Palmetto Historical Park:  There is a play ground across from this at Sutton Park.  But they have a little museum and then all of the original structures of Palmetto.  It’s so cute, and fun to run around for the kids. They have some old tractors here that Tuck loves!

Go to Geraldson’s or your farm stand and pick out veggies together.  At geraldsons my kids run around, and sometimes are given a tractor ride (:

Another favorite farm stand is Grove’s out in Parrish – they have goats you can feed and chickens too.

Hunsader Farms – This farm has sooo many animals you can feed.  They also have a farm stand, and an ice cream shop.

O’Brien Family Farms – the best spot to U-pick!

We have a library that’s less than a mile from here.  They have story time each week and also a Forty Carrots  mommy & me program each week.

Music class – Alli Songs for Tots – Ms. Alli is the best!  This is a great program your kid will love.  I’d say six months until 4/5 is best.  She has classes all over the area.

I’m sure there are some places I’m missing!  If you have a favorite spot you take your children in this area, I’d love to know!