It always makes me nuts when my kids complain that they have nothing to do. Not only do they own practically every toy known to man, they are also fortunate enough to live in a beautiful community with neighborhood parks, nearby beaches and a temperate climate that is the envy of the rest of the country. You'd think they could amuse themselves! When all else fails and we all need to get out the house for a few hours, I cast about for something different to do, and I'm always pleasantly surprised by what I discover. Recently I turned my attention north of the river and found several options that presented rather unique opportunities for fun.
Getting Back to Nature
We tend to spend the majority of our time indoors (especially during hot summer months), so it's nice to take a break and head outside for a change, enjoying and learning about nature. One fun way to do just that is to sign up for an outing with Around The Bend Nature Tours. Choose from three different tour locations: Emerson Point, Rye Wilderness or Felt's Audubon Preserve. A professional guide will escort you and your group (up to 15 people) and reveal interesting facts and often-overlooked facets of the natural world. The tours are great for kids because they are hands-on and interactive. At Emerson Point, groups can learn about Native American tools or use dipping nets to explore the shoreline. Rye Wilderness is the perfect setting to learn about Florida scrublands and is home to a pioneer cemetery. Felt's Audubon Preserve is situated on 30 acres of restored wetlands and includes a wildflower meadow and bird blind.
Of course, if you prefer to go it alone, Emerson Point and Rye Wilderness are both pleasant places to enjoy a picnic lunch. Both offer nature trails and good spots for fishing. Palmetto's Emerson Point Park covers 195 acres and 15 miles of protected shoreline. Its Terra Ceia Trail leads over boardwalks along the shore, while another trail takes visitors to a 60-foot observation tower. Get your exercise and explore the park by bicycle or on rollerblades. Rye Wilderness is a bit more secluded but still has plenty to do, including a playground, camping area, horseback trails, canoe launch and boat ramp. Felt's Preserve is open to the public only on the first Saturday of the month or by appointment. Over 100 species of birds have been sighted on the property. Print a bird checklist from their website before you go and see how many kinds you can spot.
Cooling Things Off
When you think of fun things to do in Florida, the beach is one of the first ideas that come to mind. Ice skating probably isn't in the top ten, or even top 100, given our local climate. However, we are lucky enough to have an ice skating rink here in Manatee County that opens a whole new world of fun and recreation. Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex is an 115,000-square-foot facility that offers public skating as well as competitive hockey and figure skating. When you're tired of the heat, head over for a few hours on the ice. The kids will have a blast, and you can join them if you dare or just watch and wave from the bleachers.
The facility hosts various camps and clinics to keep kids occupied during vacations, and lessons are available year-round. A popular spot for birthday parties, Ellenton Ice features two NHL-sized ice rinks, a fitness center, video game room, conference rooms, party rooms and concession area.
And Then There's Shopping
Okay, so this is an activity that kids may not enjoy as much, but Prime Outlets Ellenton is much more than your average shopping mall. It's more of a destination shopping experience. As the largest outlet on the west coast of Florida with more than 130 shops, Prime Outlets draws thousands of eager bargain hunters from around the region. Shopping here is more than just a quick trip to your neighborhood mall. Its open-air layout, colorful Caribbean motif and lush landscaping lend a resort feeling to your shopping excursion - as if you're shopping while on vacation. Covered walkways provide respite from the sun, and if you get too warm, simply dart into an air-conditioning boutique and browse to your heart's content. A large food court offers a wide variety of snacks, and there's also a new Kilwin's to indulge your sweet tooth. Prime Outlets Ellenton is home to some of the biggest designer and brand names, such as Liz Claiborne, Tommy Hilfiger and Saks Fifth Avenue. New stores slated to open soon include Columbia Sportwear, Disney Outlet and Charlotte Russe.
So next time you're feeling at loose ends and wondering what to do with your day, plan to try something new. Save the movie matinees and the beloved beach for another day. Head north to Palmetto, Parrish and Ellenton, and you just might be surprised at the unique opportunities for fun that await you.
Places:
Around The Bend Nature Tours
1815 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton
941-794-8773
www.aroundbend.com
Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex
5309 29th Street East, Ellenton
941-723-3663
www.ellentonice.com
Emerson Point Park
5801 17th Street West, Palmetto
www.mymanatee.org
Felt's Audubon Preserve
4600 24th Avenue East, Palmetto
941-729-2222
www.manateeaudubon.org/felts
Prime Outlets Ellenton
5461 Factory Shops Blvd., Ellenton
941-723-1150
www.primeoutlets.com
Rye Wilderness Park
751 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish www.mymanatee.org
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