10 free, kid-friendly activities to do in Manatee County over the holidays

The holidays are upon us.

The kids are wrapping up exams for winter break. Friends and relatives are coming into town any day now.

And while there will be busy days ahead, sooner or later, everyone (the kids, mainly) will likely get a little stir crazy.

But what fun, kid-friendly activities can you do that won’t break the bank?

Here are a few events and places to check out around the county with the family over the holidays.

1. Riverwalk

Bradenton’s Riverwalk never fails to show the family a good time. Overlooking the Manatee River, the 1.5-mile, ADA-accessible public park spans downtown Bradenton.

The destination offers a slew of features including beach volleyball courts, a skate park, fishing pie, and a family fun zone and splash pad.

The 400-seat Mosaic Ampitheater routinely holds plays, concerts and community programs, while Riverwalk Public Art features an outdoor gallery made up of 19 pieces of art that includes interactive sound sculptures and river history.

Riverwalk along the Manatee River in downtown Bradenton.

2. Manatee Village Historical Park

Step back in time at Manatee Village Historical Park and experience life in Manatee County before modern conveniences. The museum’s collection of restored buildings is free and open to the public Monday-Friday and on the second and fourth Saturday of every month, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The village is located at 1404 Manatee Ave. E in Bradenton. For more information, call (941) 749-7165.

3. De Soto National Memorial

The De Soto National Memorial commemorates the life and discoveries of Hernando De Soto, a Spanish conquistador instrumental in establishing a European presence in what is now Tampa Bay. The free memorial includes costumed interpreters and indoor and outdoor exhibits.

The visitor center shows a 22-minute movie on De Soto’s 1539 expedition, and kids can participate in the parks Junior Ranger program where they learn about history and the environment while earning a Junior Ranger badge. The memorial also offers a mile-worth of hiking trails and park rangers take visitors on daily trail walks.

From Dec. 1st to April 14 the park also has living history talks and demonstrations at Camp Uzita, located in the western portion of the park. There, according to the park’s website, visitors can experience the life of 16th century explorers and American Indians first-hand.

The park is located at the end of 75th Street Northwest in Bradenton. Contact the Visitor Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a schedule of events or call (941)-792-0458, extension 105.

4. Cortez Historic Fishing Village

The Cortez Historic Fishing Village offers a free museum that allows you to walk through old fish houses. Visitors can also listen to locals tell their tales of fishing in the bays and waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Listed on the a National Register of Historic Places, the village has worked to keep its Florida Gulf Coast heritage by fighting the pressures of modern development.

The village is at Cortez Road and Intracoastal Bridge in Cortez. Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (941)-708-6120.

5. Manatee County Libraries

Nothing better than the good ole’ fashioned library.

Six libraries are part of the county’s library system and are scattered throughout the area. Preschool storytimes take place at all the locations as well as various events that include exhibits, workshops and lectures.

The hours vary depending on location, visit the system’s website to find out more details. All are closed on Sundays and Mondays.

6. Village of the Arts Artwalk

Village of the Arts is a funky, live-work community made up of colorful historic cottages that restaurants, specialty shops, studios, bakeries and popular art galleries.

Stroll through the village’s color-filled streets during its monthly Artwalk, which takes place the first Friday night and Saturday afternoon of every month.

During artwalk weekends, visitors are greeted with live music, and an abundance of food and local art.

The artwalk’s Friday hours are 6 - 9:30 p.m. and its Saturday hours run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

7. Robinson Nature Preserve

The 487-acre Robinson Nature Preserve is a popular destination for wildlife photography, birdwatching, hiking, trail walking and biking, and spending quiet time alone or with friends and family. There is a also a playground and covered pavilions.

The preserve’s main entrance is located at 1704 99th St. NW in Bradenton. For more information call (941)-527-6355

8. Florida Maritime Museum

The Florida Maritime Museum is a reonvated 1912 schoolhouse that preserves and shares Florida’s maritime heritage through a series of collections. Popular features of the museum include the “Black Banks” shell collection, ship models, a maritime library and more. The museum is also surrounded by the Cortez Nature Preserve.

Admission is free. You can visit Tuesday through Satruday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The museum is located at 4415 119th St W. in Cortez. For more information, call (941)-708-6120.

9. Beaches - Anna Maria Beach and Manatee Beach

The beach is always a given. If you’re looking for a more peaceful, relaxing visit, Anna Maria Beach is probably the way to go. The free beach is located at 115 Third St S. in Bradenton Beach. Free parking is also available at the corner of Spring Avenue and Gulf Drive.

For a more family-orientated, busier beach day, Manatee Beach is a good one to visit.

The beach, located at the end of Manatee Avenue, has free parking, concessions, lifeguards, picnic tables and showers.

10. Music on Main at Lakewood Ranch

Music on Main in Lakewood Ranch takes place the first Friday of every month. The family-friendly concert series and block party is free and open to the public from 6 to 9 p.m.

The event is located at 8100 Lakewood Main St, in Lakewood Ranch. For more information, call (941)-907-9243.

This story was originally published December 12, 2017 at 4:16 PM with the headline "10 free, kid-friendly activities to do in Manatee County over the holidays."