When you're on a family vacation, locating activities that everyone will like might be challenging. Some party members may be interested in nature, while others prefer to stay inside and relax. Some people like an adrenaline thrill, while others choose to spend the day relaxing on the beach. Anna Maria Island, fortunately, has everything!
The Bishop Planetarium is one of the top family-friendly attractions with something for everyone. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the interactive displays, and you can get there in just a few minutes from any of our StayAwhile vacation rentals.
General Information
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, the biggest natural and cultural history museum on Florida's Gulf Coast, offers captivating exhibitions and educational activities that interpret scientific and cultural knowledge of Florida, the globe, and our universe. In addition to the permanent displays, The Bishop hosts a rotating roster of temporary exhibitions, ensuring that there is always something new to discover with each visit. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature attracts visitors of all ages with fossil evidence of Florida's oldest animal occupants and archaeological items reflecting Paleo-Indian, Archaic, and pre-contact cultures, as well as local history and innovative displays. There is also an all-digital Planetarium and the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat in the Museum.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature teaches about the world around you - land, sky, and sea - through the lens of Florida's natural sciences
Things to Do
There is never a dull moment at the Bishop Planetarium. The planetarium, as the region's main astronomical education facility, has a multimedia theater for films, talks, digital art performances, and even live music. There are also conventional live star lectures and virtual trips into the furthest regions of the galaxy.
The Bishop Planetarium is the place to go if you want to learn more about the ocean, our atmosphere, climate change, or anything in between! Every member of your family may look in amazement as they learn about the magnificent planet we live on, and the committed staff can answer any question you may have.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature oversees the Bishop Planetarium, so there's much more to discover. See the Manatee Habitat learn about one of our oceans' most intriguing species, or visit any of the rotating displays. Their daily agenda is continuously changing, so you may return and always discover something new!
Bishop After Dark
Adults may join us after dark on the fourth Thursday of most months for some after-hours fun at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, which isn't only for daytime play and learning. Bishop After Dark is a monthly event that invites attendees to spend the evenings at The Bishop. BAD is held every fourth Thursday of the month and involves unique guests and multi-disciplinary events such as live performances, art, and music demos, dancing, quizzes, and more!
IQuest
IQuest is a monthly program for bright, inquisitive middle school students in grades 6–8. While each IQuest is unique, you can always count on tough projects and activities that stimulate creative solutions to real-world challenges.
Science Sprouts
In the Mosaic Backyard Universe, budding scientists aged 2 to 5 may bring their favorite grown-ups to explore and learn a range of scientific and environmental themes. The program encourages children's inherent curiosity via imaginative play, crafts, tales, music, and other activities. Please keep in mind that this program does not include Museum entry.
Stelliferous
The stars are the stars during a live evening focusing on the stars, night sky, the latest news in the world of astronomy, and more on the fourth Wednesday of each month! Some Stelliferous presentations explain where our stars, planets, and constellations are headed, while others provide current astronomy talks about ongoing research. Both types of presentations provide enough opportunities for Q&A!
Tales Under the Tree
Gather the children and settle down for a narrative that will pique their interest in science and nature! Join us at The Bishop for a unique story hour. Each month, Tales Under the Tree presents a different scientific or nature-themed book, followed by a craft, game, or fun facts linked to the narrative. To get more details Click here!
Think + Drink / Science
Our monthly think + drink/science program converts The Planetarium into a discussion forum where you may have a beer, glass of wine, or soft drink while learning about science in a casual, informal atmosphere. The evening's expert provides a brief talk before opening the floor to questions and debates.
Yoga at The Bishop
Manatee Yoga is back at The Bishop! Adults may enjoy peaceful views of the manatees in the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat while practicing in yoga positions that focus on balance, flexibility, and strength. Guests must bring their own yoga mats. Proceeds go toward manatee rehabilitation so that they can be released back into the wild. The group size is restricted to 15 people, and registration is necessary for advancement. Everyone aged 7 and up is invited!
Other Kid-Friendly Attractions
The Bishop Planetarium is an excellent visit for the entire family, but it is far from the only nearby family-friendly destination. Visit the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, where you may wander among the 5,000 varieties of plants and bring your kids to the different programs and activities designed specifically for them. Make sure to visit the Rainforest Garden!
The Big Cat Habitat, a rescue foundation that also functions as an education facility, is also located in Sarasota. This attraction is ideal for bringing your children to get up and personal with the wildlife while learning about what we can do to conserve it.
Finally, TreeUmph Adventure Course is ideal for families looking for an adrenaline thrill. The 14-acre adventure park provides breathtaking views of East Bradenton, and you can top it off with a 650-foot zip line!
You have to do some souvenir buying while you're abroad, and Anna Maria Island has plenty of fantastic venues to do it. Children adore the Shiny Fish Emporium, where they can design their own hand-painted sand dollar. Pink and Navy Boutique is one of the most fashionable boutiques in town, and your teenagers will adore it, or you can go to the Island Bazaar and let everyone choose their own memento. Best of all, every attraction mentioned in this post is only a short distance away from our StayAwhile Properties.
Events
Aside from the permanent and seasonal exhibitions on display at the Museum, there are constantly activities going on. Your children can become scientific masters of the cosmos thanks to the Kidspace program! Kidspace, designed for students in grades 1-5 and their parents, is an excellent way to get your children interested in the sun, planets, newly found solar systems, and much more. The event usually lasts around 45 minutes and is free with your entry.
Tales Under the Tree, which takes place in the Mosaic Backyard Universe, is another popular event. This is a storytime for both children and adults, along with a craft, game, or other enjoyable activities. These presentations are free and take place every Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.
Finally, if you have a younger child, be sure to bring them to Science Sprouts. This program is aimed at children 2 through 5 and covers a variety of nature and science topics through crafts, songs, and stories. These events are held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month for one hour, and admission is $12 per child with one adult. This program does require advance reservations, so be sure to visit the museum’s website to get your spot.
Best of all, every attraction mentioned in this post is only a short distance away from our StayAwhile properties.