When you’re vacationing with your family, it can seem difficult to find activities that everyone will enjoy. Some people in your group might be interested in nature, while others would rather stay in and relax. Some might want an adrenaline rush, and some might be okay staying on the beach all day. Luckily, Anna Maria Island has it all!
One of the best family-friendly attractions that offer something for everyone is the Bishop Planetarium. Visitors old and young will love the interactive exhibits, and you can reach the planetarium just minutes from any of our Anna Maria Island rental homes.
Things to Do
There’s never a lack of things to do at the Bishop Planetarium. As the region’s premier astronomy education facility, the planetarium houses a multimedia theater for films, lectures, digital art performances, and even live music. You’ll also find traditional live star talks and virtual journeys that take you into the far reaches of the cosmos.
Whether you’re interested in learning more about the ocean, our atmosphere, climate change, or anything in between, the Bishop Planetarium is the place to be! The dedicated staff can answer any question you might have, and every member of your family can gaze in awe while they learn about the incredible world we live in.
The Bishop Planetarium is overseen by the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, so there’s even more to explore. Head into the Manatee Habitat to learn about one of the most fascinating creatures of our oceans, or check out any of the rotating exhibits. Their daily schedule is constantly changing, so you can return again and again and always find something new!
Exhibitions
The exhibitions at the Bishop Museum are simply not to be missed. The Mosaic Backyard Universe is being pegged as Southwest Florida’s coolest backyard. Your kids can dig around for fossils in the Dig Pit or you can observe scale models of the solar system. Get up-close-and-personal with freshwater turtles or head up into the Science Shed or the Massive Mighty Oak for an incredible view.
The museum houses two floors of exhibitions. On the first floor, you’ll find fossil evidence of Florida’s earliest animal inhabitants from Paleo-Indian, archaic, and pre-contact cultures. There’s also an underwater viewing window where you can look at the manatees that are being rehabilitated. On the second floor, you can explore the Visible Storage Gallery, the River Heritage Hall, and the Environmental Hall.
Finally, Bishop constantly holds special temporary exhibitions that change throughout the seasons. From February through September 2020, the main attraction is the “Myakka River: A Florida Treasure” exhibition. Visiting the special exhibit is included in your price of admission, adding a little something extra to your getaway while remaining budget-friendly.
Events
In addition to the permanent and rotating exhibits available at the Museum, various events are always happening as well. The Kidspace program allows your children to become scientific masters of the universe! Designed for grades 1-5 and their parents, Kidspace is the perfect way to get your kids interested in the sun, planets, newly discovered solar systems, and so much more. The program typically lasts about 45 minutes, and the price is included with your admission.
Another popular event is Tales Under the Tree, which is held in the Mosaic Backyard Universe. This is a storytime for children and grown-ups alike, complete with a craft, game, or other fun activities. These talks are held every Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. and do not cost any extra.
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.
News
The Bishop Museum is always involved in the local community, so they’ve got lots of great news presence. Recent stories include a VIP sneak peek screening of “Kiss the Ground,” a feature-length film narrated by Woody Harrelson. Other recent news stories include coverage of the new manatees that arrived in December for rehabilitation, as well as the opening of the new North Education Center in Mosaic Backyard Universe. There is an entire “News” section on the Bishop Museum’s website so you can keep up with all the latest happenings.
General Information
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is located at 201 10th Street West in Bradenton, Florida. This is just a short drive from any of our rentals on Anna Maria Island. Free parking is available on 10th Street West for up to 3 hours at a time. You can also choose to park at the county parking garage at the corner of 10th Street West and Manatee Avenue.
Your ticket purchase includes admission to the museum itself, as well as the Planetarium and the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat. If you purchase your ticket online, it will be valid for one-day admission and will expire one year from the date purchased, so you can easily purchase your ticket in advance and will still be welcomed in.
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. They are closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Adult admission is $23.95 per person, and seniors 65 and older receive a discount and pay $21.95 per person. Youth ages 12 to 17 and college students with ID cost $17.95 per person, children ages 5 through 11 cost $14.95 per person, and children ages 2 through 4 cost $8.95 per person. If you are a member of the Discovery Society, active military, a Florida teacher, or have a child younger than two, these individuals will receive free admission.
Other Kid-Friendly Attractions
The Bishop Planetarium is a great stop for the whole family, but it’s certainly not the only nearby family-friendly attraction. Head to Sarasota to experience Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, where you can stroll through the 5,000 species of plants and bring your kids to the various workshops and activities perfect for them. Be sure to stop by the Rainforest Garden!
Also in Sarasota is the Big Cat Habitat, a rescue nonprofit that also serves as an education center. This attraction is perfect for bringing your kids to let them get up close and personal with the wildlife and learn what we can do to protect it. Finally, TreeUmph Adventure Course is great for the family that’s craving an adrenaline rush. The 14-acre adventure park offers incredible scenery of East Bradenton, and you can finish off with the 650 foot-long zip line!
You got to get some souvenir shopping done while you’re away, and there are plenty of great places to do that on Anna Maria Island. Kids love the Shiny Fish Emporium, where they can create their very own hand-painted sand dollar. Pink and Navy Boutique is one of the most stylish shops in towns that your teens will love, or you can head to the Island Bazaar to let everyone pick out their own souvenir. Best of all, every attraction listed in this article is just moments away from our Anna Maria Island cottage rentals. Contact us today to start booking!
