Free Things to Do Near Bradenton in Summer 2017
From gazing at unique artwork to admiring national memorials and parks, there are several free things to do near Bradenton this summer! Whether you’re on a budget or are just searching for some fun things to do to give your wallet a break, the fun never stops near Bradenton!
Visit the Cortez Historic Fishing Village.
Immerse yourself in history as you enter the charming fishing village of Cortez. Traverse through Cortez’s Florida Maritime Museum offering free admission every day! Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Don’t miss the latest exhibit, Florida Through the Lens, which displays the work of nature photographer Richard Estabrook. This exhibit continues through July 28. In addition to the museum, you can take a stroll through charming, old fish houses!
Admire the Riverwalk’s public art collection.
Stroll Bradenton’s Riverwalk to view 19 pieces of public art. From acoustic sculptures to the drum yard, the public art is enjoyable for all ages! Kids will especially love cooling down at the Riverwalk’s Splash Pad making this one of the best free things to do near Bradenton when the heat keeps climbing this summer.
Take a nature hike at the De Soto National Memorial.
Get up close and personal with the beautiful nature that our area has to offer. The park at the De Soto National Memorial offers a nature trail, picnic tables and opportunities for bird watching and fishing. The best of all is that the entire experience is free!
Experience island history.
You can truly spend an entire day when at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., see the museum’s many exhibits and even a historical cottage that uniquely shows you what it was like living on the island. Originally an icehouse, the museum’s exhibits take you through fishing and baseball history with their collection of newspaper archives. Then, stroll through Mangrove Walk to learn about plants that are native to our area.
Go to the beach.
At the end of the day, one of the greatest free activities to take advantage of while near Bradenton is relaxing at the beach! Comb the local beaches for shells, take a tranquil walk, or simply enjoy the relaxing environment of a day spent at the beach.