Manatee County Explore and Play

Summer nights just hit different at Coquina Beach. Catch the sunset, enjoy the ocean breeze and take in one of the best views in Manatee County.

May is Wildfire Awareness Month, and Manatee County Natural Resources uses prescribed burns as an important tool to help reduce the risk of dangerous wildfires throughout our area. 🔥🌿

Prescribed burns safely remove built-up vegetation that can fuel intense wildfires, helping protect homes, neighborhoods, parks and natural areas. These carefully planned burns also improve habitat health by returning nutrients to the soil, encouraging new plant growth and supporting Florida’s native wildlife and ecosystems. By reducing excess fuel and maintaining healthy landscapes, prescribed burning helps create safer, more resilient communities for both people and wildlife.

TWO Ways to Get FREE Meals This Summer! Starting June 1, Manatee County Sports & Leisure Services will be providing Summer BreakSpots, with FREE breakfast, lunch, supper and snacks, to help more kids (ages 18 and under) stay fueled and active.

📍 Participating Park Locations:
• East Bradenton Park – 1119 13th St E, Bradenton
• G.T. Bray Park – 5502 33rd Ave Dr W, Bradenton
• John H. Marble Park – 3675 53rd Ave E, Bradenton
• Hidden Harbor Park – 1740 Ft. Hamer Rd, Parrish
• Lincoln (Eddie Shannon) Park – 501 17th Ave E, Palmetto
• Parrish Community Park – 7550 Ft. Hamer Rd, Parrish

No application needed! Just show up and enjoy a meal in a safe, welcoming environment. Parents, please spread the word to friends, family and neighbors and make Summer BreakSpot part of your summer routine!

Find additional locations and meal times at:
SummerBreakSpot.org

⚽ Fuel Up for Fun

Fuel Up for Fun is partnering with Sports & Leisure Services to provide FREE meals alongside exciting recreational activities for kids and teens! From sports and games to active outdoor fun, this program helps keep kids moving, learning and making memories all summer long. 🏃‍♀️🏀🎉Kids can come out, grab a meal, play some games and make this summer one to remember! ☀️

One week until ocean fun at The NEST at Robinson Preserve! Join us on Saturday, June 6, from 9 AM–12 PM for touch tanks, ocean-themed crafts, story time, oyster habitat building, microscopes, and even underwater robots. It’s the perfect family outing to learn, play, and explore our local waterways.

📍840 99th St NW, Bradenton, FL 34209 — we hope to see you there!

Save the event here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1KVKLReMdA/

🎶 What an incredible season at the Manatee Music Series! From nights filled with dancing, music, and great memories at Parrish Community GT Bray parks, this year’s series was one to remember. Thank you to our sponsors HCA Florida North River Ranch Emergency and HCA Florida Healthcare who made it possible for everyone who came out to sing along, dance and make each night so special. We loved seeing the community come together to enjoy live music under the Florida skies, and we’re already looking forward to doing it all again next year! Learn more at mymanatee.org/music.

Get ready for a WILD summer with Manatee County Summer Blast Camp! Our camp counselors are hard at work preparing an unforgettable summer packed with fun, adventure and hands-on learning! This year’s animal-themed summer will have campers exploring their wild side through books, games, arts and crafts and exciting activities—all centered around the amazing animal world.

Campers can cool off in the pool, enjoy weekly field trips, make new friends and create memories that will last long after summer ends!

📍 Camp locations:
• GT Bray Park, 5502 33rd Avenue Drive West (Bradenton)
• John H. Marble Park, 3675 53rd Avenue East (Bradenton)

We can’t wait to give our campers an amazing summer! Missed registration this year? Keep an eye out for our upcoming camp announcements right here on ManateeCountyExploreandPlay!

Looking for the perfect way to beat the summer heat? Head over to the Lincoln Aquatic Center for some fun in the sun!

📍 715 17th St E, Palmetto, FL 34221

Summer hours are:
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Whether you’re looking to swim laps, splash around with the family or enjoy the play structures, Lincoln Aquatic Center is the perfect spot to cool off and make summer memories. Grab your sunscreen, bring your friends and family and make waves right here in Manatee County!

⚠️ Heavy overnight rain has caused flooding at the south end of Coquina Beach, and that area will remain closed until conditions improve.

All other parking areas and sections of Coquina Beach are currently open and accessible. Visitors are asked to use caution while in the area and follow any posted signs or guidance from staff.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as crews continue to monitor the situation.

⚠️ Due to heavy rain overnight, the south end of Coquina Beach closed until conditions improve.

Other parking lots and areas throughout Coquina Beach are open and accessible at this time. Please use caution when visiting the area and follow any posted signage or directions from staff.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as crews monitor conditions.

⚽ Paradise takes on a legend.

Join Sarasota Paradise FC as they battle the iconic New York Cosmos on Saturday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m. under the lights at Premier Sports Campus.

Big-time matchup. Electric atmosphere. One unforgettable night of soccer in the Suncoast. Whether you’re a longtime fan or looking for the perfect weekend outing, this is a match you won’t want to miss.

A body in motion stays in motion!

This National Senior Health & Fitness Day, celebrate all the ways to stay active and connected throughout Manatee County! From pickleball, tennis, and horseshoe leagues to aquatic centers, walking trails, parks, and biking paths, there are endless opportunities to get moving, meet new friends, and enjoy the outdoors.

No matter your pace, staying active helps build strength, improve health, and keep the mind and body thriving. Get out, get involved, and keep moving.