Your Guide to Family Fun in Manatee County: Events Happening July 6–12
Families across Manatee County will have no shortage of activities to enjoy during the week of July 6 through July 14, with educational programs, outdoor adventures, concerts, community discussions and family-friendly festivals taking place throughout the county.
The week begins with a full lineup of activities at Soar Lab in Bradenton. The learning center’s weekly theme, Big Adventures, New Friends Along the Way, features story-inspired activities based on Eric Carle’s Rooster’s Off to See the World. Children can enjoy character creation, reading activities, music, engineering projects, family yoga and partner programs throughout the week at 6413 9th St. E. The schedule also includes a special Soar in 4 at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature on Wednesday, July 8, offering families another opportunity for hands-on learning.
Nature lovers can head to Palma Sola Botanical Park on Thursday, July 9, where the Summer Fun Nature Classes continue with a free birding program from 9 to 10 a.m. led by members of the Manatee County Audubon Society. The educational series continues throughout the summer with topics ranging from wildlife to bonsai and tree biology.
Children and teens can enjoy free meals, crafts and activities at The Great Library Picnic, which visits Lincoln Park on Tuesday, July 7. The event is part of the Manatee County Library System’s summer outreach program in partnership with the School District of Manatee County Food and Nutrition Services.
Community members interested in bicycle safety are invited to attend the E-Bike Safety Awareness Community Discussion on Friday, July 10, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Manatee County Public Safety Center. The event will focus on safe riding practices, micromobility and community education.
Also on Friday, July 10, Hand Up to Victory will host Stars, Stripes & Second Chances, featuring internationally known pianist and arranger Alex-Zsolt. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the concert beginning at 7 p.m. at Oasis Church on Lorraine Road in Bradenton. The evening highlights the organization’s mission of supporting individuals recovering from addiction through faith and encouragement.
Saturday, July 11, brings one of the busiest days of the week.
Families can attend the Wild About Learning Zoo Day from 10 a.m. to noon at Manatee Charter School. The free community event will feature educational exhibits, interactive booths, hands-on activities, giveaways, community resources and a petting zoo.
Also on Saturday, Run Manatee Race No. 2 takes place at Coquina Beach as part of the county’s Run Manatee 5K Series. Even for those not participating in the race, organizers encourage the public to enjoy the beach festivities and community activities throughout the morning.
At Manatee Village Historical Park, visitors celebrating the park’s 50th anniversary can help plant pumpkin seeds during National Gardening Week. The family activity runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., while supplies and planting space last, allowing children to return throughout the season to watch their pumpkins grow.
From outdoor recreation and environmental education to concerts, museums and family festivals, Manatee County offers a full calendar of opportunities for residents and visitors to learn, explore and connect during the second week of July.