Manatee County Explore and Play

Manatee County Explore and Play Welcome to Manatee County Explore & Play where we provide features, news and events happening at our parks and preserves!
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Premier Sports Campus is a multi-purpose facility that has 22 full-sized, mixed use fields for soccer, lacrosse and other amateur sports. Other events include soccer camps and clinics. The Lakewood Ranch Chargers soccer program is a host tenant at the facility to expand its program including tournaments and leagues.

🌿 Happy National Trails Day! 🌿From longleaf pine forests and boardwalks winding through mangrove habitats to observation...
06/06/2026

🌿 Happy National Trails Day! 🌿

From longleaf pine forests and boardwalks winding through mangrove habitats to observation towers with breathtaking views, Manatee County's preserves offer a trail for every adventure. Explore scenic river vistas along oxbow bends, wander through peaceful wooded paths and discover the diverse landscapes that make our natural areas so special.

Whether you're hiking, running, biking or simply enjoying a quiet walk in nature, Manatee County has everything you need to get outside and explore. Celebrate National Trails Day by visiting one of our preserves and experiencing the beauty of Manatee County firsthand.

06/05/2026

🏃 Ready, set, RUN! 🏃

Cortez has been putting in the work and hitting the gym to get race-ready for the next Run Manatee event, now just a little over one month away! Whether you're chasing a personal best, walking with friends, or tackling your first 5K, there's still plenty of time to train and join the fun.

Don't wait—sign up today and start your countdown to race day at mymanatee.org/runmanatee! 🏅

🌊🐚 Ocean Fun at The NEST is TOMORROW! 🐚🌊Join us tomorrow, Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m. to Noon at The NEST at Robinson ...
06/05/2026

🌊🐚 Ocean Fun at The NEST is TOMORROW! 🐚🌊

Join us tomorrow, Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m. to Noon at The NEST at Robinson Preserve for a morning of ocean discovery and family-friendly fun!

This hands-on event is a great opportunity to learn more about our local waterways while enjoying interactive activities for all ages. Guests can explore touch tanks, create ocean-themed crafts, enjoy story time and take part in unique experiences like oyster habitat building, microscope exploration and even underwater robots in action. It’s the perfect way to learn, play and connect with nature right here in Manatee County.

📍 The NEST at Robinson Preserve
840 99th St NW, Bradenton, 34209

We can’t wait to see you there! 💙

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

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY: TAKE BACK CONTROLMove Beyond Stress. Move Toward Healing.📅 June 10 | ⏰ 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.📍 G.T....
06/05/2026

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY: TAKE BACK CONTROL

Move Beyond Stress. Move Toward Healing.

📅 June 10 | ⏰ 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
📍 G.T. Bray Recreation Center

👩‍⚕️ Instructed by Dr. Veronica Socas, MD

Chronic stress can increase cravings, inflammation and insulin resistance while slowing digestion and making it harder for the body to heal. Join Dr. Veronica Socas for a fun, movement-based wellness session designed to help your body shift out of stress mode and into healing. Through joyful, nervous-system-informed dance and movement, you'll reduce stress, reconnect with your body and support your overall well-being—all while having fun.

🔗 Register today: https://bit.ly/WW-TakeBackControl

This is your reminder to dig responsibly at the beach! 🐢Did you know that metal shovels and holes deeper than 1 foot are...
06/04/2026

This is your reminder to dig responsibly at the beach! 🐢

Did you know that metal shovels and holes deeper than 1 foot are prohibited on Manatee County beaches?

Large holes can pose serious risks to both people and wildlife. Sea turtles and hatchlings can become trapped in deep holes as they nest or make their way to the Gulf, and beachgoers can be injured by falling into holes or from collapsing sand walls.

If you build a sandcastle or dig in the sand, please remember to fill in any holes and flatten the area before you leave. A few moments of effort can help protect our wildlife and keep the beach safe for everyone. Thank you for helping keep Manatee County's beaches beautiful, safe, and turtle-friendly! ☀️

Celebrate National Gardening Week! Community gardens do more than grow fresh fruits and vegetables. They bring neighbors...
06/03/2026

Celebrate National Gardening Week!

Community gardens do more than grow fresh fruits and vegetables. They bring neighbors together, create learning opportunities and help build stronger communities.

Check out three community gardens in Manatee County:

Patricia & Dr. Carroll Geraldson Community Garden (our newest community garden!)
📍 1401 99th St NW, Bradenton, 34209

Manatee Square Garden Food Forest
📍 216 6th Ave E, Bradenton, 34208

Elwood Park Community Garden

📍 4008 39th Street E, Bradenton, FL 34208.

Through the support of UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County, these gardens provide spaces for residents to learn, grow and connect with one another. Have you visited any of Manatee County's community gardens?

Recap on all of our free splash pads: Looking for a fun and FREE way to cool off this summer? Manatee County's splash pa...
06/02/2026

Recap on all of our free splash pads:

Looking for a fun and FREE way to cool off this summer? Manatee County's splash pads are open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk and are the perfect place to make a splash with family and friends. Grab your sunscreen, pack the towels and check out these splash pad locations around the county:

💧 Tom Bennett Park – 280 Kay Rd, Bradenton, 34208
💧 Pride Park – 6032 9th St E, Bradenton, 34203
💧 Parrish Community Park – 7550 Fort Hamer Rd, Parrish, 34219
💧 John H. Marble Park – 3675 53rd Ave E, Bradenton, 34203
💧 Lincoln Park – 715 17th St E, Palmetto, 34221

Whether you're looking to cool off after the playground, burn some energy or simply beat the Florida heat, these FREE splash pads are a great way to enjoy summer in Manatee County.💦😎

Please note that the trails at Johnson Preserve, located at 9906 Clubhouse Drive (Bradenton), will be closed today from ...
06/02/2026

Please note that the trails at Johnson Preserve, located at 9906 Clubhouse Drive (Bradenton), will be closed today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., due to a 23-acre prescribed burn. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Together we’re turning old shoes into a cleaner future. Between GT Bray, John Marble, and all Manatee County libraries, ...
06/01/2026

Together we’re turning old shoes into a cleaner future. Between GT Bray, John Marble, and all Manatee County libraries, our community donated 782 pairs of shoes, filling 33 bags that were sent off for recycling instead of ending up in a Manatee County landfill.

This photo is a powerful visual of what we kept out of our local landfill and a reminder that small actions can make a big difference for our environment.
Thank you to everyone who donated and helped make this recycling effort a success!

Summer nights just hit different at Coquina Beach. Catch the sunset, enjoy the ocean breeze and take in one of the best ...
05/31/2026

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.

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