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.

Labor Day Closures & Schedule ChangesManatee County parks, beaches and preserves will remain open to the public, and Man...
09/06/2026

Labor Day Closures & Schedule Changes

Manatee County parks, beaches and preserves will remain open to the public, and Manatee County and Buffalo Creek Golf Courses will be open.

G.T. Bray, John H. Marble and Walton Racquet Center will be closed. All County aquatic centers, splash pads, offices and libraries also will be closed.

Please plan accordingly, and check for any rescheduled programs or activities.

🐾 Meet Aladdin: Doggy Day out at Emerson Point Preserve. This is what his day buddy had to say:"We took Aladdin on a Dog...
09/05/2026

🐾 Meet Aladdin: Doggy Day out at Emerson Point Preserve. This is what his day buddy had to say:

"We took Aladdin on a Doggy Day Out, and this boy proved that his heart is so much bigger than he is. He came home with us, got along wonderfully with our dog and loved playing with her. He had a blast in the pool, absolutely LOVED getting a bath with the hose and was a professional level snuggler when it was time to relax.

"We also headed to Emerson Point Preserve, where Aladdin got to slow down, explore, take in all the new smells and experience something completely different from his normal shelter routine. A day like this gives shelter dogs the opportunity to decompress, have fun and simply be a dog."

This is exactly why we’re encouraging you to try a Doggy Day Out! Take an adoptable dog on an adventure to one of our local parks or preserves, go for a walk, explore some trails, get some fresh air or just spend some quiet time together. You might be surprised by how much a few hours outside the shelter can mean to them, and you may just meet your new best friend along the way.

As for Aladdin, he’ll thrive with a family who enjoys an active lifestyle and wants a companion for walks, adventures and exploring but who also appreciates coming home afterward for a good, long snuggle on the couch.

Come meet Aladdin at Bishop Animal Shelter, and find out for yourself how he is the perfect adventure buddy. 🐶❤️

It’s National Wildlife Day! Today, we’re celebrating the incredible wildlife that calls Manatee County home, including a...
09/04/2026

It’s National Wildlife Day! Today, we’re celebrating the incredible wildlife that calls Manatee County home, including a very special bird you may be lucky enough to spot in our natural areas.

Meet the Florida scrub-jay . . . found only in Florida, this blue-and-gray bird depends on one of our state’s most unique habitats: Florida scrub. Scrub-jays are threatened, and their populations have declined dramatically as scrub habitat has been lost and altered.

Here in Manatee County, conservation lands provide important habitat for this special species. In 2024, surveys documented 48 Florida scrub-jay family groups across several conservation areas in the county, including Duette Preserve and Moody Branch.

This National Wildlife Day, celebrate the wildlife around!

Introduce your young athlete to the exciting game of pickleball at the Walton Racquet Center!Designed for children ages ...
09/03/2026

Introduce your young athlete to the exciting game of pickleball at the Walton Racquet Center!

Designed for children ages 7–12, this clinic will focus on the fundamentals of pickleball, including basic skills, technique and strategy. Participants will have the opportunity to build confidence, develop their skills and enjoy time on the court in a fun, supportive environment.

📅 September 9, 16, 23 & 30
⏰ 5–6 p.m.
📍 Walton Racquet Center
Bradenton 34209
📞 (941) 742-5973

Sign up here: https://parks.mymanatee.org/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=247251038

Think your costume deserves a prize? This is your chance to prove it!G.T. Bray Park’s Annual Goblin Gathering, presented...
09/03/2026

Think your costume deserves a prize? This is your chance to prove it!

G.T. Bray Park’s Annual Goblin Gathering, presented by Prime Time Event Rentals, is back on Friday, October 16, from 4–7 p.m., and today we’re putting the spotlight on our Costume Contests!

With different age groups and prizes up for grabs, it’s time to get creative and start planning a costume that will stand out from the crowd. Whether you’re going spooky, silly, creative or completely unexpected, come ready to show it off!

After the costume contest, stick around for continued Halloween fun, including hay rides, treats and sweets from local businesses and organizations, inflatables, a petting zoo and spooky photo ops.

📍 G.T. Bray Park
5502 33rd Avenue Drive West, Bradenton
Save the event here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CNKY2TNAp/

🧟‍♂️ CALLING ALL ZOMBIES! Do you have what it takes to join the Zombie Squad? We’re looking for fun, energetic volunteer...
09/02/2026

🧟‍♂️ CALLING ALL ZOMBIES!

Do you have what it takes to join the Zombie Squad? We’re looking for fun, energetic volunteers to take part in an upcoming Thriller Flash Mob at G.T. Bray’s annual Goblin Gathering on October 16! 🎃

No dance experience required—just bring your best zombie moves and plenty of energy!

📅 First rehearsal: Thursday, September 3
⏰ 12:00 p.m.
https://bit.ly/4wVmlRF

Come experience the magic of nature with your little ones at Robinson Preserve. Spend time outdoors with your family dis...
09/01/2026

Come experience the magic of nature with your little ones at Robinson Preserve. Spend time outdoors with your family discovering the natural curiosities of plants, wildlife and fairies! Whether you build a fairy home or take a small hike, this festival complete with activities, crafts and a storytime will fill your family with wonder! Families are encouraged to dress in their best fairy attire.

Save the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/2612602479175796

08/31/2026

Happy National Beach Day! 🌊

There’s no better way to celebrate than getting outside and enjoying the beauty of Manatee County’s beaches. Whether you’re spending the day soaking up the sun, exploring the shoreline, or heading out on the boat, there’s plenty to discover right here in our own backyard.

Take advantage of the beautiful weather, get out on the water, and explore all that Manatee County has to offer!

Congratulations to the Natural Resources Department seagrass monitoring team for receiving an A- on their Seagrass Train...
08/30/2026

Congratulations to the Natural Resources Department seagrass monitoring team for receiving an A- on their Seagrass Training Report Card!

On behalf of Manatee County, we thank them for their continued participation in the Tampa Bay seagrass monitoring program. Their efforts help to inform management decisions related to endangered species, fisheries, habitat restoration, and of course, baywide water-quality objectives.

Team members: Kerry Harkinson, Lauren Mulligan and Kristina Novak.

Our volunteers took to Holmes Beach this past week to make a positive impact on our local environment by collecting seve...
08/29/2026

Our volunteers took to Holmes Beach this past week to make a positive impact on our local environment by collecting several bags of trash.

It’s a great reminder that every little action makes a difference. If you’re visiting the beach and see trash, pick it up! And always remember to take everything you brought with you when you leave. 🌱

Want to get involved and help make a difference? Find upcoming volunteer opportunities at MyManatee.org/EcoEvents.

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