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.

06/19/2026

The July 11 Run Manatee 5K at Coquina Beach, presented by RWP Runs, is officially sold out!

Participants can look forward to a beautiful beachfront course, new splash zones to cool off along the way, an after-party celebration, and a fun evening spent running with friends and family.

Didn't get a spot? Don't worry—Race #3 at Rye Preserve is currently available at a discounted rate. Register now to save and continue your journey toward earning the full connecting medal series. The discount won't last forever!

🏅 One more race. One more medal piece. One more chance to complete the series. Register at: mymanatee.org/runmanatee

Happy National Fishing Day! 🎣Whether you're casting a line from one of our parks, exploring a preserve or fishing along ...
06/18/2026

Happy National Fishing Day! 🎣

Whether you're casting a line from one of our parks, exploring a preserve or fishing along the beach, today is the perfect excuse to get outside and enjoy the water. Fishing is a great way to relax, connect with nature and make memories with family and friends.

Grab your gear, find your favorite spot and see what bites. Get outside, enjoy the fresh air and have some fun! 🐟

Another win for Manatee County sports tourism!The Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch has been recognized as one of ...
06/17/2026

Another win for Manatee County sports tourism!

The Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch has been recognized as one of Florida's Top 6 Multi-Sport Complexes by Sports Facilities Companies. Known for hosting premier soccer tournaments, championship events, and athletes from around the country, the facility continues to be a destination for competition, recreation, and community events.

This recognition highlights the impact Premier Sports Campus has on attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, and providing world-class athletic opportunities right here in Manatee County.

Read the full article: https://sportsfacilities.com/blog/top-6-multi-sport-complexes-across-florida/

Congratulations to the team at Premier Sports Campus for helping put Manatee County on the map as a premier sports destination!

Pickleball is all about community at the John Marble Recreation Center! Come join in the fun! There are 3 indoor courts,...
06/16/2026

Pickleball is all about community at the John Marble Recreation Center!

Come join in the fun! There are 3 indoor courts, Monday–Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for open play, friendly games, and a welcoming atmosphere for all skill levels.

**We will be closed from July 6-10 due to camp! **

Come beat the heat while staying active! See you on the courts!

Happy National Nature Photography Day!From native wildflowers in bloom to wildlife found throughout our preserves, parks...
06/15/2026

Happy National Nature Photography Day!

From native wildflowers in bloom to wildlife found throughout our preserves, parks and natural areas, Manatee County is full of opportunities to capture the beauty of Florida's natural landscapes. Take a look at some of the incredible plants and animals that call our county home.

What’s the best nature photo you’ve taken in Manatee County?

Looking for a unique venue for your next celebration? From weddings and baby showers to birthdays, reunions and special ...
06/12/2026

Looking for a unique venue for your next celebration? From weddings and baby showers to birthdays, reunions and special events, Mixon Farms offers a beautiful setting filled with Old Florida charm, open green spaces and memorable backdrops. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, Mixon Farms provides a one-of-a-kind space to bring people together.

Ready to start planning? Learn more about rental opportunities and available spaces here: https://www.mymanatee.org/mixon-farms

📍 Mixon Farms
2525 27th Street East, Bradenton

Photos by: Ying Multimedia

Sun, sand, friends, and a finish line... what more could you ask for?Race #2 of the Run Manatee 5K Series, sponsored by...
06/12/2026

Sun, sand, friends, and a finish line... what more could you ask for?

Race #2 of the Run Manatee 5K Series, sponsored by RWP, runs is headed to Coquina Beach on July 11, and it's the perfect way to spend a summer evening. Grab your friends, enjoy a scenic run along the beach, and take in a stunning Gulf Coast sunset as you make your way to the finish line.

Need to cool off? Keep an eye out for the sq**rt gun splash zones along the course! Then stick around after the race to celebrate with live music, sunset yoga, and all the beachside fun.

Don't forget—every race earns you a unique medal, so be sure to collect them all as you work your way through the Run Manatee 5K Series! 🏅

Register today at mymanatee.org/runmanatee

Our VolunTeens were hard at work at Emerson Point Preserve earlier this month, making a real difference for our local en...
06/11/2026

Our VolunTeens were hard at work at Emerson Point Preserve earlier this month, making a real difference for our local environment!

These dedicated teens spent the day cleaning trash from the shoreline and removing invasive plant species from our native butterfly garden, helping protect the habitats that make our preserves so special. Their hard work, positive attitudes and commitment to conservation never fail to inspire us.

It's always a fun day when our VolunTeens are out in the field, giving back to the community while earning service hours and making lasting impacts on our natural spaces. Interested in joining us for future volunteer opportunities and outdoor adventures? Check out upcoming events at mymanatee.org/ecoevents and get involved!

Men’s Health Matters. Knowledge is Power.Join us for a special Men’s Health Awareness Month presentation and learn about...
06/10/2026

Men’s Health Matters. Knowledge is Power.

Join us for a special Men’s Health Awareness Month presentation and learn about some of the most common health concerns men face as they age. Guest speaker Dr. Mark Weintraub will discuss prostate cancer, enlarged prostate (BPH) and low testosterone, along with proactive steps you can take to support long-term health and wellness.

This interactive session includes time for questions and answers, giving you the opportunity to learn the facts and gain valuable insight into your health.

📅 Wednesday, June 17
⏰ 11:00 a.m.
📍 G.T. Bray Recreation Center
5502 33rd Ave Dr W, Bradenton, FL 34209

Take charge of your health and join the conversation. We look forward to seeing you there!

Registration encouraged at https://bit.ly/MCMensHealthAwareness.

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