Check these guys out when you are here in Bradenton!

Come Play in the Dirt!

"Have you ever driven by a construction site, taken a look at the huge earthmoving equipment digging, dumping or pushing the dirt and thought… Hey, that looks like fun! Now instead of dreaming about it, you can operate an excavator or bulldozer or test your skills on a skid steer loader at our fun outdoor “construction” attraction. It’s your turn to grab a hard hat and join our crew at People at Play: The Heavy Equipment Experience!"

Here is there website: http://www.comeplayinthedirt.com/

Kids 17 and under stay free with an adult.

As our guest, you can expect warm hospitality and clean, comfortable rooms where everything works, to make your stay trouble-free and enjoyable. We work hard to earn our reputation as "The Best Value Under the Sun."

We are personally responsible and strive to ensure you have an exceptional stay with us.

We are prepared to resolve any situation that does not meet our high standards. As your Hosts, we are empowered to meet your needs in a timely manner.

We are pleased to provide useful local recommendations and information.

We are proud to be your friendly, attentive and professional hosts.

Our greatest compliment is for you to return to us or any other Days Inn location worldwide for "The Best Value Under the Sun."

Near us is Hunsader Farms where you can get a glimpse of the goodl ol' life!

Hunsader Farms got its start in 1967 when three Hunsader Brothers left their Wisconsin dairy farm to try their hand at growing vegetables in the sunny south.  The brothers cleared the land by hand and planted their first crop of 80 acres of tomatoes in the fall of 1967.  The operation prospered and grew, and in 1990 was handed down to their sons who gave it the name Hunsader Farms

Through the years we have added many events and activities in an effort to share with the community a little piece of our farming heritage.  In 1990 we built the barn style Farm Market, then added the petting zoo in 1991.  In 1992 we kicked off our first Pumpkin Festival, while the summer of 1995 was spent building a playground and picnic area for families.  The year 1997 brought the construction of our modern-day outhouse.  In 2002 we built our craft and antique store, The Farmer’s Wife, and in 2005 turned it into an ice cream and gift shop.  In 2007 we remodeled an existing barn and transformed it into a fabulous private party building called The Country Club.

We hope you come visit us as we help you catch a glimpse of days past when life was a little slower, a little sweeter, and a lot simpler.

Hunsader Farms

5500 C.R. 675

Bradenton, FL 34211

941-322-2168

At South Florida Museum you will find the Planetarium Theater.

Digital Full Dome Planetarium Theater

The Bishop Planetarium is a multipurpose, all-digital domed theater, boasting one of the most advanced projection systems in the world. Incorporating unidirectional stadium style seating and a digital 25,000 watt Dolby 5.1 surround sound system, the Bishop Planetarium Theater is capable of accommodating a wide range of programs, from lectures to film series to live performances. But first and foremost, the planetarium is a remarkable astronomy education resource, allowing visitors to explore their universe through traditional live star talks and immersive virtual journeys to the far reaches of the cosmos. 

South Florida Museum

201 10th Street West
Bradenton FL 34205
(941) 746-4131 (phone)
(941) 747-2556 (fax)

Come see Snooty the Manatee in the aquarium at the S. Florida Museum!

The Parker Manatee Aquarium

The Parker Manatee Aquarium, designed to house three adult manatees, holds nearly 60,000 gallons of water, including a medical pool. The pool offers both deep and shallow water, allowing the manatees to maintain natural feeding behaviors. An exhibit area within the facility helps to educate the public about manatee anatomy and offers above and below water viewing.  Manatee Care specialist provide presentations about manatee habitat, nutrition and physiology.  Working closely with US Fish and Wildlife and critical care hospitals for manatees, the Museum's Parker Manatee Aquarium is a second stage rehabilitation facility. A second stage facility provides a temporary home for manatees that will be released back into the wild after having received treatment from an acute care hospital. The Aquarium has housed 24 manatees as part of the rehabilitation program. The facility is the permanent home to Manatee County's most famous resident and the oldest known manatee in the world, Snooty.

South Florida Museum

201 10th Street West
Bradenton FL 34205
(941) 746-4131 (phone)
(941) 747-2556 (fax)

Indoor Activities to do at De Soto National Memorial

Indoor Activities

 

Exhibits
The Visitor Center includes stunning displays of historic armor, weapons, and related period items.  Helmets and armor are available to try on.
Theater
Our newly re-modeled theater and museum features a wide array of exhibits of Spanish and Native American artifacts. The new museum exhibits are degigned to be rotating with new items and art that will be displayed periodicaly. Our thater shows our parks film Hernando De Soto in America throughout the year. During season the film is shown on a time schedule to coincide with scheduled living history programs.
Bookstore

The bookstore features an excellent selection of books about the De Soto Expedition and the Native American cultures encountered, as well as keepsakes to remember your visit by. Some items may be ordered on-line by clicking here.

Other Amenities
Modern restrooms and a drinking fountain are available in the Visitor Center.

There are no fees to entry fees for the park or the Visitor Center.