Anna Maria Island is really three laid-back beach towns in one — Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach — connected by a free trolley that makes island-hopping with a stroller easy. Manatee Public Beach is a favorite for families with little ones, thanks to its shallow, calm water, shaded playground, and picnic tables right by the sand. Cool off afterward with a scoop from Two Scoops or Small Town Creamery, both local island staples. Visiting between May and October? Keep an eye out for AMI Turtle Watch's free sea turtle programs — a fun, easy way to teach even the youngest beachgoers about the island's nesting sea turtles. However you spend your days on AMI, having your crib, stroller, and high chair already waiting means one less thing to plan.

For added comfort and peace of mind, select crib rentals can be upgraded to a breathable Newton mattress. Simply choose the Newton mattress option when booking your baby gear delivery to your Anna Maria Island vacation rental.

Anna Maria Island is a dream for a family beach trip, even with a little one in tow. The sand at Coquina Beach is soft and gently sloped into the water, making it an easy, forgiving spot for first steps and sandcastle building, and there's a playground right off the beach for when small legs need a break. Hop on the free Island Trolley to get around without wrangling a car seat, then stroll Bridge Street or Pine Avenue for local shops and a stop at one of the island's ice cream spots. Prefer something quieter? Bean Point, where the Gulf meets Tampa Bay, offers calmer, shallower water — great for wading and shelling with toddlers. However you spend your days here, having your crib, stroller, and high chair already waiting means one less thing to plan.