Fun and Games in Manatee County

Equipped with numerous golf courses, tennis, basketball, and racquetball courts, plus baseball, soccer fields, and more, Manatee County is the perfect setting for anyone who enjoys an active lifestyle. A variety of team and individual sports are offered at many of the city and county parks. Join the host of amateurs who love to play or attend the professional spectator sporting events offered year round.

There are more than two dozen public and private golf courses within the immediate area from which to choose, and over 200 more just a short drive away.

The goal of Manatee County’s Parks and Recreation Department is to create lifelong memories by offering diverse leisure activities in a safe and beautiful environment that will enhance your quality of life in Manatee County. The County has everything - from a newly renovated fitness center to adult kickball leagues, pavilion rentals to a dog park so that your pooches can enjoy the great outdoors as well. Enjoy a movie under the stars in the park or a fall hayride with the kids. Young Professionals - and those of all ages - get their sports fix through leagues including flag football, 5-man basketball, ultimate frisbee, co-ed volleyball and more. Sports organizations can be found in every corner of the county - girls' softball, Little League, youth soccer, and football. Recreational activities of all kinds abound - arts & crafts, scrapbooking, martial arts and music classes.

The crack of the bat continues to call many to award-winning McKechnie Field to take in spring training games. Manatee County is proud to be the spring home of the Major League Baseball Pittsburgh Pirates as well as Gulf Coast and South Coast League Baseball games. It's also easy to take in a baseball game with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, who are a mere thirty minute drive to the north at Tropicana Field. Or if you are a Red Sox fan, their farm team trains in nearby Sarasota.

See the NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers dominate the football field at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, or join fellow arena football fans as they cheer on the Tampa Bay Storm. Hockey fans have the opportunity to see a great NHL hockey game with the Tampa Bay Lightning.