The Little Discovery Center in Bradenton is an absolute gem for families with young children. It's designed for birth to five years, but it really shines for toddlers. The play centers are truly fantastic, especially the large, imaginative toys that most of us don't have the space (or desire!) to keep at home. Our favorites are the puppet show area, vet's office, farm table, princess area, kitchen and living room, play house, and the taco truck--there's so much to explore and pretend with that kids stay engaged for a long time.
The special holiday events are also very well done and always a lot of fun. They still offer music class (Musical Motion) by sign-up and Soar in 4, which we really appreciate. Regular story hours are no longer held here (those have moved to the Central Library), but there's still plenty to do and enjoy.
A few logistical notes for new visitors: mornings require an appointment and visits are limited to one hour, while afternoons are walk-in and allow for two hour stays, which is great if you want more relaxed playtime.
Overall, we love almost everything about this place. The only downside is that the staff can sometimes come across as a bit snooty and not always understanding that kids are kids--and that not all parents are disengaged. That said, the space itself and the quality of programming and play make this a wonderful resource for the community and one we continue to visit regularly. read more