Spotlight Activity: Day Trip to Dakin Dairy Farm

If you haven’t been to Dakin Dairy Farms yet, it’s worth the short drive east. Tucked away in Manatee County, this family-run operation has been going strong since 1973.

It is now one of fewer than 150 dairy farms left in the entire state. What makes Dakin stand out is not just longevity, but their commitment to doing things the right way: sustainably, locally, and transparently.

It’s the only dairy farm in Florida open to the public that produces and bottles its own milk entirely on-site.

Their cows graze on fresh, omega-rich grass year-round, which leads to nutrient-dense milk packed with beta-carotene, vitamin D, and vitamin E.

The flavor is something locals genuinely appreciate, especially the chocolate milk.

Beyond the milk, Dakin is a great spot for families. The farm offers an up-close look at daily operations and plenty of opportunities for kids to meet the animals.

Visitors are also able to do a special chocolate milk tasting!

Dakin Dairy Farms a rare behind-the-scenes experience that gives visitors a genuine feel for where their food comes from.

If you’re looking for a local outing that’s both educational and enjoyable, Dakin delivers.

Thursday

Cultural Crafts

📍Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center | 🕦 9:30am - 12:30pm | 🔗 details

Sarasota County Heritage Awards Ceremony

📍Sarasota Art Museum | 🕦 5pm - 8pm | 🔗 details

John Crist: Jokes For Humans

📍Van Wezel PAC | 🕦 7pm | 🔗 details

Friday

Ride and Paddle at The Bay

📍The Bay Park | 🕦 8:30am | 🔗 details

Beach Blast Trifecta

📍Manasota Beach Park | 🕦 5pm - 7pm | 🔗 details

Family Game Night: That’s My Jam

📍The Green at UTC | 🕦 5pm | 🔗 details

Comedy Show: Ryan Hamilton

📍McCurdy's Comedy Theatre | 🕦 Multiple shows | 🔗 details

Live Music at the Plaza

📍Waterside Place, LWR | 🕦 6pm - 9pm | 🔗 details

Pirates and Friends

📍Fruitville Elementary School | 🕦 6pm | 🔗 details

Illusionist Rick Thomas

📍Van Wezel PAC | 🕦 7pm | 🔗 details

Country Hits: Songs From Nashville

📍Ed Smith Stadium | 🕦 8pm | 🔗 details

Saturday

Cars & Caffeine

📍19745 Wellen Park Blvd, Venice | 🕦 7am - 10am | 🔗 details

SUP & RUN 5K

📍See details | 🕦 8am - 12pm | 🔗 details

Master Gardener Volunteer Spring Plant Sale

📍IFAS Manatee County Office | 🕦 8am - 12pm | 🔗 details

Classic Corvette Car Show

📍St. Armands Circle | 🕦 9am - 3pm | 🔗 details

Star Wars Day (Crafts & Costumes)

📍Central Library | 🕦 10am - 5pm | 🔗 details

Intro to Pickleball

📍5500 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, LWR | 🕦 8:30am - 10am | 🔗 details

Wellen Park Fishing Rodeo

📍Wellen Park | 🕦 9am - 12pm | 🔗 details

Plant Clinic

📍Shamrock Park and Nature Center | 🕦 10am - 12pm | 🔗 details

Chicken Egg-sperience

📍Manatee County Ag Museum | 🕦 11am - 1pm | 🔗 details

Space Saturday

📍Bishop Science Museum | 🕦 11am | 🔗 details

Manatee's 4th Annual Taco Fest

📍Manatee County Fairgrounds | 🕦 12pm - 7pm | 🔗 details

Cinco de Mayo Party

📍Casa Masa, LWR | 🕦 3pm - 8pm | 🔗 details

Kentucky Derby Party

📍The Grove, LWR | 🕦 4pm - 7pm | 🔗 details

Intro to Dancing

📍7500 Island Cove Terrace, LWR | 🕦 4pm - 5pm | 🔗 details

Fleetwood Mach Tribute Show

📍Van Wezel PAC | 🕦 7:30pm | 🔗 details

Sunday

Two Guys Gun Show

📍Robarts Arena | 🕦 9am - 3pm | 🔗 details

Downtown Sarasota Spring Craft Fair

📍1 Central Avenue, Sarasota | 🕦 10am - 5pm | 🔗 details

Hungarian Festival

📍Robarts Arena | 🕦 See details | 🔗 details

PLAN AHEAD

Wizard of Oz

📍Sarasota Ballet | 📆 May 17th | 🔗 details

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