Florida is always a popular family destination. We love visiting Orlando, Key West, Destin, and of course Disney World. The mild weather, sunny days, palm trees, and beaches make Tampa Bay a favorite family vacation destination. In addition to the Florida vacation requisites of beaches and theme parks, Tampa is home to a wide range of fun activities the kids are sure to love! Check out our list of 15 super fun things to do in Tampa with kids below!
ST. PETE BEACH – THE #1 BEACH IN THE USA IN 2021
WHY YOU SHOULD GO
With white sandy beaches and the calm water of the Gulf of Mexico, St. Pete Beach is a top pick for families looking for a fun day building sandcastles and splashing in the waves. Surf shops, restaurants, and hotels dot the coast along Gulf Boulevard so finding lunch and souvenirs or any forgotten sand toys can easily be found. Metered parking is available, but spots fill-up early during peak tourism season. For information on parking, events, and more.
THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM
WHY YOU SHOULD GO
Built to feel like an extension of the Tampa Bay, the glass enclosure is shaped like a wave and is part of the Tampa Riverwalk. The aquarium has interactive programs for all ages and gives visitors the chance to see tens of thousands of fish, tiger sharks, sea turtles, and even a coral reef. Tickets can be purchased at http://flaquarium.org/ and on-site parking is available for a fee.
ZOO TAMPA AT LOWREY PARK
WHY YOU SHOULD GO
The zoo was voted “Best Kids Attraction” in Tampa Magazine’s Best of South Tampa 2021 awards and is home to over 1,300 animals from river otters and bald eagles to macaws, giraffes, and Komodo dragons. The kids will love exploring the 56 tropical acres of the zoo, which is divided into regions and sprinkled with play equipment. Educational programs and interactive experiences are offered daily, so be sure to pick up a daily schedule. Advance tickets can be purchased on-line (at a discount) at http://zootampa.org/.
THE GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
WHY YOU SHOULD GO
The Glazer Children’s Museum is celebrating 10 years of play in Tampa Bay. Offering a day of fun that can beat the summer heat, the kids will adore playing and learning as they take an active part in a Publix grocery store, a Global Café, the St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, a Farm, or put on a show in the Twinkle Stars Theater. The museum is located along the Tampa Riverwalk and is next to the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Advance tickets are available at http://glazermuseum.org/. Please note that the Glazer is closed on Mondays.
BUSH GARDENS AND ADVENTURE ISLAND
WHY YOU SHOULD GO
Florida is home to many theme parks, including Bush Gardens and Adventure Island in Tampa. Bush Gardens is fun for kids ages 1 to 101. Delight can be found from the Sesame Street Safari of Fun to the many thrill rides for big kids and kids at heart. A variety of shows and over 200 species of animals provide additional entertainment throughout the day. Available as a separate admission or an add-on, Adventure Island is a seasonal waterpark where families can reserve private cabanas, swim, ride water slides, or splash around in the kid-friendly play areas. Make sure to check https://buschgardens.com for any available discounts and advance tickets.
FORT DESOTO PARK
WHY YOU SHOULD GO
Fort De Soto Park spans more than 1,000 acres and offers families an entire day of adventure and fun. No one will claim they are bored here, you can explore a Spanish-American War era, rent a surrey bike, canoe through mangroves seek out seashells and sand dollars in a tidal pool, and building a sandcastle without ever moving your car. For additional information on parking and amenities, please visit https://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm.
MOSI (MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY)
WHY YOU SHOULD GO
MOSI is a playground of science discovery. With over 100 hands-on activities to choose from, fun is around every corner. Exhibits are designed to spark curiosity and allow families to experience lying on a bed or nails or exploring a Moonbase lunar colony. Astronomer-led planetarium shows take place multiple times a day for $5 each. Kids seeking adventure will want to try out the Sky trails Ropes Course open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (for an add-on fee). Information on current exhibits and advance tickets can be found online at https://mosi.org.
CAPTAIN MEMO’S PIRATE CRUISE
WHY YOU SHOULD GO
Argh you ready to explore Tampa Bay by pirate ship? Kids will have a blast looking for dolphins and hunting for treasure. The fun does not end there, the cruise also includes dancing, face paint, water guns, and pirate lore. The 2-hour cruise is led by a merry band of pirates that both parents and kids will find entertaining. Visit https://captainmemo.com to learn when the ship sets sail and to book your passage.
MANATEE VIEWING CENTER
WHY YOU SHOULD GO
The viewing center is open from November 1st to April 15th, when the manatees come to the shallower water of the bay to keep warm. Families can have a fun-filled day spending time in the education center, climbing the viewing tower, strolling on boardwalk, and exploring the wild habitat trail through a mangrove tunnel. Additional information and operating hours can be found at https://www.tampaelectric.com/company/mvc/.
EMPOWER ADVENTURES ZIP LINE
WHY YOU SHOULD GO
Do your kids crave adventure? This 2-hour adventure over 3,000’ of ziplines with views of the Tampa Bay is the perfect choice. Your zipline experience also includes an over water suspension bridge and obstacle course, all up above the 396-acre Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve. Check out https://www.zipontampabay.com for a photo gallery and to plan your adventure today.
LETTUCE LAKE REGIONAL PARK
WHY YOU SHOULD GO
Lettuce Lake Regional Park is a low-key way for families to see Florida without the crowds of zoos and theme parks. The park has a 3,500-foot boardwalk through a swamp (many alligators live here), a 3-story observation tower for viewing birds and gators, and a large picnic area for snacks or lunch following a morning or afternoon of exploration. Information on parking, directions, and activities can be located at https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/locations/lettuce-lake-conservation-park.
ST. PETE MURAL TOUR
WHY YOU SHOULD GO
If you are looking for a fun, active way to experience art that lets kids be kids, the St. Pete Mural Tour is the perfect choice! The Central Arts District of St. Pete serves as an outdoor art museum of over 140 murals. Families can register for an official walking tour of the murals or find a map and picture of each mural at https://stpetemuraltour.com. You and the kids can plan a route according to the murals or surrounding a local area.
TAMPA RIVERWALK
WHY YOU SHOULD GO
The Tampa Riverwalk stretches for 2.5 miles along the Hillsborough River through the heart of downtown Tampa. Families can spend the day exploring, playing, learning, and eating as they walk, scooter, bike, or water taxi from one end to the other. Throughout the year festivals and parades are held along the Riverwalk and museums, parks, and restaurants dot the way from Armature Works down to the Florida Aquarium. Visit https://thetampariverwalk.com for a calendar of events and information on the Tampa Riverwalk Attraction Pass.
DINOSAUR WORLD
WHY YOU SHOULD GO
Travel back in time and spend a day walking among hundreds of life-sized dinosaurs in a tropical environment. Bring snacks and enjoy the playgrounds, boardwalks, and interactive exhibits. Tickets can be purchased online at https://dinosaurworld.com/florida/, and a gem excavation activity is available as an add-on. Active US Military receive free admission with a valid ID.
WEEKI WACHEE MERMAID SHOW AND STATE PARK
WHY YOU SHOULD GO
Weeki Wachee is a state park built around a natural spring and is fun for the whole family. Park activities include boat tours, canoe rentals, snorkeling, swimming, a water park with slides and sand, an animal encounter exhibit, and a playground. They also have a live mermaid show. For over 60 years the Weeki Wachee mermaids have performed an underwater version of the Little Mermaid. Additional park information can be found on their website, https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/weeki-wachee-springs-state-park/mermaid-shows.
Map of Things to do in Tampa with Kids
Frequently Asked Questions about Things to Do in Tampa with Kids
What can families do in Tampa?
The Florida Aquarium
Tampa Bay Water Bikes
Glazer Children’s Museum
Ride the SheiKra at Busch Gardens
Adventure Island
Altitude Trampoline Park
Tropicana Field
Weeki Wachee State Park
Museum of Science and Industry
Tampa Riverwalk
What can you do in Tampa for free?
Tampa Firefighters Museum
St. Pete’s Beach
Hillsborough River State Park
J. C. Newman Cigar Company
Ben T. Davis Beach
Lettuce Lake Regional Park
Ballast Point Park and Pier
Bayshore Boulevard
Ybor City Visitor Center
Heritage Village
Florida Botanical Gardens
Murals Walking Tour
Curtis Hixon Park
Manatee Viewing Center
Tampa Riverwalk
Riverwalk Guided Art Tour
When is the best time to visit Tampa?
The months from September through December are the best prices, because it is slower season. The weather is usually between the 70’s and 80’s. The summer months are the busiest and the hottest temperatures.
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