Whether you’re a sunshine-seeking visitor planning your Tampa Bay getaway or a local parent on the hunt for fresh family adventures, you’ve landed in the right place! With a fantastic mix of thrilling attractions, educational experiences and outdoor fun, there’s something to spark interest of every child. From enjoying our stunning natural beauty with free outings to indulging in memorable (and sometimes pricier) adventures, I’ve got you covered. This is a comprehensive guide to navigating the best things to do in Tampa Bay with kids, offering inspiration and practical tips for both short trips and year-round fun. Let’s get started!
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FREE THINGS TO DO IN TAMPA BAY
Tampa Bay has plenty of opportunities for fun without opening your wallet or using tap to pay. Here are some fantastic free options for families. PRO-TIP: Check to see if your local library has free passes for popular attractions in Tampa Bay. You can also check local calendars to see if there are free festivals or family events happening when you’re visiting or a resident looking for a new adventure.
BEACH TRIP
Tampa Bay is blessed with beautiful beaches. Pack your sunscreen, towels, sandcastle-building tools and a refillable bottle of water for a day of fun in the sun. Here’s a guide for 10 beach essentials. PRO-TIP: Arrive early to get the best spots to park and relax.
- Clearwater Beach: Rockaway St., Clearwater, FL
- Coquina Beach: 2650 Gulf Drive Bradenton Beach, FL
- Indian Rocks Beach: 196th Avenue, Indian Shores, FL
- Fort De Soto Park: 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde, FL
- Honeymoon Island State Park: 1 Causeway Boulevard, Dunedin, FL
EXPLORE PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS
Tampa Bay has so many wonderful parks with playgrounds, walking trails and green spaces for kids to run around and burn off energy.
- Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park: 1001 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606
- Coachman Park: 301 Drew Street, Clearwater, FL 33756
- Glazer Family Park at St. Pete Pier: 521 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
- Vinoy Park: 701 Bayshore Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
- Carrollwood Village Park: 4680 W Village Dr, Tampa, FL 33624
- Glencliff Park: 12292 Glencliff Circle, Westchase, FL 33626
- Largo Central Park: 101 Central Park Drive, Largo, FL 33771
- Bonnet Springs Park: 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33815
- Lesley Miller Jr. All People’s Community Park: 6105 E Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33617
TROLLEY & STREETCAR RIDE
The Central Avenue Trolley service gives residents and visitors alike a streamlined, convenient, one-seat ride between the St. Pete Pier and Grand Central Station, neatly complementing the SunRunner service in Pinellas County’s most-travelled corridor with 20-minute frequency. The Central Avenue Trolley is a free service thanks to our partnership with the City of St. Petersburg.
The TECO Line Streetcar System is a 2.7-mile electric heritage streetcar line connecting Downtown Tampa, Channel District, and Ybor City. Service is FREE seven days a week to 11 covered wheelchair-accessible stations every 15 minutes. The free service is extended until midnight Sunday – Thursday when there is a Tampa Bay Lightning game or weeknight/Sunday night event at Amalie Arena. Extended streetcar service will operate every 15 minutes.
MANATEE VIEWING CENTER
At Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center, there is a lot to see and do! Visitors can wander along boardwalks overlooking the warm-water area where manatees gather. You can also visit the newly remodeled education center to learn about the plant-eating, warm-blooded manatees. The Manatee Viewing Center’s tidal walk offers more than just vibrant birdlife – it’s also one of the best spots to view manatees! On this 900-foot, ADA-compliant walkway you’ll see a variety of native coastal plants and trees, as well as animal life. At the end of the walkway, you can view manatees in Big Bend Power Station’s clean, warm water discharge canal.
- Location: 6990 Dickman Rd., Apollo Beach, FL 33572
- Hours: Open daily from November 1 – April 15, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Trails close at 4:00 pm Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and Easter. Closed Christmas Eve at 3:00 pm
YBOR CITY HISTORIC DISTRICT
Ybor City is a historic neighborhood, known for its rich Cuban, Spanish, and Italian heritage. Founded in the late 1800s by cigar manufacturers, it became the “Cigar Capital of the World” and still retains its old-world charm with brick streets and vibrant architecture. Ybor City is a fantastic place to soak in history and culture without spending a dime.
FLORIDA BOTANICAL GARDENS
The Florida Botanical Gardens is a 100-acre park that inspire and educate visitors by showcasing flora, fauna and natural resources in motivational surroundings that promote environmentally friendly techniques.
- Location: 12520 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, FL 33774 & 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo, FL 33778 (parking)
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
TAMPA RIVERWALK
The Tampa Riverwalk is a scenic 2.6-mile path along the Hillsborough River and Garrison Channel. You can walk, bike, or even take a scooter along the Riverwalk. At night, the Riverwalk comes alive with colorful lights, creating a stunning waterfront experience.
AFFORDABLE ADVENTURES IN TAMPA BAY
Families looking for a bit more structured fun without spending a fortune, Tampa Bay has plenty of affordable options.
STATE PARKS
- Hillsborough River State Park
- Skyway Fishing Pier State Park
- Honeymoon Island State Park
ART STUDIOS
- You Do the Dishes
- Miss Anita’s Crafts
- Two Sisters DIY Workshop (Land O’ Lakes)
- Muddy Potter (Dunedin)
- Make Me (St. Petersburg)
- B Creative Painting Studio (Wesley Chapel)
- Color Me Mine (Tampa)
- The Pottery Patch (Valrico)
MUSEUMS
- MOSI
- Tampa Museum of Art
- The Dali Museum (St. Petersburg)
- Morean Arts Center (St. Petersburg)
- American Victory Ship & Museum
- Tampa Bay History Center
- Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum (St. Petersburg)
- Florida Children’s Museum (Lakeland)
- Great Explorations (St. Petersburg)
- FloridaRAMA (St. Petersburg)
- Museum of Motherhood (St. Petersburg)
- Glazer Children’s Museum
INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS & TRAMPOLINE PARKS
- Urban Air Adventure Park
- Sky Zone
- Altitude Trampoline Park
- Playgrounds of Tampa
- Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park
INDOOR GAMING CENTERS, BOWLING & GO KART
- Elev8 Fun
- Splitsville
- Laser Ops
- Treasure Island Fun Center
- GameTime
- K1 Speed
- Dave & Buster’s
- Main Event
SPLURGE-WORTHY EXPERIENCES IN TAMPA BAY
For those special occasions or when you’re looking to treat your family to a truly memorable experience, Tampa Bay offers some fantastic options. Look for online deals and discounts: Many attractions offer lower prices if you purchase tickets in advance online. Check CityPass for great deals on popular attractions.
AMUSEMENT PARKS
ZIPLINE
AQUARIUMS
ZOO
WATER ADVENTURE
DINING OPTIONS IN TAMPA BAY
Tampa Bay offers a diverse culinary scene with options to satisfy every palate and budget, even when dining with kids. When choosing a dining option for your kids, consider factors like the restaurant’s atmosphere, kids’ menu options, noise levels and whether there are any distractions or entertainment to keep the children engaged. Here’s a breakdown of dining options in the free, affordable and splurge categories:
FREE (MINIMAL COST):
- Picnics in Parks: Pack a lunch and enjoy it at one of the many beautiful parks in Tampa Bay. This allows kids to run around before or after eating. Here’s a great guide for places to have a picnic.
- Farmers Markets: Visit local farmers markets to get affordable food and support small businesses.
- Visit restaurants that offer free meals for kids to save money. Here’s a great list of places where kids eat free in Tampa Bay that breaks it down based on day of the week.
AFFORDABLE EATS:
Many restaurants in Tampa Bay cater to families with kid-friendly menus and relaxed atmospheres. Also, look for nights that offer special deals for kids.
- Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill: 7 Rockaway Street, Clearwater Beach
- Parkesdale Farm Market: 3702 W Baker St, Plant City, FL 33563
- Armature Works: 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
- Sparkman Wharf: 615 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
- Eggs Up Grill: 3920 US-301 N Riverview, FL 33578
- Tampa Premium Outlets: 2300 Grand Cypress Dr, Lutz, FL 33559
- Keel Farms: 5202 Thonotosassa Rd, Plant City
SPLURGE-WORTHY DINING:
It’s okay to treat the kids to something fancy especially if you’re on vacation or celebrating a special occasion.
- Bern’s Steak House: 1208 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
- Yacht StarShip Dining Cruise: 603 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
- Eddie V’s Prime Seafood: 4400 W Boy Scout Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607
- Ocean Prime: 2205 N Westshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607
- Ulele: 1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
- Water Street: 1001 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602
- Hyde Park Village
- SiX Tampa: 510 E Waters Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
Looking for more family fun ideas? Check out the activities below!
Indoor Play Areas for Kids in Tampa Bay
