We’re not kiddin’ around. From major attractions like the Florida Aquarium to hidden gems like Shuffle, there’s something in Tampa Bay for children of all ages. You’ll have no trouble entertaining the youngsters with this list of 30+ kid-friendly activities around TBAY.
🌳 Great outdoors
The Getaway, St. Petersburg | Located conveniently between Tampa and St. Pete, the Getaway is a beachside wonderland for the kiddos — and has plenty of chow options for the whole family. Kids will remember riding to dinner on a boat.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee | Head out of TBAY with the whole family for a taste of Old Florida with mermaid shows, kayaking, and boat tours. Pro tip: Don’t forget binoculars. Kids will remember the mermaid shows and the Buccaneer Bay slides.
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Tampa | There’s nothing better than bringing the kids over to cool off at the park’s splash pad, or take a stroll along the Riverwalk. Kids will remember playing right alongside the Riverfront.
Ballast Point Park, Tampa | A true local fave, Ballast Point Park has a playground located right on the water, splash pad, boardwalk, and snacks available at Taste of Boston. Kids will remember fishing off the end of the park’s pier.
St. Pete Pier, St. Petersburg | Spend a perfect Saturday at the community hub — with a playground, splash pad, live music, and snacks just steps from each other. Kids will remember the nautical playground.
🎨 All about the arts
Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa | Roam exhibits on ancient art, the Impressionism movement, and from painter Rod Penner — or sign up kids for classes or summer art camps. Kids will remember the Vinik Family Education Center.
Salvador Dalí Museum, St. Petersburg | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Give kids insight into the legendary artist’s melting clocks, paintings, and other rotating exhibits. Kids will remember the Avant-garden, glass bubble building design, and yummy desserts from the museum’s cafe.
Chihuly Collection — The Morean Arts Center, St. Petersburg | Take in Dale Chihuly’s massive glass sculpture works. Kids will remember the rock candy-esque 20-ft sculpture at the collection’s entrance.
🦁 Animal encounters
ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Tampa | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Bring the kids on a Saturday to roam the 63-acre zoo or to take in seasonal events like Christmas in the Wild + Creatures of the Night. Kids will remember the Macaw Flyover.
The Florida Aquarium, Tampa | Visit with ring-tailed lemurs or stop by the stingray beach + new exhibits are in the works. Kids will remember the 4Ducks Theater and the splash pad.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Clearwater | Meet and learn about dolphins, turtles, and other marine creatures. Kids will remember Dolphintopia + seasonal events.
Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, Indian Shores | Visit the wild bird rescue to spend time with its ~100 permanently-disabled birds (think owls, shorebirds, and pelicans). Kids will remember the observation tower.
🎢 Thrill-seeking fun
Busch Gardens, Tampa | Keep the height restrictions in mind for some of the roller coasters, but there are still plenty of adrenaline-fueling options for the little ones, as well as animal encounters. Kids will remember feeding the kangaroos.
Altitude Trampoline Park Tampa, Tampa | Keep kids active on rainy days at this activity space — and the park has varied levels, so kids of most ages can stay active. Kids will remember playing dodgeball on trampolines.
Romp n’ Roll St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg | Plan a rockin’ birthday party for your child + their friends, or sign them up for classes at this indoor gym. Kids will remember hosting their birthday party at the jumptastic spot.
Busch Gardens is a firm favorite among TBAY visitors.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons
🍽️ Foodie families
Eddie & Sam’s Pizza, Tampa | Post-game those Riverwalk strolls and soccer games with a little ‘za at this casual, local spot. Pro Tip: Get the Giant slice to feed at least two kiddos.
Sparkman Wharf, Tampa | From frozen s’mores to empanadas, there’s plenty of kid-friendly options at this scenic Tampa spot. Kids will remember crafting their perfect s’more.
Daily Eats, Tampa | Both you and the kiddos will find things to love at this longtime diner, whether it’s a classic grilled cheese or an A1 breakfast. Kids will remember the Cap’n Crunch-dusted French toast and milkshakes.
Armature Works, Tampa | Rainy days are no problem at this indoor food hall. Pick up everything from burgers to locally-made ice cream from Chill Bros. Scoop Shop at this popular riverfront spot. Pro Tip: Cap the night off with one of the outdoor movie nights on the lawn.
Trip’s Diner, Multiple locations | This longtime TBAY classic has it all: avocado toast, loaded cheese fries, quesadillas, treats, and most importantly, a solid kids’ menu.
Mullet’s Fish Camp, St. Pete | Fish camps are a Florida experience like no other, and this spot is no exception. Dine on mahi or grouper nuggets and beer in the nautical-themed yard.
Ulele, Tampa | Ulele has an incredible menu, an equally amazing playground with storybook characters for the kiddos, and sometimes you can catch a glimpse of a manatee in the nearby Hillsborough River. Kids will remember seeing Humpty Dumpty in the flesh.
Ulele is a great spot to eat + enjoy the outdoors.
Photo by TBAYtoday
🧠 Educational activities
Glazer Children’s Museum, Tampa | Located right in Downtown Tampa, this museum teaches kids about everything from clouds to healthcare and offers sensory-friendly events. Kids will remember the Light Cloud.
Great Explorations, St. Pete | Kiddos can play pretend at exhibits like a child-sized health care center, fire station, and news station.
Museum of Science and Industry, Tampa | Explore the scientific playground’s NASA exhibit and the butterfly garden. Kids will remember the Sky Ropes course.
floridaRAMA | Formerly known as Fairgrounds St. Pete, this immersive scavenger hunt is the perfect indoor activity for the whole family + features the work of 75+ local and international artists.
Tampa Bay History Center, Tampa | Dive into exhibits on pirates, Cuban cigar rollers, and Florida in the 1920s. Kids will remember the interactive pirate adventure.
🎶 Movin’ and groovin’
School of Rock, Multiple locations | Let the kids rock out after school with programs designed for all skill levels, ages, and musical aspirations. Kids will remember playing in venues like the Ryman Auditorium.
The Chattaway, St. Petersburg | Grab burgers and catch live music with your dependents at this laid-back local fave. Kids will remember the bathtub planters filled with flowers.
☀️ For perfect weather days
Shuffle, Tampa | This Tampa Heights neighborhood joint is rockin’ with multiple shuffleboard lanes, brews, and eats, so fun you’ll have to drag the kids home. Kids will remember the score.
The Revolution Ice Cream Co., Multiple locations | Revolution has created more than 100 inventive flavors since its inception — bring the kids for a treat. Kids will remember the funky, psychedelic setting.
Anderson Park, Tampa | Located right off the main drag in Hyde Park is a top-notch kids park with brand new basketball courts, a jungle gym, and recreation center. Kids will remember splashing in the spray of the iconic lion fountains.
Chill Bros Scoop Shop, Multiple locations | Check out one of the four (and soon to be five) trendy, Americana-esque TBAY locations for locally inspired flavors + coke floats. Kids will remember watching the staff waffle iron the cones.
Ready to visit these local attractions but don’t know where to start? We’ve created this handy map so you can find all of these featured activities.
City Guides are presented by Water Street Tampa
