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 26 kid-friendly activities around TBAY.
🎨 All about the arts
Tampa Museum of Art, 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa | Roam exhibits on ancient art, the meaning of flight, and from the painter Salman Toor — or sign up kids for summer art camps. Kids will remember the Vinik Family Education Center.
Salvador Dalí Museum, 1 Dalí Blvd., St. Petersburg | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Expose kids to 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 720 Central Ave., 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.
🌳 Great outdoors
The Getaway, 13090 Gandy Blvd N., 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 the boat.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee | Transport the whole family to Old Florida with mermaid shows, kayaking, and boat tours. Kids will remember the mermaid shows and the Buccaneer Bay slides.
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa | There’s nothing better than bringing the kids over to cool off at the park’s splash pad. Kids will remember playing right alongside the Riverfront.
Ballast Point Park, 5300 Interbay Blvd., 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, 600 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg | Spend a perfect Saturday at the community hub — with a playground, splash pad, live music, and snacks steps from each other. Kids will remember the pirate ship-themed playground.
🦁 Animal encounters
ZooTampa at Lowry Park, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Bring the kids by on a Saturday to roam the 63-acre zoo or to take in special events like painting with elephants. Kids will remember the Macaw Flyover.
The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Dr., 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, 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater | Meet and learn about dolphins, turtles, and other marine creatures. Kids will love Dolphintopia + the Spring Shellebration events.
Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, 18328 Gulf Blvd., 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.
🍽️ Foodie families
Sparkman Wharf, 615 Channelside Dr., Tampa | From frozen s’mores to tacos, there’s plenty of kid-friendly options at this scenic Tampa spot. Kids will remember crafting their perfect s’more.
Daily Eats, 901 S. Howard Ave., 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.
Ulele, 1810 N. Highland Ave., Tampa | Ulele has an incredible menu, an equally amazing playground with storybook characters for the kiddos, and sometimes you can catch a manatee in the nearby waters. Kids will remember seeing Humpty Dumpty in the flesh.
🧠 Educational activities
Glazer Children’s Museum, 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa | Located right in Downtown Tampa, Glazer Children’s Museum teaches kids about everything from clouds to healthcare and offers sensory-friendly events. Kids will remember the Light Cloud.
Museum of Science and Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa | Explore the scientific playground’s bed of nails, NASA exhibit, and the Saunders Planetarium. Kids will remember the Sky Ropes course.
Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Water St., Tampa | Dive into exhibits on the “infamous pirate Jack Rackham,” Cuban cigar rollers, and more. Kids will remember Coacoochee’s Story Theater.
🎢 Thrill-seeking fun
Altitude Trampoline Park Tampa, 4340 W. Hillsborough Ave., 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, 2534 22nd Ave. N., 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.
🎶 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, 358 22nd Ave. S., 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 the Summer
Dairy Inn, 1201 Dr. M.L.K. Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg | Sit the kids down at a picnic table and grab a hot dog, hot fudge sundae, or classic milkshake. Kids will remember ordering from the walk-up window.
Shuffle, 2612 N. Tampa St., 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 summertime treat. Kids will remember the funky, psychedelic setting.
Anderson Playground, 821 S. Rome Ave., 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 three trendy, Americana-esque Tampa 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.
