The St. Pete Pier extends from Tampa Bay to downtown St. Petersburg. | Photo by @flyingphoenix
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
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.
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.
Birdie Sculpture Fused Glass Class | 10-11 a.m. | Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement, St. Petersburg | $65+ | Take a late lunch break and join the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement Master Craftsman to design and wind your own work of art.
Friday, July 11
Science After Dark: Legendary Creatures | 6 p.m. | Mosi Museum of Science & Industry, Tampa | $25+ | Sip a little liquid courage, then make like an explorer and head to the all-new Saunders Planetarium and Digital Dome Theatre for a journey through the cosmos.
Ben Schwartz & Friends | 8 p.m. | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts | $48+ | The “Parks and Recreation"-featured comedian brings his friends up on stage for a totally improvised show.
Indie Jazz | 8 p.m. | New World Brewery, Tampa | $10 | Chill out in the garden to tunes from TBAY’s very own Chance Reynolds Trio.
Saturday, July 12
Burn & Boogie | 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Hotel Haya | $25 | Groove and flow to the Discolates Signature Pilates flow with music by Bohav, grab freebies from Elase Med Spa, Pause, and Alani — then enjoy 15% off brunch at Flor Fina + Café Quiquiriquí.
Beats on the Pier | 4 p.m. | St. Pete Pier | Free | Celebrate five years of the waterfront spot with a vibrant showcase of local bands performing across the community spot paired with free eats from local spots.
Sunday, July 13
Boulon’s 3rd Annual Bastille Day Celebration | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Boulon Brasserie | Price of purchase | No need to head to France, snack on French treats aplenty at the Water Street Tampa eatery.
Runway Noir Fashion Show | 5-8 p.m. | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts | $86+ | Runway meets Broadway at this runway show blending designer looks, live music, dramatic scenes, and powerful storytelling — proceeds go toward charity.
$752 million. That’s how much The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority intends to spend as part of its work plan to beef up the county’s roads. Of that, $692 million will go toward 68 projects aimed to boost mobility and ease congestion. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Civic
The special election for the late Gwen Henderson’s Tampa City Council seat is Tuesday, Sept. 9. So who’s running? The packed ballot includes Ariel Amirah Danley, Orlando Gudes, Thomas Scott, Fran Tate, Juawana Colbert, Darrell Ashley Dudney, Elvis Piggott, Naya Almaz Young, Audette Bruce, Thomas DeGeorge, and Melony Letitia Williams. (Tampa Bay Times)
Sports
Bad news, Bucs fans: Tristan Wirfs will likely miss the start of the season due to a knee injury. If the left tackle is placed on the physically unable to perform list, he will miss the first four games of the year. (ESPN)
Coming Soon
We’re back with another Gasworx update. Duckweed Urban Grocery is opening up a new location inside La Unión Residence & Social Hall later this year. The boutique grocer will offer its signature local goods and grab-and-go eats. (That’s So Tampa)
Announced
This one’s for the frequent fliers. TPA’s Blue Departure drive is closed for the summer for a repaving project. In the meantime, travelers can use the Blue Express Curbsides entry. The drive will reopen in September. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Transit
Speaking of kiddos, both Pinellas County and USF students score free rides on all Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority routes this summer. Take a peek at the routes and schedules. (I Love the Burg)
Try This
It’s not beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. But you can pretend at Xmas in July, a pop-up holiday experience at Glamper in downtown St. Pete. Head to the Christmas-y tropical oasis for S’mores Old Fashioneds, colored lights, and hula skirts aplenty. (I Love the Burg)
Listen
The Rays are playing some of their worst baseball of the year, but will look to turn it around this afternoon. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Rays with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Job
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The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.