Welcome to Tampa Bay, where family fun never ends! From thrilling outdoor adventures to enriching indoor experiences, we’ve compiled a list of 14 activities ranging from $0 – $50 for families with young children in and around Tampa Bay.
We understand how precious your time is, especially when you have young children. Imagine not having to worry about keeping up with household chores and instead using your free time to explore the exciting activities Tampa Bay has to offer with your family.
Check out some of our favorite things to do in the Tampa Bay area with our family:
Free Activities
1. Tampa Riverwalk
A scenic 2.6-mile waterfront walkway featuring parks, museums, and restaurants.
📍 Location: Downtown Tampa, FL
😎 Why it’s fun for kids: The Riverwalk offers plenty of open space to run and play, plus family-friendly attractions like the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
💰 Price: Free admission.
ℹ️ Check it out
2. Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center
An educational facility where families can observe manatees in their natural habitat, especially during the cooler months.
📍 Location: 6990 Dickman Rd, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
😎 Why it’s fun for kids: Kids can learn about manatees and their environment, enjoy the butterfly garden, and explore the interactive exhibits.
💰 Price: Free admission.
ℹ️ Check it out
Under $10
3. St. Pete Beach
A popular beach destination known for its soft white sand and clear waters.
📍 Location: St. Pete Beach, FL
😎 Why it’s fun for kids: The calm waters and wide sandy beach provide a perfect playground for children to swim, build sandcastles, and enjoy beach games.
💰 Price: Free admission. Parking: around $2.75 per hour.
ℹ️ Check it out
4. Clearwater Beach
One of America’s best beaches, known for its sugar-white sand and vibrant atmosphere.
📍 Location: Clearwater Beach, FL
😎 Why it’s fun for kids: Clearwater Beach offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including water sports, beach volleyball, and dolphin-watching tours.
💰 Price: Free admission. Parking: around $3 per hour.
ℹ️ Check it out
5. Lettuce Lake Park
A beautiful park with nature trails, a boardwalk, and an observation tower offering a glimpse of Florida’s natural beauty.
📍 Location: 6920 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33637
😎 Why it’s fun for kids: The park offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, picnicking, and playing in open spaces, making it a great spot for a family day out. They also have a new state of the art playground that opened in April 2024.
💰 Price: $2 per vehicle (up to 8 people).
ℹ️ Check it out
$10-25
6. Glazer Children’s Museum
A hands-on museum designed to spark imagination and learning through play. With interactive exhibits, kids can explore different professions, build structures, and engage in creative arts.
📍 Location: 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602
😎 Why it’s fun for kids: The museum offers a wide variety of activities that cater to different interests, allowing children to learn while having fun.
💰 Price: $15 for children (ages 1-12), $20 for adults, free for children under 1.
ℹ️ Check it out
7. Dinosaur World
An outdoor museum featuring life-sized dinosaur sculptures, a fossil dig, and interactive exhibits.
📍 Location: 5145 Harvey Tew Rd, Plant City, FL 33565
😎 Why it’s fun for kids: Kids can walk among dinosaurs, participate in a fossil dig, and learn about prehistoric creatures in an engaging way.
💰 Price: $12.95 for children (ages 3-12), $19.95 for adults, free for children under 3.
ℹ️ Check it out
8. MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry)
A hands-on science museum featuring interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and an outdoor ropes course.
📍 Location: 4801 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33617
😎 Why it’s fun for kids: Kids can explore the wonders of science through engaging exhibits and activities that stimulate curiosity and learning.
💰 Price: $12.95 for children (ages 3-12), $14.95 for adults, free for children under 3.
ℹ️ Check it out
$25-50
9. Shell Key Preserve
A serene barrier island perfect for shelling, kayaking, and bird-watching.
📍 Location: Accessible by boat from various points in St. Petersburg, FL
😎 Why it’s fun for kids: Kids can explore the natural beauty, collect shells, and enjoy the pristine beach.
💰 Price: Free admission. Ferry service: approximately $25 for adults, $12.50 for children (round trip).
ℹ️ Check it out
About Chery Maids:
We understand how precious your time is, especially when you have young children. That’s why we offer top-notch cleaning services so you can experience a spotless home without lifting a finger – all while you and your family enjoys quality time.
10. The Florida Aquarium + Dolphin Cruise
This top-rated aquarium offers a fascinating journey through various aquatic environments, featuring over 20,000 marine animals and plants. The Dolphin Cruise provides an opportunity to see dolphins in their natural habitat.
📍 Location: 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
😎 Why it’s fun for kids: The interactive touch pools, dive shows, and the outdoor splash pad provide both educational and entertaining experiences for children.
💰 Price: $33 for children (ages 3-11), $36 for adults, free for children under 3. Dolphin Cruise: additional $21 per person.
ℹ️ Check it out
11. Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise
An entertaining pirate-themed cruise featuring treasure hunts, face painting, and water gun fights.
📍 Location: Clearwater Marina, 25 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767
😎 Why it’s fun for kids: The interactive pirate adventure is a hit with kids, allowing them to engage in swashbuckling fun on the high seas.
💰 Price: $39.95 for children (ages 3-12), $49.95 for adults, free for children under 3.
ℹ️ Check it out
12. ZooTampa at Lowry Park
A top-rated zoo featuring a wide variety of animals, interactive exhibits, and a water play area.
📍 Location: 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
😎 Why it’s fun for kids: The zoo offers close encounters with animals, educational shows, and a fun splash pad for cooling off.
💰 Price: $29.95 for children (ages 3-11), $39.95 for adults, free for children under 3.
ℹ️ Check it out
13. Clearwater Marine Aquarium
A rescue and rehabilitation center for marine animals, known for housing Winter the dolphin.
📍 Location: 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767
😎 Why it’s fun for kids: Kids can learn about marine conservation, see rescued animals, and participate in interactive exhibits.
💰 Price: $26.95 for children (ages 3-12), $32.95 for adults, free for children under 3.
ℹ️ Check it out
14. Adventure Island
A water park with thrilling slides, a lazy river, and a splash zone for younger kids.
📍 Location: 10001 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612
😎 Why it’s fun for kids: The variety of water attractions ensures a fun-filled day for kids of all ages, perfect for hot Florida days.
💰 Price: $44.99 for children (ages 3-9), $49.99 for adults, free for children under 3.
💡 Pro-tip: Buy the “two-park pass” and continue the fun over at Busch Gardens theme park, which is packed with awesome shows featuring Sesame Street, rides for all ages, animal encounters, and safari- the perfect for a day out with young children.
ℹ️ Check it out
⭐️ BONUS ⭐️
Seasonal Activities for Families in Tampa Bay
1. U-Pick Strawberries at Local Farms
During strawberry season (typically December through April), families can visit various farms in the Tampa Bay area to pick fresh strawberries.
📍 Locations: Farms like Keel & Curley Winery at Keel Farms and 5K Farms in Plant City.
😎 Why it’s fun for kids: Children love the hands-on experience of picking their own strawberries, and it’s a great way to teach them about where their food comes from.
💰 Price: Typically, around $2-$3 per pound of strawberries.
2. U-Pick Blueberries and Other Fruits
During blueberry season (April through June), families can pick fresh blueberries. Some farms also offer other fruits like peaches and blackberries.
📍 Locations: Places like JG Ranch in Brooksville and Starkey Blueberry Farm in Trinity.
😎 Why it’s fun for kids: Kids can enjoy a day outdoors, learn about fruit farming, and taste the freshest berries right off the bush.
💰 Price: Typically, around $4-$5 per pound of blueberries.
3. Local Farm Activities
Many farms offer seasonal activities like u-pick sunflowers, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and farm tours.
📍 Locations: Sweetfields Farm in Brooksville, HarvestMoon Fun Farm in Masaryktown, and Hunsader Farms in Bradenton.
😎 Why it’s fun for kids: These activities provide a fun and educational way for kids to learn about agriculture and enjoy the great outdoors.
💰 Price: Varies by activity, usually around $10-$15 per person.
4. Florida State Fair
An annual event held in February that features rides, games, livestock shows, and unique fair food.
📍 Location: Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US-301, Tampa, FL 33610
😎 Why it’s fun for kids: The fair offers a wide variety of attractions and activities for children of all ages, making it a highlight of the season.
💰 Price: $8-$10 for children (ages 6-11), $12-$15 for adults, free for children under 5. Ride armbands and additional attractions may cost extra.
ℹ️ Check it out
5. Tampa Bay Holiday Events
Various holiday-themed events and activities, including light displays, parades, and festive markets.
📍 Locations: Events like the Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular and Armature Works’ Noon Year’s Eve at The Heights District.
😎 Why it’s fun for kids: These events capture the magic of the holiday season, with sparkling lights, festive music, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
💰 Price: Varies by event; many are free to attend.
6. Spring and Fall Festivals
Various seasonal festivals featuring crafts, food vendors, live music, and family activities.
📍 Locations: Events like the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, the Wesley Chapel Fall Festival, and the The Heights District’s Annual Fall Fest.
😎 Why it’s fun for kids: These festivals offer a variety of activities that appeal to all ages, making them perfect for a family outing.
💰 Price: Varies by event; many offer free admission with additional costs for activities and food.
7. Gasparilla Pirate Festival
An annual celebration in late January featuring a pirate parade, children’s parade, and numerous related events.
📍 Location: Various locations throughout Tampa, including Bayshore Boulevard.
😎 Why it’s fun for kids: The vibrant parade, costumed participants, and family-friendly activities make it a thrilling experience for kids.
💰 Price: Free admission; reserved seating and VIP experiences available for purchase.
ℹ️ Check it out
Whether it’s summer, winter, spring, or fall, there’s always something exciting to do with your kids on the weekdays or weekends in Tampa Bay!
Enjoy your family time exploring these wonderful activities while we take care of your home cleaning needs. Request a free quote!
