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Looking for the best things to do in Tampa with kids? You’re in luck! Tampa is a family-friendly city with plenty of exciting adventures and kid-approved activities. Whether you’re a local or visiting the Sunshine State, there’s no shortage of fun to be had with your little ones.
From thrilling theme parks to educational museums and everything in between, Tampa offers a variety of experiences that will keep the whole family entertained. So pack your sunscreen, grab the kiddos, and get ready to discover the best family-friendly activities in Tampa!
Best things to do in Tampa with kids
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Busch Gardens
Naturally one of the best things to do in Tampa with kids is Busch Gardens! It’s an African-themed amusement park that offers an awesome mix of exhilarating rides, live entertainment, and animal encounters (my favorite part!).
From the adrenaline-pumping roller coasters like SheiKra and Cheetah Hunt to the fun-filled Sesame Street Safari of Fun for younger kids, there’s something for everyone.
Don’t miss the chance to see exotic animals up close in the park’s expansive habitats or take a ride on the Serengeti Express for a scenic tour of the park. It is an additional cost, but you get to hand-feed giraffes! How cool is that?!
Adventure Island
If you’re visiting Tampa in the summer, Adventure Island should definitely be on your list. This thrilling water park is a great way to beat the heat with its water slides, lazy rivers, and splash zones.
The kids will love the water playgrounds and wave pool, while adults can unwind in the private cabanas.
Check out pricing or secure your tickets in advance here.
Related read: Quench your thirst at one of the nearby family-friendly Tampa breweries like Yuengling!
Glazer Children’s Museum
The Glazer Children’s Museum is one of the top museums in Tampa! It’ located right in the heart of downtown Tampa. At this interactive museum you’ll find a world of hands-on exhibits designed to spark creativity and learning in children.
Kids can explore different roles and careers in the kid-sized city, splash around in the water play zone, and engage in various STEM activities. The museum also hosts special events and educational programs throughout the year!
Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium features a wide variety of marine life exhibits, from vibrant coral reefs to mysterious deep-sea creatures. Kids will love the interactive touch tanks, where they can get up close with stingrays and starfish, and the mesmerizing jellyfish displays!
The Wetlands Trail, with its playful otters and alligators, provides a unique glimpse into Florida’s diverse ecosystems. Additionally, the aquarium offers a 4-D theater and outdoor splash pad, ensuring a fun and educational experience that the whole family will enjoy.
Get your tickets here in advance.
ZooTampa
One of the best things to do in Seminole Heights is check out ZooTampa at Lowry Park. Here you’ll encounter a diverse variety of wildlife from around the world. This award-winning zoo is home to over 1,300 animals! From majestic big cats to playful primates and everything in between, the zoo offers a captivating experience for nature lovers of all ages.
This beloved Florida zoo even offers interactive exhibits, rides, and close-up wildlife encounters! ZooTampa isn’t just about observing; it’s about learning and connecting with the animals. The conservation programs here are top-notch, so a day spent at ZooTampa is not only fun but also supports a great cause!
Limited on time and just focusing on ZooTampa and the Tampa Aquarium? Check out the ZooQuarium ticket.
| Tip
🎫 Visit Tampa’s must-see tourist attractions like Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay, the Florida Aquarium, and ZooTampa and enjoy considerable savings with Tampa Bay CityPASS.
Beach day
Tampa beaches are a little different than the beaches of Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach, but they are still beautiful and can be a great spot to catch some rays!
Ben T. Davis is one of the more popular beaches in Tampa. It stretches along the Courtney Campbell Causeway and has beach volleyball and some nice sandy areas. There is a decent amount of paid parking here as well.
I recommend driving to one of the amazing beaches near Tampa though. My top two recs are Anna Maria Island (1-hour drive) and St. Pete Beach (40-minute drive). But there are plenty of awesome beaches near Tampa to choose from depending on your vibe!
Boat tour
Another fun thing to do in Tampa with kids is to explore the waterways on one of Tampa’s amazing boat tours. A couple of popular options include this 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise. This tour offers an exciting opportunity to see playful dolphins in their natural habitat while enjoying the scenic views of Tampa Bay!
For a more hands-on adventure, check out the Riverwalk Boating Company Mini-Powerboat Rental. This unique experience allows families to captain your own mini powerboat and explore the beautiful Hillsborough River at your own pace.
Tampa Riverwalk
One of the top things to do in Tampa is the Tampa Riverwalk. This scenic gem is loved by locals and visitors alike who enjoy exploring its charming pathways, waterfront parks, and bustling attractions.
Take a stroll along the riverfront, stop for a bite to eat at one of the best restaurants on the Tampa Riverwalk, and admire the public art installations that dot the walkway. There are also plenty of green spaces and even some parks with playgrounds along the Riverwalk.
Armature Works is one of my favorite spots to check out along the Riverwalk! There is always a fun event or Tampa market going on, they have great food, and even some fun lawn games.
With stunning views, fun events, and a relaxed atmosphere, the Tampa Riverwalk is the perfect place to unwind and soak up the city’s lively atmosphere.
Altitude Trampoline Park
For a high-energy adventure, head over to Altitude Trampoline Park. This indoor trampoline park is the perfect place for kids to burn off some energy and have a blast. With wall-to-wall trampolines, dodgeball courts, foam pits, and a variety of other attractions, Altitude offers endless fun for kids of all ages (and let’s be real, even adults too).
Top Golf
Top Golf is a high-tech driving range that offers a fun and interactive way to practice your golf swing, complete with microchipped golf balls that track your accuracy and distance. With climate-controlled hitting bays, delicious food and drinks, and a lively atmosphere, Top Golf is a great activity perfect for some family-friendly competition and fun.
Classic fun: arcades, bowling, and more
Unleash your inner child and enjoy classic fun activities in Tampa. Dive into retro games at amazing arcades in Tampa like GameTime, or lace up your skates and glide around some of the fun roller skating rinks in Tampa like United Skates of America.
Or hit the lanes for a game of bowling at popular Tampa bowling alleys like Splitsville Luxury Lanes or Pin Chasers, where strikes and spares await.
Take the Cross Bay Ferry to St. Pete
While you’re in the area, you have to check out St. Pete! It’s one of my favorite day trips from Tampa, and the Cross Bay Ferry makes getting there even easier.
There are so many fun things to do in downtown St. Pete, that it may be hard to know where to start! Whether you check out one of the delicious restaurants, cool museums, the St. Pete Pier, or one of their fun boat tours, I can assure you you are in for a treat!
Go kayaking
Discover the natural beauty of Tampa’s waterways via kayak. There are plenty of places to kayak in Tampa, but if you have enough time, I highly recommend venturing to my all-time favorite kayaking spot, Weeki Wachee Springs, just an hour north of Tampa, where you can glide through crystal-clear waters and encounter playful manatees in their natural habitat!
I can assure you it’s a kayak experience you or the kids won’t be able to stop talking about.
Book your Weeki Wachee clear kayak tour here!
If you don’t feel like going that far, another great option is this clear kayak tour of Shell Key Preserve.
Visit Sparkman Wharf
One of the best free things to do in Tampa is check out Sparkman Wharf. It’s a vibrant waterfront destination brimming with live music, scenic views, and awesome restaurants if you’re hungry!
They also often host events throughout the year like watch parties, seasonal events, and movies on the lawn. If you need energy to keep up with the kids, grab a strawberry basil latte from one of my nearby favorite coffee shops in Tampa, Shortwave Coffee!
Kid-friendly hotels in Tampa
Just to be clear, kids are welcome at any hotel in Tampa, but some are more suited for families and offer amenities and activities that make a stay with children even more enjoyable. Each of these options is located in different parts of Tampa, so your choice will depend on your itinerary and the attractions you plan to visit.
- The Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk: Located along the scenic Riverwalk, this hotel offers easy access to kid-friendly attractions like the Florida Aquarium and Glazer Children’s Museum. The outdoor pool is perfect for cooling off after a day of exploring, and the hotel often hosts family-friendly events and activities.
- Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay: Situated in a nature preserve, this hotel offers a unique blend of luxury and family-friendly amenities. Kids will love the outdoor pool and wildlife viewing opportunities, while parents can enjoy the scenic walking trails and waterfront views.
- Holiday Inn & Suites Tampa North – Busch Gardens Area: Ideal for families visiting Busch Gardens, this hotel offers a free shuttle to the theme park, spacious suites, and an outdoor pool. The on-site restaurant has a kids’ menu, and the hotel’s proximity to Adventure Island adds to its family-friendly appeal.
- TradeWinds Island Grand Resort: This beachfront resort on St. Pete Beach is packed with family-friendly activities. From a three-story waterslide to paddleboats and a kids’ club, there’s something for everyone. Parents will appreciate the variety of dining options and the relaxing beachfront atmosphere.
- Epic VRBO with pickleball court: For an unforgettable stay, check out this incredible 4-bedroom VRBO in the Tampa Heights area. It accommodates up to 10 guests comfortably, has bikes, and my favorite touch, a private pickleball court right in the backyard—perfect for some friendly competition and active fun.
Ready to find the perfect place for your family to stay? Click here to view all hotel accommodations in Tampa available during your trip dates with the best prices!
How do you get around in Tampa?
If you’re planning to explore beyond the city, renting a car can provide you the freedom to go on day trips and discover hidden gems.
However, if your agenda involves mostly staying around downtown Tampa a rental car probably isn’t necessary. You can utilize the free streetcar to weave you through downtown, Channel District, and Ybor City.
If you’re wanting to visit St. Pete, you can consider the Cross Bay Ferry. This convenient water transit connects downtown Tampa to downtown St. Pete, offering a scenic and enjoyable way to explore both cities without the hassle of traffic!
Are you ready for your family trip to Tampa?!
Tampa is bursting with activities that are perfect for kids! Whether you’re zooming down water slides at Adventure Island, getting hands-on at the Glazer Children’s Museum, or spotting dolphins on a boat tour, there’s no shortage of fun! So get out there and discover all the fun things to do in Tampa with kids—your little adventurers will thank you!
Before you go be sure to follow @sunkissedintampa_ on Instagram and check out some other Tampa blog posts:
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