TOP THINGS FOR KIDS TO DO
KIDS TAKEOVER TAMPA BAY
Visiting Tampa Bay with the kids? We’ve got 10 great ideas for fun family activities they’ll love, from Tampa Bay’s most popular attractions, to kid-friendly restaurants and other outdoor fun. From the nature lover to the thrill seeker, Tampa Bay truly has something for the whole family. Be sure to check attraction's for hours, safety protocols, and reservations before heading out.
Lost Pearl Pirate Ship
Take the family and have your own pirate adventure with a trip on the Lost Pearl Pirate Ship! Bring your buccaneer spirit when you climb aboard in downtown and depart for a one-of-a-kind family cruise.
Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park
Tampa is home to a host of award-winning parks. Let the kids run free and take in the Florida sunshine at the Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. Or, on the opposite side of the Hillsborough River, children can enjoy the colorful playground at Water Works Park.
Sparkman Wharf
Can’t decide what eat? Everyone wins when you bring the family to Sparkman Wharf! The popular outdoor-dining hall features 10 unique shipping container food concepts, with everything from crispy fried chicken and donuts at Everglazed Chicken and Donuts, to fresh seafood at Edison’s Swigamajig, mouthwatering tacos at Gallito Taqueria, and refreshing acai bowls from Fit Bowl Co. Bring the whole family to Sparkman Wharf for upscale waterfront dining, movies and live music on the event lawn, or take things inside for an elevated bowling experience at Splitsville.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Get wild at ZooTampa at Lowry Park, where you’ll come face-to-face with more than 1,100 animals, including the endangered Florida Panther and White Rhino. The 63-acre zoo has been voted Tampa’s Best Family Attraction and 11-time winner of TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award. It is also home to the multimillion-dollar David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center, which has treated over 400 Manatees and reintroduced hundreds of back into Florida waters.
Glazer Children's Museum
Rain or shine, the Glazer Children’s Museum is always a great option for families. Take a time out from the Florida sun and cool off with a cool, indoor family attraction. Little ones love the museum’s interactive exhibits, imaginative play spaces, obstacle courses and other rotating seasonal events, all located under one roof in the heart of downtown Tampa.
Dinosaur World
Take a 25-minute drive from downtown Tampa and be transported back in time with a visit to Dinosaur World. The classic Florida attraction, located in Plant City, features over 200 life-size dinosaurs and a prehistoric playground, where dino fans can search for REAL fossils!
The Florida Aquarium
No visit to Tampa Bay is complete without a trip to The Florida Aquarium! Get up close with the animals native to Florida’s shores and waterways, touch some moon jelly fish, and snap a picture with a sand shark (or even swim with the sharks if you’re brave enough!).
Tampa Bay History Center
Immerse your family in the history of Tampa Bay at the Tampa Bay History Center! Learn about Tampa Bay’s native people, early settlers, cigar history, and pirate past when you visit the history museum located in downtown Tampa. You can also sample a REAL Cuban Sandwich, the OFFICIAL sandwich of Tampa, at the Columbia Café located in the History Center.
Urban Kai
To REALLY get out on the water in Tampa Bay and see downtown from a different view, look no further than Urban Kai. Find their shop at the end of the Tampa Riverwalk near Armature Works and schedule a kayak or paddle through Tampa’s downtown with one of their experienced guides. Also, it’s not uncommon to get up close with Florida manatees, dolphins, and other local wildlife during the tour on a calm downtown morning.
Empower Adventures
Zip from tree-to-tree and take the family for a vertical adventure at Empower Adventures! Take on 3,000 feet of zip lines, conquer the 200-foot over-water suspension bridge, and move through other way-up obstacles – all without ever touching the ground!