Whether you are there for a beach vacation or just to see the sights, Tampa is the ultimate Florida city for families looking for a good time. With attractions for kids from amusement parks to outdoor spaces, this list has all of the things to do when you are in Tampa. Get some inspo below and visit our Tampa events calendar for all the info on what’s happening in Tampa!
photo: Jeremy Thompson via flickr
Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure, combining world-class thrill rides, live entertainment and more than 12,000 animals. Challenge a 335-foot drop tower, Falcon’s Fury, or race like a cheetah on Cheetah Hunt. Busch Gardens’ newest attraction, Cobra’s Curse, puts a spin on family thrills with this one-of-a-kind spin coaster.
10165 N McKinley Dr.
Tampa, FL
Online: buschgardens.com/tampa
Horse Power for Kids and Animal Sanctuary
This animal sanctuary has exotic and livestock species. Families can enjoy farm animals, pony rides, train rides, hayrides, horseback riding all in a farm setting.
8005 Race Track Rd.
Tampa, FL
Online: horsepowerforkids.com
Lettuce Lake Regional Park
Lettuce Lake Park opened in 1982 and quickly became a hub of activities. The 240-acre site offers something for everyone—wooded picnic areas and a playground are family favorites. A 1.25-mile bicycle path/jogging trail, complete with a fitness course, meanders through the park.
6920 E Fletcher Ave.
Tampa, FL
Online: hillsboroughcounty.org
photo: Todd Van Hoosear via flickr
Glazer Children’s Museum
Glazer Children’s Museum is a 53,000-square foot facility in the heart of Downtown Tampa. Created specifically for children 10 and under, the Museum is a place where parents and children can learn through play and shared discovery. It offers 170 “interactivities” in 12 themed areas for families to explore and connect while having fun along the way.
110 W Gasparilla Plaza
Tampa, FL
Online: glazermuseum.org
TECO Line Streetcar System
The TECO Line Streetcar System is a 2.7-mile line serving the dining and entertainment destinations in Ybor City, the Channel District (including the Port of Tampa and Channelside Bay Plaza) and Downtown Tampa. Operating until late on Fridays and Saturdays, the TECO Line Streetcar features 11 stations, each equipped with ticket vending machines. The TECO Line Streetcar is a fun, historical trip that is more than just getting you to your destination!
1201 E 7th Ave.
Tampa, FL
Online: tecolinestreetcar.org
Tampa Riverwalk
The concept of a river walk along the downtown Tampa waterfront has been around since the mid-1970s. Attend a community event or spend some time exploring the city.
Ashley Street
Tampa, FL
Online: thetampariverwalk.com
photo: birder62 via pixabay
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is home to more than 1,300 animals and famous for having one of the most beautiful, tropical zoological settings in the world. Check their schedule before going as the day at the zoo is filled with loads of opportunities for animal encounters if you plan your day wisely.
1101 W Sligh Ave.
Tampa, FL
Online: zootampa.org
The Florida Aquarium
Go from tree level to sea level while being entertained and educated at The Florida Aquarium! With thousands of animals and plants including sharks, alligators, seahorses and more, you’re sure to have an amazing aquatic experience. Bring a change of clothes as the Splash Pad is perfect for hot days.
701 Channelside Dr.
Tampa, FL
Online: flaquarium.org
Hillsborough River
Just minutes from downtown Tampa, this diverse park offers a refuge from city life with its seven miles of nature trails and ample places to cool off in the water. Visitors can kayak or canoe class II river rapids, rare in Florida, hike seven miles of nature trails and swim in an ADA-accessible swimming pool.
1101 E River Cove St.
Tampa, FL
Online: floridastateparks.org
The Best Upcoming Events for Kids in Tampa
If you’re looking for events and activities, don’t miss our local Tampa events calendar, which has everything from story times to seasonal activities like apple picking, pumpkin patches and Christmas tree farms.
—Kate Loweth
Need some fresh ideas?
Related reads
