33 Fun Things to Do in Tampa with Kids (Updated) – 2024
If you are planning a trip to the Golden province of Florida, Tampa must surely be on your agenda.
This area offers a variety of family-friendly attractions, including resorts, galleries, and amusement parks.If you’re searching for interesting things to do in Tampa with kids, here’s a great collection we put up.
Best activities for children in Tampa
1. Busch Gardens
Busch Park is an excursion that the entire family will appreciate.
There are attractions, kid-friendly diversions, and excitement for all ages.
Why visit?
This is ideal if you’re looking for activities to engage in Tampa, Fl, with children.
Definitely, take in the top-notch attractions.
I’m especially intrigued about the 12000 creatures that reside on the grounds, as this also serves as an animal-customed attraction.
This is a great destination for children and families, while certain rides may not be suitable for very tiny kids.
2. Rabbit Hole Escape Games
Among the finest things to accomplish in Tampa with children is to devote a couple of hours at Rabbit Hole Breakout Courses.
Why visit?
The activities have distinct concepts and are pleasant for everybody.
There isn’t a lot you require to do other than turn up and engage.
Work your wits to answer the riddles and find the building’s escape.
It’s perfect for parents and somewhat older children who can comprehend and decipher algorithms.
3. Horse Power for Kids & Animal Sanctuary
If you’re searching for inexpensive family events, this is a wonderful place to start.
Why visit?
This is a fantastic rescue center that is filled with a wide range of agricultural animals as well as exotic species.
Just relax and relish rural life.
The children may go on carriage rides, train trips, and sometimes even pet domesticated animals.
This is a terrific approach for children to understand compassion and the importance of pet care.
The refuge is appropriate for youngsters of all ages and their parents.
4. Lettuce Lake Regional Park
If you’re looking for things to be doing in Tampa with children, it is one of the primary places you should go.
Why visit?
The resort is 250 acres long and has a lot to offer.
A picnic table is available in a forested area.
You may also experience a 2 km cycling track or fitness center.
This is great for a group that enjoys spending time outside, such as trekking, lunches in the open, and canoeing.
5. Glazer Children’s Museum
Glazer Science museum is a must-see if you’re visiting Tampa with kids.
Why visit?
The museum features numerous training experiences and encourages families to engage in tasks collectively.
The museum offers numerous shows, some fixed and others touring, and is stretched across a beautiful 53000 sq ft space.
Take advantage of these activities and events.
Young teenagers and smaller children will like the exhibition.
Nevertheless, a number of galleries and special activities are suitable for adults as well.
6. Teco Line Streetcar System
TECO Line Streetcar Network is a great bonding adventure that is a terrific way to see Tampa with kids.
Why visit?
The network is 3 kilometers long and is an excellent method to get about Ybor City, Metropolitan Tampa, and other areas.
Consider the network to be more than merely a mode of transportation.
We also would recommend researching a portion of the state’s origins to properly educate your children.
This is fundamentally a mode of transportation that is appropriate for individuals of all ages.
7. Tampa Riverwalk
This 3 kilometers long route or pathway all along Hillsborough Estuary is among Tampa, Fl’s greatest child-friendly activities.
Why visit?
While children may not appreciate merely wandering by the riverbank, there are a variety of other fun events available here.
You may take a wave cycle or canoe through the river.
I believe that hiring cycles or e – scooters as a group would be an enjoyable method of touring the waterfront.
A riverwalk sailboat excursion could also be an excellent way to gain knowledge about the town.
The Tampa Riverwalk is open to the public without age restrictions.
8. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
This is a fantastic municipal park with dynamic waterfalls, plenty of open areas for children to play across, and a variety of activities planned all year long.
Why visit?
Bring a picnic lunch, and invite your children and your dogs!
This is an excellent way to help absorb some Tampa sunshine.
The seaside park is appropriate for people of all ages.
9. AirHeads Trampoline Arena
This is a fantastic interior activity for children to enjoy.
Why visit?
This is also an excellent area to enjoy the entire day if the weather is unpleasant.
We understand that some of the parents already have weak ankles (adulting is terrible), so a bassinet might not be the greatest option.
You may, however, indulge in arcade games as well as other hobbies such as airsports.
Young teenagers and adolescents will like this exercise.
10. George M. Steinbrenner Field
If you are a fanatic of the NY Yankees, here is the group’s springtime headquarters.
Why visit?
The Tampa Tarpons play their games here as well.
If you are visiting Tampa during April and September, you may attend any of the Tampa Tarpons’ 70+ home matches.
Children of all ages will like it, but the senior set that appreciates the sport will experience a great time.
11. ZooTampa at Lowry Park
ZooTampa at Lowry Boulevard is among the most magnificent zoo facilities, noted notably for its tropical grandeur, with over 1500 creatures.
Why visit?
As you visit this amazing zoo park, pack plenty of drinks, cold beverages, and sunscreen.
The children can feed giraffes, visitors can see Floridian manatees at any season of the year, and the best moment of this trip is interacting with huge turtles.
This is a fun engagement in which the entire family can participate in.
12. The Florida Aquarium
If you’re searching for child adventures, the Florida Aquarium is a terrific spot to visit.
Why visit?
We believe you will appreciate these fantastic aquariums in the same way your children would.
There is little else to do but go in and expect to be astounded by the incredible aquatic life on the show.
Observe the marine animals up close and experience some of the attractions available at the reef.
This is an excellent spot to take toddlers and sometimes even older children.
13. Sunshine Skyway Bridge
This is a Tampa Bay monument that gives a few of the greatest views in the area.
Why visit?
It is a wire overpass that spans Lower Tampa Bay and connects Capital City, Florida to Nova Ceia, Fl.
The bridge is exclusively accessible through a car; no walkers or cyclists are permitted. But the sight is just breathtaking.
The Sunshine Skyway Highway is open to the public.
The children will undoubtedly appreciate staring at the vastness of water beneath the bridges and the wire suspended overhead.
14. Tampa Theatre
This is a wonderful, engaging, and participatory practice that the entire family can participate in.
Why visit?
The activities are child-friendly and were built with the participation of children in consideration.
Just study the materials attentively and apply your critical thinking skills to answer the puzzle and flee the chamber.
Tampa Theatre is an excellent bonding thing.
Nevertheless, if the children are too young, they might not be capable of solving the riddles.
15. American Escape Rooms
This is a wonderful, engaging, and participatory practice that the entire family can participate in.
Why visit?
The activities are child-friendly and were built with the participation of children in consideration.
Just study the materials attentively and apply your critical thinking skills to answer the puzzle and flee the chamber.
Tampa Theatre is an excellent bonding thing.
Nevertheless, if the children are too young, they might not be capable of solving the riddles.
16. IFLY Indoor Skydiving – Tampa
If you’ve ever considered leaping out of an aircraft but wanted to practice beforehand, this is your opportunity.
Why visit?
Allow the excitement to surge and pay attention to what your teacher has to offer.
If you adhere to the instructions you may enjoy the sensation of jumping even without the risks of a failing canopy or contending with airflow.
iFly is only authorized for children just above three-year-old age.
This is an exercise that the entire family may appreciate, and certain anxieties can be confronted in a completely safe environment.
17. Tampa Museum of Art
Around 2011, the recognized Tampa Gallery of Art moved to its current location. This gallery takes a fresh look at the artwork, from prehistoric to modern to current.
Why visit?
It houses artifacts from both the Greek and Roman civilizations. Installations often change, with something fresh on display almost always. Artwork compilations, woodwork and paper-mâché, enormous scenery artworks, decorated ceramics, and other displays can be expected. The institution also features a restaurant with a screened porch that offers amazing scenery to guests. An exhibition store sells a variety of exhibition-related goods, historic catalogs, home furnishings, accessories, and art publications, to mention a few items.
18. Museum of Science & Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) is the quintessential intellectual playroom, with over 120 practical learning experiences. Visitors may construct a bot, tackle a mental challenge, tour a moon base, or glimpse the prospect of new technology.
Why visit?
A Peek Within the body of a living organism, Connectus featuring technological inventions, NASA’s Project Moonbase, Innovation Area – a creators’ area, and I Imagine, The Saunders Observatory, Air Route Ropes Course, and Interactive Virtual Computer simulation are among the major exhibitions. A trip to this exhibition may possibly be the highlight of a child’s holiday. Regular entry for children is less than 10 bucks, while the Observatory and Ropes Program need a little extra charge.
19. Bits-n-Pieces Puppet Theatre
Through Bits-n-Pieces Drama, children can learn about the amazing art of storytelling.
Why visit?
PuppetWorld Hamlet, the troupe’s media room, hosts presentations of traditional virtue stories that both delight and educate young audience members. Aesop’s Jurassic Fable, Four Little Goats Gruff, Queen Thumbelina, Rip Van Wake, etc are all performed by a huge marionette. The Got No Handles Digital Display is a 5000 sq ft display wherein tourists can see several of the venue’s huge dolls as well as interact and inspect a big marionette under development. The most recent Tampa Bay accomplishments may be seen on the webpage. Kids under the age of 2 are admitted for free.
20. Dunedin Fine Art Center
A tour of The Dunedin Fine Art Center in Florida will be appreciated by the painter in the clan.
Why visit?
Tourists may view intriguing displays such as the paintings of Jack Ellis, a community art icon, or the One Night Tampa Bay public photography display at the Art Gallery. However, the Art Center’s purpose is to provide art workshops for toddlers through seniors. Approximately twenty sessions are particularly created for kids, with topics ranging from sketching to baking to ceramic modeling to the narration. Teenagers may also develop their artistic talents with workshops such as Heroes of Manga and Anime Goth: The Art Class, Teen Photo booth, and Get Back to Canvas.
21. Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center
The Tampa Electric Manatee Observation Facility grew out of the town’s electricity channel’s outflow stream.
Why visit?
This pristine Tampa Bay water is heated due to its use to freeze a powerplant before being discharged further into the water through the stream. Throughout chilly times, creatures instinctively congregated in hot water. The Big Bend outflow stream is currently a recognized manatee refuge with both federal and state safeguards. An educational awareness facility with several exhibitions, recognized bird meadows, a tidal promenade, a manatee conservation circuit path, and an animal observation deck are among the Monitoring Center’s specialties.
22. Big Cat Rescue
Big Cat Rescue is a haven for abandoned large cats. The charity saves huge animals from terrible conditions and abandonment.
Why visit?
Large Cat Rescue also provides a safe haven for big cats, but it also fights hard to eradicate big cat trafficking and private ownership via awareness and regulations. Tigers, jaguars, hyenas, panthers, wildcats, cheetahs, caracals, felines, lemurs, Desert cats, servals, and Arctic lynx are among the animals in the refuge. There are numerous sorts of excursions offered, along with a Kids Tour as well as a Feeding Experience, that need to be scheduled and charged for beforehand. Except for the Kids Trip, most excursions are restricted to customers aged Ten and over.
23. Ybor City Museum State Park
Ybor City Museum National Area is situated amid Tampa’s “Barrio Latino,” a recognized National Monument District honoring the immigrants who lived in the area.
Why visit?
The metropolitan parkland maintains Ybor City’s cultural heritage, which was founded on the cigar-making business. From the establishment of the first Cuban manufacturing plant in the late 1880s until the early 20th century, this area was renowned as the “Cigar Capital of the Country.” The gallery is located in the ancient Ferlita Bakery and highlights the history and heritage of cigar production as well as the Ybor City culture. Regular self-guided expeditions of audiovisual displays are offered, and the tour operators are on Wednesdays through Saturdays. A nearby cigar laborer’s residence is also accessible for viewing.
24. Tampa Bay Automobile Museum
The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum exhibits historic autos that display innovative technology. Each vehicle was chosen for its technological contribution to the expanding automobile industry.
Why visit?
Guests will be able to witness around 70 vehicles, including a 1982 British Delorean, a 1966 American Ford Mustang Fwd – just the only originally manufactured, and a 1952 French Lyon Lago T 15 Q L 6 – likewise one of the only its type. The gallery’s automotive exhibit showcases nouvelle automotive engineering from every century. The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum, a monument to creativity, ingenuity, and innovation, is a must-see for vehicle, heritage, and technology enthusiasts alike. The assortment will captivate children as well.
25. Sunken Gardens
Sunken Gardens is a true masterpiece. Winding trails run by over 50k blooms and tropical plants, and through breathtaking views.
Why visit?
Guests are urged to keep on the trails, not scale gardening features, not damage flora, and not upset wildlife since the century-old area contains several of the country’s finest tropical species. Visitors can enjoy a gardening tour or engage in horticulture lessons and displays. Self-guided tours of the gardens are also available. Visitors will also wish to observe the pelican colony. Senior entrance is 10 bucks, while kid’s ticket is 4 bucks only. The car park is completely free.
26. Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise
Captain Memo’s bright red Sailor’s Treasure sailboat, with its colorful turquoise and white striped flags, is ideal for a fun afternoon on the ocean with the children.
Why visit?
Passengers embark to the backdrop of upbeat music from the ship’s cutting-edge stereo audio system. The southern ocean adventure includes rogue shenanigans, a scavenger hunt, water balloon activities, facial art, drumming, and tales, as well as whale hunting. Cruise ships sail down Tampa Beach to the Gulf coast. There are also twilight excursions offered. Bookings are highly recommended. Guests who do not turn up one hour before the departure, whether they have seats or not, might well have their passes traded.
27. Giraffe Ranch
Giraffe Ranch is a legally functioning property, animal preservation, and rural tourism enterprise, not a livestock amusement park or menagerie.
Why visit?
Giraffe Ranch is half an hour from outside Tampa, Fl, and is spread on 53 acreages close to the Green Marsh. Four-wheel-driven adventure trips let visitors get up close and personal with giraffes, rhinos, mules, and pygmy hippopotamus. Other trips include Segway Excursion, Camel Adventure, and Llama Trekking. On the property, there are also Austrian Haflinger powerhouses and small Irish Dexter calves. This is a family-friendly eco-adventure. Safari-style trips are available through the family-owned business.
28. Adventure Island
Adventure Island is a Tropical resort situated south of Busch Park. There are a whopping ten waterslides, such as the brand-new Dark Shadows, a free-fall dive adventure.
Why visit?
Waterslides range in difficulty and design, so there’s something for everybody. Cascades, swings, a lagoon, and a 20 ft ledge to leap from are all part of Paradise Bay. Additional attractions feature Meandering Bayou, a quarter km calm tubing ride, Endless Waves, a lazy river, and Reckless Rapids, which features seven waterslides for small children. The resort’s two aquatic activity options for puddles for the youngest customers are Fabian’s Adventure Port and Thunder Assault.
29. Old McMicky’s Farm
Old McMicky’s Farmhouse is committed to providing tourists who might otherwise know very little about farm life with the opportunity to do so.
Why visit?
This functioning farm provides excursions as well as a rest period facing Sunset Lake (visitors carry their own sandwiches) in which they can relax in the shadow of ancient oak trees. Amongst many other farm fun events, visitors may feed a cow, wander a hay labyrinth, and enjoy a tour. Old McMicky’s welcomes up-close contact with domesticated animals but doesn’t anticipate a wildlife reserve. It’s a real operating ranch that makes time to educate children about country life and domesticated animals.
30. Dakin Dairy Farms
Dakin Dairy Farms is the Golden State’s first open-to-the-public family farm that bottles its own dairy. Their extracellular ecological, cutting-edge ranch is operated by a household.
Why visit?
Their business has expanded to include a farm tourism resort. Agricultural excursions and pony rides are available for children. The hay labyrinth, archaeological dig, baby playground equipment, Beach Castle, and sheep and calf milking will appeal to children. Reservations are required for materials and open fires for corn dogs and s’mores. Jones, dairy, cream, cheddar, and presents are available at Farm Industry. The Farm Field Restaurant provides delicious meals for picnics on the front veranda or beneath the gazebo. The market is accessible all year, with the peak season running from September to April.
31. Croc Encounters
Croc Encounters Crocodile Resort and Conservation Institute was launched in 2005 as a reptilian rehabilitation facility. It gradually expanded to include other undesirable animals, animals, and vertebrates. In 2008, the family-owned and run business began offering supervised tours and instruction.
Why visit?
The facilities have since been redesigned to accommodate secure self-guided visits as well. Alligators, lizards, snakes, tortoises, snails, coastal toads, and several varieties of amphibians will be on display for guests. Croc Confrontations also provides eight instructional sessions that cover topics ranging from Tropical Reptiles to Poisonous Snakes. The entrance for Self-Guided Weekends is 10 bucks. Reservations are required for 90-minute supervised excursions.
32. Tampa Bay Fun Boat
From Tampa Bay, tourists may see Tampa, Fl in a completely new light. Hop aboard the Tampa Bay Fun Boat, a 42 m sundeck cruise liner that seats approximately 28 to 35 people.
Why visit?
Day excursions last around 60 minutes and include narration on Davis Archipelago, Harbour Isle, and archaeological and historical sites. Meetings with whales and other animals are always possible. Both twilight and evening excursions along the Tampa cityscape are renowned. Visitors can also organize a private boat and customize their routes, such as a riverside bistro tour or a harbor excursion. Visitors with sufficient ID may carry their personal containers of refreshments, including liquor. Look for the Tampa Bay Fun Boat mostly in the harbor behind the Tampa Fairgrounds.
33. Empower Zip Lines
Empower Zip Lines is Tampa’s premier cable adventure. A three-hour supervised bungee excursion is their flagship attraction. Visitors will soar over Florida and the Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Refuge through more than 1000 meters of cable.
Why visit?
This would be the ideal family outing, although volunteers must be at a minimum of ten years of age. Trekking along a 200-foot railroad bridge, an airborne endurance test, and a plunge at the conclusion comprise the cable adventure. The 30 feet Jump of Faith is an additional thrill that tourists may include in their ziplining experience. Midnight Experiences are three separate aerial canopy adventures that highlight the twilight aspect of Tampa. They include five ziplines as well as a viaduct stroll.
Conclusion
Tampa offers some of the most famous beaches across the country, and due to the perfect weather, you can enjoy them practically any season of the year!
Consider this listicle for when you are planning a vacation. It lists some of the best things to do in Tampa with kids.
It does not only provide a range of great bonding events, yet it also serves as a hub for individuals who wish to explore Orlando and Florida Beach while on holiday. Tampa is a fantastic family holiday location, with galleries, amusement parks, aquariums, history, beachfront attractions, and a lot more.
