Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do with Kids in Tampa, FL

  • Published 2022/11/19

Tampa in Hillsborough County is a family-friendly vacation destination in Florida.

Located along the shores of Tampa Bay on the Florida Gulf, fun and exciting attractions abound in this wonderful city.

Like other well-known tourist destinations, Tampa is home to some awesome theme parks.

Busch Gardens is one of the most popular, but Adventure Island and Lowry Park Zoo are excellent choices for a fun day.

For those who love the outdoors, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in Tampa.

The Florida Aquarium and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium are great options for a day of exploration.

Or, take a walk on the wild side with a visit to the Tampa Zoo.

It’s safe to say Tampa has popular attractions among kids and families.

There are plenty of attractions to look out for, so make sure to plan ahead.

Speaking of planning, here’s a list of the best things to do with kids in Tampa, Florida:

Visit The Florida Aquarium

Exterior of the Florida Aquarium

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If you’re looking for a great place to take the kids, look no further than The Florida Aquarium.

This world-renowned aquarium is massive at over 20,000 square feet.

It’s home to over 8,000 animals from 600 different species.

With that many animals, your kids will have their eyes glued to the glass the entire time.

The Florida Aquarium is a great place to learn about the underwater world.

The exhibits are interactive, and the staff is knowledgeable and passionate about their work.

A stingray in the Florida Aquarium

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The aquarium also offers a variety of programs for kids, including conservation programs, workshops, and a host of other events.

There’s always something for everyone at the Florida Aquarium.

So, if you’re looking for a fun and educational family outing, be sure to visit the Florida Aquarium.

The number of attractions and things to do here will surely not disappoint.

A shark in the Florida Aquarium

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Explore Tampa on the TECO Streetcar System

View of a TECO Streetcar along Tampa

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Getting acquainted with the city of Tampa is a great way to start your vacation.

The TECO Streetcar System is a great way to do just that.

The TECO Streetcar System is a great way to see Tampa.

With 2.7 miles of track, the streetcar system covers a large part of the city.

And, best of all, it’s affordable and kid-friendly.

The kids will love riding the streetcar.

And you’ll love that you can explore a large part of Tampa without worrying about traffic or parking.

Interior of a TECO Streetcar

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The TECO Streetcar System passes by some of the best attractions in Tampa.

So, you can use it to your advantage and plan your day around it.

It’s the perfect way to start your vacation.

Plus, it’s a great way to get around Tampa if you’re not renting a car.

Exterior of a TECO Streetcar

Infrogmation of New Orleans, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hone Your Child’s Golf Skills at Topgolf

If you’re looking for a place to take your kids where they can learn a new skill, check out Topgolf.

This restaurant and golf driving range are perfect for kids of all ages.

Topgolf offers a variety of programs that are designed to teach your children how to play golf.

These programs include Junior Golf Clinics, Summer Camps, and the Topgolf Tour.

In addition to teaching your children how to play golf, Topgolf also offers a variety of activities that are perfect for the whole family.

These activities include playing games on the golf course, watching the big game on one of the TVs, or just relaxing and enjoying the view.

You can also find a variety of food and drinks at Topgolf.

So, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full meal, you’ll be able to find it here.

If you’re looking for a place where your kids can learn a new skill while having fun, check out Topgolf.

Appreciate Artistic Expressions at the Tampa Museum of Art

Exterior of Tampa Museum of Art

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The Tampa Museum of Art is a great place to take the kids.

The admission fee is reasonable and home to various interesting and unique art exhibits.

The museum has something for everyone.

If you’re looking for traditional paintings and sculptures, you’ll find them here.

But if you’re looking for something more contemporary or offbeat, you’ll also find that here.

The museum constantly changes its exhibits, so there’s always something new. And, since it’s open all week—except Thursdays—you can visit as often as you like.

Building sign of Tampa Museum of Art

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The Tampa Museum of Art is also home to educational programs for kids.

These programs include workshops and art classes that help tap into their artistic side and imagination.

So, if you’re looking for a place to appreciate art and help your kids learn more about it, check out the Tampa Museum of Art.

Discover Something Interesting at the Museum of Science & Industry

Exterior of the Museum of Science & Industry

Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Museum of Science & Industry is a great place to take the kids.

With exhibits on everything from aviation to physics, there’s something here to interest everyone.

The museum is also home to a planetarium and an IMAX theater.

So, you and the kids can easily spend an entire day here without getting bored.

The Museum of Science & Industry features over 100 hands-on activities for kids.

Some of these activities include building robots, solving brain puzzles, peeking into the future state of technology, exploring a lunar colony, and much more.

With so many interactive and educational activities, your kids will love the Museum of Science & Industry.

So, if you’re looking for a place to take the kids with something for everyone, check out the Museum of Science and Industry.

Witness the Abundant Wildlife at ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Exterior of ZooTampa at Lowry Park

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ZooTampa at Lowry Park is home to various animals from different parts of the world.

And it’s one of the best places in Tampa to take the kids for a fun wildlife adventure.

The zoo is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm, and admission is free for kids ages three and under.

There’s also plenty of parking available.

At 63 acres, the zoo is home to 1,300 animals. So, you and your kids will see something new when they visit.

A giraffe and elephants at ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Linda White Wolf / Shutterstock.com

Some of the most popular animals at the zoo include the Pygmy Hippo, Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, Aldabra Giant Tortoise, Florida Manatee, African Elephant, and much more.

The zoo also has a petting area where you can get up close and personal with some furry residents.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park offers a variety of educational programs for kids, including tours, workshops, and even field trips.

These programs help teach kids about animal conservation and give them an up-close look at some of the world’s most fascinating creatures.

So, if you want to witness the wildlife in Tampa with your kids, check out ZooTampa at Lowry Park.

A bird at ZooTampa at Lowry Park

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Exercise Your Brain Power at Breakout Games – Tampa

Looking for something fun to do in Tampa to get your brain working?

Then be sure to check out Breakout Games – Tampa.

This escape room is perfect for families, friends, and coworkers—and it’s especially popular among kids!

Breakout Games – Tampa is known as the number one escape room in Tampa, and it’s easy to see why.

This escape room center offers various escape rooms that are perfect for everyone.

The rooms include The Kidnapping, Alleyway Vigilantes, Dreamweaver, Jungle Gem, and Research.

To escape the room, you and your team will need to work together and use all of your brain power to win the game.

You’ll have to solve puzzles, find clues, and work as fast as possible.

That spells fun for the kids and will give their brains a workout.

So, if you’re looking for something fun in Tampa that will get your brain working, check out Breakout Games – Tampa.

Play with Purpose at the Glazer Children’s Museum

Exterior of Glazer Children's Museum

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The Glazer Children’s Museum is a wonderful place to take your kids for a day of fun and learning.

This museum is dedicated exclusively to children and features over 200 interactive exhibits on science, art, culture, history, and more.

The Glazer Children’s Museum has something for every child.

It offers a variety of exhibitions that focus on child development and provide children with opportunities to explore, create, and imagine.

Some of the most popular exhibits at the museum include Art Smart, Engineers’ Workshop, Firehouse, Farm, Central Bank, Ice Cream Parlor, Pizza, Place, Water’s Journey, and much more.

Children playing in Glazer Children's Museum

Glazer Children’s Museum, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You and your child will easily lose track of time while exploring all the Glazer Children’s Museum offers.

So, if you’re looking for an educational and fun-filled activity for your kids, check out the Glazer Children’s Museum.

Interior of Glazer Children's Museum

Glazer Children’s Museum, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Discover a Piece of Tampa’s Culture at Ybor City Museum State Park

Exterior of Ybor City Museum State Park

Peter K Burian, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ybor City is a historic Tampa neighborhood known for its Cuban and Spanish heritage.

Incorporated in Tampa in 1887, the area is home to various shops, restaurants, and museums.

One of the best places to learn about this piece of Tampa’s culture is the Ybor City Museum State Park.

This museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of Ybor City and its Latin community.

The museum features a variety of exhibits on topics like the history of cigars, the immigration experience, and the culture of Ybor City.

Interior of Ybor City Museum State Park

Peter K Burian, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You can also find artifacts, old pictures, and documents that help tell the story of Tampa’s Latin community.

The Ybor City Museum State Park also offers a variety of educational programs for kids.

So, if you’re looking for a way to teach your kids about Tampa’s history and culture without getting them bored and restless, check out the Ybor City Museum State Park.

The number of activities and interesting exhibits that they will see will keep them busy.

Cigar-making exhibit in Ybor City Museum State Park

Peter K Burian, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Experience the Great Outdoors at Lettuce Lake Conservation Park

If you’re looking for a great place to take the kids and experience the great outdoors, check out Lettuce Lake Conservation Park.

This 240-acre park is located on the outskirts of Tampa and is filled with many of mother nature’s gifts.

The park consists of a hardwood forest, swamps, wetlands, and Lettuce Lake.

The lake is a great place to go fishing, canoeing, or just take a scenic walk.

There are also a variety of different trails that you can take advantage of.

These trails include the Wildlife Viewing Trail, the Cypress Trail, and the Hammock Trail.

The park also has many amenities that help improve your outdoor experience.

There’s a spot perfect for bird watching, a playground for the kids, picnic areas for family bonding time, barbecue grills, and much more.

In addition to these great attractions, Lettuce Lake Conservation Park is also home to several different animal species, most notably birds.

If you’re looking for a fun day filled with nature and excitement, check out Lettuce Lake Conservation Park in Tampa Bay.

Get the Ultimate Theme Park Experience at Busch Gardens

Stanley falls ride at Busch Gardens

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It’s impossible to visit Florida without trying out its world-famous theme parks. And Busch Gardens is one of the best the state has to offer.

This theme park is one of Tampa’s best attractions, and it’s easy to see why that’s the case.

This theme park is known for its various rides, shows, and animal encounters.

Some of the most popular rides at Busch Gardens include Cheetah Hunt, SheiKra, Falcon’s Fury, Cobra’s Curse, and Kumba.

The park also has a variety of live shows that are perfect for the whole family.

People on Busch Gardens' rollercoaster

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In addition to the great rides and shows, Busch Gardens is also home to various animals.

This includes lions, tigers, cheetahs, elephants, and gorillas.

You can also find a variety of dining options at Busch Gardens.

You can choose from a quick bite or a complete sit-down meal.

If you’re looking for a fun-filled day for the whole family, then be sure to check out Busch Gardens.

You won’t be disappointed.

Lioness at Busch Gardens

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Cool Down at Adventure Island

Daytime view of Adventure Island

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If you’re looking for a place to cool down in Tampa, check out Adventure Island.

This water park is home to various water slides, pools, and attractions that are perfect for the whole family.

Adventure Island’s most popular attractions include the Rapids Racer, Solar Vortex, Aruba Tuba, Vanish Point, and Water Moccasin.

The park also has a variety of children’s areas that are perfect for little ones.

These areas include Splash Attack, Paradise Lagoon, Rambling Bayou, and Endless Surf.

A pool at Adventure Island

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In addition to all of the great water slides and pools, Adventure Island also has a concession area.

That means you’ll never have to leave the park to get a bite to eat.

If you’re looking for an enjoyable day filled with excitement and fun, then be sure to check out Adventure Island in Tampa Bay.

People on Adventure Island's waterslide

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Other Things To Do Nearby

Tampa and its surrounding areas offer a variety of different activities and attractions that are perfect for families with kids.

Here are just a few of the many things you can do in Tampa:

Visit the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum

Exterior of the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum

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If your child loves cars and all things related to them, then a visit to the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum in Pinellas Park is an absolute must.

This museum features over 83 cars from all eras, with 75 on active display.

The cars on display range from antique cars to modern sports cars.

There’s even a replica of the Batmobile from the Batman TV show.

In addition to the cars, the museum also has a variety of other automotive memorabilia on display.

This includes gas pumps, signs, and more.

The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum is the perfect place for any car lover—child or adult.

Witness a Unique Performance at Bits-n-Pieces Puppet Theatre

Bits-n-Pieces Puppet Theatre in nearby Dover, Florida, is no ordinary performing arts venue.

This theatre is unique because it uses life-sized puppets to tell its stories.

The theatre has been in operation for decades and has been performed worldwide. They’ve even been featured on many prominent shows on TV.

The Bits-n-Pieces Puppet Theatre puts on a variety of shows throughout the year.

Their creativity and uniqueness are certainly appealing qualities for kids.

In addition to their regular life-sized puppet shows, they also have miniature puppet shows that are very popular among kids.

So, if your children are looking for a fun and unique theatre experience, be sure to check out the Bits-n-Pieces.

See the Manatees at the Manatee Viewing Center

Manatees are a popular tourist attraction in Florida, and there’s no better place to see them than at the Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach, Florida.

The Manatee Viewing Center is part of the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center.

This center was created for the public to come and view the manatees in their natural habitat.

The best time to see the manatees is from November through April.

During this time, the water is cooler, and the manatees congregate in the warmer waters of Tampa Bay.

You can view the manatees at the Manatee Viewing Center in several different ways.

You can take a self-guided tour, join a guided tour, or even go on a kayak adventure.

No matter how you choose to see them, the manatees are sure to be a highlight of your trip to Tampa Bay.

Final Thoughts

With its number of tourist attractions and kid-friendly activities, Tampa always backs itself up as the ideal vacation destination for families.

From exploring the city on a TECO Streetcar to witnessing the Manatees at the Manatee Viewing Center, there are plenty of fun things to do in Tampa and its surrounding areas.

It’s no wonder why Tampa is a popular vacation spot for kids.

There are tons of attractions that will keep them entertained throughout their stay.

So, if you’re looking for a fun-filled vacation destination for your family, add Tampa to your travel bucket list.

And when you plan your visit, add the best things to do in Tampa, Florida, with kids on your itinerary.

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