Things To Do With Kids in Tampa, FL
From zoos to splash pads, explore Tampa’s top family fun spots, and score great deals on unforgettable adventures with your kids today!
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Exciting Kids Activities in Tampa
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Tampa with Kids
Planning a day out with the family? There’s no shortage of fun and engaging things to do in Tampa with kids. Whether you're a local parent or visiting the area, Tampa offers a wide mix of parks, museums, indoor play areas, and animal encounters to suit all ages. Here’s a helpful guide to the best family activities in Tampa for a day of laughter, learning, and making memories together.
Explore Interactive Museums and Educational Attractions
- Glazer Children’s Museum – Perfect for hands-on learning through imaginative play. Kids can role-play as firefighters, chefs, doctors, and more.
- MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry) – An exciting mix of science exhibits, a ropes course, and planetarium shows that are both fun and educational.
These attractions are ideal for sparking curiosity and letting young minds explore in a safe, structured environment.
Get Outside: Zoos, Parks, and Playgrounds
- ZooTampa at Lowry Park – A family favorite offering close-up wildlife encounters, animal shows, and splash zones, all geared towards children of all ages.
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay – If you're looking for thrilling rides along with exotic animal experiences, this theme park balances adventure and family-friendly fun.
- Tampa Riverwalk – A scenic stroll with parks, playgrounds, and art to enjoy. You can also hop on a family-friendly tour by water taxi.
- Lettuce Lake Park – Great for nature walks, birdwatching, and a peaceful day in Tampa’s natural setting. There’s a playground and picnic areas, too.
Indoor Fun for Rainy Days
- Playgrounds of Tampa – An indoor bounce house and obstacle course dreamland for kids under 10, ideal for younger children needing space to burn off energy.
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park – Older kids and teens love this active spot filled with trampolines, foam pits, and dodgeball games.
- Creature Feature Tours – Unique to Tampa, these animal-themed walking tours are both educational and entertaining, even on cloudy days.
Indoor play areas offer flexibility for families and are great for birthday parties or casual weekend outings.
Discover Family Things to Do in Tampa Today
From sunny outdoor adventures to rainy day play zones, there are plenty of family things to do in Tampa today. No matter your child’s interests—whether it’s animals, science, or climbing around—a little planning can go a long way toward a fun and relaxing day for everyone.
Check Groupon’s local deals to find discounts on many of these attractions and keep your family outings exciting and budget-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tampa boasts a diverse selection of activities for children. They can explore underwater creatures at The Florida Aquarium, learn about science through fun interactive exhibits at the Museum of Science & Industry, or enjoy thrilling rides and animal encounters at Busch Gardens. The Tampa Bay History Center and Glazer Children's Museum are also worth a visit.
Absolutely! Tampa has numerous outdoor locations that are great for kids. For instance, Lowry Park Zoo offers an amazing venue to learn about animals from every continent. Lettuce Lake Regional Park and the Upper Tampa Bay Trail both provide fantastic opportunities for biking and hiking, while Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is a wonderful spot for picnicking and playing.
Definitely, Tampa has several educational attractions for children. The Tampa Bay History Center has exhibits spanning 12,000 years of Florida history. The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts has programs and workshops for kids interested in photography. The Tampa Firefighters Museum has interactive exhibits about firefighting history and safety.
There are many indoor activities for kids to enjoy during Tampa's rainy season. The Florida Aquarium is a fantastic indoor venue with thousands of animals and plants for kids to learn about. Glazer Children's Museum provides an array of interactive exhibits. Families can also consider visiting local libraries, indoor playgrounds, or bowling alleys.
Yes, Tampa offers several free activities for kids. The Tampa Riverwalk is a scenic waterfront trail that's perfect for a walk or bike ride. There are also multiple parks throughout the city that have playgrounds. Additionally, numerous local events and festivals often have kids' areas with free activities, though availability can vary.