Things to Do in Tampa with Kids: 41 Fun and Entertaining Activities

Tampa and the surrounding areas of St. Pete and Clearwater are paradise vacations for visitors of all ages.

That’s right–adults don’t have to have all of the fun! From beaches and parks to play spaces and downtown, families with little ones have plenty of options. Discover some of the best things to do in Tampa with toddlers and things to do in Tampa today with kids.

What's in this article?

1) Beautiful Beaches

Looking for things to do in Tampa with kids? You can’t skip out on Florida’s world class beaches. Bring out the toys, sunscreen, towels, and snacks so you can lounge and play in the sun. Check out any of these popular beaches and fun things to do in Tampa with kids:

Ben T. Davis Beach: Just a few minutes away from downtown Tampa, Ben T. Davis Beach is one of the largest and most popular destinations in the city.

Come with the little ones and enjoy its white sand and plenty of amenities and activities, including picnic shelters, kayaks, paddleboard yoga, and floating mats. Watch people playing beach volleyball, or better yet, play with them.

Clearwater Beach: What to do in Tampa with kids, you ask? Make memories with the entire family at Clearwater Beach. With its powdery fine sand and crystal blue water, this 2.5-mile beach is bursting with things for toddlers to do in Tampa. Go snorkeling, fishing, or kayaking with your fearless kiddos.

If your children are still too little or scared to go out in the water, visit the nearby Florida Botanical Gardens, which presents not only Florida flora but also succulents from across the country. Checking out the tropical flowers and the butterflies soaring above counts as one of the top things to do with a baby in Tampa.

Honeymoon Island: “What to do in Tampa with toddlers?” you may ask. Well, you can have fun at Honeymoon Island.

A minute’s drive from Tampa, Honeymoon Island offers locals and tourists a break from the bustle of city life.

2) Glazer Children’s Museum

Ideal for ages under 10 years old, the Glazer Children s Museum enables kids to learn, play, and connect to the world around them through interactive exhibits and crafts. One of the top things to do in Tampa with toddlers, your kids will leave happy and most likely ready for a nap.

Glazer Children’s Museum features learning opportunities and innovative play. Bring your kids here and let them connect to the world in the most fun way. They can count money in the Central Bank, learn more about food production on the Farm, cook up in the Pizza Place, or unleash their creativity in Art Smart.

The unique play areas encourage youngsters to explore different identities and learn more about Art, Math, Science, and more. No question it’s one of the best children museums and things to do in Tampa with a toddler.

3) Aquariums

Visiting aquariums is no doubt one of the best things to do for toddlers in Tampa. Drop by either or both of these acclaimed local aquariums to expose your little ones to local, regional, and international aquatic life.

The Florida Aquarium (AquaTots)

If your kids love the ocean and the creatures that live in it, you can’t miss the Florida Aquarium. Home to more than 8,000 animals, this award winning attraction features all kinds of activities and exhibits that educate children about marine life.

Come face to face with a selection of sea life such as sea turtles, stingrays, and sharks. Plus, learn more about sea conversation while having the best aquatic experience with guided tours.

The Florida Aquarium also presents the Aquatots, a program designed for kids ages 3 to 5. Here, little ones will be engaged in hands-on learning and interactive games, making it one of the top things for toddlers to do Tampa.

Every month, your AquaTot will:

Practice fine motor skills
Slowly learn about shapes, colors, and letters
Improve listening and social skills
Compare and contrast
Count and identify numbers
Move and play with other toddlers

Clearwater Marine Aquarium: This aquarium is one of the family favorites among Tampa Bay vacation destinations with its variety of animal exhibits and presentations.

The entire family will surely have a good time getting up close and personal with the Aquarium’s rescued residents, including sharks, dolphins, stingrays, and more. Come experience the wonder of the sea and learn more about the behavior of these animals during your visit.

4) Playgrounds of Tampa

Don’t stress yourself about the things to do with toddlers Tampa as Playgrounds of Tampa is here.

Let your kiddos run, jump and slide all they want without getting hurt. Plus, this physical activity helps reduce stress and enhance sensory integration. Take a glance at what the Playgrounds offer:

An array of enormous bounce houses, castles, and slides
Safe toddler play area
An interactive gaming floor

This indoor bouncy house is suitable for all ages and even has a specific toddler area for little ones so parents don’t have to worry. Kids can play, exercise, and develop better balance while parents enjoy the boutique coffee bar.

5) Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park

Ask anyone about the kids activities Tampa and they will likely tell you to visit ZooTampa.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park houses over 1,300 animals and features one of the most beautiful tropical zoological settings in the world. Furthermore, kids have the opportunity to get up close and personal with many interactive activities like feeding a giraffe!

Additionally, families can take advantage of water play areas, take part in educational shows, and experience a guided African safari. One of the most fun things to do in Tampa with toddlers, you don’t want to miss out.

Psst.. looking for even more adrenaline-inducing fun? Hop over to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or Adventure Island! There are loads of activities for kids of all ages, you won’t be asking what to do in Tampa Florida with kids anymore.

View of people splashing in the water at the bottom of Roaring Springs coaster at ZooTampa in Tampa, Florida, USA — photo credit: ZooTampa at Lowry Park via Facebook

6) Green Locus Toddler Yoga

If you have visited Saunders Planetarium or Adventure Park while in Tampa and you’re looking for new Tampa things to do with toddlers, Green Locus Toddler Yoga is the best place to be.

Yoga teaches balance and focus while exercising and stretching core muscle groups. Connect with yourself and your little ones through this toddler-friendly yoga class, ideal for ages 12-36 months old here.

Kids will love learning yoga poses through songs, books, and games, increasing social awareness, motor development, and more significant skills.

Plus, it helps them understand mindfulness and proper breathing, affecting their overall well-being! The activity also has a positive impact on kids when it comes to learning as the movements and mindful exercises can enhance their focus, comprehension, concentration, and memory.

This activity is one of the best things to do in Tampa for toddlers. So enroll your kids on Green Locus Toddler and see as they practice reflection, and patience as well as develop their social and emotional learning.

7) The Airosphere’s Airo Tots & Toddler Time

Don’t know what other things to do with kids in Tampa? Explore the toddler section of The Airosphere, which allows parents and their little ones under five to utilize the slides, splash pad, ball pool, air jets, bouncy areas, roller coasters, and much more. Better yet, other sections of the theme park are better suited for older kids in case your children range in age.

Furthermore, The Airosphere dedicates Wednesday mornings to toddlers with Toddler Time. From 10 am to noon, attractions are reserved solely for toddlers and their parents. $9.95 for a parent and one toddler, additional toddlers are $7.

8) Manatee Viewing Center

When thinking of things to do in Tampa with a baby, ManateeViewing Center should cross your mind.

The Manatee Viewing Center at the Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach is a short drive away from Downtown Tampa. From November 1 through April 15, visitors can see gatherings of manatees in the discharge canal that now serves as a federally designated sanctuary.

Opened from 9 am to 5 pm, guests can see the manatees and park for free. You can also see a diverse collection of plant life, flowers, and butterflies in the renowned butterfly gardens. Additionally, a habitat loop trail takes visitors to the wildlife observation tower, giving guests a 50-foot high vantage point.

9) Green Spaces

Florida is known for its natural beauty! One of the best things to do in Tampa with toddlers, take advantage of parks and trails in the local area! Grab comfortable shoes and soak up some sun:

10) Bayshore Boulevard

Running out of ideas or things to do with toddlers in Tampa? Then, bring the entire family to Bayshore Boulevard.

Referred to as the “World’s Longest Continuous Sidewalk,” Bayshore Boulevard presents 4.5 miles of picturesque views of Tampa Bay. The ten-foot-wide sidewalk begins at Columbus Statue Park at Platt Street and ends at Gandy Boulevard.

One of the best free things to do in Tampa, visitors can see gorgeous greenery, blue skies, and prestigious homes in Old Hyde Park. Additionally, visitors can access a three-mile on-road bike lane along the north-bound lane of the boulevard between Rome Avenue and Gandy Boulevard.

11) Farmers Markets

Who doesn’t love farm-to-market products, hand-crafted items, and live entertainment? Whether you’re looking for fresh vegetables, kombucha, flowers, hand-crafted jewelry, or a free day out in the sun, you can spend time here without breaking the bank.

While shopping and roaming around the market are not your usual Tampa toddler activities, you and your little ones can enjoy the experience. Check out some of the local markets as one of the best free things to do in Tampa:

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park sign with plants, row of palm trees and buildings in background during daytime in Tampa Bay, Florida, USA — photo credit: City of Tampa via Facebook

12) Tampa Riverwalk

It’s not always easy to find toddler activities Tampa. Good thing Tampa Riverwalk is here to save you from stress.

Stroll down the Tampa Riverwalk for lovely weather, views of the water, and sights of the city skyline. Visitors can also bike or boat in the Riverwalk area as well, which features an array of businesses if you stop and get hungry!

Additionally, the Riverwalk showcases a public art walking tour, playgrounds, shopping, and a historic monument trail of bronze and marble busts of local notable historic figures.

Take the chance to bask in its beautiful view day through night. The 2.6-mile walk also glitters with colorful lights once the sun goes down, bringing the area to life. There are so much more toddler activities in Tampa to explore and experience at Riverwalk, including the following:

Parks

Museums

Attractions

Amalie Arena
Armature Works
Sparkman’s Wharf
The Florida Aquarium
The Sail Plaza Waterfront Restaurant and Bar
The Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Tampa Convention Center
Tampa Theatre

On the Water

eBoats Tampa
Pirate Water Taxi
Tampa Bay Stand Up Paddleboard
Tampa Bay Water Bike Company
Yacht Starship Cruises
Riverwalk Boating Company

Things to Do with Kids in Tampa FAQs

Is Tampa Good For Kids?

Absolutely! With its combination of thrilling theme parks, interactive museums, and beautiful beaches, the perfect family getaway is a blend of excitement and relaxation in Tampa.

Whether it's building sandcastles on Clearwater Beach or exploring the fascinating world at Busch Gardens, Tampa ensures a fun-filled experience for children of all ages.

Is Tampa As Fun As Miami?

While both cities offer unique experiences, Tampa is more spread out, focusing more on outdoor recreation than Miami, which is known for its bustling nightlife and cultural scene.

It ultimately depends on your preferences; Tampa's numerous parks and waterfront activities may appeal more to nature lovers, whereas Miami's vibrant city life attracts those seeking excitement and entertainment.

What Is The Best Month To Go To Tampa Florida?

When planning a trip to Tampa, many travelers find that the best months to visit are during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November).

These seasons offer comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and vibrant local events. Additionally, you'll often find better travel deals and accommodations during these periods.

How Many Days In Tampa Is Enough?

When considering a trip to Tampa, planning for two to three days is ideal to explore its main attractions. This time frame allows you to visit top sites like Busch Gardens, the Tampa Riverwalk, and Ybor City without feeling rushed.

Whether you're into cultural experiences or simply want to relax at the beach, two to three days provide a perfect balance for a memorable stay.

Visit Sunny Tampa with Your Little Ones

Now that you know the best things to do in Tampa with toddlers, where will you head to first? Let us know!

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Written by Anne Joyce Raymundo

Anne is a Filipino writer who formerly managed and created marketing strategies and materials for numerous websites and eCommerce platforms. Now, her voice...

Kids Activities Tampa: Family Day Out and Kid-Approved Fun!