Planning a memorable family getaway to the sun-kissed state? Tampa, Florida should top your list! Renowned for its magnificent beaches, lively culture, and endless entertainment, this bustling city caters to every family member.
Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a nature lover, we have prepared a guide of the top family-friendly activities that will make your Tampa trip a fun-filled experience. Ranging from world-class theme parks to captivating marine life encounters, gear up to make memories that you will cherish forever.
So, gather your family, pack your bags, and let’s delve into these amazing experiences!
A Brief Overview of Tampa’s Family-Friendly Activities
Museums: Consider visiting the Museum of Science and Industry, The Henry B. Plant Museum, or The Florida Aquarium for an enlightening family day out.
Parks: Tampa houses numerous parks perfect for picnics or a day of fun activities. Highly frequented parks include Al Lopez Park, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, and Gasparilla Island State Park.
Beaches: Boasting over 30 miles of beachfront, Tampa is an ideal place to bask in the sun and play in the sand. Popular beaches include Clearwater Beach, Caladesi Island State Park, and Honeymoon Island State Park.
Sports: Home to several professional sports teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), the Tampa Bay Rays (MLB), and the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL), Tampa also offers the experience of watching minor league baseball at George M. Steinbrenner Field or college football at Raymond James Stadium.
Other Attractions: Other must-see spots include Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Lowry Park Zoo, and The Florida Strawberry
#1 Busch Gardens
A family trip to Tampa is incomplete without a visit to Busch Gardens. This globally recognized theme park caters to everyone, with exhilarating rides, fascinating animal encounters, and live shows.
Occupying over 200 acres, Busch Gardens is among Florida’s largest theme parks. It houses more than 50 rides, some of which are the country’s most sought-after roller coasters. However, the allure of Busch Gardens extends beyond rides. The park hosts a variety of animal interactions, from immersive experiences with exotic birds to behind-the-scenes tours of the animal care facilities. Plus, there are live shows ranging from electrifying stunts to Broadway-like performances, ensuring a memorable experience at Busch Gardens.
#2 Adventure Island Water Park
A must-visit for families wishing to escape the Tampa heat, Adventure Island Water Park spans 30 acres, featuring water slides, lazy rivers, and splash pads, guaranteeing fun for everyone. The park also provides cabana rentals for those who wish to unwind in the shade while the kids play.
#3 ZooTampa at Lowry Park
ZooTampa at Lowry Park ranks among Tampa’s most beloved family-friendly attractions. Housing over 1,200 animals and 200+ species from around the globe, the zoo invites visitors to venture on the wild side with giraffes, lions, and tigers, or have a close encounter with sloths, kangaroos, and penguins. The zoo also boasts a splash pad and a carousel, perfect for young visitors.
#4 Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium offers a unique opportunity to learn about the aquatic world, featuring over 20,000 animals and plants. The aquarium presents a range of educational programs and exhibits, as well as a variety of animal encounters.
#5 Glazer Children’s Museum
The Glazer Children’s Museum promotes educational and interactive experiences for children. Spanning over 170,000 square feet, the museum hosts more than 60 hands-on exhibits that engage kids in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. The museum also organizes various programs and events for families to enjoy collectively.
#6 Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Beyond being the residence of Winter the Dolphin, Clearwater Marine Aquarium functions as an operational marine animal rescue center. Visitors can witness the rehabilitation process of the animals, with the aquarium’s goal being to return as many creatures back to the wild as feasible. Other marine life inhabitants include sea turtles, stingrays, pelicans, and more.
#7 Big Cat Rescue Center
As implied by its name, the Big Cat Rescue Center serves as a sanctuary for big cats. The center houses over 100 lions, tigers, bobcats, cougars, and other big cats. Visitors can tour the facility and understand the efforts put into rescuing and taking care of these animals. The center also provides educational programs and close-up experiences with some of the resident cats.
#8 The Florida Holocaust Museum
The Florida Holocaust Museum is a significant educational site in Tampa, dedicated to preserving the Holocaust’s memory and enlightening future generations about this grim period. Visitors can explore exhibits on the Nazi regime, concentration camps, and the lives of Holocaust survivors. The museum also conducts educational programs for children and adults.
#9 MOSI: Museum of Science & Industry
The Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) is a leading science museum that offers hands-on STEM education experiences for all ages. Spanning over 450,000 square feet, MOSI has something for everyone!
Highlights at MOSI include:
Saunders Planetarium: Marvel at the wonders of the universe in Florida’s largest planetarium dome!
The Kids In Charge! Children’s Science Center: Let your kids explore, discover and play in this hands-on science center tailored just for them.
IMAX Dome Theater: Amplify your movie experience in MOSI’s gigantic IMAX theater.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Stadium Tour: Get an exclusive insight into one of the NFL’s most iconic stadiums on this behind-the-scenes tour.
Don’t miss out on seasonal events like pumpkin painting and holiday laser shows!
So, what would you like to do first?