If you’re planning a family trip to Tampa, you won’t be disappointed with this Florida city's wide range of fun activities to keep everyone entertained. Tampa offers many family-friendly attractions and experiences that will create lasting memories.
Vibrant Tampa has everything from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences and exciting entertainment offerings. Located in the Tampa Bay area on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the city's sunny climate allows families to get active and make the most of the stunning surroundings.
However, traveling with the whole family can be stressful if you don't have enough time to research and plan. So if you need some inspiration and want to ensure you don’t miss Tampa’s best activities, keep reading.
Here are six exciting things to do in Tampa with kids that you shouldn't miss.
Exploring the Best Activities for the Entire Family
There are many kid-friendly activities in Tampa. The area is known for its iconic beaches, but if you're looking for additional active pursuits to entertain your family, Tampa won't disappoint.
Outdoor Activities
Tampa boasts natural beauty and a warm climate. Thanks to its 261 sunny days each year, you and your family will want to get outside and maximize Tampa’s outdoor fun.
Enjoy Dolphin Sightings With The Tropics Boat Tours
One must-try activity is a dolphin sighting tour with The Tropics Boat Tours. Hop on board and set sail to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
If you’re lucky, you'll spot dolphins leaping through the water or even gracefully swimming alongside the boat. The Tropics Boat Tours also leave guests with more than just amazing memories; you'll learn about the behaviors and habitats of these highly intelligent marine mammals.
Ride Your Favorite Attractions at Busch Gardens
Does your family love thrills? If so, a visit to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a must. This amusement park boasts many different rides and attractions for all ages. There’s something for everyone, from roller coasters to water rides and everything in between.
Some ride highlights include:
- SheiKra, a floorless dive coaster, takes riders down an exhilarating 200-foot drop at a 90-degree angle. Not a ride for the fainthearted.
- Cheetah Hunt, a must-try high-speed roller coaster, mimics the speed and agility of a cheetah with exciting twists and turns.
- Congo River Rapids, a water-based adventure, takes riders on a wild rafting journey through a simulated African river.
Cultural Experiences
Learn and laugh by immersing yourself in Tampa kids' activities that are educational and cultural.
Visit The Museum of Science and Industry
If you’re wondering what to do in Tampa with kids, visiting The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) will spark curiosity in the whole family. The hands-on nature of the activities means it is worlds away from a stuffy, boring museum experience.
Discover interactive exhibits about science, technology, engineering, and math. Immerse yourselves in engaging displays on space exploration, robotics, the human body, and natural phenomena.
At the MOSI, you can conduct experiments, uncover the mysteries of the universe, and even ride a bicycle on a high wire. In addition to the permanent exhibits, look out for the museum’s special events, displays, and educational programs.
Learn About Local History at the Tampa Firefighters Museum
If you love local history or are curious about one of the most exciting careers, look no further. Learn about the heroic past of Tampa’s firefighters at the Tampa Firefighters Museum. Opened in 1997, it preserves a Tampa fire station that began operations over 100 years ago.
Visitors can spend an afternoon learning fascinating stories about firefighting in the local area. The museum pays tribute to the courageous individuals who have served their communities and teaches critical fire safety lessons. Enjoy a vast collection of firefighting memorabilia, including old fire trucks and uniforms.
Family Entertainment
When it comes to entertaining Tampa activities for families, there are some fantastic options.
Visit The Florida Aquarium
While Florida has many incredible beaches, don't forget about the vibrant marine life under the water. The Florida Aquarium in Tampa is a must-visit attraction for families who enjoy the ocean.
Gaze into the panoramic and breathtaking 500,000-gallon Coral Reef habitat; see elegant sea turtles and majestic sharks; get up close and personal with stingrays in the interactive touch tanks; and be sure to catch a live show to learn about the conservation and protection of marine life.
The Florida Aquarium will help kids (and adults.) understand the watery world under the ocean’s surface.
Explore the Glazer Children’s Museum
The Glazer Children’s Museum — filled with learning and fun — is one of the best things to do with kids in Tampa. This dynamic museum teaches young minds about the world around them through play.
Children can engage in hands-on learning activities and science experiments by exploring various topics, from engineering and finance to art and science. The immersive activities allow kids to try on multiple identities. They can care for pets in the Vet Clinic, take center stage at the theater, or build constructions out of blocks.
Children of all ages can enhance their learning through the museum’s unique programs and workshops. The Glazer Children’s Museum is one of Tampa's best family-friendly attractions, one they won’t want to leave. It's a place where imagination knows no bounds.
Plan Your Next Family Trip to Tampa
With so many family-friendly activities awaiting you, start planning your trip to Tampa today. Explore the great outdoors, learn about local culture, and expand your imagination with the exciting Tampa attractions for families.
A Tampa CityPASS® ticket is your perfect travel companion for a stress-free and fun-filled trip. With your CityPASS® ticket, you don’t need to research because we carefully curate all the must-see Tampa attractions to explore with kids. Enjoy time with your family without worrying about having to book multiple expensive tickets.
Tampa Bay Lodging
To get the most out of your stay in Tampa Bay, we recommend finding lodging near Tampa Bay's top attractions. Use this map to find the right lodging for you:
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