The Best Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Tampa, FL

Tampa, Florida, is a vibrant city full of activities and attractions that offer endless fun for families. From interactive museums to beautiful parks and wildlife experiences, there’s something for kids of all ages. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Tampa has plenty of indoor and outdoor options to keep your little ones entertained.  

Here’s a guide to the best kid-friendly activities in Tampa, complete with helpful tips to make your visit unforgettable.  

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Address: 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Florida is teeming with wildlife, but getting an up-close look at these incredible creatures isn’t always easy—especially for kids who may lack the patience or understanding to engage with animals in their natural habitats. That’s where places like ZooTampa at Lowry Park come in. This award-winning zoo offers families a unique chance to connect with wildlife in a safe, educational setting. 

From the immersive African safari experience to the hands-on stingray bay, every exhibit is thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity and foster respect for the natural world. Kids can marvel at majestic manatees in their custom-built habitat, come eye-to-eye with stunning Malayan tigers, and even hand-feed gentle giraffes during special encounters. It’s an unforgettable way to inspire wonder and cultivate a love for wildlife.

Glazer Children’s Museum

Address: 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602

Frequent visitors to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park will instantly recognize the iconic Glazer Children’s Museum. With its bright white façade, framed by fountains and swaying palm trees, the building is impossible to miss—both visually and figuratively.  

Step inside, and you’ll find education transformed into pure excitement across multiple floors of interactive exhibits. Kids can dive into a miniature grocery store, learning about nutrition and budgeting, or splash around in a water play area that brings scientific concepts to life through hands-on fun. The Water’s Journey Climber, designed for children ages 3 and up, offers a physical challenge that builds confidence and problem-solving skills.  

Whether for a weekend visit, a birthday celebration, or a camp experience, the Glazer Children’s Museum promises an unforgettable blend of learning and play for your little ones.

Florida Aquarium

Address: 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602

A visit to Tampa isn’t complete without experiencing the wonders of the Florida Aquarium. This world-class destination brings the magic of marine life to life with breathtaking exhibits that captivate visitors of all ages.

Conveniently located in downtown Tampa, the aquarium is home to over 7,000 aquatic plants and animals from around the world. Guests embark on an immersive journey, starting in Florida’s lush wetlands and venturing through vibrant coral reefs, mysterious deep-sea environments, and exotic ecosystems. 

While the Florida Aquarium operates as a nonprofit organization, admission costs around $50—a worthwhile investment for an unforgettable marine adventure.

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International Plaza and Bay Street

Address: 2223 N Westshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607

Parents and kids alike will find plenty to love at International Plaza and Bay Street, a vibrant shopping and dining destination spread across more than 170 acres on N Westshore Boulevard. This sprawling hub features a mix of upscale retailers like Louis Vuitton, Nordstrom, and Tiffany & Co., catering to those seeking luxury and sophistication. Meanwhile, youth-focused stores such as Zumiez, Vans, and Miniso offer trendy, budget-friendly options that are perfect for teens and young shoppers. 

Beyond the shopping, the plaza boasts a wide array of restaurants, from sit-down dining experiences to grab-and-go smoothie bars, making it an ideal spot to relax and recharge. Whether you're indulging in gourmet cuisine or sipping on a refreshing smoothie, International Plaza bridges the gap between generations, creating a seamless blend of style, fun, and family connection in one dynamic location.

Lost Pearl Pirate Ship

Address: 333 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602

The famed Lost Pearl Pirate Ship might not be every parent’s dream cruise, but it’s a hit with kids. Popular with both Tampa locals and visitors, this interactive adventure brings the life of a pirate to the high seas, led by the spirited Captain Terrible T.J. Perfect for children of all ages, it makes for an exciting weekend activity that’s both fun and accessible. 

Tickets are reasonably priced, and parking near the Tampa Convention Center makes the transition from car to ship seamless. Onboard, a fully stocked drink bar ensures no pirate goes thirsty during the voyage. Don’t forget to bring your camera—wildlife in the bay often makes surprise appearances, offering perfect photo opportunities along the way.

Amalie Arena or Raymond James Stadium

Amalie Arena Address: 401 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602

Raymond James Satdium Address: 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33607

If your kids love sports, attending a Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game or a Tampa Bay Buccaneers football match is an unforgettable experience. The electrifying atmosphere, thrilling gameplay, and chance to cheer on their favorite players make it an exciting outing for the entire family. For younger children or those who prefer entertainment, be sure to check out family-friendly events like Disney on Ice, which delivers smiles and magic every time.

Game schedules vary by team or event, and ticket prices can differ based on the occasion and seating choices. To make the most of your visit, arrive early to enjoy family-oriented activities offered at the venues, such as interactive games or photo ops with mascots. Don’t forget to grab some snacks or souvenirs beforehand to keep your little ones engaged from start to finish. Whether it’s sports or entertainment, these outings are sure to create lasting memories for the whole family. 

Lettuce Lake Park  

Address: 6920 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33637

Lettuce Lake Park is a serene, family-friendly destination where kids can explore and connect with nature. Spanning 240 acres, it offers a variety of activities for all ages, making it a perfect spot for a weekend adventure. Kids can wander along the scenic boardwalk trails, offering stunning views of the wetlands and the chance to spot unique wildlife in their natural habitats. For families who love water activities, canoe rentals are available, allowing you to paddle through the winding waterways surrounded by lush greenery.  

Younger kids will enjoy the well-maintained playground area, while older ones can take part in birdwatching or explore the hiking trails to discover hidden gems of the park. Don’t forget to bring binoculars—kids will be thrilled to spot alligators, turtles, and wading birds like egrets and herons. The park also has picnic areas with tables and grills, so you can enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Lettuce Lake Park charges a modest parking fee of $2 per car, making it an affordable and enriching outing for the whole family.

MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry)  

Address: 4801 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33617

MOSI is a paradise for curious minds and budding scientists. Kids can dive into hands-on science exhibits designed to spark curiosity and inspire learning, experiment with innovative projects in the IdeaZone, and test their limits on the thrilling ropes course or zip line, making it both educational and adventurous. The state-of-the-art planetarium adds an extra layer of wonder, with mesmerizing space shows that transport visitors to the stars and beyond. 

Open Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., MOSI offers general admission starting at $12.95 for kids (ages 3–12) and $17.95 for adults, making it an affordable outing for the whole family. Pro tip: Don’t miss the special events and workshops, which often highlight STEM-focused activities like robotics, coding, or even chemistry experiments. These opportunities make MOSI a place where learning meets fun, creating unforgettable experiences for kids and adults alike.

Adventure Island® Tampa Bay

Address: 10001 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612

Tampa’s Adventure Island water park is the ultimate destination for cooling off on a hot Florida day. This family-friendly attraction has something for everyone, from a relaxing lazy river and splash zones designed for younger children to heart-pounding water slides that older kids and adults will love. For those looking for even more relaxation, the park features plenty of shaded seating areas and opportunities to rent private poolside cabanas, making it easy to enjoy the day in comfort. 

Open seasonally from mid-March through Labor Day, Adventure Island offers flexible ticket options with general admission starting at $44.99. To make the most of your visit, arrive early to beat the midday crowds, secure your favorite spot, and maximize your time enjoying the attractions. Don’t forget to check out dining options for quick bites and refreshments to fuel your fun-filled day in the sun.