Top Things to do in Tampa with Kids

Tampa, Florida, is a great place for families. The city has a variety of attractions and activities that are perfect for kids.

The area boasts many parks, beaches, and other outdoor attractions that are fun for the whole family. Tampa also has a wide selection of museums, zoos and other educational places to visit.

Here is a list of the top things to do in Tampa with kids:

1. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the perfect destination for families. Kids can explore Sesame Street Safari of Fun, a themed area featuring rides, plays and activities inspired by the popular children's show.

Land of the Dragons is an enchanted forest filled with kid-friendly rides and attractions. For even younger children, an interactive water play area called Stanley Falls Flume Adventure offers plenty of fun.

Animal lovers will enjoy the wildlife habitats where they can get up close and personal with their favorite animals like giraffes, rhinos and cheetahs. With so many attractions and things to do, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a great choice for family fun.

2. Lowry Park Zoo

The award-winning Lowry Park Zoo features over 2,000 animals from all around the world. It also offers educational programs and activities for kids of all ages.

You can explore the zoo's many interactive exhibits, participate in hands-on activities and learn about conservation efforts. The zoo also offers special events throughout the year, like Halloween, Zoo Boo, and Wild Wonderland Christmas.

With so much to do and see, Lowry Park Zoo will surely be an unforgettable experience for kids and adults alike.

3. Florida Aquarium

One of the most popular experiences at the Florida Aquarium is the Coral Reef Habitat. Here, you can explore a living coral reef and observe the amazing aquatic life that inhabits it.

There are also interactive exhibits like the "Dive with the Sharks" experience, where you go on an underwater adventure with a trained diver and come face-to-face with sharks.

Kids can also enjoy activities like Stingray Beach, where they can touch and feed these gentle creatures.

4. Glazer Children's Museum

This museum is designed for kids up to age 10 and offers hands-on activities that teach about science, arts and music. In addition, it provides a variety of interactive exhibits and activities.

Kids can learn about the natural world, explore their creative side with art projects, and make music with special instruments.

The museum's mission is to promote learning through play so there's something for everyone to enjoy. Glaze Children's Museum is located in downtown Tampa, making it easy for families to spend the day exploring nearby attractions.

5. Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Home of the famous dolphin, Winter, from the movie Dolphin Tale, Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a great kid’s friendly activity. The aquarium features touch pools with stingrays and other sea creatures, as well as educational programs and interactive exhibits about marine life conservation efforts.

You can enjoy a variety of interactive exhibits, such as a virtual reality dive into the depths of the ocean in a 4-D theater. There are also educational programs such as behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters with dolphins, sea turtles and otters.

6. Channelside Bay Plaza

Channelside Bay Plaza is a waterfront shopping center with restaurants, shops, a cinema complex and an arcade for hours of entertainment.

For those looking for something more adventurous, boat tours, fishing charters and airboat rides are available nearby.

7. The Florida State Fairgrounds

The Florida State Fairgrounds hosts many events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals and fairs – perfect for a day out with the family. We suggest checking the fairground’s event calendar for upcoming fairs, shows and festivals.

8. Adventure Island Water Park

Adventure Island Water Park offers various activities that are great for kids. Young or old, there is something for everyone, from the lazy river and splash pads to the thrill slides and a wave pool.

Kids can enjoy bumper boats, mini golf and a giant arcade. The park also offers a variety of dining options so you can refuel after a day of fun in the sun.

9. Ybor City Historic District

Set aside an afternoon to explore the Ybor Historic District, once home to cigar factories in the late 1800s. There are plenty of shops along with restaurants serving delicious Cuban cuisine.

During the day, there are plenty of attractions for kids interested in history to explore. In addition, the Cuban Club Museum and Cultural Center are interesting places you can visit to learn about the history of Ybor City and its people.

Enjoy Tampa with AAA Discounts

Tampa offers a variety of exciting attractions and activities to enjoy and AAA discounts can provide significant cost savings when planning a trip to this vibrant city. Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Tampa today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool, and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars, and entertainment tickets.