Situated on Florida’s stunning Gulf Coast, Tampa is a brilliantly vibrant city where adventure awaits around every corner. If you’re looking to combine nature, culture, and high-octane thrills into a rewarding and dynamic family vacation, you can’t go wrong here.
We’ve compiled a list of the 10 best family-friendly activities in the city. Though you’re sure to discover many more, these will get you off to a great start.
Get Some Thrills at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
With thrilling rides, captivating live shows, and up-close animal encounters, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is so much more than an amusement park. Thrill-seekers will love the adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, while more laid-back family members can check out the incredible animal habitats and enjoy live entertainment.
The place is also African-themed, providing a nice contrast with the rest of your vacation.
Dive Into the Florida Aquarium
If the animals were the highlight of your visit to Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium should be your next stop. Here, you’ll meet a truly mesmerizing range of marine life, including otters, sharks, stingrays, and moon jellies.
The coral reef exhibit is a particular highlight, along with the touch tank. If you’ve ever wanted to pet a stingray, now’s your chance.
Spend a Day at ZooTampa at Lowry Park
This award-winning zoo has a diverse population of animals from around the globe. The exhibits are wonderfully immersive, and the zoo gives presentations as well.
The kids will love the chance to feed a giraffe or rhino. When you need a change of pace, break for the on-site amusement rides.
Switch Jobs at the Glazer Children’s Museum
Designed to inspire learning through play, this interactive museum offers lots of engaging activities. At the vocation-themed exhibits, your kids can be vets, grocery store owners, or firefighters for a day.
Along with the various simulated real-world environments, there’s also a water play area.
Relax in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
This large urban park is located right next to the Glazer Children’s Museum, and it’s a great place to relax afterward. Sprawl out on the lawn as your kids play on the interactive splash pad. The Hillsborough River and Tampa skyline will be on full display in the background.
For the perfect cap to an exciting day, take a walk along the riverfront. If you can, time your visit to coincide with one of the many live performances held in the park over the year.
Visit the Museum of Science and Industry
Another highly interactive museum, this one is geared toward science and technology. Your kids can explore the human body through the operation table—a supersized version of the classic board game—and try their hands at building and constructing machines in the Idea Zone.
Don’t leave without gazing at the stars in the Saunders Planetarium.
Make a Splash at Adventure Island
This is Tampa’s premier water park, and whichever speed you like your water to run at, Adventure Island has it. There are rapid slides, lazy river simulations, and splash zones.
Top family favorites include the Colossal Curl, the Rapids Racer, and Paradise Lagoon. The park’s cabanas let you relax and refuel in a delightfully tropical atmosphere.
Volunteer at Big Cat Rescue
Lions, tigers, and leopards abound here, but it isn’t a zoo. Big Cat Rescue is a nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating abused and abandoned big cats.
Take a guided tour of the sanctuary, learn why owning a tiger might be a bad idea, and find out more about conservation efforts to protect wild populations. If you have the time, you can also volunteer to help the cats on the day of your visit.
Browse the Tampa Bay History Center
Lose yourself in the city’s deep past, starting with pre-Columbian settlements and moving through the period of European exploration.
The center houses thousands of maps used by European sailors, and kids will be fascinated by the 60-foot pirate ship, as well as treasure recovered from actual shipwrecks.
Paddle Through Lettuce Lake Park
Lettuce Lake Park is a serene natural preserve just outside Tampa. The 3,500-foot boardwalk is perfect for a family-friendly stroll through the park, offering glimpses of wildlife and great views of the Hillsborough River.
Rent kayaks or canoes to paddle through the peaceful waterways. Once you’re ready to sit down, head to one of the picnic areas surrounded by lush nature.
The 10 Best Family-Friendly Activities in Tampa Summary
Tampa is a treasure trove of exciting and memorable experiences. We’ve homed in on the top 10 hits to get you started, but you’re bound to find many more delights.
However, you and your family decide to while away the hours, you’re in for an unforgettable roller-coaster ride in Tampa.
