Things to do in Tampa with Kids
Tampa, Florida offers many exciting and family-friendly activities that are sure to keep kids entertained and create lasting memories. Use this list of things to do with kids in Tampa Florida to help you plan the perfect trip! Whether you’re seeking educational experiences, outdoor exploration, or simply a day filled with laughter and play, Tampa has something for everyone.
Things to do in Tampa Florida with Kids
Planning a trip to Tampa Florida and looking for things to do with the kids? We took a quick trip to Tampa for a few days and had fun exploring and enjoying the warm weather. There are so many things to do with Kids in Tampa Florida, the whole family will have a blast.
Our Trip to Tampa
We started our Florida trip in Orlando and then made our way to Tampa. We had originally planned a few more days in Tampa but because of large snowstorm coming our way at home we had to cut the trip 2 days short so we could beat the coming snowstorm since we had driven from Pennysylvania to Florida and had to make the drive back home.
Our trip to Tampa was short, however we do have plans to go back to see the things we didn’t get the chance to including Glazer Children’s Museum, Florida Aquarium, Dinosaur World and Tampa Riverwalk.
Day 1. We visited Peppa Pig Theme Park and Legoland. We had started in Orlando Florida and then drove to the theme parks since they are in the same area and then headed over to Tampa.
Day 2. We visited Cypress point park, Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center, Breakout Tampa escape room and Tampa bay Grand Prix.
Day 3: We visited Ybor City, Ybor City museum and back to the Breakout Tampa escape room.
Day 4: Busch Gardens.
Cypress Point Park
Our waitress at breakfast told us about this little hidden gem in Tampa and I am so glad she did. The kids had fun hunting for shells, watching the planes above, and playing on the playground. This park is located in downtown Tampa just 10 minutes from the airport.
This is not the fanciest beach you are going to find in Florida, but it is perfect for a quiet spot that you can visit.
This little state park and beach is a great spot to watch the airplanes landing at the Tampa airport. You can go swimming (however no lifeguard was there when we were), fishing and kayaking if you bring them with you. There is a playground for the kids to play on and run off some energy. And it is a great place for finding seashells, Hannah found a ton of them and that was her favorite part. If you want to enjoy a nice lunch outside there are picnic areas too.
If you are wanting an amazing spot to watch the sunset over the water this is it! The park is open from sunrise to sunset daily.
Location address: 5620 W. Cypress Street, Tampa, Florida, 3360
Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center
If you are wanting to see manatees then you will love the Tampa Electric Power Station Manatee viewing center. This admission-free activity is a great way for the kids to learn and have fun at the same time. There is quite a bit to do including watching the manatees swimming in the water from the deck and checking out the manatee education center to learn about them.
Situated on the banks of the warm-water discharge canal of Tampa Electric’s Big Bend Power Station, the center attracts hundreds of manatees during the winter months when the surrounding waters turn cold. With its elevated boardwalks and observation platforms, the Manatee Viewing Center allows visitors to witness the awe-inspiring sight of manatees congregating in large numbers, seeking refuge in the warm waters.
In addition to manatee watching, the center provides educational exhibits, interactive displays, and informative presentations that shed light on the biology, conservation, and challenges faced by these magnificent creatures.
We love going to see manatees anywhere we can and the whole family loved this manatee sanctuary where not only were they able to see them but also learn more about them.
Breakout Tampa Escape Room
At Breakout Tampa, participants can choose from a variety of themed rooms, each with its own unique storyline and set of challenges. Whether you’re uncovering a hidden treasure, solving a mystery, or escaping from a dangerous situation, the rooms are designed to test your problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and teamwork.
If you love escape rooms then you for sure want to check out Breakout Tampa Escape Rooms. My kids loved the first one we did there so much we went back the next night to do another one. Both of the rooms that we did were unique and challenging that made our brains work and everyone work together.
Tampa Bay Grand Prix
The Tampa Bay Grand Prix is an awesome family activity. It offers an exhilarating indoor racing experience for both beginners and experienced drivers alike.
While this activity is geared for the older kids my younger kids had a great time watching us all race around. Myself, my husband, McKenzie, and Logan all signed up for a race. Alyssa and Hannah sat at a table on the sidelines where they could see us and cheered us on.
The electric go-karts used at Tampa Bay Grand Prix are high-performance go-carts that offer quick acceleration and responsive handling, adding to the excitement of the races. They were easy enough to use for those of us who don’t normally drive go-carts and the competitive but fun atmosphere made it one of the top spots that my older kids enjoyed while we were in Tampa.
Explore Ybor City
Take a stroll through the streets of Ybor City’s historic district, which is filled with charming brick-lined roads and preserved buildings. Immerse yourself in the area’s history, admire the unique architecture, and learn about the neighborhood’s past as a thriving cigar manufacturing center.
Ybor City is famous for its Cuban influence, and you’ll find a variety of restaurants and cafes serving delicious Cuban dishes. Don’t miss the chance to savor classic dishes like Cuban sandwiches, black beans and rice, and pastelitos. Be sure to stop by the Columbia Restaurant, Florida’s oldest restaurant, for a taste of traditional Spanish and Cuban cuisine.
A few of my kids and Tom were tired from all our previous days of traveling, so McKenzie, Hannah, and myself went out to explore Ybor City ourselves. While there a festival was going on and the kids grabbed some tasty treats from the food trucks. Then we spent a few hours just walking around the streets of Ybor City enjoying being outside.
Visit the Ybor City Museum
Visiting the Ybor City Museum is a must-do experience for those interested in delving into the rich history and cultural heritage of the neighborhood. The museum is located in the heart of Ybor City and is housed in the historical Ferlita Bakery building, which dates back to the early 20th century.
The Ybor City Museum offers engaging exhibits that provide insights into the area’s past as a thriving cigar manufacturing center and a hub for immigrant communities. Visitors can explore displays showcasing the cigar industry’s impact on the local economy, the diverse immigrant groups that settled in Ybor City, and the social history of the neighborhood. The exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, and interactive elements that bring the stories and experiences of Ybor City’s past to life.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
For those who love theme parks, you don’t have to go far when you are in Tampa Florida. In town is the Tampa Bay Busch Gardens theme park. From roller coasters to kids’ rides, shows, and more there is a ton of fun for the whole family.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is an iconic theme park and entertainment destination located in Tampa, Florida. Known for its unique blend of thrilling rides, captivating animal encounters, and immersive experiences, Busch Gardens offers an unforgettable adventure for visitors of all ages.
The park boasts a diverse array of wildlife, including majestic lions, graceful giraffes, playful dolphins, and fascinating primates, allowing guests to get up close and personal with these incredible creatures through carefully designed habitats and interactive encounters.
Additionally, Busch Gardens offers live shows, cultural exhibits, and dining options that cater to a variety of tastes making it a great place for families to visit.
With its commitment to conservation and education, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay combines entertainment, adventure, and environmental awareness, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists seeking a one-of-a-kind theme park experience.
We had purchased tickets for SeaWorld that also came with a day at Bush Gardens, it is about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Sea World to Busch Gardens. If you are going to be in the area and can find combo tickets then you will be able to save a good amount of money and visit both theme parks.
Peppa Pig Theme Park
Peppa Pig Theme Park is about a 1-hour drive from Tampa Florida. If you have young kids this is the perfect attraction to take them to. We did Peppa Pig theme park and Legoland Florida theme park on the same day as they are within walking distance of each other.
The Peppa Pig Theme Park is a whimsical and immersive experience for young Peppa Pig fans and their families. With themed rides, interactive attractions, live entertainment, and opportunities to meet Peppa Pig and her friends the kids will love visiting this theme park.
Legoland Theme Park
Legoland Theme Park is just a 1-hour drive from Tampa Florida. If you are making a trip to Peppa Pig theme park, it is right next door. You can do both parks on the same day so that all the kids have something they enjoy. That is what we did.
Legoland theme park offers a world of imagination and creativity that is all done with Lego and Lego Characters. With over 50 rides, shows, and attractions, Legoland Florida provides endless entertainment for visitors of all ages. One of the highlights of the park is Miniland USA, where iconic landmarks and cities are intricately recreated using millions of Lego bricks.
The park also features thrilling roller coasters, interactive play areas, and hands-on building experiences that allow visitors to construct their own Lego creations.
Is Tampa Florida a Good Place to Visit?
Yes! We loved our trip to Tampa Florida. There were plenty of fun activities for everyone in the family to enjoy. This great family-friendly travel destination has activities that range from enjoying wildlife to a theme park and plenty for the whole family to have a great time.
How Many Days should you spend in Tampa?
For our trip, we had 3 days to spend in Tampa. We had started our trip in Orlando, then spent one day doing Peppa Pig Theme Park and LegoLand and then finished the drive to Tampa. I would suggest that you spend 4-6 days to be able to do everything that there is to do and see. However, if you only have time for a short trip as we did, there is plenty of fun things to pick from to make your trip amazing.
Where is Tampa Florida Located?
Tampa is located on the western coast of Florida, in the southeastern United States. It is situated on the Tampa Bay, which connects to the Gulf of Mexico. The city is the county seat of Hillsborough County and is part of the Tampa Bay Area, which includes nearby cities such as St. Petersburg and Clearwater.
How Far is Tampa from Orlando?
It takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to get from Orlando Florida to Tampa Florida. If you are wanting to plan a trip where you explore a few different areas in Florida at the same time visiting Orlando and Tampa on the same trip is a great option.
