20+ FUN Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Weekend
The weekend is finally upon us, and there are plenty of awesome things to do in Tampa Bay with the kids. We’re sharing some of our favorites!
But first, get ready to fire the cannons because Gasparilla season is officially here! Last weekend, the kiddos partied like pirates at the Children’s Gasparilla Parade and this weekend, pirates are invading Tampa Bay again for Gasparilla Pirate Fest! While this parade is geared more towards adults, we love taking the kids to watch the Gasparilla Flotilla Invasion earlier in the day.
Looking for Things to Do in Tampa Bay?
>>This Weekend’s Top Picks
>>U Pick Farms in Tampa Bay
>> 40+ Free Things to Do with Kids
Looking for something to do with all those beads you caught this weekend? The Florida Aquarium is collecting beads in exchange for aquarium admission discounts.
But, before we dive into our list of Weekend Top Picks– here’s how we’ve set it up to make it easier for you to find an event on a day that works best for your family. Our list is divided into categories to help you find what you need quickly: Featured Events that make this page possible, events listed by day, Save the Date, What’s on Exhibit, and more.
MORE Tampa Bay stories for families we think you’ll love:
Featured Events
Giving the following events an extra shout-out since their support helps us provide this amazing weekend guide to you for free!
Sip & Savor: A Food & Wine Event | Sat & Sun, January 25-26
Amber Brooke Farms – locations in Eustis and Williston
Join us for the Sip & Savor Food & Wine Festival at Amber Brooke Farms! Indulge in unlimited tastings from over 15 local beer and wine vendors, paired with delicious bites celebrating Southern flavors. Explore curated tasting stations, live music, and farm-fresh fun. Don’t forget to grab your Farm Passport and complete it for a free full-size beverage! Perfect for foodies, wine lovers, and families, this event is the ultimate sampling celebration of flavor and community.
Pirate Invasion at Glazer Children’s Museum | Daily during museum hours
Downtown Tampa
Pirates are taking over the museum for a Gasparilla-themed celebration all month long! Make your own gear – from hats to swords to hooks – all from recycled materials! We’ll be doing knot-tying and sword fighting demos, there will be special guests throughout the month, and pirate-themed crafts and games all month long.
Zubrick Magic Theatre | Most Weekends: Friday & Saturday at 7 pm, Sundays at 2 pm
St. Petersburg
Expect the unexpected this weekend at the Zubrick Magic Theatre! Gather the entire family for a magical experience filled with jaw-dropping illusions, laugh-out-loud comedy, and plenty of audience participation that will leave you in awe. Illusionists Chris & Ryan Zubrick conjure up a performance designed to entertain and amaze adults while remaining family-friendly for all ages to enjoy while leaving you scratching your head in disbelief, wondering, “How did they do that?!” Get your tickets now before they all… DISAPPEAR! Tickets from $44.
Storytime & Aviation Playground at the Florida Air Museum | Tuesdays at 10 am
Lakeland
Join Aerospace Center for Excellence as we bring stories to life and create amazing, interactive learning experiences for our Junior ACE’s – exploring the universe, one adventure at a time! All are welcome. Content is targeted for our young ones, ages 2-5. Story Time is FREE. Then, save time to PLAY at Central Florida’s only Aviation Playground, open 7 days a week and included in Museum admission with kids 11 and under FREE!
Aqua Lanterns at Clearwater Marine Aquarium | On display through Feb 2
Clearwater
Dive into a sea of lights and wonder at Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s luminous new after-hours experience, Aqua Lanterns! As the sun sets, the aquarium transforms into a glowing seascape filled with stunning illuminated sea creature sculptures up to 13-feet tall. Stroll through this mesmerizing marine world and discover over 30 beautifully crafted lantern displays next to the amazing real animals that will inspire you throughout the aquarium. Featuring dazzling lantern displays, Aqua Lanterns will be open Wednesday through Sunday evenings.
Grossology at MOSI | Now – April 7, 2025 (new extended date)
Tampa
Get grossed out with MOSI and discover how the human body works in the most entertaining way possible! Starting September 14, Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body will dive into the slimy, stinky world of all the gross things our bodies do. Meet wacky characters like the snotty Nigel Nose-It, climb the human skin wall, interact with the soda-slurping Burp Man, explore different body odors, play a life-sized game of Operation, and more! Included with museum admission.
Things to Do on Friday, January 24
Amazing Athletes at Armature Works | Friday, January 24 from 9:15 am-10:35 am
Tampa
Amazing Athletes empowers children by using sports as a catalyst to engage their inner strengths and abilities so they can confidently pursue an active lifestyle through each stage of development. There are two classes offered: Amazing Tots (18 months to 3 years old from 9:15 am – 9:45 am) and Amazing Athletes (3 to 5 years old from 9:50 am – 10:35 am). These classes are based on your child’s age and ensure a tailored program to suit their developmental needs.
Car Seat Inspection at Children’s Board Family Resource Center | Friday, January 24 from 9:30 am- 1:15 pm
Tampa
A certified CPS technician will be on hand to teach you how to correctly install and use your car seat.
Adventure Tots Laser Tag at Sprouts Play Cafe | Friday, January 24 from 12:30 pm-2 pm
Tampa
Do you have an active toddler? Get ready for a tiny-tot-sized laser tag adventure! No bullets, just fun and safe pretend play!
Admission includes laser toy and adventure vest. Upgrade for $5 and take home the Adventure Pack with a hat, bag, and surprise dinosaur egg! For kids ages 5 and under.
Friday Fun Day at Empower Adventures | Friday, January 17 at 3 pm
Tampa
Featuring their two longest zip lines, totaling over 1,200 feet, and a stunning 200-foot suspension bridge. With a beautiful scenic view of Tampa Bay that you can’t see anywhere else, this is a Friday night excursion you won’t want to miss!
Friday Night Meltdown Public Skate at AdventHealth Center Ice | Friday, January 24 at 7:30 pm
Wesley Chapel
Start your weekend off on the right skate out on the ice for a 2-hour public skate session! There will be a live DJ, colored lights and so much more!
Things to Do on Saturday, January 25
Kumquat Festival in Dade City | Saturday, January 25 from 9 am-5 pm
Dade City
You’ll have the opportunity to listen to eat delicious food, visit hundreds of arts and crafts vendor booths and learn about kumquats, “the little gold gems of the citrus industry”.
Prescribed Fire Fest at Edward Medard Park | Saturday, January 25 at 9 am
Plant City
Become a wildland firefighter for a day and celebrate the many benefits of prescribed fire. Join Hillsborough County Conservation & Environmental Lands Management for a day of eco-friendly fun, where the science of prescribed fire meets family-friendly festivities.
Gasparilla Pirate Fest | Saturday, January 25 at 10 am
Tampa
The Jose Gasparilla II, carrying hundreds of fierce pirates, sails to Tampa in search of the Key to the City. The ship and its accompanying flotilla travel north across the Bay and into Seddon Channel before they come ashore at the Tampa Convention Center. Once reaching their destination, our favorite scallywags will raise the flags, mark their territory, and take the Gasparilla celebration on land.
Weekend Workshop at Bricks 4 Kidz | Saturday, January 25 from 10 am-1 pm
Tampa
This 3 hour LEGO workshop full of LEGO robots, LEGO mosaic art, LEGO 3D art, and much more! Each week is a different theme! And at the end of each workshop, every child will get to take home their very own Bricks 4 Kidz Minifigure! This week, check out LEGO Pirate Workshop!
Kids Weekends at Busch Gardens | Saturday, January 25 from 10 am-8 pm
Tampa
Join Elmo, Cookie Monster, and all of your favorite Sesame Street friends for fun-filled weekends. Included with general admission.
Super Saturday: Spidey and His Amazing Friends at Coliseum of Comics | Saturday, January 25 from 10:30 am-2 pm
Tampa
Bring your little superheroes for a FREE Spidey-themed scavenger hunt! Each child gets a free Spidey mask! Help Spidey and Friends “web up” the villains with different webs hidden in the store! Perfect for kids ages 4-8.
International Food Festival at Raprager Family Farms | Saturday, January 25 from 11 am-5 pm
Odessa
Enjoy an amazing day of food and drinks at Raprager Family Farms Annual International Food Festival. With over 20 different food providers bringing an assortment of delicious foods with flavors from all over the world. Free admission and $15 wristbands for family-friendly activities.
Storytime at Barnes and Noble | Saturday, January 25 at 11 am
Various locations
Join Barnes and Noble every Saturday at 11:00 am for fun stories and activities! Available at Carrollwood, Dale Mabry, and Shops at Wiregrass locations.
Cyber Bowling Kid’s Matinee at Pin Chasers | Saturday, January 25 from 12 pm-4 pm (Veteran’s) and 1 pm-5 pm (Midtown)
Tampa
Cyber Bowling is the fusion of high-energy entertainment and bowling. While you bowl, your favorite music and club lighting create a glowing, nightclub-like atmosphere. Special family matinees feature family-appropriate music so families can enjoy the fun together at an earlier time.
Minecraft Mania at MOSI | Saturday, January 25 from 1 pm-3 pm
Tampa
You’ll get a chance to play on individual, small-team, and full-team challenges as you work on perfecting your mining strategies, enchanting your tools and armor, defending a city from an alien attack, or even learning some basic coding! Children registered for Minecraft Mania will also receive general admission to the museum for no additional cost. Due to the space constraints of the computer lab, parents are not permitted to attend this program. Parents may drop off their participants and return for pickup at 3 pm or are welcome to purchase their own general admission and visit the museum during the program. For ages 7-12.
Esports Open Play at Northdale Recreation Center | Saturday, January 25 from 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Tampa
Esports specialists will be on hand to inspire and encourage new social skills, help develop gaming fundamentals, and set a safe, inclusive, and positive social environment. Their coaches are Esports competitors who have the skills and experience to help any player develop and grow their skills to perform better in competitions. In addition to developing Esports skills, participants socialize with like-minded competitors and make new friends in a high-energy environment.
Gamer Hub at Code Ninjas Wesley Chapel | Saturday, January 25 from 3 pm-6 pm
Wesley Chapel
Calling all Gamers! Code Ninjas Wesley Chapel is hosting the ultimate GAMER HUB event! Drop your kids off for 3 hours of non-stop fun as they game with new friends, challenge their SENSEIs, and have a blast in a safe, exciting space!
Things to Do on Sunday, January 26
Sunshine Sunday at Glazer Children’s Museum | Sunday, January 26 from 8 am-10 am
Tampa
Sunshine Sunday is a special monthly event for children with special needs and their caregivers. Come explore the Museum with lights and sounds turned down and sensory-adapted tools, special programs, and community resources at your fingertips. During this time, children and their families can experience the Museum and unite with others on a similar journey.
Sunday Breakfast Bowl at Pin Chasers | Sunday, January 26 from 9 am-11 am
Various Locations
Bring the whole family to Pin Chasers for unlimited bowling plus breakfast! Breakfast Bowling includes two hours of bowling, two eggs (your way), bacon, and toast.
Art on the Spectrum at Tampa Museum of Art | Sunday, January 26 from 9 am-10 am
Plant City
Art on the Spectrum is a special monthly event designed to welcome individuals with sensory sensitivities, developmental differences, and their caregivers. Enjoy exploring the museum in a calm, low-crowd environment with sensory-friendly tools and supportive assistance available. You can borrow noise-canceling headphones or other sensory items from the front desk as well. This event offers children and their families a chance to connect with others who share similar experiences, while enjoying all the museum has to offer.
Kids Weekends at Busch Gardens | Sunday, January 26 from 10 am-8 pm
Tampa
Join Elmo, Cookie Monster, and all of your favorite Sesame Street friends for fun-filled weekends. Included with general admission.
Healthy Family Fair at Water Works Park | Saturday, January 25 from 11 am-3 pm
Tampa
The Tampa Bay Moms Group invites you to attend the annual Healthy Family Fair! This FREE event allows Tampa Bay Families to connect with resources including services, products and experts that cover all areas of health for your family plus other organizations that can enrich your lives and community! This is a fun event for the whole family featuring swag bags for the first 100 families at the TBMG table, a variety of food and drink offerings, excellent vendors and exhibitors, entertainment, activities, character visits, interactive exhibits and much more! Physical, Mental, Emotional, Developmental wellbeing along with Financial, Educational, Home Health will be featured along with products and services to improve health, safety, wellness and overall quality of life for your whole family in and outside of the home! Free Screenings and other Health Services will be available on site!
Cyber Bowling Kid’s Matinee at Pin Chasers | Sunday, January 26, from 12 pm-4 pm (Veteran’s) and 1 pm-5 pm (Midtown)
Tampa
Cyber Bowling is the fusion of high-energy entertainment and bowling. Your favorite music and club lighting create a glowing, nightclub-like atmosphere while you bowl. Special family matinees feature family-appropriate music so families can enjoy the fun together at an earlier time.
Swiftie Painting and Bracelet Making at Art Paper Scissors | Sunday, January 26 from 2 pm-4 pm
Land O Lakes
Calling all Swifties – this one is for you!Enjoy a Taylor Swift inspired painting and making Swiftie bracelets all while listening to all your favorite Taylor Swift songs and singing along for two hours straight!
Dueling Piano for Kids at Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar and Restaurant | Sunday, January 26 from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm
Wesley Chapel
Fun for the Whole Family! Entertainment is focused on music for the kids from favorite pop songs, movies, and shows as requested by the audience!
Related: Awesome family-friendly things to do with kids in Orlando
SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE AWESOME EVENTS IN TAMPA BAY:
Monster Jam | February 1-2, 2025
Raymond James Stadium
Get ready for an unforgettable family weekend as Monster Jam takes over Tampa this February! Start the day of adrenaline-charged fun at the Monster Jam Pit Party on Saturday and Sunday where families have the opportunity to meet their favorite drivers, collect autographs and snap photos with the massive trucks. Then, experience the heart-pounding excitement as the drivers compete in thrilling races and gravity-defying stunts. Event ticket and separate Pit Party pass required.
Brave Hearts: A Rally Against Bullying | Sunday, Feb. 2nd, from 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Tampa City Center, Tampa
Calling all Upstanders! This family-friendly event will help a community of children ages 6-13 master skills and become an upstander for kids who need brave friends in their corner. Programming also includes adult break-out sessions to support caregivers with the prevention and resolution of issues that involve bullying. Access to medical professionals, child life specialists, school officials, and city leaders is included. Empowerment, celebration, and fun are guaranteed! Register here: https://weemacree.com/pages/againstbullying Use code bravefriend24 for free tickets!
Florida State Fair | February 6-17; Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday – Sunday & President’s Day: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
4800 US Hwy. 301 North, Tampa 33610
Join the excitement at the 2025 Florida State Fair, February 6-17 in Tampa! Enjoy thrilling rides, mouthwatering fair food, and live entertainment for all ages. Explore creative contests, captivating exhibits, and discover Florida’s agricultural heritage. With something for everyone, from exciting shows to hands-on experiences, there’s endless fun to be had. Let Your Fun Shine and create lasting memories with family and friends. Don’t miss out on the adventure of a lifetime!
Moster Energy AMA Supercross | Saturday, February 8, 2025
Raymond James Stadium
Experience Supercross up close as riders race for the championship in Tampa. FanFest offers access to the sport’s biggest stars as well as a closer look at their race bikes and team rigs before the race begins at 7:00 pm. Fans can look forward to a night full of fast races, wild stunts, and all the excitement of Supercross. An event ticket and a separate FanFest pass are required.
Blippi: Join the Band Tour at Ruth Eckerd Hall | February 21, 2025 at 6 pm
Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater
C’mon and join Blippi to make music in your hometown in the brand new live Blippi: Join the Band Tour at Ruth Eckerd Hall on February 21. Blippi will be joined onstage by Meekah, their singing and dancing buddies and LIVE musicians to explore what makes music, including sounds, rhythms and instruments, through all your favorite Blippi hits. Get ready for a musical performance that’s fun for the whole family!
Florida Strawberry Festival | February 27 – March 9
Plant City
The Florida Strawberry Festival is an 11-day community event celebrating the strawberry harvest of Eastern Hillsborough County. Each year, over 600,000 visitors enjoy the Festival’s headline entertainment, youth livestock shows, exhibits of commerce and, of course, its strawberry shortcake. The 2025 Florida Strawberry Festival where “The Stage Is Set!” will take place February 27 – March 9 in Plant City, featuring headliners like The Beach Boys, Reba, Boyz 2 Men, Nelly, Lynyrd Skynyrd and more!
Disney’s THE LION KING | April 2-20, 2025
The Straz Center, Tampa
Disney’s THE LION KING returns to Straz Center this April for three weeks only!
MORE THINGS TO DO: See What’s on Exhibit in Tampa Bay
Grossology at MOSI | Now- April 7, 2025
Tampa
Get grossed out with MOSI and discover how the human body works in the most entertaining way possible! Starting September 14, Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body will dive into the slimy, stinky world of all the gross things our bodies do. Meet wacky characters like the snotty Nigel Nose-It, climb the human skin wall, interact with the soda-slurping Burp Man, explore different body odors, play a life-sized game of Operation, and more! Included with museum admission.
LEGO® Ferrari Race & Build Experience at LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Winter Haven
Prepare to become the ultimate race car driver at this interactive experience for the whole family. The moment guests enter the attraction, they are greeted by a life-size LEGO® Ferrari 296 GTS model followed by interactive zones for guests to hop into the driver’s seat by building, tweaking, and racing their own car creations.
Get a FIRST LOOK at the LEGO Ferrari exhibit here!
Australia at ZooTampa
Tampa
ZooTampa’s latest expansion is now open! This new area features the new family-friendly safari ride, Aussie Trek. Other enhancements include the reimagined Billabong Splash Pad, a new play area, and an expanded wallaby viewing area. Guests can also partake in the new Wallaby Signature Encounter, along with the returning Koala Signature Encounter. The Lil Joey Family Stop also provides parents and nursing moms a private place to tend to smaller children. There are also two new food and beverage locations, and a special event beginning at 3 pm daily called Sunset Sips, where families can enjoy a DJ dance party along with BOGO food and drinks at the Boomerang Bar!
Stingray Feeding Experience at the Florida Aquarium
Tampa
The Florida Aquarium just launched a new animal experience where you and your kids who are ages 8 and older can learn all about how biologists at the Aquarium care for stingrays. You will help prepare their food and then feed the stingrays during the educational tour. The experience is $30 per person. The 50-minute tour is offered at 2:10 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
See the World’s Largest Triceratops at Glazer Children’s Museum
Tampa
Big John, the world’s largest fossil triceratops is now on display at Glazer Children’s Museum for a three-year exhibition. For the first time, the museum is waiving its requirement that adults attend the museum with a child, to ensure everyone has a chance to see Big John nose to snout for themselves. While you do not need a reservation to go to the museum, you will need to book a timeslot to see Big John. This will eliminate crowds so you can make the most out of the experience. Learn more about how to plan your day to see Big John the Triceratops here.
MORPH’D at The Florida Aquarium
Tampa
This all-new exhibit features 18 species with unique adaptations from around the globe including axolotyls! Check out the adorable axolotl, peculiar paddlefish, and charming chameleon. Located in the new Mosaic Exhibit Hall, the gallery will also feature hands-on interactives that will give you a sense of what it is like to be one of these amazing creatures, connecting you with nature in a whole new way. Included with general admission.
Zubrick Magic Theatre
St. Pete
Expect the unexpected this weekend at the Zubrick Magic Theatre! Gather the entire family for a magical experience filled with jaw-dropping illusions, laugh-out-loud comedy, and plenty of audience participation that will leave you in awe. Illusionists Chris & Ryan Zubrick conjure up a performance designed to entertain and amaze adults while remaining family-friendly for all ages to enjoy. With over 1,000 five-star reviews on Google, TripAdvisor, and Yelp, the Zubrick Magic Theatre guarantees to stretch smiles and drop jaws, leaving you scratching your head in disbelief, wondering, “How did they do that?!” Get your tickets now before they all… DISAPPEAR!
Tickets from $44.
Read More: Get your tickets to Tampa Bay’s ONLY magic show before they all … disappear!
FloridaRAMA (formerly Fairgrounds St. Pete) – Open Thursday-Sunday
St. Pete
FloridaRAMA (formerly Fairgrounds St. Pete) is an immersive art experience has made its mark in Tampa Bay! There are more than 70 artists featured. You can go and simply enjoy the whimsical art that celebrates weird, wacky, wonderful Florida or choose a different adventure and try to crack the codes and mysteries you’ll find throughout. Its newest exhibit Shrimpfinity embodies all of that–and it just might be your new favorite spot to snap the coolest photos with the kids! While you’re there, let the kids explore this unique immersive art exhibit that puts all of your senses to work. It’s truly something you’ve never seen or experienced before! Learn more about FloridaRAMA (formerly Fairgrounds St. Pete).
Paws for Literacy at Humane Society of Tampa Bay | Tuesdays and Thursdays
Tampa
The Humane Society of Tampa Bay gives children who love animals a chance to spend time with them while catching up on their reading or improving their reading skills. Children are paired with homeless pets who love to hear the stories and look at the pictures. The program is offered for children ages 5 and up. They’ll provide reading stools, books, and treats (for the animals), but children are welcome to bring their own books if they wish. Books provided include animal tales, stories of the animal-human bond, and books that teach empathy to young readers. Supervised by a Florida state certified teacher.
Ruskin Family Drive-In | Wednesdays-Sundays
The Ruskin Family Drive-In Theatre has over 50 years of continuous service to the Ruskin and South Hillsborough County. It’s been a community gathering place since its first movie, “Singing in the Rain” played in 1952. They offer great movies, good food, and peace and quiet on a continuous basis with a 2000 square foot screen, clean restrooms, snack bar, and clean parking lot. Please note: you must bring a portable radio with you or use the radio in your car to hear the movie. There will be no showings on Monday and Tuesday.
Immersive Movies at Clearwater Marine Aquarium | Saturdays from 11 am – 4 pm
Clearwater
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is offering two new movies –Turtle Odyssey and T-Rex. The 25-minute-long movies will run between 11 am and 4 pm as an added guest experience in the Visitor Center’s Dolphin Tale Theater. Narrated by Russell Crowe, Turtle Odyssey explores the unique lifecycle of an Australian green sea turtle named Bunji and her incredible journey across the open ocean. The film follows Bunji from a hatchling into adulthood as she swims thousands of miles, meets incredible creatures, and has some really wild encounters. Included in the general admission cost.
Storytime & Aviation Playground at the Florida Air Museum | Tuesdays at 10 am
Lakeland
Join Aerospace Center for Excellence as we bring stories to life and create amazing, interactive learning experiences for our Junior ACE’s – exploring the universe, one adventure at a time! All are welcome. Content is targeted for our young ones, ages 2-5. Story Time is FREE. Then, save time to PLAY at Central Florida’s only Aviation Playground, open 7 days a week and included in Museum admission with kids 11 and under FREE! see FloridaAirMuseum.org for hours.
Parents’ Nights Out!
While family time is fun, it’s also important to carve some time out for yourself, whether it’s a night out with your significant other, friends, or some solo time. Several places around the Tampa area are hosting Parents’ Nights Out! For a fee, you can drop your kids off for some fun activities and playtime while you get an evening out!
Playgrounds of Tampa | Second and Fourth Friday of Every Month from 6 pm – 10 pm
For four hours, your kids will be entertained with games, movies and bounce houses galore (maybe even with some pizza) while you do whatever you want. Participants must be potty trained, ages 4 and up. Cost is $30 per child. Click here to register.
Humane Society of Tampa Bay | Last Friday of Every Month from 6 pm – 10 pm
Kids ages 5 and up will enjoy playing with the shelter animals, dinner, and watching a movie with furry friends! This program takes place monthly and registration is required. The dogs and cats can’t wait to party! Cost is $50 per child. Includes pizza dinner and drinks. To register, click here.
Jubilee Gymnastics | Second and Fourth Friday of Every Month from 6 pm – 9:30 pm
Drop off the kids to eat, play, and have fun at Jubilee Gymnastics in Ruskin while you enjoy a night out. Pre-registration is highly encouraged as these will fill up quickly. For kids ages 4 and up. Cost is $30 per child for members/$35 for non-members. Includes pizza and drinks! Click here to sign up.
Cypress Forest Park | Last Friday of Every Month from 6 p.m. – 10:30 pm
Take a night off while your children enjoy themed fun at Cypress Forest Park in Oldsmar! Pizza dinner are included. For kids ages 5-12. Cost is $10 for kids with a rec card and $15 for kids without. Click here to learn more.
More ideas to spark a weekend of lifelong memories!
Upgrade your day at ZooTampa with an animal encounter!
If you’re planning a day at ZooTampa, we love upgrading our experience with the kids with animal encounters like feeding the giraffes or rhinos. We recently booked a time to feed Jamie the Indian White Rhino with our 5-year-old and he had a great time. Baby Rhino Gronk even hung out for snacks! You do have to wear a face mask during the encounter, but you can remove it for a photo. Learn more here.
Snap a mural selfie and help provide a free eye exam and glasses for a local child!
Head over to Armature Works to check out the NEW mural on the north end of the property created to promote the Glazer Vision Foundation’s “Glasses For All Children” campaign. All you have to do is share a photo of the mural, a selfie in front of the mural, or selfie wearing any type of glasses, tag @glazervisionfdn, hashtag #OneShareOnePair and the foundation will give a local child a free eye exam, and pair of glasses! Easy peasy!
Check out the St. Pete Pier
Eat, drink, shop, and play at the new St. Pete Pier. The new playground area is quickly becoming a family favorite in Tampa Bay, just make sure to bring plenty of hand sanitizer and/or hand sanitizing wipes with you. Stay late and look up to see the Bending Arc light up in a spectacular display. You will need to wear a mask inside the stores, restaurants, and Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center. The Glazer Vision Foundation just announced it is contributing $1.5 million to the Glazer Family Playground at the Pier to support the space for years to come! Learn more.
FREE Resouces to Explore!
Children’s Board Family Resource Centers
The program provides parents and caregivers and their children an opportunity to participate in parent/child developmental playgroups, developmental screenings, and health and safety education classes at no cost. In addition, pediatric well-child visits, immunizations, and hearing or vision screenings are provided for qualifying families. To sign up for programs and services, and to find your neighborhood Children’s Board Family Resource Center visit familysupporthc.org.
Learn & Play Tampa Bay Playgroups
The program provides quality early learning experiences at no cost at the seven children’s Board Family Resource Centers and other designated Hillsborough County sites. The program also delivers weekly in-person and online virtual developmental classes and provides take-home activities that promote early learning and school readiness at no cost. Learn more via the Glazer Children’s Museum Facebook page.
Outdoorsy Things to Do in Tampa Bay
Head to the beach!
The beaches are open, but you’ll see plenty of reminders about social distancing. You’ll also want to pack some extras in your beach bag like hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. Cloth masks are also a good idea in case you decide to visit an establishment that requires them. We’re sharing some of our favorite family-friendly beaches in Tampa Bay here.
Go for a hike!
Lace up the hiking shoes and spend the day in nature with the kids! Many preserves and conservation parks are now open in Tampa Bay. Find a park near you or discover a new one:
Weekend Farmers Markets in Tampa Bay this Weekend
Saturday Morning Market at Williams Park in St. Pete | Saturdays from 9 am -1 pm
Experience one of the top farmers markets in the U.S.! Expect an estimated 170 vendors selling their goods and artisans selling their crafts. Add stellar food choices for dining and live music for entertainment and it’s a perfect day in the Florida sunshine. Their Summer Market, located at Williams Park, typically runs from June to August.
Dunedin Downtown Market | Saturdays from 9 am-1 pm
The Dunedin Downtown Market at John Lawrence Pioneer Park features 40+ local merchants and vendors including fresh fruits and vegetables.
Fresh Market at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel | Select Saturdays from 10 am-2 pm
There are 60+ vendors expected at the Fresh Market at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel including organic and hydroponically grown produce.
Corey Avenue Market in St. Pete Beach | Sundays from 9 am- 1 pm
Corey Avenue Market features more than 70 local vendors and merchants selling everything from crafts, art, food and locally grown produce.
Ybor City Saturday Market in Tampa | Every Saturday from 9 am-1 pm
The Ybor City Saturday Market is the largest continually operating outdoor market in the Tampa Bay Area. Centered in Tampa’s Historic District, the market is one of the most popular shopping destinations for locally produced items unique to the Tampa Bay Area. Features locally made arts, crafts, and gourmet foods representing the area.
The Market Elaine at Wesley Chapel | First Friday of Every Month
Head to The Grove in Wesley Chapel for a unique evening market featuring tons of local businesses! Enjoy local vendors, live music, food, and more. themarketculture.com
Hyde Park Fresh Market in Tampa | First Sunday of Every Month from 10 am -3 pm
Hyde Park Fresh Market features over 80 local vendors including produce, handcrafted goods, plants, and more. While you shop, enjoy live music by Gasparilla Music in Village Circle.
Carrollwood Market | Select Saturdays from 10 am-2 pm
Head to the Carrollwood Cultural Center to explore 60+ local vendors and businesses.
Westchase Locale Market | Every Second Saturday from 10 am – 3 pm October-June
Enjoy live music and over 30 vendors in Westchase Town Center every second Saturday of the month.
Celebrate the Weekend in Orlando!
Want MORE ideas for fun adventures in Orlando or Walt Disney World? We’ve got more here! You can also follow our media partners at OrlandoDateNightGuide.com