Summer break is in full swing and lucky you for calling the Sunshine State home, because there are tons of awesome things to do with the kids in Tampa Bay!

This weekend you can check out some of our favorite events like Jurassic Quest & Brick Fest Live, Tampa Bay Rodeo & Family Festival, AND beat the heat on Sunday with some cool treats for National Ice Cream Day!

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, More Awesome Things to Do, What's on Exhibit, Save the Date, and more.

Featured Events

Giving the following events an extra shout-out since their support helps us provide this amazing weekend guide to you for free!

Tampa Bay Rodeo & Family Festival | July 18 and 19, Gates at 5 p.m.

Hillsborough County Fairgrounds
Saddle up for a wild ride because the Tampa Bay Rodeo & Family Festival, presented by Bartow Ford, is rolling into town, with all the heart-pounding action you’ve been waiting for! The best cowfolk in the Southeast are saddling up at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds for a FULL RODEO, featuring 2 action-packed days of bull riding, bronco busting, barrel racing, calf roping, team roping and bull dogging. The Family Festival kicks off the excitement with LIVE MUSIC, food, and activities for the whole family.

Wild Oasis at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | NOW OPEN!

Busch Gardens-Tampa
The Wild Oasis Realm finally opens this weekend, first to Platinum Pass members on Saturday and then on Sunday to Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Pass members. And then on Monday, all pass members and Fun Card holders can go before the realm opens to all guests on Tuesday!

SEA LIFE Florida at LEGOLAND Florida Resort | NOW OPEN!

LEGOLAND Florida-Winter Haven
Get ready for this under-the-sea adventure at this all-new indoor attraction! You can expect to see more than 3,000 sea creatures and even walk through a 180-degree underwater tunnel! We'll be there for the official opening on Friday morning!

Meet Splat the Cat at Glazer Children's Museum | July 18-20

Tampa
All summer long, you can meet characters from your child's favorite books, and this weekend, it's Splat the Cat! Here's who else you can expect to meet:

Splat the Cat, July 18 – 20: Meet nervous yet brave, Splat the Cat, created by Rob Scotton!
Pancake Pig, August 1 – August 3: Meet the pancake-loving Pig from If You Give a Pig a Pancake by Laura Numeroff!

Sesame Street’s Safari of Fun 15^th Birthday | Through August 2

Busch Gardens – Tampa
Celebrate Sesame Street Safari of Fun’s 15^th birthday at Busch Gardens! Bring the whole family for special fun, entertainment, your favorite characters, and more! This weekend, you can meet Mr. Snuffleupagus on July 5-7! Buschgardens.com/tampa

Summer Nights at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Through August 10
School’s out, and it’s time for some extra playtime! Stay longer and play later all summer long with the ultimate evening thrills that light up the park with extended hours, non-stop dazzling entertainment, special summer eats and treats, and more! This year, they have a NEW drone show, Wild Skies, and a NEW action-packed show, Moto Motion!

Summer Classics at Tampa Theatre | Sundays at 3 p.m., through August 31

Downtown Tampa
The historic Theatre’s 34^th annual Summer Classics movie series brings iconic films back to the big screen every Sunday, June 1 to August 31. Enjoy timeless favorites like The Princess Bride, The Wizard of Oz, and Casablanca, plus silent shorts with live organ accompaniment. This family-friendly series offers affordable tickets ($10 / $7 for Theatre members) and post-show Film Talks, making it Tampa’s coolest summer escape.

Capybara Chillout at Clearwater Marine Aquarium| Through July 20

Clearwater
FINAL WEEKEND! The capys are back! Guests can once again enjoy the charming chaos of the Capybara Chillout, featuring a new family of four 9-week-old capybaras ready to win hearts and steal the show.

Lost Pearl Pirate Adventure Cruises | Weekends

BOGO 50% off all public pirate cruises through Sep. 1, 2025!
Sailing from Downtown Tampa — (July 4th Fireworks cruise is available!)
Do ye have what it takes to be a pirate? Join the fearless crew of the Lost Pearl on an epic quest for treasure in Downtown Tampa! Embark on a swashbuckling adventure filled with excitement as ye learn to load and dodge cannonballs, pass them along to yer mates, and defend yerself with water cannons. Follow orders, test yer sea legs, and prepare for endless pirate fun. Now booking birthday parties, field trips & private events! Adult tickets from $35.
Use promo code: summersail to book your discounted tickets today!

Zubrick Magic Theatre | Showtimes at 7 p.m. & Sundays at 2 p.m.

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.

River Country Water Park | Now Open!

Westgate River Ranch
Get ready for splash-filled adventures at River Country Water Park at Westgate River Ranch, now open! Splash through thrilling water slides, take a refreshing dip in the pool, and enjoy plenty of kid-friendly attractions perfect for the whole family. Whether you're soaking up the sun or relaxing poolside, there's no better place in Lake Wales for a full day of fun. Plus, book early at RiverCountry.com and score free water park tickets, making your stay even more unforgettable. Don't miss out on the ultimate family getaway!

MORE Awesome Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Weekend

Neon Summer at FloridaRAMA | Through September 1

St. Petersburg
Escape the heat for this indoor adventure where you and the kids can enjoy an immersive art experience while playing in a glowing 9-hole round of artist-created mini golf! Tickets start at $30 for kids ages 4-12 and $35 for adults. Tickets include admission to FloridaRAMA.

Sesame Street Safari of Fun 15th Birthday Celebration| Through August 3

Tampa
The Sesame Street Safari of Fun turns 15! The area will be adorned with colorful garland, bright balloons, fabulous birthday presents and more fun decor. Everyone can dance, groove, and sing along at the Furry Friends Birthday Dance Party, enjoy a birthday-themed story time, and get one-of-a-kind photos with everyone’s furry friends! Included with general admission.

Jurassic Quest Dinos at Glazer Children's Museum | Friday, July 18 at 4 pm

Tampa
Meet the dinos and their trainers from Jurassic Quest during their appearance at GCM! Included in general admission.

Friday Fun Day at Empower Adventures | Friday, July 18 at 4 pm

Tampa
Jumpstart your weekend with a thrilling outdoor adventure. Perfect for families, friends, and colleagues, Friday Fun Day is designed to provide a memorable experience filled with fun, excitement, and laughter.

Laser Light Show: Rock the Cosmos – Rush at MOSI | Friday, July 18 at 6:30 pm and 8:15 pm

Tampa
Laser Light Shows are taking over MOSI’s NEW Saunders Planetarium & Digital Dome Theatre! Step inside America’s second-largest planetarium and experience vivid laser visuals, dynamic music, and dazzling special effects. Designed for all ages, each performance pairs stunning visuals with your favorite soundtracks inside the 360-degree dome.

Family Axe Throwing at Highland Axe Throwing | Friday, July 18 – Sunday, July 20

Tampa
Your group gets a dedicated target, a countertop area, and an axe coach. Just book a date and time and come have some fun throwing axes. Professionally trained instructors take you through the technique of throwing an axe step by step and then help guide you through different games and challenges selected by your group. All participants must be 7 years of age or older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Parents or guardians need to sign waivers for all participants under the age of 18.

Conservation Connection at ZooTampa – International Tiger Day | Saturday, July 19 from 9:30 am-2:30 pm

Tampa
Find out how you can BE involved in conservation in your own backyard and take action when you get home to protect wildlife and wild places! ZT Saves Kids’ Club Notebooks and Stamp Passports are available for purchase in any of the zoo's gift shops. Use your notebook at the Zoo to collect clues and record observations, then use your notebook at home to record the extra activities you complete and to keep track of your conservation journey. At the end of the year, show your stamp collection to redeem small prizes to celebrate a year of conservation in action.

DIY-U Kids Workshop at Lowe's: Messi Soccer Shootout | Saturday, July 19 from 10 am-1 pm

Various Locations
Head to your local Lowe's for a FREE workshop! This month's activity: Messi Soccer Shootout! Get in the soccer spirit at Lowe's Messi Soccer Shootout workshop! Children will practice coordination and fine motor skills as they build their own mini soccer game. This interactive project combines DIY fun with Messi, making it the perfect workshop for young soccer fans!

Hometown Hero Day at Midtown Tampa | Saturday, July 19 from 10 am-2 pm

Tampa
Head to Midtown Tampa for a fun-filled day celebrating the incredible first responders and community partners who keep our city safe and strong. Families can meet Tampa’s local heroes, check out real fire trucks, enjoy music, giveaways, and take part in exciting activities with the Rays and Lightning Street Teams. Plus, don’t miss special appearances from organizations like Tampa Police Department, Seacoast Bank, OneBlood, and more. It’s a day of community pride you won’t want to miss!

Cyber Bowling Kid’s Matinee at Pin Chasers | Saturday, July 19, at various times depending on location

Tampa, East Pasco, Brandon, Tampa-Veterans
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.

Storytime at Barnes and Noble | Saturday, July 19 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.

Esports Open Play at Northdale Rec Center | Saturday, July 19 from 1:30 pm-4:30 pm

Tampa
The Esports lounges are staffed with Esports specialists who inspire and encourage new social skills, help develop gaming fundamentals, and set a safe, inclusive and positive social environment. 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.

STEM Saturday at Shanna and Bryan Glazer JCC | Saturday, July 19 from 10 am-12 pm

Tampa
Calling all children ages 4-12 for a STEM-tastic Saturday! Dive into the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math with hands-on experiments and engaging activities!

Children's Book Fair at Oxford Exchange | Sunday, July 20 from 10 am-4 pm

Tampa
This free community event is a celebration of imagination and reading, offering kids of all ages the opportunity to discover a wide selection of books ranging from 0-13 to young adult titles, as well as the chance to meet local children’s authors and enjoy interactive literary activities. This year’s fair will feature more than 30 children’s authors each showcasing their own titles and connecting with readers throughout the day. Featured authors include, but are not limited to, the following:

K.A. Leigh and Derek Roberts, Brudders Books
Sonia Lawson Lycett , the Little Ola book series
Brenda Grullon, The Hamaca Monster

Families can enjoy live storytelling sessions, hands-on activities, and a book-themed scavenger hunt designed to spark curiosity and a lifelong love of reading.

Sunday Breakfast Bowl at Pin Chasers | Sunday, July 20 from 9 am-11 am

Various Locations
Bring the whole family to Pin Chasers for unlimited bowling and breakfast! Includes two hours of bowling, two eggs (your way), bacon, and toast.

Tampa Bay Ice Cream Festival at St. Pete Pier | Sunday, July 20 from 11 am- 4 pm

St. Pete
Locals and tourists are invited to satisfy their sweet tooth this National Ice Cream Day at the fifth annual Tampa Bay Ice Cream Festival! Ice cream enthusiasts can indulge in this FREE event featuring various vendors, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, a thrilling ice cream competition, and of course an abundance of artisanal ice cream. No ticket is required as this event is open to the public. Ice cream and additional treats will be available for purchase.

Bluey Ice Cream Bash at Sister Scoops | Sunday, July 20 from 2 pm- 4 pm

Land O Lakes
Celebrate National Ice Cream Day with Bluey! Enjoy exclusive deals and discounts all day, Bluey-themed sundaes and shakes, and a special appearance from Bluey between 2pm and 4 pm!

Dueling Pianos for Kids at Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar and Restaurant | Sunday, July 20 from 4 pm-7 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!

And coming up next weekend, lots of Christmas in July fun!

MORE THINGS TO DO: See What’s on Exhibit in Tampa Bay

Forts Exhibit at Glazer Children's Museum | Now Open

Downtown Tampa
The beloved FORTS exhibit returns to Glazer Children's Museum this weekend in its newly expanded and permanent home on the second floor, just in time for spring break! You'll find it on the second floor where kids can use their imaginations to build an epic fort!

NEW! Let's See at Glazer Children's Museum | NOW OPEN

Glazer Children's Museum-Tampa
This colorful, bilingual (English and Spanish) exhibit, created in partnership with the Glazer Vision Foundation, invites families to explore the science of vision through hands-on, mind-bending experiences. Discover how your eyes work with playful interactives that bring light, color and perspective to life. Mix colors on spinning wheels, walk into a giant kaleidoscope and cast dazzling colored shadows. Peer through a water sphere to see the world flipped upside down – just like your eyes do before your brain flips it back! Try on glasses, test for color blindness and watch your pupils dilate as you explore how we see the world.

NEW! Giants, Dragons & Unicorns at MOSI | Now OPEN!

MOSI-Tampa
Were dragons just misunderstood dinosaurs? Could unicorns trace their horns to the Arctic seas? And did a real sea monster inspire the terrifying kraken? You’ll get a chance to find out as Giants, Dragons & Unicorns: The World of Mythic Creatures takes over MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry. Created by the American Museum of Natural History in New York, this unique exhibition brings centuries of folklore to life through the lens of science—revealing how real animals, fossils, and cultural traditions may have inspired legendary creatures like fire-breathing dragons, deep-sea monsters, magical unicorns, and more.

NEW! Wonders of Wetlands at Great Explorations Children's Museum | NOW OPEN

St. Pete

This new permanent exhibit, created in partnership with Tampa Bay Water, was designed to engage young minds and spark environmental curiosity. The immersive experience brings one of Florida’s most vital ecosystems to life inside the museum and kids can even go face to face with some of the creatures that call our wetlands homes like turtles, lizards, and a snake!

Dinos Unearthed at ZooTampa | Now Open!

Tampa
Go nose to snout with fifteen larger-than-life dinosaurs will offer explorers of all ages the chance to embark on a prehistoric adventure at Dinos Unearthed. The immersive experience will transport guests back in time to get up close to the colossal dinosaurs of the past, like the T-rex, stegosaurus, Utahraptor, and more!

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.

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.

SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE AWESOME EVENTS IN TAMPA BAY:

Brick Fan Expo | Saturday and Sunday, August 9-10

Florida State Fairgrounds
Join us in Tampa for the 3rd Annual Brick Fan Expo on Aug 9-10, 2025 at the Florida State Fairgrounds! Explore amazing LEGO® displays, meet LEGO Masters stars, contests, STEM activities , interactive zones, vendors and more. Don’t miss out! Get tickets here!

Brick Fan Expo in Tampa — Brick Expo, Photo Credit: Stefan Photo

Free Summer Play Series | July 20; July 27; August 3

Brandon Exchange Mall
You’re invited to Brandon Exchange’s Summer Play Series—where the fun is non-stop and the memories are free! Meet your favorite characters like Peppa Pig & George, Jon and Blitz from Dino Ranch, and everyone’s favorite heroes from PJ Masks. Plus, enjoy live music, roaming entertainment, scavenger hunts, and more. It’s the perfect way to keep the kids smiling all summer long! Brandon Exchange, located at I-75 and SR 60 in Brandon.

Monster Jam Roaring Back to Tampa | August 15-17, 2025

Amalie Arena
Get ready for an unforgettable family weekend as Monster Jam takes over Tampa this August! Featuring the Monster Jam Pit Party on Saturday and Sunday, August 16 & 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., families can enjoy adrenaline-charged fun where you can meet your favorite drivers, collect autographs and snap photos with the massive trucks. Then, dive into heart-pounding excitement as drivers compete in thrilling races and gravity-defying stunts in the MASSIVE trucks. Event ticket and separate Pit Party pass required. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

PAW Patrol Live! A Mighty Adventure | Saturday, August 23 at 10am & 2pm and Sunday, August 24 at 11am & 3pm

Get ready to PAW-ty like never before in a fun-tastic new PAW Patrol Adventure! With heroic action, catchy tunes and bark-loads of interactive fun, PAW Patrol’s electrifying new adventure is sure to leave tails wagging and audiences cheering! PAW Patrol Live! A Mighty Adventure is coming to the Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater on August 23 at 10am and 2pm & August 24 at 11am & 3pm. Learn more at TheMahaffey.com.

Disney Descendants Zombies | September 5, 2025

The Disney Descendants are hitting the stage in Tampa September 5th for a high-energy musical packed with fun, mischief, and your favorite songs. It’s a great night out for fans of the movies and live performances alike. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com

Turbo Babies Racetrack Read-Alongs, fueled by JWB | Sept. 6, from 10–11:30am

Celebrate National Read a Book Day with Turbo Babies at four Pinellas County libraries! Enjoy interactive stories, special guests, book giveaways, and a chance to win prizes valued at over $100—perfect for little ones ages 0–3! Join us for fun-filled read-alongs at:

Clearwater East Community Library – 2465 Drew St
Palm Harbor Library – 2330 Nebraska Ave
Largo Public Library – 120 Central Park Dr
St. Pete West Community Library – 6700 8th Ave N

20+ FUN Things to Do in Tampa this Weekend

National Chocolate Day Run for Chocolates | September 13, at 7:30am

Tampa Riverwalk
If you love running and also love chocolate, this one’s for you! Choose from a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or a one-mile fun run for all ages. Each participant gets a medal, a race shirt sent to their door, a towel, a digital training guide, and a sweet chocolate treat at the finish line. Whether you’re running for a personal best or just looking for something fun to do, it’s a great way to get outside and enjoy the morning!

Fall Family Fest | September 27, from 11am – 3pm

Water Works Park
Enjoy a free day of family fun at Water Works Park with interactive exhibits, giveaways, a giant inflatable corn maze, games, crafts, and a splash pad to cool off. There will be local vendors, food, entertainment, and even a dog park for furry friends. No ticket is required, but RSVPs help with planning!

Tampa Bay Ultimate Food Truck Festival | September 27, from 11am – 8pm

Tampa Premium Outlets, Lutz
Spend the day sampling flavors from over 30 food trucks offering tacos, BBQ, seafood, pizza, frozen desserts, and more. There’ll be live music and plenty of space to hang out, making it a fun and easy way to spend a Saturday. Walk around, try different bites, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere with friends or family!

Sesame Street Live | December 7, 2025

Join Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and all your favorite Sesame Street friends for a fun-filled day the whole family will love! Sesame Street Live! Elmo and Friends Say Hello is coming to Tampa for a musical adventure packed with singing, dancing, and lots of laughs. It’s the perfect outing for families and little ones who love the show. Tickets are available now at Ticketmaster.com

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 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 here.

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!

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! Find a park near you or discover a new one:

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 Orlando-Parenting.com and OrlandoDateNightGuide.com

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