It's October, which means it's officially time for all things Halloween! Get ready to start filling up your calendar with all the awesome spooktacular festivities with our guide to the BEST Halloween events for kids in Tampa Bay!

In the meantime, there are tons of fun things to do around Tampa Bay for kids of all ages! 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!

FIRST WEEKEND! Keel Farms Harvest Days | Weekends in October

Plant City

Visit Keel Farms every Saturday and Sunday in October for Harvest Days! From 10 am – 3 pm, enjoy family-friendly, festive fun with hay rides, a corn maze, pumpkin patch and painting, camel rides, seasonal wines and ciders, a pumpkin pie eating contest, local vendors and food trucks, and more. No tickets are required for this FREE event, and all ages + dogs are welcome! Parking is just $10.

Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa | Now through October 26, 2025

Tampa
Tampa Bay’s favorite family Halloween event will return in 2025! Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa is full of eerie family fun for everyone! Ghouls and goblins of all ages can enjoy howling outdoor experiences, mischievous characters, creepy culinary treats, and much more! NEW in 2025: Mesozoic Mayhem, the ultimate spooky adventures featuring dinosaurs, plus more all-new family-friendly fun!

Ananda Farms Fall Festival | Fridays-Sundays

Terra Ceia
Pumpkin SZN has arrived at Ananda Farms as this sweet, agritourism farm reopens for the season! They have adorable pumpkin patches, covered tractor wagon rides, u-pick flowers, and so many fun attractions for kids to explore, including an epic tree house and bounce pillows. Read all about the family-friendly fun at Ananda Farms here!

USF Football takes on Charlotte | Friday, October 3  at 7 pm

Raymond James Stadium – Tampa 

Get ready for a thrilling October with the USF Bulls at Raymond James Stadium! The Bulls take on Charlotte on Oct. 3 for Flashback Friday. Then, don’t miss the excitement of Homecoming as USF battles FAU on Oct. 18. It’s a celebration of Bulls pride, packed with spirit, tradition, and unforgettable football action. Be there to cheer loud and proud! The next home game is October 18 against FAU. usfbullstix.com 

Taylor Swift Laser Show at MOSI | Friday, October 3 from 6:30 pm-7:30 pm and 8:15 pm-9:15 pm

Tampa
Laser Light Shows are taking over MOSI’s NEW Saunders Planetarium and Digital Dome Theatre! Experience vivid laser visuals, dynamic music, and dazzling special effects. This month, catch the music of Taylor Swift while celebrating the release of her new album! Don’t miss this exciting mix of science, music, and light at MOSI!

Spheres Bubble Show at Glazer Children's Museum | Saturday, October 4 at 11 am

Tampa
Visit the Glazer Children's Museum for a bewitching bubble show as part of its Spooky Science programming, featuring Blaise Ryndes, a 4x Guinness World Record holder as seen on America's Got Talent! Blaise creates a fusion of art, science, and magic by creating unbelievable sculptures out of bubbles that are enhanced with fog, helium, and lighting effects. See how Blaise creates spookily scientific bubbles, some big enough to cover an entire person!

BayCare Kids Family Expo | Saturday, October 4 from 10 am-1 pm

Clearwater- Powell Pavilion at Morton Plant Mease Campus, 303 Pinellas St.

BayCare Kids invites local families to the BayCare Kids Family Expo, a free community event designed to connect parents and children with health resources, safety education, and family fun. The event will feature: Food distribution by Feeding Tampa Bay, free diapers and wipes (while supplies last), booster seat education, flu shots and adult health screenings, infant/child CPR and infant massage demonstrations, Touch-a-Truck experience, face painting, arts & crafts, raffles, and hurricane preparation resources

NEW! Space Week at MOSI | Saturday, October 4 through Friday, October 10

Tampa
Launch into seven days of cosmic discovery during Space Week at MOSI! Each day features a brand-new theme packed with hands-on activities and special planetarium shows that spark imagination, highlight real science, and celebrate humanity’s greatest space achievements. Daytime activities are included with MOSI admission, so you can dive right into the fun.

Nightmare on Franklin Street: Haunted Mansion at Tampa Theatre | Sunday, October 5 at 1:30 pm

Tampa
Tampa’s most historic (and most haunted) movie palace celebrates its “lucky 13th” annual Halloween series with classic horror movies, live shows, ghost tours and family-friendly frights on select dates all month long! Head to Tampa Theatre this Sunday for a spooktacular showing of Disney's Haunted Mansion as a part of their special “Mummy & Me” screenings, which are free for kids ages 12 and under!

A Pirate's Halloween Cruise on the Lost Pearl Pirate | Fridays-Sundays

Sailing from Downtown Tampa
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 with a Halloween twist! Embark on a swashbuckling adventure filled with excitement as ye learn to load and dodge cannonballs, play Halloween-themed games, and even pick out your own pumpkin in the hay maze on the dock. They are also booking birthday parties, field trips & private events!

Brick or Treat Monster Party at LEGOLAND Florida | Now through November 2, 2025

Winter Haven
Enjoy a Halloween party built just for kids at LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven. Kids can enjoy spooky LEGO building activities, trick-or-treating at MORE candy stations than ever before, NEW character meet-and-greets, and MORE.

Kandy's Sweetacular Celebration at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Now through October 26, 2025

Tampa
Join Kandy's new Sweetactular Celebration, go trick-or-treating, and participate in themed activities, games, and more! You can also celebrate with your Sesame Street friends at the Halloween-themed Sesame Street Safari of Fun starting this weekend!

Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Now through November 2, 2025

Tampa
Experience terrors around every corner at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Meet up with hundreds of roaming creatures, terrifying outdoor scare zones, and returning favorite haunted houses, including Stranglewood Estate. There will also be live, interactive entertainment, scare zones, and more.

MORE Awesome Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Weekend

Amazing Athletes at Armature Works | Friday, October 3 from 9:30 am-10:50 am

Tampa
Amazing Athletes is the premier developmental sports and physical fitness program that empowers kids through positive movement experiences with a focus on meeting their motor-development milestones! There are two classes offered, Amazing Tots (18 months to 3 years old: 9:30 am – 10:00 am) and Amazing Athletes (10:05 am-10:50 am). These classes are based on your child’s age and ensure a tailored program to suit their developmental needs.

Sunset Zip Line at Empower Adventures | Friday, October 3 and Saturday, October 4 at 4 pm

Oldsmar
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.

Party in the Park & Foam Party in Oldsmar | Friday, October 3 from 6 pm-9 pm

Oldsmar- R.E. Olds Park

Free fun for everyone! Inflatables for kids, along with giant versions of well-known games and interactive games for all ages. Enjoy the Food Trucks while listening to music and taking in the scenic views of the Bay. The Foam Party kicks off at 7:30 pm – don’t forget your towel! For details, call 813-749-1152.

Fun & Furious at Midtown Tampa | Friday, October 3 from 6 pm-10 pm

Tampa
Kick fun into high gear for a Friday full of games, treats, and exotic cars! Meet in the middle for larger-than-life yard games, live music, and treats from your favorite Midtown retailers. Then take a walk around the community to see Corsa Car Rally’s showcase of luxury and sports cars on display.

Kids DIY Workshop at Home Depot | Saturday, October 4 from 9 am-12 pm

Various Locations
Head to your local Home Depot for a FREE DIY craft! This month, create your own haunted candy box! All supplies included. While supplies last.

Family Fun Day with Hillsborough County Firefighters and Sheriff's Office | Saturday, October 4 from 10 am-3 pm

Tampa- Raymond James Stadium

Bring the whole family out to meet your local firefighters and sheriff’s deputies at the 3rd Annual Family Fun Day! Parking and admission are free. Kids will love the bounce houses, train rides, face painting, fire trucks, sheriff’s vehicles, and even a helicopter! Plus, enjoy food, music, games, and live entertainment. It’s a perfect way to celebrate our hometown heroes while making memories with the family. Don’t forget: Bring an unwrapped toy for the Hillsborough County Firefighters Toy Drive for Sincerely Santa!

Minecraft Mania at MOSI | Saturday, October 4 from 1 pm-3 pm

Tampa
You’ve mined for diamonds. You’ve traded emeralds. You’ve built portals to new realms. Now it’s time to put your skills to the test. Take on individual, small group, and full-team challenges. Build your computer skills while having fun and perfect your strategies. Learn basic coding and work together to defend your city from an alien invasion! Same-day admission to MOSI is included for each child registered in the program.

Tours at Fat Beet Farm | Friday, September 26 at 6:30 pm

Tampa
Get an exclusive peek at the inner workings around the farm, including sustainability initiatives and wildlife preservation/restoration projects! This 1-hour walking tour includes the vegetable gardens, composting and vermiculture, chickens, the biodigester, bees, microgreens, aquaculture systems, wetland, coastal preservation areas, and more!

Bricks 4 Kidz Weekend Workshop | Saturday, October 4 from 10 am-1 pm

Tampa
Unleash your creativity at Bricks 4 Kidz Weekend Workshop! Use STEM techniques to create the perfect themed build. Each child will make and take home a custom LEGO minifigure at the end of each workshop. This week, the theme is LEGO City: Around the World Workshop!

Cyber Bowling Kid's Matinee at Pin Chasers | Saturday, October 4 from 12 pm-4 pm

Various Locations
Cyber Bowling is the fusion of high energy entertainment and bowling where anything is possible! Your favorite music and club lighting create a glowing, family-friendly club-like atmosphere while you bowl. At Veteran's, Midtown, Brandon, and East Pasco locations.

Esports Open Play at Emanuel P. Johnson Rec Center | Saturday, October 4 from 1 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. Our 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.

Beats on the Street at Water Street | Saturday, October 4 from 3 pm-9 pm

Tampa
Head to Water Street for an unforgettable celebration of music and community at Beats on the Street where the streets of the Water Street Tampa neighborhood will come alive with the electrifying sounds of local talented musicians. This neighborhood-wide event is free and open to the public

MasterChef All-Stars LIVE! at Mahaffey Theater | Saturday, October 4 at 7 pm

St. Petersburg
Get ready, food lovers! MasterChef All-Stars Live! is bringing your favorite chefs straight from the MasterChef kitchen to St. Pete! This brand-new, high-energy stage show delivers the ultimate MasterChef experience – LIVE up close and personal! Witness epic head-to-head battles, thrilling challenges, and jaw-dropping culinary creations right before your eyes. Plus, hear from your favorite all stars on what it’s like to cook in America’s famous kitchen and toughest judges plus tips and tricks to take to your own home kitchen.

Sunday Breakfast Bowl at Pin Chasers | Sunday, October 5 from 9 am-11 am

Multiple locations
Breakfast bowling includes two hours of bowling, two eggs (your way), bacon, and toast. Taking place at the Veteran's, Midtown, Brandon, and East Pasco locations.

Howl-O-Ween 5K at Gadsen Park | Sunday, October 5 at 9 am

Tampa
Howl-o-Ween 5K is all about running (or walking) and supporting amazing animal shelters! This race is a sure thing for a great doggy good time! This race is timed and scored by J3 Timing. Dogs are welcome but do not need to be registered.

Sensory Sensitive Sundays at Chuck E Cheese | Sunday, October 5 from 9 am-11 am

Various Locations
Through their Sensory Sensitive Sunday program, participating locations open two hours early on the first Sunday of the month. They offer a quieter environment, dimmed lighting, and a trained and caring staff to ensure each guest has a safe, fun-filled visit.

Dueling Pianos for Kids at Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar and Restaurant | Sunday, October 5 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!

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

MOSI artificial intelligence exhibit. Photo by Kelly Nierstedt — New AI exhibit coming to MOSI in Tampa. Photo by Kelly Nierstedt.

Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine exhibit at MOSI | Now Open!

Tampa
Can a machine think like you? Learn like you? Paint your portrait like Picasso? Starting September 6, visitors at MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry, can find out in a brand-new way with the opening of Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine, a hands-on exhibit that makes the world of AI exciting, accessible, and unforgettable.

Wild Oasis at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | NOW OPEN!

Busch Gardens-Tampa
The Wild Oasis Realm is finally open at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay! There's a new ride, a splash pad, and so many ways to climb and play!

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!

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! 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!

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!

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!

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.

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 – 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.

SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE AWESOME EVENTS IN TAMPA BAY:

Keel Farms Harvest Days | Weekends in October, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

5202 Thonotosassa Rd, Plant City, FL 33565
Visit Keel Farms every Saturday and Sunday in October for Harvest Days! From 10am – 3pm, enjoy family-friendly, festive fun with hay rides, a corn maze, pumpkin patch and painting, camel rides, seasonal wines and ciders, a pumpkin pie eating contest, local vendors and food trucks, and more. No tickets are required for this FREE event, and all ages + dogs are welcome! Parking is just $10.

Blippi: Join the Band Tour! | Thursday, October 2, at 6 p.m.

Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Blippi, the blue-and-orange clad children’s entertainer, is going places – specifically Disney World. Blippi and best friend Meekah are starring in a series of videos in which they explore Disney World and its adjoining parks as well as Disney Cruise Lines. It’s another giant step for the show, which began on YouTube and was picked up by Netflix, attracting more than a billion views along the way. Yes, with a “b.” In this new show, Blippi, Meekah and all of their friends discover the joy of making music.

MasterChef All – Stars Live! | Saturday, October 4

Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater
Get ready, food lovers! MasterChef All – Stars Live! is here, bringing your favorite chefs straight from the MasterChef kitchen to you …LIVE on stage! Cheer loud for your favorite chefs , Season 15 finalists, The Fiery Cooks, Rachel and Julio; Season 14 winner Michael Leonard; and Season 9 winner Gerron Hunt as they go head – to – head in cooking demonstrations and fun challenges with an overall immersive audience.

Movies on the Pier | Friday, October 17, 8 p.m.

Family Park, St. Pete Pier
Start a new St. Pete tradition! Join in every third Fridayon the Pier for an outdoor movie. VIP upgrades are available for premium reserved seating, two drink tickets, and one popcorn. This month’s feature is A Minecraft Movie.

Watermelon Swim Pumpkin Patches and Fall Festival | October 18, from 4-7 p.m.

Pumpkin Patches (all 5 Locations): October 3-31^st
Fall Festival (Lutz + S. Tampa Location): Saturday, October 18, from 4-7 p.m.
Check out Watermelon Swim’s free annual Fall Festival packed with seasonal fun, including trunk-or-treating, fall-themed games & prizes, photo ops, tasty treats, bounce houses, pumpkin painting, and more! Fall Festival is open to everyone, and it’s the perfect way to celebrate autumn while discovering all that Watermelon Swim has to offer, including why water safety matters just as much in the fall as it does in summer. RSVP for your chance to win Watermelon Swim gift certificates, swag bags, and more.

Epic Drone Show: Celebrating 5 Years of ExPIERiences | Saturday, October 18, 8 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

St. Pete Pier
Experience over 1,000 synchronized drones lighting up the night sky to tell the incredible story of the City of St. Petersburg! Watch in awe as aerial animations recreate historic icons like the Million Dollar Pier and the Inverted Pyramid, leading up to the modern-day St. Pete Pier.

Lost Pearl + Bricks 4 Kids Pirate LEGO Adventure Cruise | October 18, setting sail at 10 a.m.

Downtown Tampa
Don’t miss this limited-time cruise that brings together the magic of building and the thrill of the sea! Set sail on Tampa’s pirate ship for a one-of-a-kind pirate adventure featuring a special pop-up experience from Bricks 4 Kidz for a 90-minute family-friendly cruise. Join our swashbuckling crew for interactive games, treasure hunting, epic photo ops, and of course—building pirate creations with Bricks 4 Kidz! It’s the ultimate mashup of imagination and high-seas adventure, perfect for pirates of all ages; Tickets $34.95 per person; $19.95 for ages 2 and under.

Costumed Dog Parade | Saturday, October 25, 2 p.m.-7 p.m.

St. Pete Pier
Register your pup to join the parade! Dress up your dog in their best costume and compete for prizes in fun categories like Best Human & Pet Duo, Most Original, and People’s Choice. Bring pet food donations for the pet food drive benefiting the Friends of Strays in St. Pete.

Trick-or-Treat on the Riverwalk in Tampa | Saturday, October 25 from 4-7 p.m.

Tampa: Cotanchobee Park and the Tampa Convention CenterBring the whole family to Riverwalk Trick or Treat for a spooktacular evening of safe, family-friendly Halloween fun along Tampa’s beautiful waterfront! Kids can collect candy at over 50 treat stations, enjoy festive activities, enter a costume contest, and end the night with a showing of Monsters, Inc. in the park. This free community event, hosted by Friends of the Riverwalk, is one of Tampa’s favorite Halloween traditions you won’t want to miss!

Hillsborough County Fair | October 30 – November 9

Dover
The 2025 Hillsborough County Fair is back Oct 30–Nov 9! Experience 11 days of family fun with thrilling rides, mouthwatering fair food, free daily shows, and youth competitions. Don’t miss Rodeo Weekend, Bulls, Barrels & Boogie with live music, the Truck & Tractor Pull, and Demolition Derby! New this year: Goat Yoga, Beer garden, Farm to Fair, and Riddle Me This? Visit hillsboroughcountyfair.com for tickets and specials!

Junior League of Tampa Holiday Gift Market | November 6-9, 2025

Florida State Fairgrounds
The Holiday Gift Market is The Junior League of Tampa's largest fundraiser bringing together merchants and shoppers for a unique shopping event. This year's Market will feature over 200 specialty merchants from the Tampa Bay region and beyond. Shoppers can find gifts for everyone on their list and enjoy holiday-themed events while giving back to the Tampa Bay community. 100% of the Holiday Gift Market proceeds support The Junior League of Tampa's community projects and programs benefiting women, children and families. Early-bird tickets start at $10 at HolidayGiftMarket.org or $12 at the door (CASHLESS ticket sales).

ICE! Featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ | November 14 through January 7, 2026

Gaylord Palms Resort
For the very first time, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ will be featured at Gaylord Palms Resort in 2 million pounds of intricately carved ice sculptures in ICE!, the resort's signature holiday attraction. Strike a pose with Santa and Rudolph in one of the longest ice carvings measuring over 32 feet long, crawl into whimsical photo setups, or become one of the misfit toys in this winter wonderland made for memory-making. Experience the splendor of the holiday season at Gaylord Palms.

Sesame Street Live | December 7, 2025

Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater
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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MORE Tampa Bay stories for families we think you’ll love: