20+ FUN Things to Do in Tampa this Weekend
Summer break is officially here for most of kiddos here, and lucky you for calling the Sunshine State home, because there are tons of awesome things to do with the kids in Tampa Bay!
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.
MORE Tampa Bay stories for families we think you’ll love:
- INSIDE LOOK: Wild Oasis at Busch Gardens to open on May 30!
- GUIDE: Summer Break in Tampa Bay: Things to Do, Camp + MORE!
- INSIDE LOOK: Capybaras are BACK for the Summer at Clearwater Marine Aquarium!
Featured Events
Giving the following events an extra shout-out since their support helps us provide this amazing weekend guide to you for free!
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!
World Dinosaur Day at Great Explorations Children's Museum | Sunday, June 1
St. Pete
Celebrate World Dinosaur Day with a morning or RAWRsome play at Great Ex! Special guest Steven Vicari from Paleo Analysis will be joining us to share fascinating dino facts and lead engaging presentations that bring the past to life. Kids can dig into dinosaurs with hands-on crafts, interactive activities, and prehistoric play happening all day long across the museum floor. It’s a dino-mite celebration that’s included with general admission!
Summer Classics at Tampa Theatre | Sundays at 3 p.m., June 1 – August 31
Downtown Tampa
The historic Theatre’s 34th 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. Kicking off with a Memorial Day weekend engagement of Jaws May 23-27, this family-friendly series offers affordable tickets ($10 / $7 for Theatre members) and post-show Film Talks, making it Tampa’s coolest summer escape.
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! Capybara Chillout at Clearwater Marine Aquarium| NOW AVAILABLE
Clearwater
The capys are back! Starting Memorial Day Weekend, 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.
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.
LEGO® Festival at LEGOLAND Florida Resort | Weekends through June 8
Winterhaven
Get ready for the LEGO® Festival, where imagination will run wild, creativity knows no limits, and fun is always the top priority! Dive into five never-before-seen play zones, packed with festival vibes, awesome entertainment, and activities including a Gaming Zone with LEGO Fortnite! Get lost in the moment with epic brick-building, brand-new shows, massive builds, exclusive LEGO Minifigures, music, dancing, and unique LEGO experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Included with general admission.
Lost Pearl Pirate Adventure Cruises | Weekends
BOGO 50% off all public pirate cruises through Sep. 1, 2025!
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! 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
Amazing Athletes at Armature Works | Friday, May 30, 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.
Friday Night Meltdown Public Skate at AdventHealth Center Ice | Friday, May 30 at 7:45 – 9:45 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.
Mermaids and Pirates Summer Kickoff at Tarpon Springs Aquarium | Friday, May 31 and Saturday, May 31 from 10 am-1 pm
Tarpn Springs
Celebrate summer break at Tarpon Springs Aquarium, where you can meet a mermaid, enjoy musical sing-alongs, and more!
New Port Richey Summer Kickoff: Touch a Truck and Hurricane Expo | Saturday, May 31 from 10 am -1 pm
New Port Richey Public Library – New Port Richey
The City of New Port Richey is welcoming summer with an expanded version of the New Port Richey Public Library’s annual Touch-a-Truck event. This free, family-friendly tradition, designed to spark excitement for the Summer Library Challenge, will now include the City’s Hurricane Expo, offering vital preparedness resources and expert guidance ahead of storm season.
Sensory Saturday at FloridaRAMA | Saturday, May 31 from 10 am- 12 pm
St. Pete
Head to FloridaRAMA for Sensory Saturday, a special sensory-friendly event designed to provide a calming, enjoyable experience for individuals with sensory sensitivities. During this time, they'll adjust the environment to create a more accessible and inclusive atmosphere, with reduced noise levels, dimmed lighting, and quieter interactions.
Cyber Bowling Kid’s Matinee at Pin Chasers | Saturday, May 31, 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, May 31 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.
FREE CONCERT: Pops in the Park with the Florida Orchestra | Saturday, May 31 at 7:30 pm
River Tower Park – Tampa
Bring your blanket and picnic out to River Tower Park to enjoy this free concert by The Florida Orchestra featuring family-friendly music, film scores, classic favorites, and a patriotic ending.
Planetarium Monday at Great Explorations Children's Museum | Monday, June 2 from 10:30 am-4:00 pm
St. Pete
June Planetarium Monday is launching on June 2nd! With fresh topics every month and multiple stellar shows scheduled throughout the day, there’s no limit to what we can explore.
Related: Awesome family-friendly things to do with kids in Orland
MORE THINGS TO DO: See What’s on Exhibit in Tampa Bay
NEW! 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! Giants, Dragons & Unicorns at MOSI | OPENS Saturday, May 17!
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? Starting May 17, 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.
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.
SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE AWESOME EVENTS IN TAMPA BAY:
Sesame Street’s Safari of Fun 15th Birthday | June 7-August 2
Busch Gardens – Tampa
Celebrate Sesame Street Safari of Fun’s 15th birthday at Busch Gardens! Bring the whole family for special fun, entertainment, your favorite characters, and more! Buschgardens.com/tampa
Juneteenth Cultural Celebration at Tampa Museum of Art | June 14 from 11 am-4 pm
Tampa
Commemorate Tampa Museum of Art’s fourth annual Juneteenth Cultural Celebration with an exciting day filled with activities for the whole family! Prepare for a lively community celebration with art-making activities, live music, performances, photobooth experience, gallery discussions, local vendors, and more. Admission is free. Tampamuseum.org
Keel Farms Watermelon Weekend | June 21-22
Plant City
Keel Farms is celebrating summer with all things watermelon! Enjoy two days of sun-soaked fun for the whole family with local vendors, a kids’ zone, activities for little ones, and more! Adults can enjoy new seasonal releases of wines and ciders. keelfarms.com
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! Start the madness at 7 p.m. on Friday, August 15, for the first Monster Jam show. Enjoy adrenaline-charged fun at the Monster Jam Pit Party on Saturday, August 16, and Sunday, August 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on both days. During the Pit Party, families have the opportunity to meet their favorite drivers, collect autographs and snap photos with the massive trucks. Then, transition right into the heart-pounding excitement as the drivers compete in thrilling races and gravity-defying stunts in MASSIVE trucks. Event ticket and separate Pit Party pass required. Tickets are on sale 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 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 and 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