20 Family Friendly Tampa Bay Waterfront Restaurants to Enjoy

ByKiva Williams

Living in Tampa Bay, we have the privilege of having so many waterfront restaurants to choose from that we often take them for granted. We live where people come for vacation! How cool is that?

Over the past year, there has been an increase in outside dining due to the pandemic. With the summer months approaching, being outdoors is par for the course in Florida. Check out our list of top waterfront restaurants to see if any of your favorites is mentioned or if you can discover a hidden gem!

The BEST Kid-Friendly Waterfront Restaurants in Tampa Bay

Clearwater

Clearwater gets flak from the locals for being super touristy but it’s definitely a family favorite in my book. Heading over the bridge just puts me in a great mood and we enjoy the atmosphere and things to do in the Clearwater Beach area, like the dolphin boat tours.

St. Pete, FL

We visit St. Pete on a regular basis and the St. Pete Pier is one of the many reasons why. It’s practically a one stop shop of family friendly things to do in a singular location.

  • Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille (a second St. Pete location is opening soon) | 610 Second Ave. NE, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
    Click Here to Visit
  • Pier Teaki (Rooftop of St. Pete Pier) | 800 Second Ave. NE, 5th Floor, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
    Click Here to Visit
  • Teak (fourth floor of St. Pete Pier) | 800 Second Ave. NE, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
    Click Here to Visit
  • Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro | 300 Second Ave. NE, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
    Click Here to Visit
Kiva Williams and Family at Pier Teaki on St. Pete Pier

Riverview, Apollo Beach, Ruskin

Hillsborough County is so big I think a lot of people forget about restaurants in this area. The Riverview area and beyond is steadily growing and becoming a great place for settle down in and visit.

  • Circles Waterfront Restaurant | 1212 Apollo Beach Blvd., Apollo Beach, FL 33572
    Click Here to Visit
  • Tiki Docks River Bar + Grill (their second location is in St. Pete) | 1078 Palmetto St., Riverview, FL 33569
    Click Here to Visit
  • Sunset Grill at Little Harbor | 602 Bahia del Sol Dr., Ruskin, FL 33570
    Click Here to Visit

Poolside Eateries

Are you even a parent if you don’t find yourself at someone’s pool this summer? I think not! Of course we had to add in two cool places to enjoy “poolside” for families! Adventure Island has barbecue that’s surprisingly great for a theme park at their Mango Joes Beach Café. The Epperson Lagoon is a must see all in its self. They have a few dining options as outside food is prohibited. For both places I recommend renting a private cabana to make your stay more enjoyable.

Harbour Island Tampa

This part of Tampa is well known for restaurants and night life, but during the day, it’s definitely family friendly.

Causeway Boulevard, Tampa

This strip right before you head over to Clearwater has a lot to offer, from hotels, to restaurants and even a beach!

Tampa

I know there are many more Tampa restaurants to include but I wanted to showcase two that offer a unique Tampa experience.

*Originally published in the July 2021 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

More stories we think you’ll LOVE:

 

 

Kiva Williams is a wife, mother and serial foodie! Through her blog, The Fun Foodie Mama, she shares the best places to eat, family friendly events as well as home cooked recipes. When she’s not working on her blog she pours her heart into her newly founded non-profit, Mahogany Kids Fine Arts Foundation. The primary focus of the foundation is to empower minority youth through music, art & dance.

Keep up with her non profit on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter: @mahoganykidsfinearts

Similar Posts

10 Things We Love About Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland
| | | |

10 Things We Love About Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland

ByLaura Byrne

When we say you have to see it to believe how incredible it really is, we mean it when it comes to Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland. This brand-new privately built park on the outskirts of downtown Lakeland is a new place to play in Tampa Bay and we have a feeling it will quickly…

2022 Scalloping Season in Tampa Bay: It’s a Must Do Family Adventure
| | |

2022 Scalloping Season in Tampa Bay: It’s a Must Do Family Adventure

ByLaura Byrne

Your cure for the summer boredom blues is here! Florida’s 2022 scalloping season is nearly here, so let’s get ready to plan ahead! Related: A Very Florida STATEcation: Fun “Only in Florida” road trips to experience with the kids this summer The 2022 scalloping season in Tampa Bay starts in Citrus, Hernando and Levy counties beginning…

A Parent’s Guide to the NEW Guardians of the Galaxy Ride
| |

A Parent’s Guide to the NEW Guardians of the Galaxy Ride

ByDani Meyering

Epcot just keeps getting better. The NEW Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride is receiving lots of early hype after opening in May 2022. But is it okay for kids? What if you’re prone to motion sickness? Disney invited us to a media preview and we’ve got all you need to know as a…

12+ Places to Donate New Toys in Tampa Bay this Holiday Season
| |

12+ Places to Donate New Toys in Tampa Bay this Holiday Season

ByLaura Byrne

The COVID-19 pandemic and inflation continue to make a significant impact on families and the non-profit organizations that support them. If you are financially able, donating a new toy and even food for their families will make a big difference this holiday season. We’re sharing ways you and your family can support these organizations and…

Where to Pick Strawberries, Blueberries, Citrus, and MORE!
| | |

Where to Pick Strawberries, Blueberries, Citrus, and MORE!

ByLaura Byrne

*Check out our favorite springtime u-pick events in Tampa Bay offering peaches, blueberries, sunflowers and more! March and April are prime time for u-pick around Tampa! From sweet strawberries to fresh veggies, there are plenty of places where you can take advantage of Florida’s early growing season. U-pick can be a fun outing with family…