20+ FUN Things to Do in Tampa Bay with Kids this Weekend
The weekend is finally here, and luck to you because there are so many awesome things to do in Tampa Bay with the kids. We're sharing some of our favorite family-friendly events to help you map out the best weekend ever!
One of our favorite events returns this weekend – the Florida Strawberry Festival! We've got the details on all you need to know about How to Have the Best Day Ever at the Florida Strawberry Festival!
Looking for Things to Do in Tampa Bay?
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>> 40+ Free Things to Do with Kids
Spring Break is also a few weeks away and if you're staying put and need a place for the kids to go while school is out, check out our list of The Best Spring Break Camps 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, events listed by day, Save the Date, What's on Exhibit, and more.
MORE Tampa Bay stories for families we think you’ll love:
Featured Events
Giving the following events an extra shout-out since their support helps us provide this amazing weekend guide to you for free!
Florida Strawberry Festival | February 27 – March 9
Plant City
The Florida Strawberry Festival is an 11-day community event celebrating the strawberry harvest of Eastern Hillsborough County. Each year, over 600,000 visitors enjoy the Festival’s headline entertainment, youth livestock shows, exhibits of commerce and, of course, its strawberry shortcake. The 2025 Florida Strawberry Festival, where “The Stage Is Set!” will take place February 27 – March 9 in Plant City, featuring headliners like The Beach Boys, Reba, Boyz 2 Men, Nelly, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and more!
NEW! 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!
Dinosaur Discoveries: Ancient Fossils, New Ideas at MOSI | Open Now!
MOSI, Tampa
Dinosaur Discoveries offers captivating insights into the world of dinosaurs, appealing to guests of all ages. Visitors will explore how scientists use advanced tools, such as computer simulations and specialized X-rays, to reveal fascinating details about dinosaurs—their appearance, behavior, and even their movement. The exhibition also invites guests to engage with a compelling question: why did dinosaurs vanish—or did they?
Zubrick Magic Theatre | Most Weekends: Friday & Saturday at 7 pm, Sundays at 2 pm
St. Petersburg
Expect the unexpected this weekend at the Zubrick Magic Theatre! Gather the entire family for a magical experience filled with jaw-dropping illusions, laugh-out-loud comedy, and plenty of audience participation that will leave you in awe. Illusionists Chris & Ryan Zubrick conjure up a performance designed to entertain and amaze adults while remaining family-friendly for all ages to enjoy while leaving you scratching your head in disbelief, wondering, “How did they do that?!” Get your tickets now before they all… DISAPPEAR! Tickets from $44.
Storytime & Aviation Playground at the Florida Air Museum | Tuesdays at 10 am
Lakeland
Join Aerospace Center for Excellence as we bring stories to life and create amazing, interactive learning experiences for our Junior ACE’s – exploring the universe, one adventure at a time! All are welcome. Content is targeted for our young ones, ages 2-5. Story Time is FREE. Then, save time to PLAY at Central Florida's only Aviation Playground, open 7 days a week and included in Museum admission with kids 11 and under FREE!
Things to Do on Friday, February 28
Amazing Athletes at Armature Works | Friday, February 28, 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.
Florida Strawberry Festival | Friday, February 28 from 10 am-10 pm
Plant City
The Florida Strawberry Festival is an 11-day community event celebrating the strawberry harvest of Eastern Hillsborough County. Each year, over 600,000 visitors enjoy the Festival’s headline entertainment, youth livestock shows, exhibits of commerce and, of course, its strawberry shortcake. The 2025 Florida Strawberry Festival, where “The Stage Is Set!” will take place February 27 – March 9 in Plant City, featuring headliners like The Beach Boys, Reba, Boyz 2 Men, Nelly, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and more!
Adventure Tots Laser Tag at Sprouts Play Cafe | Friday, February 28 from 12:30 pm-2 pm
Tampa
Do you have an active toddler? Get ready for a tiny-tot-sized laser tag adventure! No bullets, just fun and safe pretend play!
Admission includes laser toy and adventure vest. Upgrade for $5 and take home the Adventure Pack with a hat, bag, and surprise dinosaur egg! For kids ages 5 and under.
Friday Fun Day at Empower Adventures | Friday, February 28 at 4 pm
Tampa
Featuring their two longest zip lines, totaling over 1,200 feet, and a stunning 200-foot suspension bridge. With a beautiful scenic view of Tampa Bay that you can’t see anywhere else, this is a Friday night excursion you won’t want to miss!
Food Truck Rally at Downtown Avalon Park | Friday, February 28 from 5 pm-8 pm
Wesley Chapel
Enjoy great food and family-friendly fun!
Silent Disco at Epperson Lagoon | Friday, February 28 from 7 pm-9 pm
Wesley Chapel
Meet up in The Hub for Silent Disco: Battle of the DJs! Three DJs will go head-to-head, spinning different styles of music to see which you like best. Switch your headphones between the different styles as much as you’d like until you find your winner!
Friday Night Meltdown Public Skate at AdventHealth Center Ice | Friday, February 28 at 7:30 pm
Wesley Chapel
Start your weekend off on the right skate out on the ice for a 2-hour public skate session! There will be a live DJ, colored lights and so much more!
Things to Do on Saturday, March 1
Rocky's Run 5K at University of South Florida | Saturday, March 1, at 7:30 am
Tampa
Get ready for Rocky's Run, an electrifying 5K event set against the backdrop of the University of South Florida's Tampa campus. Lace up your running shoes and be part of the running of the Bulls! Rocky's Run is a celebration of our Bulls community! As you navigate the stunning MLK Plaza, you'll be immersed in a race experience like no other, filled with excitement, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments.
Secrets of the Zoo at ZooTampa | Saturday, March 1 at 8:30 am
Tampa
You’ve seen the stories on TV, now experience them in real life on a Secrets of the Zoo Tour! Go behind-the-scenes and explore the amazing species, animal care team, and locations featured on the show. Meet the animal and human stars from your favorite episodes, get an in-depth look at how they care for the animals, hear the inside scoop of the stories featured, and what it takes to film the show.
Gasparilla Festival of the Arts | Saturday, March 1 from 9 am-6 pm
Tampa
GFA is FREE to the public and will showcase artists and their work to include ceramic, digital, drawing, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, watercolor and wood. This event will also feature the works of local young artists and a weekend full of live entertainment. Taking place at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park.
Kids Workshop at Home Depot | Saturday, March 1 from 9 am-12 pm
Various Locations
Head to your local Home Depot to create a free DIY craft (all supplies included). This month, you can build your own basketball game! While supplies last.
Weekend Workshop at Bricks 4 Kidz | Saturday, March 1 from 10 am-1 pm
Tampa
This 3-hour LEGO workshop full of LEGO robots, LEGO mosaic art, LEGO 3D art, and much more! Each week is a different theme! And at the end of each workshop, every child will get to take home their very own Bricks 4 Kidz Minifigure! This week, check out a LEGO Harry Potter!
Bay Area Renaissance Festival | Saturday, March 1, from 10 am-10 pm
Dade City
Join the Villagers of Folkstone as they invite one and all to the magical 16th Century European village featuring 15 stages of exciting entertainment including musicians, magicians, jugglers and jousting. Over 100 artisans will fill the festival marketplace to display and sell their handcrafted goods for a truly fabulous and endless shopping experience. Patrons will interact with memorable characters and enjoy full contact live armored jousting, food fit for royalty, and more!
Bulls Family Fest | Saturday, March 1, from 10 am to 2 pm
USF Tampa Campus
Bulls Family Fest is an exciting annual event where families and the community come together to explore the amazing programs, activities, and organizations at the University of South Florida! Held on the vibrant Tampa campus, the festival is packed with hands-on fun, interactive exhibits and engaging showcases from USF’s colleges, departments and student groups, plus family resource organizations and local businesses. Join us for food, music, games, and prizes! Free!
Largo Mini Train Rides | Saturday, March 1 from 10 am-3:45 pm
Largo
Enjoy a ride around Largo Central Park on their mini railroad, built to scale!
Cracker Cowboy Day at Pioneer Florida Museum | Saturday, March 1 from 10 am-4 pm
Tampa
Get ready to be transported back in time. Florida's cracker cowboys had a truly remarkable way of herding cattle, using the sound from their trusty whips. There will be a whip cracking presentation, blacksmith exhibition, heading and heeling roping demonstration, children's roping and a petting zoo. The first 100 children to the petting zoo will get a free cowboy/cowgirl hat (while supplies last), axe throwing, cow camps, cowboy music, Cowboy Poetry, cracker cows, cracker horses, food, wonderful vendors, live entertainment and more.
Florida Strawberry Festival | Saturday, March 1 from 10 am-10 pm
Plant City
The Florida Strawberry Festival is an 11-day community event celebrating the strawberry harvest of Eastern Hillsborough County. Each year, over 600,000 visitors enjoy the Festival’s headline entertainment, youth livestock shows, exhibits of commerce and, of course, its strawberry shortcake. The 2025 Florida Strawberry Festival, where “The Stage Is Set!” will take place February 27 – March 9 in Plant City, featuring headliners like The Beach Boys, Reba, Boyz 2 Men, Nelly, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and more!
Storytime at Barnes and Noble | Saturday, March 1 at 11 am
Various locations
Join Barnes and Noble every Saturday at 11:00 am for fun stories and activities! Available at Carrollwood, Dale Mabry, and Shops at Wiregrass locations.
Cyber Bowling Kid’s Matinee at Pin Chasers | Saturday, March 1, from 12 pm-4 pm (Veteran's) and 1 pm-5 pm (Midtown)
Tampa
Cyber Bowling is the fusion of high-energy entertainment and bowling. While you bowl, your favorite music and club lighting create a glowing, nightclub-like atmosphere. Special family matinees feature family-appropriate music so families can enjoy the fun together at an earlier time.
Minecraft Mania at MOSI | Saturday, March 1, from 1 pm-3 pm
Tampa
You'll get a chance to play on individual, small-team, and full-team challenges as you work on perfecting your mining strategies, enchanting your tools and armor, defending a city from an alien attack, or even learning some basic coding! Children registered for Minecraft Mania will also receive general admission to the museum for no additional cost. Due to the space constraints of the computer lab, parents are not permitted to attend this program. Parents may drop off their participants and return for pickup at 3 pm or are welcome to purchase their own general admission and visit the museum during the program. For ages 7-12.
Esports Open Play at Northdale Recreation Center | Saturday, March 1, from 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Tampa
Esports specialists will be on hand to inspire and encourage new social skills, help develop gaming fundamentals, and set a safe, inclusive, and positive social environment. Their coaches are Esports competitors who have the skills and experience to help any player develop and grow their skills to perform better in competitions. In addition to developing Esports skills, participants socialize with like-minded competitors and make new friends in a high-energy environment.
Family Crafternoon at AR Workshop | Saturday, March 1 from 2 pm-5 pm
Tampa
Create a unique home decor item utilizing a variety of tools and techniques using their in-house collection of paints and non-toxic stains while guided by crafty instructors. Each person attending must be registered for the workshop. Bring your favorite food or drink to fuel your creativity!
Sunset Zipline Adventures at Empower Adventures | Saturday, March 1 at 4 pm
Tampa
Featuring their two longest zip lines, totaling over 1,200 feet, and a stunning 200-foot suspension bridge. With a beautiful scenic view of Tampa Bay that you can’t see anywhere else, this is a Friday night excursion you won’t want to miss!
Things to Do on Sunday, March 2
Sunday Breakfast Bowl at Pin Chasers | Sunday, March 2, from 9 am-11 am
Various Locations
Bring the whole family to Pin Chasers for unlimited bowling plus breakfast! Breakfast Bowling includes two hours of bowling, two eggs (your way), bacon, and toast.
Sensory Sensitive Sunday at Chuck E. Cheese | Sunday, March 2, from 9 am-11 am
Various Locations
Through their Sensory Sensitive Sundays 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.
Largo Mini Train Rides | Sunday, March 2 from 10 am-12:45 pm
Largo
Enjoy a ride around Largo Central Park on their mini railroad, built to scale!
Gasparilla Festival of the Arts | Sunday, March 2 from 10 am-5 pm
Tampa
GFA is FREE to the public and will showcase artists and their work to include ceramic, digital, drawing, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, watercolor and wood. This event will also feature the works of local young artists and a weekend full of live entertainment. Taking place at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park.
Bay Area Renaissance Festival | Sunday, March 2, from 10 am-6 pm
Dade City
Join the Villagers of Folkstone as they invite one and all to the magical 16th Century European village featuring 15 stages of exciting entertainment including musicians, magicians, jugglers and jousting. Over 100 artisans will fill the festival marketplace to display and sell their handcrafted goods for a truly fabulous and endless shopping experience. Patrons will interact with memorable characters and enjoy full contact live armored jousting, food fit for royalty, and more!
Florida Strawberry Festival | Sunday, March 2 from 10 am-10 pm
Plant City
The Florida Strawberry Festival is an 11-day community event celebrating the strawberry harvest of Eastern Hillsborough County. Each year, over 600,000 visitors enjoy the Festival’s headline entertainment, youth livestock shows, exhibits of commerce and, of course, its strawberry shortcake. The 2025 Florida Strawberry Festival, where “The Stage Is Set!” will take place February 27 – March 9 in Plant City, featuring headliners like The Beach Boys, Reba, Boyz 2 Men, Nelly, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and more!
Cyber Bowling Kid’s Matinee at Pin Chasers | Sunday, March 2, from 12 pm-4 pm (Veteran's) and 1 pm-5 pm (Midtown)
Tampa
Cyber Bowling is the fusion of high-energy entertainment and bowling. Your favorite music and club lighting create a glowing, nightclub-like atmosphere while you bowl. Special family matinees feature family-appropriate music so families can enjoy the fun together at an earlier time.
Princess and Pirate Pageant at Westshore Plaza | Sunday, March 2 at 1 pm
Tampa
Ahoy, mateys! Bring your little princess and prince to Westshore Plaza for this fun show! Every participant wins a tiara/crown and trophy. This is ideal for first timers and experienced competitors.
Sunset Zip Line at Empower Adventures | Sunday, March 2 at 4 pm
Tampa
Featuring their two longest zip lines, totaling over 1,200 feet, and a stunning 200-foot suspension bridge. With a beautiful scenic view of Tampa Bay that you can’t see anywhere else, this is a Friday night excursion you won’t want to miss!
Dueling Piano for Kids at Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar and Restaurant | Sunday, March 2 from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm
Wesley Chapel
Fun for the Whole Family! Entertainment is focused on music for the kids from favorite pop songs, movies, and shows as requested by the audience!
Hollywood Awards Night | Sunday, March 2 at 5:30 pm
Tampa Theatre, Downtown Tampa
Celebrating its 26th annual watch party, the star-studded evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with a Red Carpet Reception under the historic Franklin Street marquee. After a limo ride around the block courtesy of long-time event sponsor Skyline Limousine, our superstar guests will walk the carpet past adoring fans and paparazzi and chat about who they’re wearing with our red-carpet emcees. Enjoy free popcorn and soda, the OSCAR® Red Carpet Live pre-show on the big screen, and a cash bar. Guests can fill out “Pick the Winner” ballots for $10 and compete in other FREE movie-themed games for prizes. Tickets from $30, on sale 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 27.
Related: Awesome family-friendly things to do with kids in Orlando
SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE AWESOME EVENTS IN TAMPA BAY:
Bay Babies | March 7 & 8
Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center
Tampa Bay Watch invites its youngest ocean explorers to engage in story times, crafts, activities and animal interactions in their indoor classroom. This monthly class is designed for children ages three to six years old. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
The Peking Acrobats | Thursday, March 13 at 7:30 pm
Straz Center, Downtown Tampa
The Peking Acrobats push the limits of human ability, defying gravity with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility, and control. Don’t miss seeing them perform daring maneuvers atop a precarious pagoda of chairs and display their technical prowess at arts such as trick cycling, precision tumbling, juggling, somersaulting, gymnastics and more. Tickets from $39.
Disney On Ice Presents Frozen & Encanto | March 21-23; Shows at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Amalie Arena, Tampa
Step inside the magical adventures of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen and Encanto as they come to life like never before. This adventure on ice transports fans into two of the most popular Disney films as audiences can sing along to their favorite songs while embracing world-class ice skating, aerial acrobatics, and more. Enhance your Disney On Ice show ticket with a preshow Character Experience that includes games, storytelling, crafting, and interactive time with Elsa and Mirabel!
Disney's THE LION KING | April 2-20
Straz Center, Downtown Tampa
More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the phenomenon of Disney’s THE LION KING, and now you can, too, when Tampa’s best-loved musical returns to the Straz Center April 2-20. Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, this landmark musical event brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. There is simply nothing else like THE LION KING. strazcenter.org
MORE THINGS TO DO: See What’s on Exhibit in Tampa Bay
Grossology at MOSI | Now- April 7, 2025
Tampa
Get grossed out with MOSI and discover how the human body works in the most entertaining way possible! Starting September 14, Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body will dive into the slimy, stinky world of all the gross things our bodies do. Meet wacky characters like the snotty Nigel Nose-It, climb the human skin wall, interact with the soda-slurping Burp Man, explore different body odors, play a life-sized game of Operation, and more! Included with museum admission.
LEGO® Ferrari Race & Build Experience at LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Winter Haven
Prepare to become the ultimate race car driver at this interactive experience for the whole family. The moment guests enter the attraction, they are greeted by a life-size LEGO® Ferrari 296 GTS model followed by interactive zones for guests to hop into the driver’s seat by building, tweaking, and racing their own car creations.
Get a FIRST LOOK at the LEGO Ferrari exhibit here!
Australia at ZooTampa
Tampa
ZooTampa’s latest expansion is now open! This new area features the new family-friendly safari ride, Aussie Trek. Other enhancements include the reimagined Billabong Splash Pad, a new play area, and an expanded wallaby viewing area. Guests can also partake in the new Wallaby Signature Encounter, along with the returning Koala Signature Encounter. The Lil Joey Family Stop also provides parents and nursing moms a private place to tend to smaller children. There are also two new food and beverage locations, and a special event beginning at 3 pm daily called Sunset Sips, where families can enjoy a DJ dance party along with BOGO food and drinks at the Boomerang Bar!
Stingray Feeding Experience at the Florida Aquarium
Tampa
The Florida Aquarium just launched a new animal experience where you and your kids who are ages 8 and older can learn all about how biologists at the Aquarium care for stingrays. You will help prepare their food and then feed the stingrays during the educational tour. The experience is $30 per person. The 50-minute tour is offered at 2:10 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
See the World’s Largest Triceratops at Glazer Children’s Museum
Tampa
Big John, the world’s largest fossil triceratops is now on display at Glazer Children’s Museum for a three-year exhibition. For the first time, the museum is waiving its requirement that adults attend the museum with a child, to ensure everyone has a chance to see Big John nose to snout for themselves. While you do not need a reservation to go to the museum, you will need to book a timeslot to see Big John. This will eliminate crowds so you can make the most out of the experience. Learn more about how to plan your day to see Big John the Triceratops here.
MORPH’D at The Florida Aquarium
Tampa
This all-new exhibit features 18 species with unique adaptations from around the globe including axolotyls! Check out the adorable axolotl, peculiar paddlefish, and charming chameleon. Located in the new Mosaic Exhibit Hall, the gallery will also feature hands-on interactives that will give you a sense of what it is like to be one of these amazing creatures, connecting you with nature in a whole new way. Included with general admission.
Zubrick Magic Theatre
St. Pete
Expect the unexpected this weekend at the Zubrick Magic Theatre! Gather the entire family for a magical experience filled with jaw-dropping illusions, laugh-out-loud comedy, and plenty of audience participation that will leave you in awe. Illusionists Chris & Ryan Zubrick conjure up a performance designed to entertain and amaze adults while remaining family-friendly for all ages to enjoy. With over 1,000 five-star reviews on Google, TripAdvisor, and Yelp, the Zubrick Magic Theatre guarantees to stretch smiles and drop jaws, leaving you scratching your head in disbelief, wondering, “How did they do that?!” Get your tickets now before they all… DISAPPEAR!
Tickets from $44.
Read More: Get your tickets to Tampa Bay’s ONLY magic show before they all … disappear!
FloridaRAMA (formerly Fairgrounds St. Pete) – Open Thursday-Sunday
St. Pete
FloridaRAMA (formerly Fairgrounds St. Pete) is an immersive art experience has made its mark in Tampa Bay! There are more than 70 artists featured. You can go and simply enjoy the whimsical art that celebrates weird, wacky, wonderful Florida or choose a different adventure and try to crack the codes and mysteries you’ll find throughout. Its newest exhibit Shrimpfinity embodies all of that–and it just might be your new favorite spot to snap the coolest photos with the kids! While you’re there, let the kids explore this unique immersive art exhibit that puts all of your senses to work. It’s truly something you’ve never seen or experienced before! Learn more about FloridaRAMA (formerly Fairgrounds St. Pete).
Paws for Literacy at Humane Society of Tampa Bay | Tuesdays and Thursdays
Tampa
The Humane Society of Tampa Bay gives children who love animals a chance to spend time with them while catching up on their reading or improving their reading skills. Children are paired with homeless pets who love to hear the stories and look at the pictures. The program is offered for children ages 5 and up. They’ll provide reading stools, books, and treats (for the animals), but children are welcome to bring their own books if they wish. Books provided include animal tales, stories of the animal-human bond, and books that teach empathy to young readers. Supervised by a Florida state certified teacher.
Ruskin Family Drive-In | Wednesdays-Sundays
The Ruskin Family Drive-In Theatre has over 50 years of continuous service to the Ruskin and South Hillsborough County. It’s been a community gathering place since its first movie, “Singing in the Rain” played in 1952. They offer great movies, good food, and peace and quiet on a continuous basis with a 2000 square foot screen, clean restrooms, snack bar, and clean parking lot. Please note: you must bring a portable radio with you or use the radio in your car to hear the movie. There will be no showings on Monday and Tuesday.
Immersive Movies at Clearwater Marine Aquarium | Saturdays from 11 am – 4 pm
Clearwater
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is offering two new movies –Turtle Odyssey and T-Rex. The 25-minute-long movies will run between 11 am and 4 pm as an added guest experience in the Visitor Center’s Dolphin Tale Theater. Narrated by Russell Crowe, Turtle Odyssey explores the unique lifecycle of an Australian green sea turtle named Bunji and her incredible journey across the open ocean. The film follows Bunji from a hatchling into adulthood as she swims thousands of miles, meets incredible creatures, and has some really wild encounters. Included in the general admission cost.
Storytime & Aviation Playground at the Florida Air Museum | Tuesdays at 10 am
Lakeland
Join Aerospace Center for Excellence as we bring stories to life and create amazing, interactive learning experiences for our Junior ACE’s – exploring the universe, one adventure at a time! All are welcome. Content is targeted for our young ones, ages 2-5. Story Time is FREE. Then, save time to PLAY at Central Florida's only Aviation Playground, open 7 days a week and included in Museum admission with kids 11 and under FREE! see FloridaAirMuseum.org for hours.
Parents’ Nights Out!
While family time is fun, it’s also important to carve some time out for yourself, whether it’s a night out with your significant other, friends, or some solo time. Several places around the Tampa area are hosting Parents’ Nights Out! For a fee, you can drop your kids off for some fun activities and playtime while you get an evening out!
Playgrounds of Tampa | Second and Fourth Friday of Every Month from 6 pm – 10 pm
For four hours, your kids will be entertained with games, movies and bounce houses galore (maybe even with some pizza) while you do whatever you want. Participants must be potty trained, ages 4 and up. Cost is $30 per child. Click here to register.
Humane Society of Tampa Bay | Last Friday of Every Month from 6 pm – 10 pm
Kids ages 5 and up will enjoy playing with the shelter animals, dinner, and watching a movie with furry friends! This program takes place monthly and registration is required. The dogs and cats can’t wait to party! Cost is $50 per child. Includes pizza dinner and drinks. To register, click here.
Jubilee Gymnastics | Second and Fourth Friday of Every Month from 6 pm – 9:30 pm
Drop off the kids to eat, play, and have fun at Jubilee Gymnastics in Ruskin while you enjoy a night out. Pre-registration is highly encouraged as these will fill up quickly. For kids ages 4 and up. Cost is $30 per child for members/$35 for non-members. Includes pizza and drinks! Click here to sign up.
Cypress Forest Park | Last Friday of Every Month from 6 p.m. – 10:30 pm
Take a night off while your children enjoy themed fun at Cypress Forest Park in Oldsmar! Pizza dinner are included. For kids ages 5-12. Cost is $10 for kids with a rec card and $15 for kids without. Click here to learn more.
More ideas to spark a weekend of lifelong memories!
Upgrade your day at ZooTampa with an animal encounter!
If you’re planning a day at ZooTampa, we love upgrading our experience with the kids with animal encounters like feeding the giraffes or rhinos. We recently booked a time to feed Jamie the Indian White Rhino with our 5-year-old and he had a great time. Baby Rhino Gronk even hung out for snacks! You do have to wear a face mask during the encounter, but you can remove it for a photo. Learn more here.
Snap a mural selfie and help provide a free eye exam and glasses for a local child!
Head over to Armature Works to check out the NEW mural on the north end of the property created to promote the Glazer Vision Foundation’s “Glasses For All Children” campaign. All you have to do is share a photo of the mural, a selfie in front of the mural, or selfie wearing any type of glasses, tag @glazervisionfdn, hashtag #OneShareOnePair and the foundation will give a local child a free eye exam, and pair of glasses! Easy peasy!
Check out the St. Pete Pier
Eat, drink, shop, and play at the new St. Pete Pier. The new playground area is quickly becoming a family favorite in Tampa Bay, just make sure to bring plenty of hand sanitizer and/or hand sanitizing wipes with you. Stay late and look up to see the Bending Arc light up in a spectacular display. You will need to wear a mask inside the stores, restaurants, and Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center. The Glazer Vision Foundation just announced it is contributing $1.5 million to the Glazer Family Playground at the Pier to support the space for years to come! Learn more.
FREE Resouces to Explore!
Children’s Board Family Resource Centers
The program provides parents and caregivers and their children an opportunity to participate in parent/child developmental playgroups, developmental screenings, and health and safety education classes at no cost. In addition, pediatric well-child visits, immunizations, and hearing or vision screenings are provided for qualifying families. To sign up for programs and services, and to find your neighborhood Children’s Board Family Resource Center visit familysupporthc.org.
Learn & Play Tampa Bay Playgroups
The program provides quality early learning experiences at no cost at the seven children’s Board Family Resource Centers and other designated Hillsborough County sites. The program also delivers weekly in-person and online virtual developmental classes and provides take-home activities that promote early learning and school readiness at no cost. Learn more via the Glazer Children's Museum Facebook page.
Outdoorsy Things to Do in Tampa Bay
Head to the beach!
The beaches are open, but you’ll see plenty of reminders about social distancing. You’ll also want to pack some extras in your beach bag like hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. Cloth masks are also a good idea in case you decide to visit an establishment that requires them. We’re sharing some of our favorite family-friendly beaches in Tampa Bay here.
Go for a hike!
Lace up the hiking shoes and spend the day in nature with the kids! Many preserves and conservation parks are now open in Tampa Bay. Find a park near you or discover a new one:
Weekend Farmers Markets in Tampa Bay this Weekend
Saturday Morning Market at Williams Park in St. Pete | Saturdays from 9 am -1 pm
Experience one of the top farmers markets in the U.S.! Expect an estimated 170 vendors selling their goods and artisans selling their crafts. Add stellar food choices for dining and live music for entertainment and it’s a perfect day in the Florida sunshine. Their Summer Market, located at Williams Park, typically runs from June to August.
Dunedin Downtown Market | Saturdays from 9 am-1 pm
The Dunedin Downtown Market at John Lawrence Pioneer Park features 40+ local merchants and vendors including fresh fruits and vegetables.
Fresh Market at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel | Select Saturdays from 10 am-2 pm
There are 60+ vendors expected at the Fresh Market at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel including organic and hydroponically grown produce.
Corey Avenue Market in St. Pete Beach | Sundays from 9 am- 1 pm
Corey Avenue Market features more than 70 local vendors and merchants selling everything from crafts, art, food and locally grown produce.
Ybor City Saturday Market in Tampa | Every Saturday from 9 am-1 pm
The Ybor City Saturday Market is the largest continually operating outdoor market in the Tampa Bay Area. Centered in Tampa’s Historic District, the market is one of the most popular shopping destinations for locally produced items unique to the Tampa Bay Area. Features locally made arts, crafts, and gourmet foods representing the area.
The Market Elaine at Wesley Chapel | First Friday of Every Month
Head to The Grove in Wesley Chapel for a unique evening market featuring tons of local businesses! Enjoy local vendors, live music, food, and more. themarketculture.com
Hyde Park Fresh Market in Tampa | First Sunday of Every Month from 10 am -3 pm
Hyde Park Fresh Market features over 80 local vendors including produce, handcrafted goods, plants, and more. While you shop, enjoy live music by Gasparilla Music in Village Circle.
Carrollwood Market | Select Saturdays from 10 am-2 pm
Head to the Carrollwood Cultural Center to explore 60+ local vendors and businesses.
Westchase Locale Market | Every Second Saturday from 10 am – 3 pm October-June
Enjoy live music and over 30 vendors in Westchase Town Center every second Saturday of the month.
Celebrate the Weekend in Orlando!
Want MORE ideas for fun adventures in Orlando or Walt Disney World? We’ve got more here! You can also follow our media partners at OrlandoDateNightGuide.com