The BEST Things to Do Labor Day Weekend in Tampa Bay
The unofficial end of summer is nearly here and we’re sharing some of the best things to do Labor Day weekend in Tampa Bay with the kids! Whether you are looking for a relaxing weekend to reconnect with your family or a last hoorah for the summer, we’ve got you covered.
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TOP PICKS FOR THE BEST LABOR DAY WEEKEND IN TAMPA BAY WITH THE KIDS
Since we live where the world vacations, we are going to start with the most obvious thing to do this Labor Day weekend that’s absolutely family-friendly…
Cool off at a water park
It pretty much feels like the dead of summer all year long in Tampa Bay, so a water park is always a good idea, right?? We’re super lucky to call Tampa Bay home because there are several amazing water parks with at least one that’s not too far from your house.
Read all about our favorite places to slash around in our list of the best water parks for families in Tampa Bay!
Go Tubing this Labor Day
Nothing says lazy Labor Day quite like floating down a lazy river or natural spring in an inner tube. If you don’t mind a bit of a drive, these tubing spots are 2 hours or less from Tampa, and the cool water temperatures will provide a welcome reprieve from our steamy summer temperatures. Due to the storm, it is a good idea to check with each park before heading over to make sure they fared out okay after Idalia.
Make sure to plan ahead though, as parks typically reach capacity early in the peak summer months.
Labor Day lounging by a Tampa Bay pool
Treat yourself and the kids to an indulgent pool day on Labor Day to celebrate the long weekend. You can book a day pass for just the pool through sites like ResortPass. Participating hotels include Clearwater’s Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach, St. Pete’s The Don CeSar, and more.
Although beware, day passes can be extremely hard to come by on holiday weekends (…like Labor Day), especially in the summertime.
Extend your stay by booking a staycation at a local resort with a sweet Tampa Bay pool. Here are our favorite Tampa Bay hotel pools, including options for day use and those exclusive to overnight guests.
Splash and Play at Coachman Park in Clearwater
Coachman Park underwent a massive makeover last year. The Downtown Clearwater park is equipped with renovations that include a huge park space, gateway plaza, pedestrian promenade, scenic overlook, playground, splash pad, and performing arts venue.
Kids of all ages will love the pirate-themed playground! The structure features an assortment of different-sized open and closed slides, climbing structures, and a wooden bridge. The playground is surrounded by sand, giving it a true pirate island-style feel. Parents can relax in the lounge chairs in the sand under the awnings while kids play.
After their adventures on the playground, kids can cool off by running through the large splash pad area or play a game of giant checkers or chess. The great lawn area is perfect for running around, playing tag or catch, or watching a free show on the stage at The Green.
You could also make the (well worth it) drive over to Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland which opened in 2022. The 168-acre park features multiple places to play, the Florida Children’s Museum, a treetop boardwalk, and more–all connected by a paved loop with a trolley!
Get WILD at ZooTampa!
If you haven’t been to ZooTampa in a bit, definitely make some time to go! ZooTampa was voted one of USA Today’s 10 Best Zoos in the country, amongst other awards from Trip Advisor and Travelers’ Choice. Visit the panthers from right here in Florida, see giraffes from Africa, and get up close to a Malayan Tiger from Asia.
Earlier this year, the zoo also opened the Australia Realm that includes a newly expanded splash pad! Be sure to pack a bathing suit and towel for the kids.
You can also plan to upgrade your day at ZooTampa to feed a giant tortoise, feed a rhino, stingrays, and more!
Visit the Manatees at the NEW Manatee Rehab Center at Clearwater Marine Aquarium!
The new Manatee Rehab Center is now open at CMA! Head over to visit the Center’s first patients, Yeti and Zamboni, who were rescued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. Guests can view manatees through an underwater viewing area equipped with barriers to limit human interaction. Included with general admission.
Plan your fall adventures in Tampa Bay!
Labor Day weekend is the unofficial end of summer and that means….it’s almost, FALL Y’ALL! That’s right, we said it…in fact, we’ve been planning for it for months now!
We’ve curated a list of The BEST Kid-Friendly Halloween Events in Tampa Bay + MORE Fun! and 20+ BEST Pumpkin Patches in Tampa Bay to Visit with the Kids just for families in Tampa Bay. We’re parents too and we know we’re only sharing the places to go we know will be worth the time and effort.
We’re also dishing on a favorite event that’s BACK for 2024! While it’s not in Tampa Bay, it’s about an hour away–Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! Event nights are selling out fast, so if you’re thinking of going, we suggest booking your tickets as soon as possible.
Play Indoors this Labor Day Weekend!
While Labor Day Weekend is ideal for some extra pool or beach time, we know it’s still pretty HOT outside! Lucky for us, there are plenty of awesome indoor places to play in Tampa Bay! You can wander around a local museum, check out an exciting exhibit, get your energy out at an indoor trampoline park, or challenge your friends to a fun day at an arcade while staying cool inside the AC.
Go experience local exhibits (before some of them leave Tampa!)
There are some cool exhibits we’ve been able to enjoy all summer including two that are about to move on to their next stops, so go and experience now before it’s too late:
- Brick Dinos at MOSI through September 3: This exciting new exhibit features an array of displays from miniature scenes to a life-size encounter with a 12-foot-long raptor-like dinosaur called Masaiakasaurus. Discover dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes that span the skies, oceans, and earth. Stand beneath the skeleton of one of history’s biggest dinos, create your own brick dinos, and MORE! Through September 3, 2024.
- Very Eric Carle at Glazer Children’s Museum through September 8: Your child’s beloved books featuring the Very Hungry Caterpillar and friends come to life at Glazer Children’s Museum now through September 8!
Go on a Sunset Boat Tour
Labor Day weekend booze cruise with sunset views…sign us up! This post about the best sunset cruises in Tampa Bay details all of our favorite sunset tours and cruises ranging from dinner cruises to dolphin watching and kayaking.
Since you likely have the kids with you on Labor Day weekend, channel your inner pirate and go cruising from downtown Tampa on the Pirate Water Taxi!
Go zip lining in Tampa Bay
Feel the need for speed?? If your family has some adrenaline junkies, then consider a day going zip lining at one of the many parks in Tampa Bay. You’ll definitely want to check out the new family-friendly Phoenix Rising coaster at Busch Gardens!
Several of thee zip lining parks have areas dedicated just for the youngest kiddos so they can also experience the thrill too. We’re sharing our favorite places to go zip lining with the kids on Labor Day weekend in Tampa Bay here.
Explore Kennedy Space Center during “Future Voyager’s Month”
Starting September 1, 2024, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is offering FREE, one-day admission to kids ages 3 – 11 during the month of September in celebration of “Future Voyagers Month.” All you have to do to take advantage of the free ticket for kids is purchase one adult admission for $75 starting September 1, 2024, and then you’ll get up to three complimentary children’s tickets for each adult ticket you buy. We love taking a day trip to Kennedy Space Center – there are so many great family-friendly activities that kids LOVE!
Book a Labor Day Weekend Getaway!
Use the extra day off of work to plan a long Labor Day weekend getaway or staycation. From dude ranch glamping at Westgate River Ranch to a stay in one of Disney’s Fort Wilderness’s NEW Cabins, we’ve dishing on all the details you need to know before you go. Or, take advantage of one of these other Florida staycation ideas.
Head to the Beach!
The gulf waters may not exactly be refreshing in the dead of summer…but if you just can’t resist the call of the sea, head to the coast for at one of our favorite family-friendly beaches for a lazy beach Labor Day in Clearwater, St. Pete or beyond.
If you’re looking for some beach time with a more laid-back vibe, we love spending the day at Sand Key Park in Clearwater.
Have an ultimate family beach day with A Boat Day
Enjoy a private boat excursion departing from the Clearwater, Indian Rocks Beach, and Dunedin areas, this is a favorite for locals and travelers alike. See dolphins up close, explore sandbars and the pristine state park barrier islands, search for shells, snorkel for sea life, or just relax in the beautiful Gulf waters.
A Boat Day rental boats are perfect for family/friends reunions, birthdays, and bachelor/bachelorette parties. Their Clearwater area boat trips range from a 2-hour Sunset Tour to an all-day 8-hour Adventure and can accommodate 1-50 people including the baby and their grands. A Boat Day is TripAdivsors #1 Boat Tour in Clearwater and is often described as the “best day of our vacation.”
Labor Day Weekend Events
The Great American Bacon Race
Saturday, August 31, 8 am
Al Lopez Park
4810 N Himes Ave, Tampa, FL 33614
This is a bacon-themed 5k run that offers custom finisher’s medals, a T-shirt, and FREE BACON at the finish line. Digital timing for awards and prizes is available. The event also features a 1k Bacon Dash for kids, followed by the Bacon Bash After-Party with music, food trucks, vendors, and plenty of free bacon. It is a fun-filled event for bacon lovers to enjoy.
$44
Grill & Chill: LaborDay Fest
Sunday, September 1, 3-9pm
The Garden Riverview
6445 U.S. 301, Riverview, FL 33578
Enjoy an unforgettable day of live music, incredible performances, and delicious food! Special performances by Karen’s Hora Loca Samba Dancers, Sherwiizy Hypelyfe.
$10
September Sing-Along Sundays: Grease
Sunday, September 1, 3 pm
The Tampa Theatre
Grease elevates the teenage high-school romance of greaser Danny (Travolta) and prim Australian transfer student Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) as they navigate their respective cliques to Hollywood perfection. It’s a little corny, and it’s a little campy, just like a good musical should be. But it’s also unforgettable. And now nobody will complain as you sing along under the Tampa Theatre stars about oh, those summer niiiiii … iiiiiiights!
$14.50, General Admission, or $11.50 for Tampa Theatre Members
Planning a weekend escape? Check out our guide to spending Labor Day Weekend 2024 in Orlando.