The BEST Things to Do Labor Day Weekend in Tampa Bay

The unofficial end of summer is on the horizon 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 hurrah for the summer, we've got you covered.Related:

• 20 + Things to Do This Weekend in Tampa Bay (For weekend-only activities and special events.)
• Florida Resident Deals at Theme Parks, Attractions, and Resorts (including Labor Day Deals)

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.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 two summers ago. 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. 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 which includes an expanded splash pad! Be sure to pack a bathing suit and a 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 Manatee Rehab Center at Clearwater Marine Aquarium!

The Manatee Rehab Center is a must visit. 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 2025! 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 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 family-friendly Phoenix Rising coaster at Busch Gardens!Several of the 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. 

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. 

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Labor Day Weekend Events

Bier Fest Brews & BBQ Fridays – Sundays, July 25 – Aug. 31 & Monday, Sept. 1 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Check back for more info on this event! Included with theme park admission, weekends only Florida's Largest Home Show August 29 -31 Florida State Fairgrounds Usually, there is FREE Admission on Friday. $8 adults and $7 first responders Saturday- Monday.GeckoFest  Sunday, August 31, 10am Gulfport This vibrant end of summer celebration captures the spirit of Gulfport with its artistic energy and throws in a dash of Mardi Gras flair. The day is filled with live music on two stages, energetic street theater performances at every corner, and a showcase of local and regional talent. Throw in some costumed characters for a sprinkle of whimsy, a walking parade where everyone is welcome to join, and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect family outing

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Planning a weekend escape? Check out our guide to spending Labor Day Weekend 2025 in Orlando.