20+ FUN Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Weekend
It's another busy weekend with tons of awesome things to do in Tampa Bay with the kids!
Thanksgiving is also coming up next week, and there are plenty of places already offering Thanksgiving dinner options! Check out our favorite Thanksgiving Dinner dine in and to-go in Tampa Bay. If you're sticking around town and looking for fun things to do during Thanksgiving break, we've got you covered with that, too!
You can also start filling up your calendar with all the awesome holiday events, Santa sightings, and more around town with our guide to the Best Holiday Events in Tampa Bay for Families!
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: Featured Events that make this page possible, More Awesome Things to Do, What's on Exhibit, Save the Date, and more.
Happy weekend exploring!!
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!
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens in Tampa
Enjoy park-wide festive fun at this award-winning holiday event. The park becomes filled with holiday cheer and guests can enjoy holiday traditions with a twist. Ride the Holly Jolly Express train, view millions of twinkling lights from the top of a roller coaster, visit Santa in his workshop, and spend time with Rudolph and his friends from the classic holiday movie, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Guests can also enjoy festive live shows and take part in special holiday dining and shopping. Christmas Town is included with admission.
ICE! Featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™
For the very first time, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ will be featured at Gaylord Palms Resort in 2 million pounds of intricately carved ice sculptures in ICE!, the resort's signature holiday attraction. Strike a pose with Santa and Rudolph in one of the longest ice carvings measuring over 32 feet long, crawl into whimsical photo setups, or become one of the misfit toys in this winter wonderland made for memory-making. Experience the splendor of the holiday season at Gaylord Palms.
Pinocchio
Fast-moving, colorful, and comical, this one-hour opera adapted from Carlo Collodi’s timeless tale includes captivating scenes and songs that highlight the opera’s heartwarming message of the importance of family, friendship, and always telling the truth. Featuring easy-to-understand English lyrics with music by Mozart, Donizetti, Offenbach, and Verdi – Pinocchio is the perfect introduction to opera for the young and the young at heart!
Gingerbread Village at Glazer Children's Museum
Step into Gingerbread Village in GCM's MakeSpace exhibit, where creativity, collaboration, and winter wonders come to life. In Gingerbread Village, you can tinker away at creating imaginative gingerbread-inspired houses and structures to add to their growing village. Work together as a family to design and build miniature creations using recyclable materials like cardboard, pipe cleaners, bottle caps, and more everyday items.
Celebrate the season at Ananda Farm’s 2nd Annual Holiday Festival!
- Date: November 21-December 21, 2025
- Location: Ananda Farms
From November 21–December 21, families can enjoy a classic Christmas experience on their exotic fruit farm—complete with festive lights, holiday décor, daily live music, seasonal food & drinks, arts and crafts, and Santa meet-and-greets on select days.
Discover holiday magic for all ages and save 15% on admission with code HOLIDAY at checkout.
Laser Light Show: Rock the Cosmos at MOSI
Step inside America’s second-largest planetarium and experience vivid laser visuals, dynamic music, and dazzling special effects. Designed for all ages, the Laser Light Shows have something for everyone. Each performance pairs stunning visuals with your favorite soundtracks. This Friday, you can hear the sounds of tribute songs to artists like Michael Jackson, Johnny Cash, Whitney Houston, and more at 6:30 pm. At 8:15 pm, see the lights perform to the music of Elton John.
MORE Awesome Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Weekend
Sanding Ovations Master Cup at Treasure Island Beach
Treasure Island’s signature event is back and bigger than ever! The Sanding Ovations Masters Cup returns with breathtaking sand sculptures, live music, delicious food, local vendors, a colorful kite festival, and one of the most dazzling fireworks shows of the year. This year’s theme, “The Gallery of Sand,” transforms the beach into a 3D art gallery, where world-renowned sculptors bring masterpieces to life in the sand.
Sarasota Medieval Fair
Step back in time and watch full-contact jousting, human combat chess matches and other fantastic shows on 14 stages! Enjoy rides and play games! Enjoy music and shop for the holidays in the artisan marketplace with over 140+ shops! Each festival weekend has a unique theme and a full line-up of unique acts!
Amazing Athletes at Armature Works
In partnership with Amazing Athletes, kids ages 18 months to 5 years old are invited to participate in Amazing Athletes, the premier developmental sports and physical fitness program. Kids are empowered through positive movement experiences with a focus on meeting their motor-development milestones! There are two classes offered, Amazing Tots (18 months to 3 years old: 9:30 am – 10:00 am) and Amazing Athletes (3 to 5 years old: 10:05 am – 10:50 am).
Game Night at iCode Westchase
Come hang out for two hours of gaming fun with favorites like Rocket League, Roblox, Fortnite, Minecraft, and more. Play, laugh, and compete with your friends! Pizza and drinks are included. For kids ages 7-14.
Friday Night Meltdown Public Skate at AdventHealth Center Ice
Start your weekend off on the right skate on the ice for a 2-hour public skate session! There will be a live DJ, colored lights and so much more!
Mini Nutcracker with the Tampa City Ballet at Glazer Children's Museum
Visit the museum to experience a snippet performance of The Nutcracker from our friends at Tampa City Ballet.
Tampa Holiday Market at Florida State Fairgrounds
Shop 130+ makers, craft at DIY stations, snap pics at photo walls, enjoy a drink at the bar, enjoy delicious snacks, and fill your free tote with goodies from small businesses! Plus, kids under 12 are free, so bring your whole family along for this amazing event!
Bricks 4 Kidz Weekend Workshop
Unleash your creativity at Bricks 4 Kidz Weekend Workshop! Use STEM techniques to create the perfect themed build. Each child will make and take home a custom LEGO minifigure at the end of each workshop. This week, the theme is LEGO Bricksgiving!
Cyber Bowling Kid's Matinee at Pin Chasers
Cyber Bowling is the fusion of high-energy entertainment and bowling, where anything is possible! Your favorite music and club lighting create a glowing, family-friendly club-like atmosphere while you bowl. At Veteran's, Midtown, Brandon, and East Pasco locations.
Holiday Tree Lighting at Armature Works
Kick off the holiday season with Armature's annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration! Enjoy a festive evening filled with holiday cheer as you shop local at our mini market, meet Santa, and cozy up by the fire with s’mores. Delight in live performances throughout the night, leading up to the tree lighting ceremony at 8 pm.
Esports Open Play at Emanuel P. Johnson Rec Center
The Esports lounges are staffed with Esports specialists who inspire and encourage new social skills, help develop gaming fundamentals, and set a safe, inclusive, and positive social environment. Our 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.
Tampa Bay Sun Football Club Game
Come cheer on the Tampa Bay Sun Football Club as they take on Lexington, SC! This is also Military Appreciation Night.
Sunday Breakfast Bowl at Pin Chasers
Breakfast bowling includes two hours of bowling, two eggs (your way), bacon, and toast. Taking place at the Veteran's, Midtown, Brandon, and East Pasco locations.
Dueling Pianos for Kids at Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar and Restaurant
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!
Related: Awesome family-friendly things to do with kids in Orlando
MORE THINGS TO DO: See What’s on Exhibit in Tampa Bay
Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine exhibit at MOSI | Now Open
Can a machine think like you? Learn like you? Paint your portrait like Picasso? Starting September 6, visitors at MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry, can find out in a brand-new way with the opening of Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine, a hands-on exhibit that makes the world of AI exciting, accessible, and unforgettable.
Science LIVE! All-New Science Demos | Daily at 2 p.m.
Watch a MOSI educator bring science to life with exciting, hands-on demos. Each show lasts about 15 minutes and features fun experiments in chemistry, physics, biology, and more. You’ll see colorful reactions, cool demos, and amazing science in action. MOSI makes science easy to understand, and even easier to get excited about!
Wild Oasis at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Now Open
The Wild Oasis Realm is finally open at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay! There's a new ride, a splash pad, and so many ways to climb and play!
SEA LIFE Florida at LEGOLAND Florida Resort | Now Open
Get ready for this under-the-sea adventure at this all-new indoor attraction! You can expect to see more than 3,000 sea creatures and even walk through a 180-degree underwater tunnel! We'll be there for the official opening on Friday morning!
Forts Exhibit at Glazer Children's Museum | Now Open
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!
Let's See at Glazer Children's Museum | Now Open
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.
Wonders of Wetlands at Great Explorations Children's Museum | Now Open
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!
LEGO® Ferrari Race & Build Experience at LEGOLAND Florida Resort
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!
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.
FloridaRAMA – 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.
SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE AWESOME EVENTS IN TAMPA BAY:
Movies on the Pier
Start a new St. Pete tradition! Join in every third Friday on the Pier for an outdoor movie. VIP upgrades are available for premium reserved seating, two drink tickets, and one popcorn. This month’s feature is A Minecraft Movie.
Night at the Aquarium
Get ready for an unforgettable evening where the aquarium transforms into an after-hours adventure! This special event invites kids ages 5-10 to experience a magical night filled with captivating stories, Hands-On Activities, and tons of aquarium exploration. Hear amazing tales about the ocean’s most incredible creatures, dive into interactive fun with ocean-themed crafts and games and discover the secrets of CMA like never before!
Tampa Bay Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village
- Dates: Thanksgiving, Nov. 27 through Dec. 28
- Location: Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, Dover
Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village returns with over 1.5 million lights across a 2-mile drive-thru. New this year is Santa’s Winter Woodlands, plus favorites like Under the Sea and Pirates of Tampa. In Santa’s Village, enjoy Tiny the Tanker, festive shows, kids’ crafts, games, Santa visits, camel rides, holiday rides, movies, firepits, and shopping in the Holiday Market and Historical Village. Celebrate hometown holiday magic with family and friends!
A Christmas Story, The Musical
Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Give your loved ones the magic of live theater with A Christmas Story, The Musical! Watch as young Ralphie's Christmas dreams unfold in this delightful adaptation of the classic film. A Christmas present that audiences of all ages will be sure to embrace and cherish for generations to come.
Holiday Classics at Tampa Theatre
- Dates: Sundays, showtimes at 3 p.m.
- Beginning Sunday, November 30
- Location: Downtown Tampa
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Tampa Theatre! Enjoy timeless Holiday Classics like Miracle on 34th Street, Elf and It’s a Wonderful Life every Sunday afternoon. Choose “naughty or nice” with late-night Friday REWIND hits like Die Hard and Gremlins, or Wednesday night Big Pictures like The Muppet Christmas Carol. And all are welcome for a FREE community screening of Saint Nick of Bethlehem on December 6! For tickets, ornaments, gift ideas and more, visit TampaTheatre.org/holidays
Annual Yule Cactus Lighting
Kick off the holiday season with the annual lighting of The James Museum’s 10-foot Yule Cactus! Free events throughout the evening include family-friendly art making and photos with Cowboy Santa. The event takes place on the museum’s first floor, and it is free to attend. Museum admission needed for gallery access upstairs. Advance online registration highly recommended!
Sensory Saturday
MOSI transforms into a sensory-friendly space. Dive into hands-on activities in the Idea Zone®, explore our unique exhibits, and enjoy the museum’s relaxed atmosphere with lowered lights and reduced noise levels. These thoughtful adjustments create a stress-free experience, encouraging creativity and discovery. Registration is required, with pre-registration discounts; free for MOSI Members. Guests are welcome to stay past the event time and continue to enjoy the exhibits.
Sesame Street Live
Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to St. Petersburg to say hello! At ‘Elmo and Friends Say Hello,' sing, dance, and play alongside your favorite furry friends; all while you follow Elmo’s puppy in a fun game of hide & seek. So make your way to the Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater, where the air is sweet for this all-new celebration on Sesame Street! Tickets are available now at Ticketmaster.com
Merry Maker’s Market
A festive shopping experience including with museum admission, shop the Merry Maker’s Market for a diverse selection of vendors showcasing their finest work, from handmade jewelry and artwork to specialty home décor and more. Support local artisans and small businesses while selecting meaningful gifts that carry a personal touch.
Santa’s Scientific Workshop
Explore festive science experiments that bring holiday magic to life and take part in a dazzling planetarium show to journey through the stars. You can also meet Santa Claus and capture a special photo to remember the evening, plus, write letters to Santa and send your wishes straight to the North Pole with MOSI’s Magical Mailbox! Even better, enjoy delicious, sweet holiday treats along the way.
NGB Nutcracker
- Dates: December 19 – 23
- Location: Straz Center, Downtown Tampa
Enter Clara and Drosselmeyer's fantastical world of dancing sweets, sword-fighting rodents and some of ballet's most famous music. Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker features award-winning young dancers from NGB alongside guest star dancers from New York City Ballet, Isabella LaFreniere and Jovani Furlan. This glittering Tampa holiday tradition should not be missed.
Holiday Sparkle
Get ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with a festive evening of music and merriment! Holiday Sparkle brings together dazzling vocalists, spirited dancers, and 40-piece orchestra for a heartwarming celebration of the season. From beloved carols and timeless classics to show-stopping dance performances that light up the stage, you’ll be swept away by the spirit of the season. An unforgettable evening that captures the sparkle and warmth of the holiday season.
Breakfast With Santa
Enjoy a memorable morning filled with holiday spirit, delicious food, festive crafts, and a chance to meet Santa himself on December 20th! Whether you’re crafting ornaments, sipping hot cocoa, or taking photos with Santa, there’s holiday cheer for everyone. Make lasting memories in this enchanting holiday setting at Clearwater Marine Aquarium!
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents The Greatest Show On Earth®
Step inside The Greatest Party On Earth! The 150+ year-old beloved circus is back and reimagined for a new generation. This larger-than-life production bursts back into Tampa for the launch of the National U.S. tour. Get tickets now for the Circus Party of the Year, featuring two hours of high-energy, family fun with over 65 world-class performers and beats that get you out of your seat!
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 here.
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!
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