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!

The weather is beautiful in Tampa and perfect for some outdoor fun! Easter is also just a hop, skip, and a jump away, and it's time to start planning for some egg-cellent fun! Check out where you can enjoy egg hunts, Easter bunny pics, and Easter brunch around Tampa Bay!

But, before we dive into our list of Weekend Top Picks of Things to Do in Tampa Bay This Weekend– 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!

A few new stories we think you'll LOVE:

• DEADLINE EXTENDED: FREE 2026 Busch Gardens Preschool Card
• The Straz Center Annouces its 2026-2027 Brodway Season!
• Clearwater Marine Aquarium welcomes three new harbor seals
• U-PICK IS BACK: Where to pick strawberries, citrus, and more in Tampa Bay!

Featured Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Weekend 

We're giving the following events an extra shout-out since their support helps us provide this amazing weekend guide to you for free!

MOSI's 5th Annual Water Days (pictured in featured image)

• Date: Saturday, March 28 from 10 am-3 pm
• Location: Tampa

This family-friendly event shows how natural resources shape daily life and impact the future of our region. Explore a variety of interactive learning stations led by MOSI’s educators, community partners, and local experts. Take a closer look at the real challenges facing Tampa and learn about stormwater science, conservation practices, and sustainability that’s easy for all ages to understand.

Minecraft Mania at MOSI

• Date: Saturday, March 28, from 1 pm-3 pm
• Location: Tampa

Got a Minecraft master at home? Minecraft Mania at MOSI takes their favorite game to the next level with hands-on challenges designed for ages 7–12. They’ve mined for diamonds. Built epic worlds. Defeated mobs. Now it’s time to put those skills to the test in a fast-paced workshop packed with creativity, coding, and teamwork. During this drop-off program, participants will take on individual and team-based challenges, build computer and problem-solving skills, learn basic coding concepts, strategize and collaborate, and work together to defend their city from an alien invasion!

MORE Awesome Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Weekend

LAST WEEKEND! Bay Area Renaissance Fest

• Date: Weekends through March 29
• Location: 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, themed weekends, and fabulous food fit for royalty!

Tampa Extreme Rodeo at Florida State Fairgrounds

• Date: Friday, March 27-Saturday, March 27
• Location: Tampa

Double K Rodeo Productions will be showcasing the Tampa Extreme Rodeo, featuring the finest Bull Riders, Bronc Riders, Barrel Racers, and Mutton Busters East of the Mississippi! Buckle up for a WILD night of thrilling patriotism, jaw-dropping trick riding, and a whole ‘lotta cowboy FUN! Enjoy amazing vendors to shop, and a multitude of food trucks so be sure to come hungry!​

Family Fun Night at Chick-Fil-A Waters Ave. 

• Date: Friday, March 27 from 6 pm-8 pm
• Location: Tampa

Grab your friends and hang out on the patio for an evening of fun and games for ALL ages!

Empower Adventures Sunset Zip Line Adventures and Moonlight Canopy Tours

• Dates: Friday, March 27-Sunday, March 28
• Location: Oldsmar

Spring LEGO Happy Hummingbird Build Event at Barnes & Noble

• Date: Friday, March 27 at 7 pm and Saturday, March 28 at 1 pm
• Location: Various Locations

Join us in store for a LEGO Build event featuring “Happy Hummingbird” as they flutter into Spring! This event is perfect for LEGO enthusiasts that are 10 years of age and older but all guests are welcome. If this is an event that you are interested in, contact your store for additional details and to reserve a spot.

Dancing with the Stars Live at Ruth Eckerd Hall

• Date: Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28 at 7:30 pm
• Location: Clearwater

America’s favorite dance show returns to Ruth Eckerd Hall for Dancing with the Stars: Live 2026 Tour! Experience the excitement, athleticism, and the artistry of the ballroom, live, up-close and personal for an unforgettable night that you won’t want to miss! With dazzling routines in every style, jaw-dropping talent, and non-stop entertainment, it’s sure to be an unforgettable night full of all the magic of the TV show and more. Fans will see time honored dances like the Cha Cha, Foxtrot, Salsa, Tango- and everything in between. See the glitz, glam and breathtaking performances of America’s favorite dance show in Clearwater with this ALL-NEW SHOW starring your favorite pros and special guests!

Kids Run this ‘Hood Famliy 5K and Color Fun Run

• Date: Saturday, March 28 at 7:30 am
• Location: Westchase

Lace up and get ready to run to support four local schools! This race is open to the public and you can sign up to run as a community supporter or in support of Westchase Elementary, Lowry Elementary, Deer Park Elementary, or Mary Bryant Elementary. Participants will receive a race shirt and swag bag (while supplies last). The race kicks off and ends at Westchase Elementary and will be followed by an exciting after party.

Bonnet Springs Park 5K and Kids Run Run

• Date: Saturday, March 28 at 7:30 am
• Location: Lakeland

Ready to challenge yourself in 2026? The Bonnet Springs Park 5k returns. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, this is a supportive, community-focused event. In addition to the 5k, there will be family-friendly activities on the Family Lawn and a Kids Fun Run. Bring the whole family to enjoy a day of running, walking, and playing while supporting the park.

SPCA Tampa Bay's 35th Annual Pet Walk

• Date: Saturday, March 28 from 8 am- 12 pm
• Location: Largo

Join fellow pet lovers and their furry (and not-so-furry) friends at SPCA Tampa Bay’s 35th Annual Pet Walk, the organization’s largest community fundraiser. Enjoy live entertainment, costume contests, dachshund races in partnership with Florida Wiener Dog Derby, giveaways, delicious food and unique vendors before starting the walk at 10 am. Pet Walk empowers individuals and teams to raise critical funds through friends, family, and colleagues to support SPCA Tampa Bay’s lifesaving programs. With a donation of $30, participants receive a Pet Walk t-shirt, tote bag, pet bandana, and leash as a thank-you for their support. Whether you’re walking with your pet, cheering on participants, or joining a team, Pet Walk is a fun and meaningful way to make a difference for animals and the people who love them. Every dollar raised benefits SPCA Tampa Bay, the only For-All animal shelter in Pinellas County, supporting programs such as the pet food bank, vaccine clinics, sheltering, and veterinary care for thousands of animals every year. Registration is free!

Day out With Thomas at The Florida Railroad Museum

• Date: Saturday, March 28 from 9 am-5 pm
• Location: Parrish

Join Thomas at the Florida Railroad Museum with loads of family games and activities! Say hello to Sir Topham Hatt, enjoy live entertainment, photo ops, an exclusive gift shop, lawn games, and so much more. Take a real train ride with Thomas and spend the day creating memories for the whole family.

Weekend Workshop at Bricks 4 Kidz

• Date: Saturday, March 28 from 10 am-1 pm
• Location: Tampa

Take part in 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 every own Bricks 4 Kidz minifigure! All children ages 4.5 – 12 years old are welcome! Spots are limited to just 20 builders per workshop! This Saturday, participate in a LEGO Tribute to Disney Workshop!

Kids Cover to Cover at Sparkman Wharf

• Date: Saturday, March 28 from 10 am-12 pm
• Location: Tampa

A morning of stories, words and delightful literary adventures. Head to the Wharf for a children's book fair with crafts, reading nooks and experiences with much loved stories and characters. Located on Sparkman Wharf's lawn, buy a few books and then enjoy a picnic with your littles while you explore new stories.

Spring Fest Fundraiser at HorsePower for Kids

• Date: Saturday, March 28-Sunday, March 29, April 4
• Location: Tampa, Zephyrhills

Have fun on the farm with pony rides, a petting zoo, playgrounds, train rides, live music, egg hunts, and more! And of course, visit with HorsePower’s amazing array of animals, including their newest residents, capybaras!

Tampa Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Festival at Curtis Hixon Park 

• Date: Saturday, March 28 from 12 pm-9 pm
• Location: Tampa

Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) heritage with an afternoon filled with vibrant cultural performances representing diverse Asian countries and Pacific islands, delicious traditional foods, authentic merchandise, and engaging informational exhibits.

Cyber Bowling Kids Matinee at Pin Chasers

• Date: Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29
• Location: Tampa, Zephyrhills

Cyber Bowling is the fusion of high-energy entertainment and bowling where anything is possible! Bowling with kids? Enjoy special family matinees with family appropriate music so families can enjoy the fun together at an earlier time.

Mixed Media Weaving with Latonya Hicks Challenge at Glazer Children's Museum

• Date: Saturday, March 21 from 2:30 pm-3:30 pm
• Location: Tampa

Explore mixed media and learn how women creators have shaped art through creativity, courage, and innovation.

Esports Open Play at Northdale Rec Center

• Date: Saturday, March 28 from 1:30 pm-4:30 pm
• Location: Tampa

Esports lounges are staffed with Esports specialist who inspire and encourage new social skills, help develop gaming fundamentals, and set a safe, inclusive and positive social environment. 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.

Heroes Night at Chick-Fil-A Hillsborough

• Date: Saturday, March 28 from 4 pm-6 pm
• Location: Tampa

Head to Chick-Fil-A for an evening to celebrate the heroes, a touch a truck event and meet some heroes in our community!

Sunshine Sunday at Glazer Children's Museum

• Date: Sunday, March 29 from 8 am-10 am
• Location: Tampa

Sunshine Sunday is a special monthly event for children with special needs and their caregivers. Come explore the Museum with lights and sounds turned down and sensory-adapted tools, special programs, and community resources at your fingertips. During this time, children and their families can experience the Museum and unite with others on a similar journey.

Sunday Breakfast Bowl at Pin Chasers

• Date: Sunday, March 29 from 9 am-11 am
• Location: Tampa, Zephyrhills

Bring the whole family to Pin Chasers for unlimited bowling plus breakfast! You get two hours of bowling, two eggs (your way), bacon, and toast.

Princess Cruise on Yacht Starship

• Date: Sunday, March 29 from 11 am-2 pm
• Location: Tampa

Hop aboard the Yacht StarShip with your fellow princesses and princes of all ages! This magical, 2-hour cruise will include a boarding photo opportunity with a princess, followed by a lunch buffet where Parties with Character princesses will visit each table. After lunch, guests are welcome to join the princesses for a sing-along and DJ dance party on the top deck.

Kids Day Out at Shanna and Bryan Glazer Famliy JCC

• Date: Sunday, March 29 from 12 pm-4 pm
• Location: Tampa

Calling all junior bakers ages 4-12 for a fun-themed Sunday! Enjoy a fun Kids Day Out, decorating cupcakes, doing arts and crafts, swimming, gym games plus pizza and more!

Upstairs/Downstairs at Henry B. Plant Museum

• Date: Sunday, March 29 from 2 pm-2:30 pm
• Location: Tampa

Step back in time and enjoy the single-character performances that bring turn-of–the-century Tampa Bay Hotel staff members and guests to life. Each character is based wholly or in part on actual hotel staff and guests. Based on original research conducted by the Henry Plant Museum, these characters recreate the attitudes and mores of a bygone time, along with the sorrows and joys of their existence. From the reminiscences of Henry Plant himself on what led him to build such a palace, to the letters home written by a Spanish-American War soldier, you will learn more about the time period through each character’s particular vantage point. Performances are 30 minutes and are included with admission to the Museum. Arrive early as limited seating is available on a first-come first-served basis. This week's character spotlight: Maggie Stroud.

Dueling Pianos for Kids at Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar and Restaurant

• Date: Sunday, March 29 from 4 pm-6 pm
• Location: Wesley Chapel

Fun for the whole family! Bring the kids out to dance, sing, and request all their favorite tunes! Movie songs, TV shows, and pop music are all on the table! This event is free but reservations are encouraged!

MORE THINGS TO DO: See What’s on Exhibit in Tampa Bay

Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion at MOSI

Step back into time and explore full-scale machines created from da Vinci's drawings. Ultimately, Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion invites you to explore the mind of one of history’s greatest thinkers. Discover his ideas. Experience his creativity. And feel the impact of his genius. On display through May 26.

Lucy Sparrow's Quick Shop at FloridaRAMA

• Dates: Now until the exhibit sells out of the felt art creations
• Location: St. Pete

World-renowned artist Lucy Sparrow is bringing her incredible felt artwork back to Tampa Bay in a 700-square-foot exhibit at FloridaRAMA called Lucy Sparrow's Quick Shop. The whimsical exhibit is filled with thousands of handmade felt art creations inspired by the everyday items you would find at the market, including produce, seafood, laundry detergent, and more. And here's what's really cool–you can purchase the artwork, too. FloridaRAMA is also decorated for the holidays! They also just unveiled Lucy Sparrow's Sugar Rush, featuring favorite candies in felt form!

Feline Files: Fact or Fiction? at FloridaRAMA

Investigate strange occurrences around Mermaid Star Motel and discover a mysterious new feline species!

Science LIVE! All-New Science Demos at MOSI in Tampa | 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 

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 in Winter Haven

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 in Tampa

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 in Tampa

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 in St. Pete

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 home, like turtles, lizards, and a snake!

See the World’s Largest Triceratops at Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa

Big John, the world’s largest fossil triceratops, is now on display at the 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 in 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.

Paws for Literacy at Humane Society of Tampa Bay in Tampa | Tuesdays and Thursdays

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 in Ruskin | 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:

Tampa Bay Rodeo & Family Festival

Water Days at MOSI

Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
4801 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa 33617
This family-friendly event shows how natural resources shape daily life and impact the future of our region. Explore a variety of interactive learning stations led by MOSI educators, community partners, and local experts where hands-on learning makes stormwater science, conservation practices, and sustainability easy to understand for all ages. Families can also take a closer look at real challenges facing Tampa Bay including stormwater issues and long-term environmental resilience. Included in general admission.

Adoption Information Session

Tuesday, April 7 at 6 PM
Online via Zoom
Take the first step toward changing a child’s life by becoming a Forever Family. Join the Heart Gallery of Tampa for their next Adoption Information Session on Tuesday, April 7 at 6 PM via Zoom. Learn what it means to adopt from foster care and how you can open your heart and home to a child who is waiting for a family. If you’ve ever felt called to grow your family through adoption, this is the perfect place to begin. Register Here.

Gasparilla Music Festival Family Fest

Saturday, April 11 – Sunday, April 12, from 12-3 p.m.
Sparkman Wharf
Kids Fest is FREE for parents and kids at Sparkman Wharf while Gasparilla Music Festival is taking place down the street at Meridian Fields. In addition to live music, there will be plenty of family-friendly activities, including the beloved instrument petting zoo, face painting, a kids rave on Saturday and more.

The Incredible Duck Race

April 18
Curtis Hixon Park
10,000 rubber ducks will race down the Hillsborough River in front of Curtis Hixon Park to compete for amazing prizes. The family event will feature games, food, and entertainment leading up to the big race. Ducks can be purchased in advance for $5 at TampaDuckRace.com, you don’t have to be present to win. Benefiting The Tampa Kiwanis Foundation, which supports many local children’s programs.

Get Your Ticket to Style, Stories, and Hope on the Runway

April 18
The Motor Enclave
Join the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation on April 18 at the stunning Motor Enclave in Tampa for Fashion Funds the Cure, an evening where glamour gives back. Enjoy delicious food and great company as you watch incredible pediatric cancer warriors steal the spotlight on the runway. Every ticket fuels life-saving research for better treatments. Come dressed to impress and ready to be moved.

19^th Annual Back to School Fair – NEW LOCATION!

Saturday, August 1, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Citrus Park Town Center
Hillsborough County Public Schools presents: The 19^th Annual Back to School Fair is headed back to an ALL-NEW location in 2026! Head to Tampa Bay's ultimate back-to-school bash inside the air-conditioned comfort of Citrus Park Town Center during the Sales Tax Holiday, meaning you won’t have to pay sales tax on your school-related purchases. Take pictures with ThunderBug, sing with Princesses, get your face painted, enjoy performances, games and contests, plus, we’re giving away FREE backpacks for the first 1,000 kids in line!