The Play List: FloridaRAMA
It may be October, but it’s still HOT out. for a completely off-the-wall, indoor family experience, head to FloridaRAMA in St. Pete to explore some of the most funky, interactive art installations you’ll see anywhere. Filled with whimsy and surprises in every corner, kids have a blast exploring the neon spaces and twinkling lights that work together to tell the story of Old Florida.
FloridaRAMA is tucked away in the warehouse district in St. Petersburg and shares a building with Daddy Kool Records and an art gallery that’s great for hosting events. Look for murals on buildings to let you know you’re in the right place, including one that welcomes you to “Fairgrounds,” its former moniker up until 2024. There’s a good-sized parking lot across the street, and even a coffee shop in case you need a pick-me-up after playing.
Ways to Play
A visually exhilarating place, FloridaRAMA brings to life the quirky parts of Florida that people love in the setting of the Mermaid Star Motel. Kids can play in a giant Pirate Ship ball pit, press and flip all the switches for silly effects in a Space Center simulator, and admire the most intricate and creative collection of dioramas that you never knew you needed to see.
My girls loved adding their names to glowing washi tape on an evolving exhibit, and we even got to have a disco dance party in a room full of dripping spoons that I know Salvador Dalí would appreciate. There are also rooms dedicated to the Florida Strawberry, an insane seashell mosaic room, and even a spot devoted to shrimp cocktail, complete with a shrimp cocktail-shaped disco ball.
To make things even more fun, you can upgrade your experience at FloridaRAMA with a number of interactive scavenger hunts, bringing a new playful experience to each visit. Use UV flashlights and solve riddles to discover secret messages and hidden narratives. They also host rotating events like glow in the dark mini golf.
When you’re done playing, grab a snack or some ice cream from the snack bar in the lobby and peruse the attached art gallery. There’s a funky gift shop as well, where you can purchase some truly offbeat and hilarious artwork and novelties, including armadillo and opossum stuffies.
Info & Fees
2606 Fairfield Ave. S., Building 5, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
727-210-5450
Hours:
- Monday, Thursday and Friday: 12-8 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Admission:
- $25 admission for Florida residents, students, seniors and military ($27 general admission)
- $22 big kids (ages 4-12)
- Kids 3 and under are free
- Group pricing available
All images courtesy of Zoe Joiner.
Originally published in the October 2025 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.
Looking for more indoor fun? Check out our top picks for the best indoor places to play!