The Play List: Play at The Pier
Tampa Bay is fortunate to have two unique big and vibrant cities within a quick, 30-minute drive from each other. From playing at the Burg’s Glazer Family Playground and Spa Beach Park to exploring the Tampa Bay Watch and treats at Clementine’s nearby, we’re sharing why our family loves to play at The Pier this time of year when the Straub Park lights add to the Holiday cheer.
Ways to Play
The main attraction at The Pier is the Glazer Family Playground – and for good reason! Arguably the best playground in the Bay, it pairs nostalgic wooden climbing structures with a whimsical giant octopus playscape that delights all ages. Kids can rock climb along its protruding tentacles, climb up a giant rope tower and then slide down two of the tallest and most fun slides around. Meanwhile, littles love the balancing structures and smaller climbing structures, as well as the big sunken pirate ship.
Bonus: Sledding in Florida! Kids have taken to “sledding” down the hill at the Glazer Family Playground on flattened cardboard and I can’t say I blame them!
When you need a break from playing, wander over to Spa Beach Park and get a snack at the Spa Beach Bistro. Spa Beach is fun to explore at low tide to see burrowing sea creatures in the sand.
Just a little bit farther down the Pier is the Tampa Bay Watch Center. Check out their calendar for events like their Bay Babies program for toddlers ages 3-6, which is held monthly on Saturdays and is tons of fun. But even without a planned activity, the Center is a really cool spot to explore, with touch tanks, demonstrations and tons of live sea creatures to observe.
If you make it all the way to the end of The Pier, kudos to you! It’s fun to see all the fisherman way out there, plus the views from Bar Teaki are top notch.
The cherry on top of a winter Pier play date is treats and hot chocolate at Café Clementine in the Museum of Fine Arts down the block (museum entrance is not required). Some other spots we love nearby are Kilwins for Ice Cream and chocolate and Paradeco Coffee Roasters if you need a pick-me-up before heading home.
Parking + Accessibility
If you’re lucky, you can find parking in the Dolphin or Pelican Lots located directly on the Pier on Second Avenue northeast. Otherwise, park on the street along Bayshore Drive or in one of the nearby lots (fees apply). Plan to walk, bring your wheels of choice or hop on the tram that comes every 10 minutes.
Glazer Family Playground
Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Café Clementine
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed Mondays
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