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 has been picture perfect for getting outdoors and exploring some of the amazing events around town like Busch Gardens Real Music Series and Mardi Gras! Or get the wiggles out with a day of play at one of the many awesome parks 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:

• Clearwater Marine Aquarium welcomes three new harbor seals
• INSIDE LOOK: Galacticoaster, A New Indoor Roller Coaster at LEGOLAND® Florida
• 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!

A Day on Ananda Farm in Terra Ceia

• Dates: Open Friday from 3 pm-7 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10 am-7 pm
• Location: 579 Ken Hubbard Road, Terra Ceia

Enjoy the sunshine and explore our favorite family-friendly farm in Tampa Bay! Kids can play on the 15 different attractions, including a huge tree house, while adults enjoy delicious food and drinks. You can also pick pretty flowers, listen to live music, and more!

Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

• Date: Through March 1
• Location: Tampa

Get jazzed up with Mardi Gras-style entertainment, live music and catch some festival beads (after each parade). Feast like kings and queens on New classic Cajun cuisine as Busch Gardens brings the “Big Easy” to Tampa Bay.

LAST WEEKEND! Real Music Series at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

• Date: Now through February 20, 2026
• Location: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

MORE Awesome Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Weekend

Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka KIDS at The Straz Center

• Date: Thursday, February 19-Sunday, February 22
• Location: Tampa

The delicious adventures experienced by Charlie Bucket on his visit to Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory light up the stage in this captivating tale. Featuring the enchanting songs from the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder, in addition to a host of fun new songs, this scrumdidilyumptious musical is guaranteed to delight everyone's sweet tooth. The younger Patel Conservatory Theater students will dive into the world of Roald Dahl to bring this show to life in TECO Theater! There will be a special sensory-friendly performance on Sunday, February 22, and 1 pm.

WizardFest at Raprager Farm

• Dates: February 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, March 1, 6
• Location: Odessa

Lunar New Year: Asian Night Market at Armature Works

• Date: Friday, February 20 from 6 pm-11 pm
• Location: Tampa

Enjoy a night under the stars at this special Asian Night Market! Stroll along Market Street and shop from a variety of vendors.

Sunset Zip Line Adventures at Empower Adventures Tampa Bay

• Date: Friday, February 20-Sunday, February 22
• Location: Oldsmar

Gain a new perspective on fun, beginning with a 60-foot tall start tower, 5 zip lines varying in length and totaling over 3,000′, a 200-foot suspension bridge along with an adventure course with log bridges, cable traverses, and poles!

Demo Derby Smash Up at Pasco County

• Date: Saturday, February 21 at 6 pm
• Location: Dade City

With dirt flying and cars crashing, it's time for some excitement with the Pasco County Fair Demolition Derby Smash-Up! Watch from the grandstands as these drivers handle their vehicles. Come root for your favorite car and driver. One night of action -packed fun.

Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic 

• Date: Saturday, February 21-Sunday, February 22
• Location: Downtown Tampa

Lace up! Race Weekend will include four distances plus four challenges: the PGDC 15K, PGDC 5K, the Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon (13.1 miles), and the Publix Gasparilla 8K. Feeling up to a challenge, the weekend also includes the Michelob Ultra Challenge (15K, 5K, Half Marathon, and 8K), Michelob Ultra Pure Gold Challenge (15K and Half Marathon), Michelob Ultra Infusion Challenge (15K and 8K), and the Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer Challenge (5K and 8K).

Sensory Saturday at MOSI

• Date: Saturday, February 21 from 8 am-12 pm
• Location: Tampa

MOSI’s Sensory Saturday is created in partnership with C.A.R.D. at USF to welcome guests with sensory differences into a calm, supportive museum experience. For this special morning, MOSI opens early and transforms into a sensory-friendly environment with lowered lights, reduced noise, and a relaxed pace. Families can explore hands-on fun in the Idea Zone, discover unique exhibits, and enjoy a space designed for comfort and connection. Pre-register to secure discounted admission and guarantee your spot! Sensory Saturday is free for MOSI Members, and all guests are welcome to stay and enjoy MOSI after the event ends.

Conservation Connections at ZooTampa

• Date: Saturday, February 21 from 9:30 am-2:30 pm
• Location: Tampa

Use your notebook at the Zoo to collect clues and record observations during these monthly celebrations. Then, use your notebook at home to record the extra activities you complete and to keep track of your conservation journey. Use your notebook or your passport to collect your Conservation Connections stamps each month. At the end of the year, show the Zoo your stamp collection to redeem small prizes to celebrate a year of conservation in action! This month, celebrate World Hippo Day!

Skyway Famliy Fun Day

• Date: Saturday, February 21 from 9:30 am-1 pm
• Location: Tampa

This free family-friendly event will host games, competitions, local vendors, food trucks, and more! Activities will be available for kids and parents, and sure to be a fun time for all. There was also be a special kids market! Registration is free, but required.

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!

DIY-U Kids Workshops by Lowe's

• Date: Saturday, February 21 from 10 am-1 pm
• Location: Various Locations

Lowe's is here to help you and your mini-builder grow together. Participate in a free DIY project (while supplies last). This month's activity: Birdhouse!

Weekend Workshop at Bricks 4 Kidz

• Date: Saturday, February 21 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 Roblox Workshop!

Petapalooza II at Westchase Town Center

• Date: Saturday, February 21 from 10 am-3 pm
• Location: Tampa

Get ready for a tail-wagging good time at Petapalooza II, a fun-filled celebration for kids, families, and pet lovers of all ages! Enjoy a lively day packed with pet-themed activities, creative fun, local vendors, and adorable moments that will have everyone smiling. Bring the kids, bring the family, and yes, bring your well-behaved furry friends for a joyful outing featuring pet-inspired crafts, treats, games, shopping, and surprises around every corner. Whether you’re a proud pet parent or just love animals, Petapalooza II is the purr-fect place to spend the day together.

Da Vinci Famliy Workshop at MOSI

• Date: Saturday, February 21 from 10:15 am-12:15 pm
• Location: Tampa

Step into the mind of a master inventor! Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion, this hands-on Da Vinci Family Workshop invites families to explore how curiosity, observation, and creativity fuel invention, just like Leonardo did. Designed for one adult and one child working together, this interactive experience blends art, science, and engineering as families. Build and test a working catapult, engineer a balloon-powered car racer,  and brainstorm, sketch, and prototype an original invention. During this two-hour workshop, families will experiment, problem-solve, and tinker their way through challenges that celebrate imagination and innovation. No prior experience needed- just bring curiosity and a willingness to create! After the workshop, guests can continue their journey by exploring Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion in the gallery. For ages 7 and up.

Repticon Tampa Reptile Show

• Date: Saturday, February 21-Sunday, February 22
• Location: Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa

Repticon is a popular reptile and exotic animal expo that brings together enthusiasts, breeders, and vendors from around the region. Held at the Florida State Fairgrounds, the event features a wide range of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and other exotic animals. Visitors can explore educational presentations, live animal displays, and opportunities to purchase reptiles, supplies, and accessories. It’s a family-friendly event, perfect for both seasoned reptile hobbyists and those curious to learn more about these fascinating creatures.

Cyber Bowling Kids Matinee at Pin Chasers

• Date: Saturday, February 21 and Sunday, February 22
• 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.

Esports Open Play at Northdale Rec Center

• Date: Saturday, February 21 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.

Tampa Bay Sun Football Club Game

• Date: Saturday, February 21 at 7:30 pm
• Location: Tampa

Cheer on the Tampa Bay Sun as they take on the Fort Lauderdale United Football Club!

Spirit in the Sky Drone Show at Florida State Fairgrounds

• Date: Saturday, February 14 and Sunday, February 15 from 8 pm-8:30 pm
• Location: Tampa

At the 2026 Florida State Fair, 500 drones bring history to life in a narrated show by Sky Elements honoring America’s 250-year journey.

Sunshine Sunday at Glazer Children's Museum

• Date: Sunday, February 22 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 Morning Market at Westshore Marina District

• Date: Sunday, February 22 from 9 am-2 pm
• Location: Tampa

This market features 70+ local vendors including plants, produce, take home foods, baked goods, lunch bites, food trucks, art, jewelry, clothing and more. Live music kicks off at 11 am and is family and dog friendly, plus bike friendly too! The market is located on the private drive off of Westshore nearest Cru Cellars. There is free parking in the surface lot behind Duckweed Market and also District parking at Town Apartments Westshore.

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

• Date: Sunday, February 22 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:

Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg 

• Dates: Friday, Feb. 27 to Sunday, March 1 
• Location: Downtown St. Pete 

The 22nd annual running of the iconic event, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, will bring fans three full days of family fun and nonstop racing action with eight total races from five different racing series. Three-day admission tickets start at $80 for adults and $70 for kids ages 12 and younger. For an extra $35, you can upgrade your kid’s day with Rookie Racers, which will get them up close to the cars and drivers, where they can give each driver a high-five at the starting grid. They’ll also receive a Rookies Racers Membership Kit.

Monster Jam  in Tampa 

• Dates: Saturday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 1 at 3 p.m.  
• Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa 

Monster Jam roars back to town for a high-octane competition by world-class drivers behind the wheel of some of the most legendary monster trucks, like Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, and Megalodon. Watch as they compete in thrilling races, jaw-dropping stunts, and freestyle competitions. You can also upgrade your day with the Pit Party, where you can see the trucks up close and even meet the drivers.