20+ FUN Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Weekend
The countdown to turkey day is on and it’s officially time to start planning for Thanksgiving dinner and holiday events! We’ve got you covered on where to get Thanksgiving dinner in Tampa Bay and are rounding up our favorite holiday events for families!
We’re also so excited for the return of some of our favorite holiday events, including one of our favorites – Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park!
Looking for Things to Do in Tampa Bay?
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>>Halloween Events, Pumpkin Patches, and MORE
>> 40+ Free Things to Do with Kids
Our list of Weekend Top Picks is divided into categories to help you find what you need quickly: Featured Events that make this page possible, events listed by day, Save the Date, What’s on Exhibit, and more.
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!
Holidays Classics | November 24 – January 5, 2025
Tampa Theatre, Downtown Tampa
When you visit the historic Tampa Theatre, you’re not just coming for a show – you’re coming for an experience. Some of the jolliest of those experiences are sharing favorite holiday films on the big screen and singing along to holiday carols with the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ before the show, or making the weekend merry and bright with a late-night REWIND or festive holiday concert. And savvy elves know that tickets make great stocking stuffers!
Pinocchio | November 23 & 24 at 3 pm
St. Pete Opera
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!
NEW Aqua Lanterns Chinese Festival of Lights | Now through December 30: Wednesday-Sunday Evenings & Select Holiday Dates
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Dive into a sea of lights and wonder at Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s luminous new after-hours experience, Aqua Lanterns! As the sun sets, the aquarium transforms into a glowing seascape filled with stunning illuminated sea creature sculptures up to 13-feet tall. Stroll through this mesmerizing marine world and discover over 30 beautifully crafted lantern displays next to the amazing real animals that will inspire you throughout the aquarium. Featuring dazzling lantern displays, Aqua Lanterns will be open Wednesday through Sunday evenings and on select dates during the holidays!
Zubrick Magic Theatre | Most Weekends: Friday & Saturday at 7 pm, Sundays at 2 pm
St. Petersburg
Expect the unexpected this weekend at the Zubrick Magic Theatre! Gather the entire family for a magical experience filled with jaw-dropping illusions, laugh-out-loud comedy, and plenty of audience participation that will leave you in awe. Illusionists Chris & Ryan Zubrick conjure up a performance designed to entertain and amaze adults while remaining family-friendly for all ages to enjoy while leaving you scratching your head in disbelief, wondering, “How did they do that?!” Get your tickets now before they all… DISAPPEAR! Tickets from $44.
Storytime & Aviation Playground at the Florida Air Museum | Tuesdays at 10 am
Lakeland
Join Aerospace Center for Excellence as we bring stories to life and create amazing, interactive learning experiences for our Junior ACE’s – exploring the universe, one adventure at a time! All are welcome. Content is targeted for our young ones, ages 2-5. Story Time is FREE. Then, save time to PLAY at Central Florida’s only Aviation Playground, open 7 days a week and included in Museum admission with kids 11 and under FREE!
Cowboy Adventure Park at River Ranch | Weekdays, from 10 am to 7 pm & Weekends, from 10 am to 10 pm
Westgate Resort & Rodeo, River Ranch
This fall, get ready for Central Florida camping adventures at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo! The Cowboy Adventure Park is now open, packed with fall fun activities for all ages. Test your skills at the new gel tag arena, or bounce the day away on the jump pad. Plus, enjoy seasonal activities like pumpkin decorating, spooky mazes, and more that capture the spirit of fall. After all the excitement, unwind in luxurious “glamping” accommodations. Gather the family and experience the ultimate ranchin’ getaway this season! Tickets: from $15; closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Things to Do on Friday, November 22
Amazing Athletes at Armature Works | Friday, November 22 from 9:15 am-10 am
Tampa
In partnership with Amazing Athletes, kids ages 18 months to 5 years old are invited to participate in a 8-week series taking place on Armature Works’ West Lawn! Amazing Athletes empowers children by using sports as a catalyst to engage their inner strengths and abilities so they can confidently pursue an active lifestyle through each stage of development. There are two classes offered – Amazing Tots (18 months to 3 years old 9:15 am – 9:45 am) and Amazing Athletes. These classes are based on your child’s age and ensure a tailored program to suit their developmental needs.
Friday Fun Day at Empower Adventures | Friday, November 22 at 3 pm
Tampa
Featuring their two longest zip lines totaling over 1,200 feet and a stunning 200-foot suspension bridge. With a beautiful scenic view of Tampa Bay that you can’t see anywhere else, this is a Friday night excursion you won’t want to miss!
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park | Friday, November 22 from 4 pm-10 pm
Tampa
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at Curtis Hixon Park in downtown Tampa. The park sparkles with lights and festive holiday decorations. Guests can skate along downtown Tampa’s only outdoor ice rink while taking in views of the Tampa River Walk. The Shops of Winter Village will feature five boutiques from local markets and the Icicle Craft Kitchen of Winter Village will serve up some seasonal holiday treats.
Bands, Brews, & BBQ – Celebrate Oldsmar at RE Olds Park | Friday, November 22 from 5 pm-10 pm
Oldsmar
The Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce is proud to host Bands, Brews & BBQ – Celebrate Oldsmar. The Friday festivities feature over 60 food and arts and craft vendors, plus a great array of music for an unbelievable night of fun along the shoreline of upper Tampa Bay. Saturday Festivities will feature over 60 food and arts and craft vendors, plus a great array of music.
Thank Goodness for Cookies Decorating Class at Boxer Mom Bakes | Friday, November 22 from 6 pm-8 pm
Wesley Chapel
Turkeys, footballs, and food! Come decorate for the holidays at this introduction into the basics of decorating! In this 1.5-hour class, we’ll cover the basics to sugar cookies, do some piping practice with Royal Icing, talk about how to strategize the best ways to decorate sugar cookies, and cover the general concepts around dough and icing! Everything you’ll need is provided at class along with a live in-person instructor. Class will last 1.5 hours. Bring an apron!
LED Mini Golf at Epperson Lagoon | Friday, November 22 from 7 pm-10 pm
Wesley Chapel
Light up the lagoon with LED mini golf in the Hub!
Taylor Swift Dance Party at Krate at The Grove | Friday, November 22 from 7 pm-10 pm
Wesley Chapel
Are you ready for it? Gather your fellow Swifties and get ready to shake it off as DJ Shannon C plays Taylor Swift’s most iconic hits back-to-back-to-back! Be sure to come dressed in your favorite era to never go out of style. This free event is all ages and family-friendly, so bring everyone and make the whole place shimmer.
Friday Night Meltdown at AdventHealth Ice Rink | Friday, November 22 from 7:45 pm-9:45 pm
Wesley Chapel
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.
Shake it Off at Sparkman Wharf | Friday, November 22 from 8 pm-10 pm
Tampa
Swifties unite! Get ready to dance through every era while crafting your own Taylor-coded creations and indulging in delicious, themed drinks and bite all against the backdrop of Sparkman Wharf!
Things to Do on Saturday, November 23
AMC Sensory Friendly Films | Saturday, November 23 all day
Various Locations
AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where they turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Their Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Wednesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month.
Miles for Moffitt | Saturday, November 23 at 7 am
Tampa
Miles for Moffitt is Tampa Bay’s premier community-wide movement of courage and hope, raising funds for life-saving cancer research which is at the core of Moffitt’s mission.
Community Health Fair at University of Area Community Park | Saturday, November 23 from 10 am-2 pm
Tampa
This year’s event will feature health screenings, health and wellness vendors, flu shots, and giveaways.
India Festival at Florida State Fairgrounds | Saturday, November 23 from 10 am-10 pm
Tampa
India Festival Tampa Bay is a festival of arts and dances in which nearly 1,000 participants showcase their talents and participate in the dance competitions. All proceeds generated at this event are invested back into the community to promote youth education and maintain the Indian Heritage, a culture that is known worldwide for its music, festivals and dances. The ticket windows will open at 8 am on the day of the event.
Tampa Bay Holiday Market at The Coliseum | Saturday, November 23 from 10 am-5 pm
St. Pete
Local vendors will be offering everything you need to get in the holiday spirit! Start your Christmas shopping early, including home essentials, unique handmade gifts, cosmetics, holiday decor, food, apparel, accessories, and more!
Bricks 4 Kidz | Saturday, November 23 from 10 am-1 pm
Tampa
Join others for this 3 hour LEGO workshop full of LEGO robots, LEGO mosaic art, LEGO 3D art, and much more! Each week is a different theme, so they are sure to have one your child will enjoy! And at the end of each workshop, every child will get to take home their every own Bricks 4 Kidz minifigure! This Saturday, enjoy LEGO Bricksgiving.
Sarasota Medieval Fair | Saturday, November 23 from 10 am-5:30 pm
Sarasota
The Sarasota Medieval Fair is a rustic cultural and ceremonial reenactment celebrating the history of our European ancestral forefathers including traditional farming technique demonstrations, baking/cooking demonstrations with local ingredients (cheese turning, smoked turkey legs, roasted nuts, roasted corn, produce, jams, cakes, etc.), equestrian tournaments and performances, animal rides, blacksmithing demonstrations, educational history lessons, a petting zoo, children’s activities such as a hay maze, coloring/painting, storytelling, coat of arms/family heritage research activities, archery contests, and an assortment of local crafters who sell traditional/historic based items sourced locally, and much more!
Storytime at Barnes and Noble | Saturday, November 23 at 11 am
Various locations
Join Barnes and Noble every Saturday at 11:00am for fun stories and activities! Available at Carrollwood, Dale Mabry, and Shops at Wiregrass locations.
Bands, Brews, & BBQ – Celebrate Oldsmar at RE Olds Park | Saturday, November 23 from 10 am-10 pm
Oldsmar
The Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce is proud to host Bands, Brews & BBQ – Celebrate Oldsmar. The Friday festivities feature over 60 food and arts and craft vendors, plus a great array of music for an unbelievable night of fun along the shoreline of upper Tampa Bay. Saturday Festivities will feature over 60 food and arts and craft vendors, plus a great array of music.
Cyber Bowling Kid’s Matinee at Pin Chasers | Saturday, November 23, from 12 pm – 4 pm (Veterans) and 1 pm – 5 pm (Midtown)
Tampa
Cyber Bowling is the fusion of high-energy entertainment and bowling. While you bowl, your favorite music and club lighting create a glowing, nightclub-like atmosphere. Special family matinees feature family-appropriate music so families can enjoy the fun together at an earlier time.
Minecraft Mania at MOSI | Saturday, November 23, from 1 pm-3 pm
Tampa
You’ll get a chance to play on individual, small-team, and full-team challenges as you work on perfecting your mining strategies, enchanting your tools and armor, defending a city from an alien attack, or even learning some basic coding! Children registered for Minecraft Mania will also receive general admission to the museum for no additional cost. Due to the space constraints of the computer lab, parents are not permitted to attend this program. Parents may drop off their participants and return for pickup at 3 pm or are welcome to purchase their own general admission and visit the museum during the program. For ages 7-12.
Esports Open Play at Northdale Recreation Center | Saturday, November 23, from 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Tampa
Esports specialists will be on hand to inspire and encourage new social skills, help develop gaming fundamentals, and set a safe, inclusive, and positive social environment. Their 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.
Sunset Zip Line Adventures at Empower Adventures Tampa Bay | Saturday, November 23 at 3 pm
Oldsmar
Tour guides will lead you through a 2.5-hour unforgettable sunset zip line tour, all while taking in the breathtaking Florida views! Gain a new perspective on fun, beginning with their 60-foot tall start tower, five 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!
Pinocchio | Saturday, November 23 at 3 pm
St. Pete Opera
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!
Holidays Classics | Sunday, November 24 at 3 pm
Tampa Theatre, Downtown Tampa
When you visit the historic Tampa Theatre, you’re not just coming for a show – you’re coming for an experience. Some of the jolliest of those experiences are sharing favorite holiday films on the big screen and singing along to holiday carols with the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ before the show, or making the weekend merry and bright with a late-night REWIND or festive holiday concert. And savvy elves know that tickets make great stocking stuffers!
Glo in the Park at Altitude Trampoline Park | Saturday, November 23 at 7 pm
Tampa
Head to Altitude Trampoline Park for an epic glow-in-the-dark jump! Includes pizza and a bottle of water. Jump socks are required.
Things to Do on Sunday, November 24
Sunshine Sunday at Glazer’s Children Museum | Sunday, November 24 from 8 am-10 am
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 | Sunday, November 24 from 9 am-11 am
Tampa
Bring the whole family to Pin Chasers for unlimited bowling plus breakfast! Breakfast Bowling includes two hours of bowling, two eggs (your way), bacon, and toast.
Tampa Bay Holiday Market at The Coliseum | Sunday, November 24 from 10 am-5 pm
St. Pete
Local vendors will be offering everything you need to get in the holiday spirit! Start your Christmas shopping early, including home essentials, unique handmade gifts, cosmetics, holiday decor, food, apparel, accessories, and more!
Sarasota Medieval Fair | Sunday, November 24 from 10 am-5:30 pm
Sarasota
The Sarasota Medieval Fair is a rustic cultural and ceremonial reenactment celebrating the history of our European ancestral forefathers including traditional farming technique demonstrations, baking/cooking demonstrations with local ingredients (cheese turning, smoked turkey legs, roasted nuts, roasted corn, produce, jams, cakes, etc.), equestrian tournaments and performances, animal rides, blacksmithing demonstrations, educational history lessons, a petting zoo, children’s activities such as a hay maze, coloring/painting, storytelling, coat of arms/family heritage research activities, archery contests, and an assortment of local crafters who sell traditional/historic based items sourced locally, and much more!
Bands, Brews, & BBQ – Celebrate Oldsmar at RE Olds Park | Sunday, November 24 from 11 am-5 pm
Oldsmar
The Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce is proud to host Bands, Brews & BBQ – Celebrate Oldsmar. The Friday festivities feature over 60 food and arts and craft vendors, plus a great array of music for an unbelievable night of fun along the shoreline of upper Tampa Bay. Saturday Festivities will feature over 60 food and arts and craft vendors, plus a great array of music.
Cyber Bowling Kid’s Matinee at Pin Chasers | Sunday, November 24, from 12 pm to 4 pm (Veterans) and 1 pm to 5 pm (Midtown)
Tampa
Cyber Bowling is the fusion of high-energy entertainment and bowling. Your favorite music and club lighting create a glowing, nightclub-like atmosphere while you bowl. Special family matinees feature family-appropriate music so families can enjoy the fun together at an earlier time.
Pinocchio | Sunday, November 24 at 3 pm
St. Pete Opera
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!
Dueling Pianos for Kids at Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar | Sunday, November 24 from 4 pm-7 pm
Wesley Chapel
Fun for the Whole Family – This Dueling Show was such a hit, they are going to do it again! 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
SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE AWESOME EVENTS IN TAMPA BAY:
Blippi: Join the Band Tour at Ruth Eckerd Hall | February 21, 2025 at 6pm
Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater
C’mon and join Blippi to make music in your hometown in the brand new live Blippi: Join the Band Tour at Ruth Eckerd Hall on February 21. Blippi will be joined onstage by Meekah, their singing and dancing buddies and LIVE musicians to explore what makes music, including sounds, rhythms and instruments, through all your favorite Blippi hits. Get ready for a musical performance that’s fun for the whole family!
MORE THINGS TO DO: See What’s on Exhibit in Tampa Bay
Grossology at MOSI | Now- January 5, 2025
Tampa
Get grossed out with MOSI and discover how the human body works in the most entertaining way possible! Starting September 14, Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body will dive into the slimy, stinky world of all the gross things our bodies do. Meet wacky characters like the snotty Nigel Nose-It, climb the human skin wall, interact with the soda-slurping Burp Man, explore different body odors, play a life-sized game of Operation, and more! Included with museum admission.
The Questioneers at Glazer Children’s Museum | Through January 5, 2025
Tampa
Join the Questioneers at GCM to read, question, think, and play! Based on the book series, this exhibit will celebrate S.T.E.A.M (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) along with the book’s characters – Iggy, Rosie, Ada, Sofia, and Aaron. Kids will be able to use S.T.E.A.M to solve everyday mysteries and think more critically about the world.
LEGO® Ferrari Race & Build Experience at LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Winter Haven
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!
Castaway Falls and Endless Surf Wave Pool – Now Open at Adventure Island!
Tampa
The eagerly anticipated Castaway Falls is now open at Adventure Island! The new interactive area includes over 100 play elements and two massive tipping buckets unleashing more than 1,300 gallons of water combined. Set within a tropical paradise, Castaway Falls invites guests of all ages to immerse themselves in a watery world of excitement. The area is complete with new lounging areas and cabanas. You can also splash around in the newly refurbished wave pool! The 17,000-square-foot Endless Surf is back open just in time to cool off in this summer heat.
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!
Stingray Feeding Experience at the Florida Aquarium
Tampa
The Florida Aquarium just launched a new animal experience where you and your kids who are ages 8 and older can learn all about how biologists at the Aquarium care for stingrays. You will help prepare their food and then feed the stingrays during the educational tour. The experience is $30 per person. The 50-minute tour is offered at 2:10 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
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.
MORPH’D at The Florida Aquarium
Tampa
This all-new exhibit features 18 species with unique adaptations from around the globe including axolotyls! Check out the adorable axolotl, peculiar paddlefish, and charming chameleon. Located in the new Mosaic Exhibit Hall, the gallery will also feature hands-on interactives that will give you a sense of what it is like to be one of these amazing creatures, connecting you with nature in a whole new way. Included with general admission.
Zubrick Magic Theatre
St. Pete
Expect the unexpected this weekend at the Zubrick Magic Theatre! Gather the entire family for a magical experience filled with jaw-dropping illusions, laugh-out-loud comedy, and plenty of audience participation that will leave you in awe. Illusionists Chris & Ryan Zubrick conjure up a performance designed to entertain and amaze adults while remaining family-friendly for all ages to enjoy. With over 1,000 five-star reviews on Google, TripAdvisor, and Yelp, the Zubrick Magic Theatre guarantees to stretch smiles and drop jaws, leaving you scratching your head in disbelief, wondering, “How did they do that?!” Get your tickets now before they all… DISAPPEAR!
Tickets from $44.
Read More: Get your tickets to Tampa Bay’s ONLY magic show before they all … disappear!
FloridaRAMA (formerly Fairgrounds St. Pete) – 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.
Immersive Movies at Clearwater Marine Aquarium | Saturdays from 11 am – 4 pm
Clearwater
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is offering two new movies –Turtle Odyssey and T-Rex. The 25-minute-long movies will run between 11 am and 4 pm as an added guest experience in the Visitor Center’s Dolphin Tale Theater. Narrated by Russell Crowe, Turtle Odyssey explores the unique lifecycle of an Australian green sea turtle named Bunji and her incredible journey across the open ocean. The film follows Bunji from a hatchling into adulthood as she swims thousands of miles, meets incredible creatures, and has some really wild encounters. Included in the general admission cost.
Storytime & Aviation Playground at the Florida Air Museum | Tuesdays at 10 am
Lakeland
Join Aerospace Center for Excellence as we bring stories to life and create amazing, interactive learning experiences for our Junior ACE’s – exploring the universe, one adventure at a time! All are welcome. Content is targeted for our young ones, ages 2-5. Story Time is FREE. Then, save time to PLAY at Central Florida’s only Aviation Playground, open 7 days a week and included in Museum admission with kids 11 and under FREE! see FloridaAirMuseum.org for hours.
Parents’ Nights Out!
While family time is fun, it’s also important to carve some time out for yourself, whether it’s a night out with your significant other, friends, or some solo time. Several places around the Tampa area are hosting Parents’ Nights Out! For a fee, you can drop your kids off for some fun activities and playtime while you get an evening out!
Playgrounds of Tampa | Second and Fourth Friday of Every Month from 6 pm – 10 pm
For four hours, your kids will be entertained with games, movies and bounce houses galore (maybe even with some pizza) while you do whatever you want. Participants must be potty trained, ages 4 and up. Cost is $30 per child. Click here to register.
Humane Society of Tampa Bay | Last Friday of Every Month from 6 pm – 10 pm
Kids ages 5 and up will enjoy playing with the shelter animals, dinner, and watching a movie with furry friends! This program takes place monthly and registration is required. The dogs and cats can’t wait to party! Cost is $50 per child. Includes pizza dinner and drinks. To register, click here.
Jubilee Gymnastics | Second and Fourth Friday of Every Month from 6 pm – 9:30 pm
Drop off the kids to eat, play, and have fun at Jubilee Gymnastics in Ruskin while you enjoy a night out. Pre-registration is highly encouraged as these will fill up quickly. For kids ages 4 and up. Cost is $30 per child for members/$35 for non-members. Includes pizza and drinks! Click here to sign up.
Cypress Forest Park | Last Friday of Every Month from 6 p.m. – 10:30 pm
Take a night off while your children enjoy themed fun at Cypress Forest Park in Oldsmar! Pizza dinner are included. For kids ages 5-12. Cost is $10 for kids with a rec card and $15 for kids without. Click here to learn more.
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 NEW 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 visit familysupporthc.org.
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!
The beaches are open, but you’ll see plenty of reminders about social distancing. You’ll also want to pack some extras in your beach bag like hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. Cloth masks are also a good idea in case you decide to visit an establishment that requires them. 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! Many preserves and conservation parks are now open in Tampa Bay. Find a park near you or discover a new one:
Weekend Farmers Markets in Tampa Bay this Weekend
Saturday Morning Market at Williams Park in St. Pete | Saturdays from 9 am -1 pm
Experience one of the top farmers markets in the U.S.! Expect an estimated 170 vendors selling their goods and artisans selling their crafts. Add stellar food choices for dining and live music for entertainment and it’s a perfect day in the Florida sunshine. Their Summer Market, located at Williams Park, typically runs from June to August.
Dunedin Downtown Market | Saturdays from 9 am-1 pm
The Dunedin Downtown Market at John Lawrence Pioneer Park features 40+ local merchants and vendors including fresh fruits and vegetables.
Fresh Market at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel | Select Saturdays from 10 am-2 pm
There are 60+ vendors expected at the Fresh Market at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel including organic and hydroponically grown produce.
Corey Avenue Market in St. Pete Beach | Sundays from 9 am- 1 pm
Corey Avenue Market features more than 70 local vendors and merchants selling everything from crafts, art, food and locally grown produce.
Ybor City Saturday Market in Tampa | Every Saturday from 9 am-1 pm
The Ybor City Saturday Market is the largest continually operating outdoor market in the Tampa Bay Area. Centered in Tampa’s Historic District, the market is one of the most popular shopping destinations for locally produced items unique to the Tampa Bay Area. Features locally made arts, crafts, and gourmet foods representing the area.
The Market Elaine at Wesley Chapel | First Friday of Every Month
Head to The Grove in Wesley Chapel for a unique evening market featuring tons of local businesses! Enjoy local vendors, live music, food, and more. themarketculture.com
Hyde Park Fresh Market in Tampa | First Sunday of Every Month from 10 am -3 pm
Hyde Park Fresh Market features over 80 local vendors including produce, handcrafted goods, plants, and more. While you shop, enjoy live music by Gasparilla Music in Village Circle.
Carrollwood Market | Select Saturdays from 10 am-2 pm
Head to the Carrollwood Cultural Center to explore 60+ local vendors and businesses.
Westchase Locale Market | Every Second Saturday from 10 am – 3 pm October-June
Enjoy live music and over 30 vendors in Westchase Town Center every second Saturday of the month.
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 OrlandoDateNightGuide.com