Can you believe we kick off the weekend with Halloween on Friday and then jump right into Fall on Saturday?? Just because all the scary stuff will go away, doesn't mean there are still some fun ways to play and celebrate fall! Check out our guide to Fall Family Fun in Tampa Bay for Fall Fests, Corn Mazes, and more!

In the meantime, there are tons of fun things to do around Tampa Bay for kids of all ages! But, before we dive into our list of Weekend Top Picks– 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.

Our list is divided into categories to help you find what you need quickly: Featured Events that make this page possible, More Awesome Things to Do, What's on Exhibit, Save the Date, and more.

Featured Events

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

Hillsborough County Fair | Thursday, October 30 – Sunday, November 9

Dover
The 2025 Hillsborough County Fair is back Oct 30–Nov 9! Experience 11 days of family fun with thrilling rides, mouthwatering fair food, free daily shows, and youth competitions. Don’t miss Rodeo Weekend, Bulls, Barrels & Boogie with live music, the Truck & Tractor Pull, and Demolition Derby! New this year: Goat Yoga, Beer garden, Farm to Fair, and Riddle Me This? Visit hillsboroughcountyfair.com for tickets and specials!

Brick or Treat Monster Party at LEGOLAND Florida | Now through November 2, 2025

LAST CHANCE! Winter Haven
Enjoy a Halloween party built just for kids at LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven. Kids can enjoy spooky LEGO building activities, trick-or-treating at MORE candy stations than ever before, NEW character meet-and-greets, and MORE.

Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Now through November 2, 2025

LAST CHANCE! Tampa
Experience terrors around every corner at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Meet up with hundreds of roaming creatures, terrifying outdoor scare zones, and returning favorite haunted houses, including Stranglewood Estate. There will also be live, interactive entertainment, scare zones, and more.

Junior League of Tampa Holiday Gift Market | November 6-9, 2025

Florida State Fairgrounds
Bringing together merchants and shoppers for a unique shopping event, this year's Market will feature over 200 specialty merchants from the Tampa Bay region and beyond. Shoppers can find gifts for everyone on their list and enjoy holiday-themed events while giving back to the Tampa Bay community. Early-bird tickets start at $10 at HolidayGiftMarket.org or $12 at the door (CASHLESS ticket sales).

Mother of All Baby Showers | Friday, November 7, from 6–9 p.m.

Glazer Children’s Museum
We have your FREE ticket to The Mother of All Baby Showers – Tampa with code TBPM, while supplies last! Presented by BayCare Women’s Institute and powered by Florida Prepaid, this adults-only night out celebrates and educates new and expecting parents with expert sessions, top baby, mom, and family brands, giveaways, and more. Get Tickets here.

MORE Awesome Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Weekend

Check out our full list of Halloween and Fall events happening this weekend HERE!

Ananda Farms Fall Festival | Fridays-Sundays

Pumpkin SZN has arrived at Ananda Farms as this sweet, agritourism farm reopens for the season! They have adorable pumpkin patches, covered tractor wagon rides, u-pick flowers, and so many fun attractions for kids to explore, including an epic tree house and bounce pillows.

Read all about the family-friendly fun at Ananda Farms here!

K-Pop Demon Hunters Sing-Along at Tampa Theatre | Friday, October 31 at 4:30 pm and Saturday, November 1 at 1 pm

Tampa
When K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira and Zoey aren’t selling out stadiums, they’re using their secret powers to protect their fans from supernatural threats! Get ready to belt out with all your favorite tracks, because this is the sing-along version! Join Tampa Theatre for the hottest action-musical about young women destroying supernatural monsters since that one episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Amazing Athletes at Armature Works | Friday, October 31 from 9:30 am-10:50 am

Tampa
Amazing Athletes is the premier developmental sports and physical fitness program that empowers kids through positive movement experiences with a focus on meeting their motor-development milestones! There are two classes offered, Amazing Tots (18 months to 3 years old: 9:30 am – 10:00 am) and Amazing Athletes (10:05 am-10:50 am). These classes are based on your child’s age and ensure a tailored program to suit their developmental needs.

Garden Brothers Nuclear Circus at Countryside Mall | Friday, October 31-Sunday, November 2

Clearwater
Every performance takes place under the world’s largest climate-controlled Big Top Arena and features over 60 performers from around the globe! The Pre-Show Experience is a full activity zone for families to enjoy before the main event. It opens one hour before showtime that includes the Kid’s Fun Zone where kids can climb, bounce, slide, and race through giant colorful structures.

Land O Lakes Swampfest | Friday, October 31-Sunday, November 2

Land O Lakes
Enjoy 4 days of rides, live entertainment, food trucks, and beer garden. It'll be one amazing experience, fun for the entire family! Admission to midway is free. Rides, food, and games will have a fee.

Looking for more Oktoberfest events around Tampa? Check out our list of Oktoberfest picks from Tampa Bay Date Night Guide.

Hallelujah Fall Festival Skate at Skate World | Friday, October 31 from 6:30 pm-9:30 pm

Tampa
Admission $12 and includes regular skate rental, one slice of cheese pizza, and one small drink. This is a church friendly event and music will be a mix of Gospel, Worship Music and more. No costumes, but there will be candy!

Day of the Dead Celebration at Florida Aquarium | Saturday, November 1 and Sunday, November 2

Tampa
Celebrate Day of the Dead with a splash of color! The Florida Aquarium is throwing its first-ever Day of the Dead party and their adorable axolotl, Xochi, is the life of the fiesta in her dazzling Día de los Muertos outfit! Discover traditions from her home in Mexico City as you wander through vibrant sugar-skull decor, join in on interactive games and crafts, and learn about this joyful celebration of life and remembrance. Bring the whole crew for hands-on activities, bright tributes, and festive surprises all weekend long. Activites included in general admission.

Tampa Bay Lightning Annual Bolt Run | Saturday, November 1 at 7:30 am

Tampa
Take part in a 5-mile, 5K, or 1-mile Family Fun Run down Bayshore Blvd. starting and ending at Benchmark International Arena. Not able to join in person? There will also be an opportunity to participate virtually on your favorite race route near or far! Each registered participant will receive: 2025 Bolt Run Finisher's Medal, 2025 Bolt Run Race T-Shirt, Race Bib (virtual runners will have their bib emailed). In celebration of Halloween the day before, come dressed to impress in your best costume! Bring the family out for an extra day of spooky season fun while getting your workout in!

Kids Workshop at Home Depot | Saturday, November 1 from 9 am-12 pm

Tampa
Head to your local Home Depot for a free DIY craft! All supplies included (while supplies last). This month, create your own excavator!

National Family Literacy Day Book Bash at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park | Saturday, November 1 from 10 am-12 pm

New Port Richey
Celebrate the magic of stories with a family-friendly book bash! Partake in a book swap, guided crafts, giveaways, and more. Bring a gently loved children’s or young adult book and trade it for a new adventure – perfect for readers of all ages. Whether you're a tiny bookworm or a teen page-turner, there's something for everyone!

Sarasota Medieval Fair | Saturday, November 1-Sunday, November 30

Myakka City
Step back in time and watch full-contact jousting, human combat chess matches and other fantastic shows on 14 stages! Enjoy rides and play games! Enjoy music and shop for the holidays in the artisan marketplace with over 140+ shops! Each festival weekend has a unique theme and a full line-up of unique acts!

Bricks 4 Kidz Weekend Workshop | Saturday, November 1 from 10 am-1 pm

Tampa
Unleash your creativity at Bricks 4 Kidz Weekend Workshop! Use STEM techniques to create the perfect themed build. Each child will make and take home a custom LEGO minifigure at the end of each workshop. This week, the theme is LEGO Super Mario Brothers!

Wings N Things at Aerospace Center for Excellence | Saturday, November 1 from 10 am-2 pm

Lakeland
This free Community Event is a must-do for family members of all ages. Experience the wonders of aerospace through hands-on activities that range from building a wing rib to exploring flight through simulation, to constructing and testing your own balsa wood glider!

Cyber Bowling Kid's Matinee at Pin Chasers | Saturday, November 1 and Sunday, November 2 from 12 pm-4 pm

Various Locations
Cyber Bowling is the fusion of high energy entertainment and bowling where anything is possible! Your favorite music and club lighting create a glowing, family-friendly club-like atmosphere while you bowl. At Veteran's, Midtown, Brandon, and East Pasco locations.

Minecraft Mania at MOSI | Saturday, November 1 from 1 pm-3 pm

Tampa
You’ve mined for diamonds. You’ve traded emeralds. You’ve built portals to new realms. Now it’s time to put your skills to the test. Take on individual, small group, and full-team challenges. Build your computer skills while having fun and perfect your strategies. Learn basic coding and work together to defend your city from an alien invasion! Same-day admission to MOSI is included for each child registered in the program.

Esports Open Play at Emanuel P. Johnson Rec Center | Saturday, November 1 from 1 pm-4:30 pm

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

Sensory Sensitive Sunday at Chuck E Cheese | Sunday, November 2 from 9 am-11 am

Various Locations
Through their Sensory Sensitive Sundays program, participating locations open two hours early on the first Sunday of the month. They offer a quieter environment, dimmed lighting, and a trained and caring staff to ensure each guest has a safe, fun-filled visit.

Sunday Breakfast Bowl at Pin Chasers | Sunday, November 2 from 9 am-11 am

Multiple locations
Breakfast bowling includes two hours of bowling, two eggs (your way), bacon, and toast. Taking place at the Veteran's, Midtown, Brandon, and East Pasco locations.

Dueling Pianos for Kids at Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar and Restaurant | Sunday, November 2 from 4 pm-7 pm

Wesley Chapel
Fun for the Whole Family! Entertainment is focused on music for the kids, from favorite pop songs, movies, and shows as requested by the audience!

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

MOSI artificial intelligence exhibit. Photo by Kelly Nierstedt — New AI exhibit coming to MOSI in Tampa. Photo by Kelly Nierstedt.

Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine exhibit at MOSI | Now Open

Tampa
Can a machine think like you? Learn like you? Paint your portrait like Picasso? Starting September 6, visitors at MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry, can find out in a brand-new way with the opening of Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine, a hands-on exhibit that makes the world of AI exciting, accessible, and unforgettable.

Wild Oasis at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Now Open

Busch Gardens-Tampa
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 | Now Open

LEGOLAND Florida-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 | Now Open

Downtown 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 | Now Open

Glazer Children's Museum-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 | Now Open

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 homes like turtles, lizards, and a snake!

River Country Water Park | Now Open

Westgate River Ranch
Get ready for splash-filled adventures at River Country Water Park at Westgate River Ranch, now open! Splash through thrilling water slides, take a refreshing dip in the pool, and enjoy plenty of kid-friendly attractions perfect for the whole family. Whether you're soaking up the sun or relaxing poolside, there's no better place in Lake Wales for a full day of fun. Plus, book early at RiverCountry.com and score free water park tickets, making your stay even more unforgettable. Don't miss out on the ultimate family getaway!

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!

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!

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.

FloridaRAMA – 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.

SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE AWESOME EVENTS IN TAMPA BAY:

ICE! Featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ | November 14 through January 7, 2026

Gaylord Palms Resort
For the very first time, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ will be featured at Gaylord Palms Resort in 2 million pounds of intricately carved ice sculptures in ICE!, the resort's signature holiday attraction. Strike a pose with Santa and Rudolph in one of the longest ice carvings measuring over 32 feet long, crawl into whimsical photo setups, or become one of the misfit toys in this winter wonderland made for memory-making. Experience the splendor of the holiday season at Gaylord Palms.

Foster Parenting Info Session from the Children's Network | Monday, November 17, at 7 p.m.

Virtual Event
Children's Network of Hillsborough hosts monthly fostering information sessions in a convenient virtual format. Join the November session to discover how you can become a foster parent to a child, teen, or sibling group who has experienced abuse and neglect. Come learn more about fostering, get answers to all your questions, and discuss the fostering journey. You can make a difference for a lifetime in a relatively short time as a foster parent!

Movies on the Pier | Friday, November 21, 8 p.m.

Family Park, St. Pete Pier
Start a new St. Pete tradition! Join in every third Friday on the Pier for an outdoor movie. VIP upgrades are available for premium reserved seating, two drink tickets, and one popcorn. This month’s feature is A Minecraft Movie.

A Christmas Story, The Musical | November 28-30, various showtimes

Straz Center Morsani Hall
Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Give your loved ones the magic of live theater with A Christmas Story, The Musical! Watch as young Ralphie's Christmas dreams unfold in this delightful adaptation of the classic film. A Christmas present that audiences of all ages will be sure to embrace and cherish for generations to come.

Sesame Street Live | December 7, at 2 p.m.

Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater
Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to St. Petersburg to say hello! At ‘Elmo and Friends Say Hello,' sing, dance, and play alongside your favorite furry friends; all while you follow Elmo’s puppy in a fun game of hide & seek. So make your way to the Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater, where the air is sweet for this all-new celebration on Sesame Street! Tickets are available now at Ticketmaster.com

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents The Greatest Show On Earth® | January 2-4th, 2026, various showtimes

Benchmark International Arena
Step inside The Greatest Party On Earth! The 150+ year-old beloved circus is back and reimagined for a new generation. This larger-than-life production bursts back into Tampa for the launch of the National U.S. tour. Get tickets now for the Circus Party of the Year, featuring two hours of high-energy, family fun with over 65 world-class performers and beats that get you out of your seat!

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 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 here.

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!

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! Find a park near you or discover a new one:

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 Orlando-Parenting.com and OrlandoDateNightGuide.com

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