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 is beautiful, and it's the perfect time to be outdoors! There are so many fun things going on around Tampa Bay this time of year! In honor of Earth Day on April 22, there are several places around town celebrating our amazing planet, along with tons of places to pick fruits, vegetables, flowers, and more!
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:
- LEGOLAND Florida launches new DEAL: Stay for a night, play for a year!
- DON'T MISS IT: FREE 2026 Busch Gardens Preschool Card
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!
The Incredible Duck Race at Curtis Hixon Park (pictured in featured image)
- Dates: Saturday, April 18 from 10 am-1 pm
- Location: Tampa
Ten thousand rubber ducks will race down the Hillsborough River in front of Curtis Hixon Park to compete for amazing prizes, benefitting the Tampa Kiwanis Foundation. The family event will feature games, food, and entertainment leading up to the big race. Ducks can be purchased in advance for $5 and you don't have to be present to win.
Conservation Connections at ZooTampa
- Dates: Saturday, April 18 from 9:30 am-2:30 pm
- Location: Tampa
Join the Zoo and find out how you can BE involved in conservation in your own backyard and take action when you get home to protect wildlife and wild places! ZT Saves Kids’ Club Notebooks and Stamp Passports are available for purchase in any of their gift shops. Use your notebook at the Zoo to collect clues and record observations during monthly celebrations. Then, use your notebook at home to record the extra activities you complete and to keep track of your conservation journey. 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 Earth Day!
Earth Day at Glazer Children's Museum
- Dates: Saturday, Aprli 18 from 9:30 am-3 pm
- Location: Tampa
Spring into creativity this season by exploring colorful art created by Black artists, female artists, and inspired by the beauty of our planet. Through hands-on craft projects, families will express themselves creatively, celebrate diversity, and care for our Earth! In April, explore eco-friendly art by transforming recycled materials into masterpieces that celebrate our planet.
“For the Bees” Weekend at Ananda Farm
- Date: Friday, April 17-Sunday, April 19
- Location: Terra Ciea
Join Ananda Farms for the first ever For the Bees Weekend – a three-day Earth Day celebration celebrating the pollinators that make it possible! Adults can sip on their in-house honey cocktail, honey latte, or Honeybubbles. Pick fresh herbs and flowers from the garden, wander the farm, and listen to live music. Use code BEES for 20% off!
Minecraft Mania at MOSI
- Date: (Minecraft Mania) Saturday, April 18, from 1 pm-3 pm
- Location: Tampa
Got a Minecraft master at home? Minecraft Mania at MOSI takes their favorite game to the next level with hands-on challenges designed for ages 7–12. During this drop-off program, participants will take on individual and team-based challenges, build computer and problem-solving skills, learn basic coding concepts, strategize and collaborate, and work together to defend their city from an alien invasion!
While the kids play, go explore the NEW temporary exhibit, “Nikon Small World”, which showcases award-winning photos of creatures and objects that are tiny or microscopic (and sometimes pretty strange) blown up to larger-than-life size.
Springtime Bash at ZooTampa
- Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, the Zoo is open for extended hours, open until 7 pm
- Location: Tampa
Celebrate a little later this spring at ZooTampa during the Springtime Bash! ZooTampa will stay open until 7pm on Saturdays and Sundays through April 26! This is the perfect time to explore the all-new Florida Waters expansion!
MORE Awesome Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Weekend
Go check out the NEW Magic Grasshopper at the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Pete
- Date: on display now
- Location: St. Pete
The MFA just unveiled Magic Grasshopper, a pink-hued fantastical art sculpture by a renowned artist, Yvette Mayorga. It's the first in a series of public art displays the museum will showcase outside of its gallery walls for all to enjoy. No admission is required to experience it!
SUN n' FUN Aerospace Expo
- Dates: Tuesday, April 14-Sunday, April 19
- Location: Lakeland
Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday at the 52nd SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo! It’s going to be a year to remember – don’t miss out on this incredible celebration of aviation, freedom, and fun! Check out air shows, entertainment, WWII aircraft, aircraft rides, NASA's Aero Spacelines Super Guppy, workshops, and more! There will be a kids club and Junior ACES ages 7-17 can partake in STEM activities, and a SUN n' RUN 5K on Saturday morning.
The Royal Duck Bounce House at Westshore Plaza
- Date: Thursday, April 16-Sunday, April 19
- Location: Tampa
A traveling pop-up bounce park is bringing big fun and nostalgic vibes to families, kids and playful adults! Play in huge inflatable castles where you can jump, bounce and play until you're wonderfully tired out, dance to awesome tunes while you bounce, strike your best pose at a royalty-themed photo areas, and more! Slip socks are required.
Empower Adventures Sunset Zip Line Adventures and Moonlight Canopy Tours
- Dates: Friday, April 1-Sunday, April 19
- Location: Oldsmar
BTS Army Skate Night at SkateWorld of Tampa
- Date: Friday, April 17, from 6:30 pm-9:30 pm
- Location: Tampa
BTS is Back on Tour! Celebrate with your fellow fans at the BTS Army Skate Night! Playing all your Favorite BTS and K-Pop Hits all Night Long! There will be photo ops, prizes, and trivia games.
Mario Galaxy Glow Skate at United Skates
- Date: Friday, April 17, from 6:30 pm-9:30 pm
- Location: Tampa
Skate on over for a day of Super Mario fun and a meet and greet with Yoshi! ONLINE ONLY DEAL: Mario VIP Admission for $25 includes regular skate rental, 1 slice of cheese pizza, 1 small drink, 1 Mystery Mario keychain, 1 glowstick, and 1 game of Mario Galaxy Laser Tag!
Premier League Mornings Live at Armature Works
- Date: Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19
- Location: Tampa
In partnership with NBC Sports, the Premier League will be returning to the U.S. for its 12th Premier League Mornings Live fan festival! Fans can watch Premier League matches on big screens together, while enjoying a host of other exciting activities.
Tampa Bay Collectorfest at Florida State Fairgrounds
- Date: Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19
- Location: Tampa
Check out over 150 plus tables of toys, comics, diecast, artists, and MORE! All toy lines covered from vintage to modern – Hot Wheels, GI-JOE, Godzilla, Star Wars, Transformers, Ghostbusters, Mego, Wrestling Action Figures, Funko Pop figures, Nightmare Before Christmas, Horror and Monster Figures, My Little Pony, Fisher Price, Barbie, and Strawberry Shortcake and more!
They will have tons of Hot Wheels, Matchbox including vintage redlines, modern cars, slot car tracks (new and vintage), plus a full selection of cars both packaged and loose from Tyco, AFX, Aurora, and others. You can expect to see vendors with vintage and modern Atari, Nintendo, Sony PlayStation, Sega Genesis. They have several comic specific vendors plus comic artists on-site doing live art and showing off their unique talents.
DIY-U Kids' Workshops by Lowe's
- Date: Saturday, April 18 from 10 am-1 pm
- Location: Various Locations
Head to your local Lowe's for a free DIY craft! This month, create your own terrarium! While supplies last.
Monarch Butterfly Festival at Dade City Garden Club
- Date: Saturday, April 18 from 10 am-4 pm
- Location: Dade City
The Festival is free and will be held in the beautiful Touchton Park, with festivities flowing out into the gardens of the Dade City Garden Club! There will be a Kids’ Zone, entertainment, educational exhibits and demos, butterflies and an eclectic market and plant sale that will satisfy any shopper.
Blueberry Festival at Keel Farms
- Date: Saturday, April 18, from 10 am-3 pm
- Location: Plant City
Head to Keel Farms for local vendors and food trucks, camel rides, kids zones and bounce houses, blueberry shortcake eating contest, seasonal wines and ciders, a blueberry u-pick, and more!
Weekend Workshop at Bricks 4 Kidz
- Date: Saturday, April 18, 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 very own Bricks 4 Kidz minifigure! All children ages 4.5 to 12 are welcome! Spots are limited to just 20 builders per workshop! This Saturday, participate in a LEGO Master Workshop!
Tarpon Springs Sponge Dock Craft Festival
- Date: Saturday, April 18-Sunday, April 19
- Location: Tarpon Springs
Spring is in the air, and there’s no better place to celebrate than at the Tarpon Springs Sponge Dock Craft Festival! Head over for a vibrant weekend along the historic waterfront filled with handmade artistry, coastal charm, and community spirit. Browse an incredible selection of original artwork, handcrafted jewelry, home decor, specialty gifts, and artisan creations from talented makers near and far.
Cyber Bowling Kids Matinee at Pin Chasers
- Date: Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19
- 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, April 18, from 1:30 pm-4:30 pm
- Location: Tampa
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. 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.
Bugs Bunny at the Symphony at Mahaffey Theater
- Date: Saturday, April 18 at 2 pm and 8 pm
- Location: St. Petersburg
“What’s up, Doc?” Warner Bros. Discovery presents “Bugs Bunny at the Symphony.” Sixteen classic Looney Tunes are projected on the big screen, while The Florida Orchestra plays their iconic original scores live! Celebrate Bugs Bunny’s 85th anniversary, and the concert’s 35th, with “What’s Opera, Doc?” “The Rabbit of Seville,” “Long-Haired Hare,” “Corny Concerto,” and more, plus a brand new animated short as the entire Looney Tunes gang wishes Bugs a happy 85th!
Running with the Rays at Tropicana Field
- Date: Sunday, April 19 at 7:30 am
- Location: St. Petersburg
Run with the Rays at this annual 5K! The course will begin on 1st Avenue South and continue through the streets of downtown St. Petersburg, routing through Al Lang Stadium, before finishing at Tropicana Field. Registration includes: commemorative medal, t-shirt, timing chip and race bib, 1 ticket to the Minnesota Twins vs. Tampa Bay Rays game on Friday, April 24, 2026 and 1 ticket voucher to any 2026 Tampa Bay Rowdies regular-season home match.
Sunday Breakfast Bowl at Pin Chasers
- Date: Sunday, April 19, from 9 am-11 am
- Location: Tampa, Zephyrhills
Bring the whole family to Pin Chasers for unlimited bowling plus breakfast! You get two hours of bowling, two eggs (your way), bacon, and toast.
City of Tampa Earth Fair at Al Lopez Park
- Date: Sunday, April 19, from 10 am-3 pm
- Location: Tampa
Join the City of Tampa for their FIRST annual Earth Fair – a free, family-friendly celebration of sustainability in action. Explore hands-on activities, educational sessions, live demonstrations, interactive art installations, live music, food trucks, plant, tree, and compost giveaways, and more, all hosted by City departments and sustainable community partners.
Kids Day Out: Mad Science Mania at Shanna and Bryan Glazer Family JCC
- Date: Sunday, April 19, from 12 pm-4 pm
- Location: Tampa
Calling all curious creatures ages 4-12 for a mad science-themed Sunday! Enjoy a day of bubbling potions, electrifying experiments and awesome science fun.
Upstairs/Downstairs at Henry B. Plant Museum
- Date: Sunday, April 19, from 2 pm-2:30 pm
- Location: Tampa
Step back in time and enjoy the single-character performances that bring turn-of–the-century Tampa Bay Hotel staff members and guests to life. Each character is based wholly or in part on actual hotel staff and guests. Based on original research conducted by the Henry Plant Museum, these characters recreate the attitudes and mores of a bygone time, along with the sorrows and joys of their existence. From the reminiscences of Henry Plant himself on what led him to build such a palace, to the letters home written by a Spanish-American War soldier, you will learn more about the time period through each character’s particular vantage point. Performances are 30 minutes and are included with admission to the Museum. Arrive early as limited seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. This week's character spotlight: Henry Dobson.
USF Spring Football Game
- Date: Sunday, April 19 at 3:30 pm
- Location: Tampa
Get an early look at the South Florida Bulls Football at the annual Spring Game on Sunday, April 19 at 3:30 pm at Corbett Stadium. Fans can preview the 2026 Bulls, including a roster featuring many new players and returning standouts from last season's 9-4 team and third straight bowl appearance. Get ready for a fun afternoon outing for families and football fans.
Dueling Pianos for Kids at Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar and Restaurant
- Date: Sunday, April 19, 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
Galacticoaster at LEGOLAND Florida Resort
- NOW OPEN!
- Location: LEGOLAND Florida, Winter Haven
Be one of the first to experience LEGOLAND Florida Resort's awesome new indoor family coaster, Galacticoaster! You'll find it in the new LEGO Galaxy, where you can immerse yourself in 40+ years of LEGO space history. The ride is a first of its kind, and we're sharing all of the details about Galacticoaster here!
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!
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.
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:
Tampa Bay Rodeo & Family Festival
Friday & Saturday, April 10-11; doors at 4:30 p.m., rodeo at 7:00 p.m.
Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, Dover
Round up the family – rodeo thrills and patriotic celebrations await! Celebrate America’s 250th birthday at the Tampa Bay Rodeo & Family Festival, presented by Bartow Ford, April 10-11 at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds. Tampa’s thrill-packed spring tradition delivers two action-packed nights of FULL RODEO competition, featuring bull riding, bronco busting, barrel racing, calf roping and more. The event also honors the brave men and women in law enforcement, fire and rescue who serve and safeguard our communities. Arrive early for the Family Festival to enjoy delicious food and interactive fun, including an expanded animal experience with more than 100 animals, including tigers and lions.
Gasparilla Music Festival Family Fest
Saturday, April 11 – Sunday, April 12, from 12-3 p.m.
Sparkman Wharf
Kids Fest is FREE for parents and kids at Sparkman Wharf while Gasparilla Music Festival is taking place down the street at Meridian Fields. In addition to live music, there will be plenty of family-friendly activities, including the beloved instrument petting zoo, face painting, a kids rave on Saturday and more.
Thunderbug Pajama Jam
Date: Sunday, April 12, 2–5 p.m.
Midtown Tampa
Emerson and Friends, a Clearwater-based children’s apparel brand, has launched an official collection in partnership with the Tampa Bay Lightning, and to celebrate, they're hosting Thunderbug’s Pajama Jam! The event is free to the public and will include a retail pop-up along with family-friendly activities like a bounce house, DJ, balloon artist, raffles, cotton candy, and more, plus a special appearance by Thunderbug.
SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo
Tuesday, April 14–Sunday, April 19
Aerospace Center for Excellence, Lakeland 33811
Lakeland’s hometown airshow is returning this April, and kicks off in a big way! This unforgettable week starts off with Tuesday’s Opening Night Concert, featuring Cooper Alan, Thomas Mac and Angie K (admission included), and includes a powerful tribute to the heroes of the Greatest Generation. Then, the skies will come alive all week with incredible aerial performances and an all-new Composite Airshow on Wednesday, combining day and night flying into one spectacular show from 5–9:30 p.m. Families will love the Pilot Pals Play Zone, Junior ACEs tents with hands-on STEM and aerospace activities, and the Family Oasis where kids can cool off in an air-conditioned tent. Best of all, kids 12 and under are free. Getting there is easier than ever with the SUN ’n FUN Express by Citrus Connection, offering free transit between SUN ’n FUN, downtown Lakeland, and Lakeside Village, so you can skip the parking lot. Florida Residents receive BOGO tickets – plan your visit at FlySNF.org.
The Incredible Duck Race
April 18
Curtis Hixon Park
10,000 rubber ducks will race down the Hillsborough River in front of Curtis Hixon Park to compete for amazing prizes. The family event will feature games, food, and entertainment leading up to the big race. Ducks can be purchased in advance for $5 at TampaDuckRace.com, you don’t have to be present to win. Benefiting The Tampa Kiwanis Foundation, which supports many local children’s programs.
Get Your Ticket to Style, Stories, and Hope on the Runway
April 18
The Motor Enclave Join the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation on April 18 at the stunning Motor Enclave in Tampa for Fashion Funds the Cure, an evening where glamour gives back. Enjoy delicious food and great company as you watch incredible pediatric cancer warriors steal the spotlight on the runway. Every ticket fuels life-saving research for better treatments. Come dressed to impress and ready to be moved.
19th Annual Back to School Fair – NEW LOCATION!
Saturday, August 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Citrus Park Town Center Hillsborough County Public Schools presents: The 19th Annual Back to School Fair is headed back to an ALL-NEW location in 2026! Head to Tampa Bay's ultimate back-to-school bash inside the air-conditioned comfort of Citrus Park Town Center during the Sales Tax Holiday, meaning you won’t have to pay sales tax on your school-related purchases. Take pictures with ThunderBug, sing with Princesses, get your face painted, enjoy performances, games and contests, plus, we’re giving away FREE backpacks for the first 1,000 kids in line!
