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!

Can you believe summer is almost over?! Most schools are starting Monday, August 10, so there's one more weekend of fun to be had before heading back to the classroom! There are still some awesome things to do around Tampa Bay for those last few weeks of summer and plenty of ways to splash and play at some of the best beaches, waterparks, and splash pads!

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, Save the Date, What's on Exhibit, and more.

Happy weekend exploring!

A few new stories we think you'll LOVE:

• READ NOW: Flip through the digital version of our August issue! 
• Meet the New Baby Rhinos at ZooTampa
• Tampa Bay Rays celebrate “Best Summer Ever at Tropicana Field” with deals for families and more!

Featured Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Weekend 

We're giving the following partners' events an extra shout-out since their support helps us provide this amazing weekend guide to you for free!

Day of Discovery at Florida Aquarium

• Date: Friday, August 9 from 8 am-9 am
• Location: Tampa

A Day of Discovery provides an Aquarium experience specifically tailored to individuals with sensory differences and their families. Days of Discovery are hosted by The Florida Aquarium in partnership with the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (C.A.R.D.) at the University of South Florida. To address the needs of our diverse audiences, Day of Discovery has limited capacity and is reserved for families and children with sensory differences and/or accessibility challenges. Special effects, lights and music will be adapted for those with sensory differences.

Wild Weekend Brunch Buffet at ZooTampa

• Date: Sunday, August 9 from 10 am-2 pm
• Location: Tampa

Bring your herd to ZooTampa for a WILD brunch experience unlike anywhere else. This lavish buffet includes premium brunch offerings such as a carving station, chef-inspired specials, breakfast favorites, decadent desserts, and more. PLUS, bottomless mimosas are included with every adult ticket! Each seating features visits from your favorite Zoo characters like Manny T and Flora as well as an up-close animal experience with one of our animal ambassadors.

Check Out The ALL NEW Lion & Hyena Ridge at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay!

• Date: Now Open!
• Location: Tampa

Get ready to come face to face with two of Africa's most legendary predators at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay! Lion & Hyena Ridge is an extraordinary new addition to the park's award-winning animal care portfolio and one of the most immersive wildlife experiences in North America. Included with general admission.

Head to a Tampa Bay Rays game for the “Best Summer Ever at Tropicana Field”

• Dates: Upcoming home games this week: Cleveland White Sox
• Location: St. Pete

Root, root, root for the home team!!! The Tampa Bay Rays are back at the Trop with home games for the Best Summer Ever! You'll want to add a Sunday home game to your Must Do List since it's Family Fundays, where kids can stay after the game and groove with DJ Kitty and take part in Run the Bases! You can test your skills at the Speed Pitch, take batting practice at the Bat Around, and meet real-life stingrays at the Cownose Clubhouse. Join us for our INSIDE LOOK at game day with the kids at Tropicana Field!

Don't miss Harry Potter Night on Friday, July 31 and Christian Faith Night on Saturday, August 1

Tampa Theatre's FREE Summer Sing-Along Screenings

• Dates: Select Sundays at 6:30 p.m.
• Location: Sparkman Wharf

With Tampa Theatre’s historic auditorium closed for restoration ahead of its 100^th anniversary in October, the majestic movie palace is taking the show on the road with a series of FREE Summer Sing-Along Screenings on select Sundays at Sparkman Wharf and other locations throughout Tampa Bay, presented by QC! The first 100 guests at each show will also receive a free LED fan, courtesy of series sponsor QC, and a free bag of Tampa Theatre’s famous popcorn, starting at 6:00 pm. Upcoming Monthly Movies at Sparkman Wharf:   August 23: Wicked (2024).

NOW OPEN: Pinniped Pier at Clearwater Marine Aquarium

• Date: Now open!
• Location: Clearwater

Meet CMA's newest residents–Wahoo and Tuna, the sea lions, in their new home at Pinniped Pier! Be among the first to meet these sweet animals in their new habitat, along with more new animals that have recently joined the CMA family! We're sharing more about what's new at Clearwater Marine Aquarium here.

Summer Nights at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay – LAST CHANCE!

• Dates: Now through August 9, 2026
• Location: Tampa

Summer Nights returns with extended park hours and electrifying entertainment. New this year, catch the wave of retro fun at Beach Bash. Beat the heat during the day and catch returning favorites like Cirque Electric, Animal Tales, Icons, and Rhythm of Nature. The fun keeps going into the night with everyone's favorite 90s-style dance fest at Boombox Dance Party. End your day with their immersive Wild Skies drone show with fireworks on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with all-new shows and more drones!

AquaGlow at Islands of Adventure – LAST CHANCE!

• Dates: Select nights now through August 8, 2026
• Location: Tampa

Get ready to light up your summer nights at AquaGlow, a family-friendly nighttime event that transforms Adventure Island into a dazzling neon paradise! With limited capacity, you’ll enjoy a more relaxed, exclusive experience with plenty of room to glow, dance, and make memories with friends and family.

Summer of Play at Glazer Children’s Museum 

• Dates: All summer long
• Location: Tampa

During Summer of Play, families can expect a rotating lineup of creative experiences, including hands-on art projects, special guests, storytimes, and collaborative crafts. With a focus on making and creating, kids turn everyday materials into friendship bracelets, junk journals, and imaginative works of art. glazermuseum.org 

WORTH THE DRIVE: Cirque du Soleil Drawn to Life

• Location: Disney Springs, Orlando
• Showtimes: Wed-Sat. at 5:30 pm and 8 pm, and on Sundays at 1:30 pm and 4 pm

Set your imagination in motion with Drawn to Life, a love letter to the art of Disney animation. In this first-ever creative collaboration between Cirque du Soleil and Disney, journey into a whimsical world of animation where an animator’s desk becomes the stage and drawings come alive. It’s the magic of Walt Disney Animation interpreted through dazzling performances and the acrobatic mastery of Cirque du Soleil. Live on stage, only at Disney Springs.

MORE Awesome Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Weekend

“The Art of Banksy” exhibit at The Straz Center

• Date: Open Now through Sept. 27, 2026
• Location: The Straz Center in Tampa

Featuring more than 160 original works, The Art of Banksy is the world’s largest collection of authenticated privately-owned Banksy art. This globally acclaimed showcase is the original London exhibition and features original and authenticated works created by the most intriguing and talked-about artist in modern art history. On display are prints, hand-drawn sketches, canvases, screenprints, sculptures, unique works, and limited-edition pieces.

Mysteries of the Nile: Ancient Egypt at Tampa Museum of Art

• Date: Now Open!
• Location: Downtown Tampa

The Tampa Museum of Art has just unveiled a first-of-its-kind exhibit for the Tampa Bay area featuring art and artifacts of ancient Egypt. The exhibit features pieces on loan from the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto and from private collections of owners, along with works from TMA's collection. The exhibit is an exploration of the everyday life of ancient Egyptian people, the power of the pharaohs and priests, the worship of the gods, and the afterlife. Mysteries of the Nile: Ancient Egypt will be on display for two years.

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!

Cyber Bowling Kids Matinee at Pin Chasers

• Date: Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9
• 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.

End of Summer Glow in the Dark Party at Skateworld Tampa

• Date: Saturday, August 8 from 12 pm-9:30 pm
• Location: Tampa

Unfortunately summer is coming to an end! Join Skateworld for a glow in the dark party before summer is over! Lights out skating ALL day long and admission includes 1 glowstick! Wear your best neon or glow inspired outfits to shine under the blacklights!

Esports Open Play at Northdale Rec Center

• Date: Saturday, August 8, 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.

Sunday Breakfast Bowl at Pin Chasers

• Date: Sunday, August 9, 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.

Pizza Party Skate with Moana at Skateworld Tampa

• Date: Sunday, August 9 from 1:30 pm-7 pm
• Location: Tampa

Grab your family and friends for a tropical adventure filled with Disney music, great food, and a special visit from everyone's favorite wayfinder! Admission Includes regular skate rental and all you can eat cheese pizza! Meet and greet photos with Moana are available from 2 pm-5 pm!

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

• Date: Sunday, August 9, 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! Yes, the adults can request songs too! Reserver your seat now for this free event!

Save the Date for these Awesome Events in Tampa Bay:

Dolphin Yoga at CMA

• Date: August 14, from 5:45-7 p.m.
• Location: Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Join Clearwater Marine Aquarium for a relaxing Yoga session with incredible underwater dolphin views! Dive into zen with 60 minutes of self-care relaxation as you practice yoga with breathtaking views of dolphins gracefully swimming at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This engaging class is held in a covered outdoor space right in front of the underwater dolphin viewing area, creating the perfect atmosphere for tranquility and mindfulness.

DFAC Con

• Date: Saturday, September 12, from 2-8 p.m., or 1-8 p.m. (V.I.P.)
• Location: Dunedin Fine Arts Center

DFAC Con returns on Saturday, September 12 for an action-packed celebration of art, cosplay, gaming, comics, anime, and pop culture! Explore Artist Alley, shop unique vendors, meet special guests, enjoy interactive panels and gaming, and show off your creativity in the cosplay contest. Fun for all ages at the Dunedin Fine Art Center. VIP and General Admission tickets are on sale now!

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!

Above & Beyond exhibit at MOSI 

• Dates: Now Open!
• Location: Tampa

From the earliest dreams of the Wright brothers to the future of space exploration, this immersive exhibit lets you design, test, and experience flight firsthand through cutting-edge, hands-on technology. Step into the action as you build your own aircraft, explore the forces of flight, and push the limits of what’s possible.

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.