School is back in session and that's why we're here to help you have fun on the weekends! If you still need back-to-school clothes and school supplies, don't forget to take advantage of Florida's Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, which runs through the entire month of August!

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!

Monster Jam | Friday, August 15- Sunday, August 17

Benchmark Interational Arena (formerly Amalie Arena)
Get ready for an unforgettable family weekend as Monster Jam takes over Tampa this August! Featuring the Monster Jam Pit Party on Saturday and Sunday, August 16 & 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., families can enjoy adrenaline-charged fun where you can meet your favorite drivers, collect autographs and snap photos with the massive trucks. Then, dive into heart-pounding excitement as drivers compete in thrilling races and gravity-defying stunts in the MASSIVE trucks. Event ticket and separate Pit Party pass required. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

Back to Wizarding School Themed Skate at AdventHealth Center Ice | Saturday, August 16 from 6:30 pm-8:30 pm

Wesley Chapel
IC’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is now enrolling! Enjoy magical activities such as themed ice skating, come dressed in your favorite wizard gear, and enjoy special photo ops.

Gabby's Dollhouse MEOWseum Discovery Days at Glazer Children's Museum | Saturday, August 16 and Sunday, August 17

Tampa
Bring your kiddos to meet the costumed Gabby character for hugs, high-fives, and a picture purr-fect moment during Gabby’s Dollhouse MEOEWseum Discovery Days at GCM, presented by DreamWorks Animation and the Association of Children’s Museums. Meet Gabby, the beloved costumed character from Gabby’s Dollhouse! This event is included in General Admission and GCM Membership, but does require a first-come-first served advanced registration for a timed meet-and-greet slot.

Conservation Connection at Zoo Tampa | Saturday, August 16 from 9:30 am-2:30 pm

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

Toddler Takeover at Glazer Children's Museum

Downtown Tampa
This 3-week-long celebration is designed just for children ages 5 and under and runs August 11-31. Featuring special programming empowering toddlers to climb, crawl, wiggle, and explore in a museum made just for them. From themed sensory activities and storytimes to community resource guests and character visits, Toddler Takeover offers intentional play opportunities that support early childhood development while giving families a fun, enriching experience.

Neon Summer at FloridaRAMA | Through September 1

St. Petersburg
Escape the heat for this indoor adventure where you and the kids can enjoy an immersive art experience while playing in a glowing 9-hole round of artist-created mini golf! Tickets start at $30 for kids ages 4-12 and $35 for adults. Tickets include admission to FloridaRAMA.

Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet at The Straz Center | Through September 14, 2025

Tampa
The Straz Center is bringing an all-new experience to life with “Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience.” The multisensory event will take place from Aug. 1 through Sept. 14 and will allow you to step directly inside the works of both world-renowned artists.

Summer Classics at Tampa Theatre | Sundays at 3 p.m., through August 31

Downtown Tampa
The historic Theatre’s 34^th annual Summer Classics movie series brings iconic films back to the big screen every Sunday through August 31. This family-friendly series offers affordable tickets ($10 / $7 for Theatre members) and post-show Film Talks, making it Tampa’s coolest summer escape.

Lost Pearl Pirate Adventure Cruises | Weekends

BOGO 50% off all public pirate cruises through Sep. 1, 2025!
Sailing from Downtown Tampa
Do ye have what it takes to be a pirate? Join the fearless crew of the Lost Pearl on an epic quest for treasure in Downtown Tampa! Embark on a swashbuckling adventure filled with excitement as ye learn to load and dodge cannonballs, pass them along to yer mates, and defend yerself with water cannons. Follow orders, test yer sea legs, and prepare for endless pirate fun. Now booking birthday parties, field trips & private events! Adult tickets from $35.
Use promo code: summersail to book your discounted tickets today!

Zubrick Magic Theatre | Showtimes at 7 p.m. & Sundays at 2 p.m.

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.

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!

MORE Awesome Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Weekend

Friday Fun Day at Empower Adventures | Friday, August 15 at 4 pm

Oldsmar
Jumpstart your weekend with a thrilling outdoor adventure. Perfect for families, friends, and colleagues, Friday Fun Day is designed to provide a memorable experience filled with fun, excitement, and laughter.

Pokemon World Championships Celebration Event at Sunshine Games | Friday, August 15 at 7:30 pm

Tampa
The Pokemon World Championships feature the best Pokemon players from around the globe. Players will compete for prizes, Pokemon World Champion titles, and return invitations for the following year’s Worlds. To commemorate the momentous annual event, they will be hosting a special tournament and awarding promo cards as exclusive prizing for the event celebrating the 2025 Pokemon World Championships.

DIY-U Kids' Workshops by Lowe's | Saturday, August 16 from 10 am-1 pm

Various Locations
Lowe's is here to help you and your mini-builder grow together. Whether you want to complete home repairs, learn new skills or find a creative community, DIY-U by Lowe's has it – all free for you. This month's activity: Pet Station Mini Builders will create a custom organizer to store pet supplies and help keep their furry friends' space neat and tidy. This family-friendly project teaches kids basic construction skills, organization, responsibility, and lets them celebrate their pets.

Cyber Bowling Kid's Matinee at Pin Chasers | Saturday, August 16 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.

Esports Open Play Northdale | August 15-17, 2025

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.

Sunday Breakfast Bowl at Pin Chasers | Sunday, August 17 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.

Family Day at Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen | Sunday, August 17 from 1 pm-4 pm

Tampa
Bring the whole family out for an afternoon of fun and flavor. Enjoy Brunch from 11 am and 3 pm and stay for the fun. Festivities Include: Live DJ on deck, face painting for the kiddos, outdoor games, and Kona Ice for sale.

DJ and Face Painting start at 1 PM!

Dueling Pianos for Kids at Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar and Restaurant | Sunday, August 17 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

Wild Oasis at Busch Gardens sneak peek. Photo by Laura Byrne.

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!

NEW! 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.

NEW! 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!

Dinos Unearthed at ZooTampa | Now Open!

Tampa
Go nose to snout with fifteen larger-than-life dinosaurs will offer explorers of all ages the chance to embark on a prehistoric adventure at Dinos Unearthed. The immersive experience will transport guests back in time to get up close to the colossal dinosaurs of the past, like the T-rex, stegosaurus, Utahraptor, and more!

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!

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.

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.

SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE AWESOME EVENTS IN TAMPA BAY:

Disney Descendants Zombies | September 5, 2025

The Disney Descendants are hitting the stage in Tampa September 5th for a high-energy musical packed with fun, mischief, and your favorite songs. It’s a great night out for fans of the movies and live performances alike. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com

Blippi: Join the Band Tour! | Thursday, October 2, at 6 p.m.

Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Blippi, the blue-and-orange clad children’s entertainer, is going places – specifically Disney World. Blippi and best friend Meekah are starring in a series of videos in which they explore Disney World and its adjoining parks as well as Disney Cruise Lines. It’s another giant step for the show, which began on YouTube and was picked up by Netflix, attracting more than a billion views along the way. Yes, with a “b.” In this new show, Blippi, Meekah and all of their friends discover the joy of making music.

Sesame Street Live | December 7, 2025

Join Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and all your favorite Sesame Street friends for a fun-filled day the whole family will love! Sesame Street Live! Elmo and Friends Say Hello is coming to Tampa for a musical adventure packed with singing, dancing, and lots of laughs. It’s the perfect outing for families and little ones who love the show. Tickets are available now at Ticketmaster.com

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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