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! We're so excited because one of our favorite annual Tampa events is back this weekend – Tampa Riverfest at Curtis Hixon Park and Waterworks Park!
There are so many fun things going on around Tampa Bay this time of year, and it's the perfect time of year to check out 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:
- SAVE THE DATE: ZooTampa to host first-ever Manatee Conservation Celebration on May 2
- SNEAK PEEK: Lion & Hyena Ridge at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
- DON'T MISS IT: FREE 2026 Busch Gardens Preschool Card
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!
10th Annual Riverfest + All-New Kids Fest – Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2
Tampa Riverfest is back for it's 10th year! Enjoy the all-new Kids Zone presented by BayCare Kids, featuring Science Play with MOSI, a pop-up Dance Class with Brucie Klay, Tampa Bay Bucs Quarterback Toss, Puppy Adoption, live performances, arts and crafts, Putt Putt Golf, the beloved Lantern Parade, and MORE. This FREE family-friendly event is not to be missed!
MOSI
4801 E. Fowler Ave.
Tampa, FL 33617
Minecraft Mania at MOSI – Saturday, May 3, from 1 pm-3 pm
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!
May the 4th Be With You at MOSI – Monday, May 4
Build your own noodle lightsabers, learn about the science of lasers, explore the real science behind space travel, planets, and galaxies, and even take pictures with the legendary 501st Legion.
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.
ZooTampa
1101 W. Sligh Ave.
Tampa, FL 33604
ZooTampa Manatee Celebration – Saturday, May 2 from 10 am-4 pm
ZooTampa hosts its first ever Manatee Conservation Celebration, a special event dedicated to raising awareness and support for Florida's iconic sea cows. There will be kid-friendly activities, interactive presentations, local vendors, and live music. The event also features exclusive behind the scenes tours of the Zoo's new Manatee Rescue and world-reknowned Zoo Tampa David A. Straz Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center.
Watermelon Swim
955 Candlelight Blvd
Brooksville, FL 34601
Safer Splash 2026: Swim with a Firefighter at Watermelon Swim
Head to Watermelon Swim in Brooksville for a free family water safety event in celebration of National Water Safety Month. Hosted by Tampa General Hospital in partnership with Hernando County Fire Rescue and Watermelon Swim, Splash Safer is all about water safety, drowning prevention, and building confidence around water – all while having a great time together as a community.
Ananda Farm – Season Ends May 10
579 Ken Hubbard Rd
Terra Ceia, FL 34250
Cinco de Mayo Weekend at Ananda Farm – Friday, May 1-Sunday, May 3
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo weekend for a very special reason – by celebrating the heart of the farm, Kristy Blaine Boss. Kristy is the late wife of Ananda Farm's owner, Chris Boss, who inspired the idea for the farm. Kristy passed away in 2022 but her legacy lives on. Not only was Cinco de Mayo her favorite holiday, May 5 was also her birthday. Enjoy music, food, family and fun all weekend. Admission is $10 and $5 from each ticket sale will go to Kristy's Lightning in a Bottle Fund.
Open Fridays from 3-7 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 am to 7 pm – Until May 10, 2026!
Enjoy the sunshine and explore our favorite family-friendly farm in Tampa Bay before they close for the season! Kids can play on the 15 different attractions, including a huge tree house, while adults enjoy delicious food and drinks. You can also pick pretty flowers, listen to live music, and more! The farm will be hosting a national TV crew on Saturday, and they're celebrating by offering $5 admission before noon, so don't miss your chance to be on national TV while enjoying an awesome day on the farm!
Cirque du Soleil Drawn to Life
Disney Springs, Orlando
Showtimes: Wed-Sat. at 5:30 pm and 8 pm, and 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
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!
Empower Adventures Sunset Zip Line Adventures and Moonlight Canopy Tours
- Dates: Friday, May 1-Sunday, May 3
- Location: Oldsmar
Tampa Bay Rays Game with Hello Kitty Bobblehead
- Date: Friday, May 1 at 7 pm
- Location: St. Petersburg
Join in on the Hello Kitty fun at Tropicana Field when the Rays take on the San Francisco Giants! Fans can purchase a special Hello Kitty package that includes a Hello Kitty bobblehead! You may pick up your item at the Redemption Center behind Section 108 from gates open to the top of the 6th inning. The bobblehead is available ONLY with the purchase of a special ticket package.
Home Depot Kids DIY Workshop
- Date: Saturday, May 2 from 9 am-12 pm
- Location: Various Locations
Head to your local Home Depot for a free DIY workshop! All supplies included (while supplies last). This month, you can create your very own Keepsake Box!
Sea Squirts: Aqua Tots Experience at Florida Aquarium
- Date: Saturday, May 2, from 9:30 am-10:30 am
- Location: Tampa
Splash into a world of wonder with Sea Squirts, a playful early-learning program where young children ages 3-5 explore the wonder of the ocean and the animals that call it home! Each month brings a brand-new ocean-themed class where children explore, discover, and learn in a classroom-style setting that your child will be excited to dive into. This month, learn all about turtles with Turtle Tales!
Weekend Workshop at Bricks 4 Kidz
- Date: Saturday, May 2, 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 Star Wars Workshop!
Cyber Bowling Kids Matinee at Pin Chasers
- Date: Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3
- 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, May 2, 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.
Kentucky Derby Watch Party at Armature Works
- Date: Saturday, May 2 from 12 pm-7:30 pm
- Location: Tampa
Dress to impress in your best Derby attire and take part in a day full of unique experiences, including a stylish photo op to capture your race-day look, custom bottle engraving, and a hat-making vendor to help you top off your outfit in true Derby fashion. Enjoy exciting giveaways, entertainment, and more surprises throughout the event.
Sunday Breakfast Bowl at Pin Chasers
- Date: Sunday, May 3, 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.
Teacher Fest
- Date: Sunday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Location: Pioneer Park, Dunedin, FL
Head to Dunedin for the second annual Teacher Fest – a day to celebrate and recognize teachers, homeschool parents, and administrators who inspire and shape our children. Families can enjoy giveaways, vendors, hands-on STEM activities and demos, and more.
Art Attack at Shanna and Bryan Glazer Family JCC
- Date: Sunday, May 3 from 12 pm-4 pm
- Location: Tampa
Calling all budding artist ages 4-12 for a fun, colorful Sunday! Paint your own pottery piece at this Kids Day Out while enjoying arts and crafts, games, swimming, pizza and more!
Upstairs/Downstairs at Henry B. Plant Museum
- Date: Sunday, May 3, 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: Booker T. Washington.
Dad's Day Out with Real Dad Dept at Midtown Tampa
- Date: Sunday, May 3 from 2 pm-4 pm
- Location: Tampa
Tampa’s #1 dad community is taking over The Commons every first Sunday of the month. Bring the kids, meet other families, and make new memories with free, family-friendly activities designed to spark connection.
Mommy and Me Sourdough Workshop at Armature Works
- Date: Sunday, May 3 from 2 pm-4 pm
- Location: Tampa
Create something special together this Mother’s Day season in this hands-on beginner sourdough workshop designed for you and your little one. Whether you’re brand new to baking or just getting started with sourdough, this class is the perfect place to begin.
In this workshop, you’ll learn every step of the sourdough process. You’ll mix and fold dough in class, watch a full shaping demonstration, and walk through cold proofing and baking so you can confidently recreate the process at home. You’ll also feed a live sourdough starter during class to take home so the experience continues long after the workshop. This class is designed to be fun, approachable, and memorable – a chance to slow down, get a little messy, and create something beautiful together. Recommended for ages 6 and up. One compliementary mimosa for adults ages 21 and up.
Dueling Pianos for Kids at Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar and Restaurant
- Date: Sunday, May 3, 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!
Save the Date for these Awesome Events in Tampa Bay:
Entertainment Revue Auditions!
- Date: Saturday, May 30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Location: Britton Plaza: 3802 B-1 South Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa
Step into the Spotlight with The Entertainment Revue! Tampa’s premier song-and-dance ensemble, featuring an all-female cast of young talent. Auditions for girls ages 5-15 will be held on May 30 at the South Tampa studio. Kids will be split up into three groups so they can audition with kids in their age range (based on the grade they will be entering next school year). Known for Broadway-caliber performances, this dynamic troupe electrifies audiences with high-energy productions spanning multiple genres. Performing at major events like conferences, galas, The Today Show, professional sporting events, and for U.S. Presidents, they have captivated crowds throughout Florida. Founded in 1989, this nonprofit organization empowers young women to become confident, driven leaders, and launch successful careers in entertainment.
19th Annual Back to School Fair – NEW LOCATION!
- Date: Saturday, August 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Location: 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!
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.