Sesame Street Kids' Weekends at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (2)

20+ FUN Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Weekend

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It's another busy weekend with tons of awesome things to do in Tampa Bay with the kids!

Can you believe it's already the end of January? Valentine's Day is just around the corner and we've got some Fun Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day as A Family in Tampa Bay.

This Saturday is the Gasparilla Pirate Invasion and, while this event is more geared towards adults, there are still a few ways to involve the kids if you missed the Children's Gasparilla last weekend. Of course, if you'd rather stick to pure family fun there is plenty of ways to entertain your little swashbucklers.

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:

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!

Sesame Street Kids Weekends at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

  • Date: Saturday, January 24-February 8
  • Location: Tampa/Bayshore

Set sail for family fun at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay! Join Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird, and all of your Sesame Street friends for pirate-themed adventures the whole family will love! Included with general admission. This is also a great time to take advantage of theFREE Busch Gardens Preschool Pass! 

Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

  • Date: Through March 1
  • Location: Tampa

Get jazzed up with Mardi Gras-style entertainment, live music and catch some festival beads (after each parade). Feast like kings and queens on New classic Cajun cuisine as Busch Gardens brings the “Big Easy” to Tampa Bay.

LEGO NINJAGO Weekends at LEGOLAND Florida Resort

  • Select dates: January 24, 31 and February 7, 14, 15
  • Location: Winter Haven

Go full ninja! It's time to celebrate 15 years of LEGO NINJAGO and take on the ultimate mission of family fun as LEGO NINJAGO Weekends returns to LEGOLAND Florida Resort! Step into the world of LEGO NINJAGO with your favorite LEGO Ninjas, and reach your true Ninja potential with immersive, thrilling shows and action-packed activities that you can only find at LEGOLAND Florida.

Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion at MOSI

  • Date: Now-May 2026
  • Location: MOSI, Tampa

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.

Real Music Series at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

  • Date: Now through February 20, 2026
  • Location: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Get ready to rock through the decades with music’s fan-favorite hits! Busch Gardens Tampa Bay brings back its longest-running concert series, Real Music, packed with all-new music performances and unforgettable sounds six days a week, Monday through Saturday. Guests can experience an electrifying lineup of acclaimed performers delivering timeless hits from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s.

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!

MORE Awesome Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Weekend

Angry Lizard: An Experiment by Dr. Kramer

  • Date: January 22 – February 28 (multiple performance dates and locations)
  • Locations: Various community centers and libraries across Tampa Bay

Angry Lizard: An Experiment by Dr. Kramer is a playful, imaginative show for all audiences that explores emotions, empathy, and self-control—with the help of dinosaurs. The story follows Dr. Kramer, a so-called “mad scientist,” as he tries to teach emotional awareness in the most unexpected way. Best for ages 4 and up. All performances are free and open to the public.

Performance Schedule:

  • Thursday, January 29, 3:30 pm – Seminole Garden Center
  • Saturday, January 31, 11:00 am – Riverview Public Library
  • Wednesday, February 4, 3:00 pm – Westchase Park and Recreation Center
  • Saturday, February 7, 11:00 am & 3:00 pm – Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library
  • Wednesday, February 11, 10:30 am – New Tampa Performing Arts Center
  • Friday, February 13, 10:00 am – Ruskin Park and Recreation Center
  • Saturday, February 14, 11:00 am – C. Blythe Andrews Public Library
  • Saturday, February 21, 11:00 am & 3:00 pm – New Tampa Regional Library
  • Saturday, February 28, 11:00 am – Robert Saunders, Sr. Public Library

Kids Happy Hour: Double Play Winter Edition at 1983

  • Date: Friday, January 30 from 3 pm-6 pm
  • Location: Tampa

Level up your winter afternoon at Double Play: Winter Edition This kids’ happy hour is packed with arcade games, snowman building, face painting, and more. Parents can relax while kids play, explore, and burn off that winter energy.

Frozen Inspired Family Night at Chick-Fil-A North Dale Mabry

  • Date: Friday, January 30 from 5 pm-7 pm
  • Location: Tampa

Grab your family for a Frozen-inspired experience filled with fun, creativity, and sweet treats. Throughout the evening, kids can enjoy a “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” craft station, dance along during a Frozen-themed freeze dance, and the whole family can sample new frosted sodas. To top it all off, they’ll be hosting a special meet & greet with everyone’s favorite winter princesses.

Frozen Inspired Family Night at Chick-Fil-A North Dale Mabry

  • Date: Friday, January 30 from 5 pm-7 pm
  • Location: Tampa

Grab your family for a Frozen-inspired experience filled with fun, creativity, and sweet treats. Throughout the evening, kids can enjoy a “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” craft station, dance along during a Frozen-themed freeze dance, and the whole family can sample new frosted sodas. To top it all off, they’ll be hosting a special meet & greet with everyone’s favorite winter princesses.

Sunset Zip Line Adventures at Empower Adventures Tampa Bay

  • Date: Friday, January 30 at 6 pm
  • Location: Oldsmar

Gain a new perspective on fun, beginning with a 60-foot tall start tower, 5 zip lines varying in length and totaling over 3,000′, a 200-foot suspension bridge along with an adventure course with log bridges, cable traverses, and poles!

Art in Nature at Bonnet Springs Park

  • Date: Saturday, January 31 from 10 am-12 pm
  • Location: Lakeland

Use native plants to create your own art at Art in Nature at the GiveWell Community Foundation Nature Center. Create your own flower Bookmarks and leaf pressings using clay with the Lakeland Arts Association formerly Lakeland Art Guild. Also learn how to ID native plants using their leaves! This event is free and open to guests of all ages with adult supervision.

Weekend Workshop at Bricks 4 Kidz

  • Date: Saturday, January 31 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 every own Bricks 4 Kidz minifigure! All children ages 4.5 – 12 years old are welcome! Spots are limited to just 20 builders per workshop! This Saturday, participate in a LEGO Gasparilla Pirate Workshop!

Cyber Bowling Kids Matinee at Pin Chasers

  • Date: Saturday, January 31 and Sunday, February 1
  • 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.

Gasparilla Family Day at Yuengling Draft Haus

  • Date: Saturday, January 31 from 12 pm-4 pm
  • Location: Tampa

Set sail for the Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen and enjoy a day of live music for the wee little ones from Mr. Harley, face painting, and outdoor fun for pirates of all ages, no swashbuckling required! Discover treasure at the Children’s Entrepreneur Market and support young creators.

Esports Open Play at Northdale Rec Center

  • Date: Saturday, January 31 from 1:30 pm-4:30 pm
  • Location: Tampa

Esports lounges are staffed with Esports specialist 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.

Tampa Bay Sun Football Game

  • Date: Saturday, January 31 at 7:30 pm
  • Location: Tampa

Come cheer on the Tampa Bay Sun as they take on the Spokane Zephyr FC.

After Gasparilla Cleanup with Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful

  • Date: Sunday, February 1 from 8 am-11 am
  • Location: Tampa

The pirates have come and gone and now it’s time to reclaim our bay! Join Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful for the annual After Gasparilla Cleanup as we come together to clear litter and debris left behind after the festivities. Help keep our city and waterways beautiful while celebrating the spirit of community pride! All supplies will be provided and free shirts on a first come first served basis.

2026 NHL Stadium Series at Raymond James Stadium

  • Date: Sunday, February 1 from 6:30 pm-10 pm
  • Location: Tampa

Bundle up! For the first time, the Tampa Bay Lightning will play outdoors on a special ice rink at Raymond James Stadium! Come cheer them on as they take on the Boston Bruins.

SAVE THE DATE!

2026 Florida State Fair

  • Dates: February 5-16
  • WEEKDAY Times: Monday – Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • WEEKEND Times: Friday – Sunday & President’s Day, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Location: 4800 US Hwy. 301 North, Tampa FL 33610

Celebrate America at the Florida State Fair—America’s Sunniest Celebration—shining bright February 5–16 in Tampa! Enjoy 12 days of rides, classic fair food, live entertainment, creative competitions, agricultural showcases, and hands-on exhibits that highlight Florida’s talent and traditions. With red, white, and blue moments, photo worthy spots, and fun for every age and vibe, it’s the perfect place to soak up the sunshine and celebrate it all.

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

da VInci exhibit at MOSI
Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion exhibit at MOSI

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.

Feline Files: Fact or Fiction? at FloridaRAMA

Investigate strange occurrences around Mermaid Star Motel and discover a mysterious new feline species!

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.

FloridaRAMA in 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.

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.