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!
Happy February! 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.
One of our favorite events is kicking off this week – the Florida State Fair! From rides, to exhibits and food, check out our picks for The BEST Things to Do with Kids at the Florida State Fair
The weather is also perfect for getting outdoors and exploring some of the amazing events around town like Busch Gardens Sesame Kids Weekends and Mardi Gras! Or get the wiggles out with a day of play at one of the many awesome parks around Tampa Bay.
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!
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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!
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.
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
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
STEMCinema at B&B Theatres Wesley Chapel
- Date: Friday, February 6 at 4:30 pm
- Location: Wesley Chapel
STEMCinema blends the joy and fun of big screen movies with brain stuff! Learn from real Mizzou professors in a ten-minute kid-friendly on-screen lecture before the movie begins!
The Market Elaine at The Grove at Wesley Chapel
- Date: Friday, February 6 from 5:30 pm-9:30 pm
- Location: Wesley Chapel
Check out over 150 vendors offering an array of unique products, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. There will be pet adoptions, a bounce house, face painting, food, and more!
Winter Games at Sparkman Wharf
- Date: Friday, February 6 from 6 pm-9 pm
- Location: Tampa
Sparkman Wharf will be the go-to spot to celebrate the 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony with a family-friendly event full of winter fun. Guests can try accessible versions of popular Olympic activities, like curling, Wii sports, air hockey and more. Guests can snap photos in snowy, winter-themed photo ops before watching the Opening Ceremony at 8 pm live on the big screen. The event is free and open to the public.
Sunset Zip Line Adventures at Empower Adventures Tampa Bay
- Date: Friday, February 6-Sunday, February 8
- 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!
Kids DIY Workshop at Home Depot
- Date: Saturday, February 6 from 9 am-12 pm
- Location: Various locations
Head to your local Home Depot for a free DIY kids workshop! This month, create your own penguin mailbox. All supplies included (while supplies last).
Weekend Workshop at Bricks 4 Kidz
- Date: Saturday, February 7 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 Pokemon Workshop!
Farm Festival and Quilt Show at Pioneer Museum and Village
- Date: Saturday, February 7 from 10 am-4 pm
- Location: Dade City
Witness the sheer power of the Southern Draft Horses as they compete in two weight classes: Lightweights (3400lbs and under) and Heavyweights. Lawn chairs are welcome and recommended. There is also a stunning display of local quilts at the Quilt Show. Marvel at the intricate designs and craftsmanship, and if you're feeling lucky, enter your own quilt for a chance to win a ribbon or buy a ticket for their raffle quilt. There will be food, craft demonstrations, and more!
Acrylic on Black Paper: Lavender Lilacs at Pure Art Tampa
- Date: Saturday, February 7 from 11 am-12 pm
- Location: Tampa
Make a lovely vase of lilacs with acrylic paints on black paper. Students will use a variety of techniques and tools to create realistic flowers and leaves. This lesson takes approximately 60 minutes and is open to all ages.
Cyber Bowling Kids Matinee at Pin Chasers
- Date: Saturday, February 6 and Sunday, February 7
- 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, February 7 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.
Super Bowl Skate Party at Skate World of Tampa
- Date: Sunday, February 8 from 1:30-4 pm
- Location: Tampa
$15 includes admission, skate rental, a slice of cheese pizza, and a raffle ticket where you can win a 55″ TV! Don't forget to wear your favorite team's colors!
Valentine's Day Workshop at Young Chef's Academy
- Date: Sunday, February 7 from 2 pm-4 pm
- Location: Lutz
Join other young chefs to whip up a “love-feast” of sweet, homemade treats and culinary fun where you can find that perfect recipe to make for that special someone! For ages 7-17.
MORE THINGS TO DO: See What’s on Exhibit in Tampa Bay
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.