20+ FUN Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Weekend

The weekend is here and there are so many awesome things to do in Tampa Bay.

The holiday season is now in full swing and there are so many holiday events going on! We’ve rounded them up for you in The Best Christmas Events in Tampa Bay for Families.

Ready to meet the big guy himself? Check out Where to take pictures with Santa in Tampa Bay.

Our weekend guide is divided into multiple sections since there are SO many fun things to do around Tampa Bay! Scroll down for Featured Events, Events listed by Date, Save the Date, What’s on Exhibit, and more fun ideas. So, keep scrolling to find your best day ever!

MORE Tampa Bay family-friendly fun we think you’ll love:

• Go on An Epic Journey with MOSI’s new DC Superheroes: Discover Your Superpowers! 
• Holiday Break Camps in Tampa Bay 2023 
• The Best Spots to See Holiday Lights in Tampa Bay

*Be sure to check each event’s social media pages or website to ensure there aren’t any changes due to weather.

Related:  The Best Things to Do for Grown Ups in Tampa Bay!

Featured Events

Busch Gardens Christmas Town | Saturday, November 11 – January 7, 2024

Enjoy park-wide festive fun at this award-winning holiday event. The park is filled with holiday cheer and guests can enjoy holiday traditions with a twist. Ride the Holly Jolly Express train, view millions of twinkling lights from the top of a roller coaster, visit Santa in his workshop, and spend time with Rudolph and his friends from the classic holiday movie, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Guests can also enjoy festive live shows and take part in special holiday dining and shopping.

Free Performances at Libraries and community Centers around Tampa Bay!
The world’s greatest detective is on a mission to find the Polka Dot Bandit and recover the morals he stole from the only copy of Aesop’s Fables! Follow the clues and discover the lesson each fable teaches before the morals are gone forever! Full of laughs, adventure, and lessons, children will experience favorite stories all while solving a hilarious mystery. Brought to you by the City of Tampa’s Creative Arts Theatre, encouraging literacy throughout Hillsborough County through the magic of live performances. Best for ages 4 and up. 

Colorful Christmas | November 18 – January 7, 2024

Crayola Experience, Orlando 
Deck the halls with tons of COLOR! Colorful Christmas is back. From November 18 – January 7, come enjoy holiday fun the Crayola way! Make handmade gifts from the heart, complete a seasonal scavenger hunt and more! It’s a holiday hullabaloo with SNOW much to do! Buy tickets ahead & SAVE $5 with Code: TBP, now through January 7, 2024.

Holiday Classics at Tampa Theatre | Select Dates, November 26 – January 7, 2024

Tampa Theatre, Downtown Tampa
When you visit the historic Tampa Theatre, you’re not just coming for a movie – you’re coming for an experience. One of the brightest and most beloved of those experiences is the tradition of sharing favorite holiday films on the big screen with family and friends and singing along to holiday carols with the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ before the show. This year’s showings include Miracle on 34^th Street, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, The Grinch, a Frozen Sing-Along, and more!
Tickets are $10.00 ($7.00 for Members) & $14.50 ($11.50 for Members) for Sing-Along showings.

ZooTampa Christmas in the Wild in Tampa | Select Dates, November 24 – December 30, 2023

Tampa
Enjoy one of Tampa’s largest light displays as the zoo transforms into a seasonal wonderland. This year promises to be bigger, better, and brighter than ever. There’s a new Lantern Lullaby area in Asia where you can walk among gorgeous Asian paper lanterns to the tunes of your favorite holiday music, a new Gingerbread Jubilee, and new Holiday Signature Animal Encounters. There are also returning favorites like visits with Santa, Cookie Decorating with Mrs. Claus, the Forest of Fantasy light show, and MORE! Christmas in the Wild is a separately ticketed event.

Enchant Christmas at Tropicana Field | November 24 – December 31, 2023

Wander through the incredible dazzling display of lights, spin around on the ice-skating rink, and create some fun holiday crafts. Head over to Santa’s Landing to meet Santa himself. Nestled in a serene snowscape below a sky full of twinkling stars, it is an enchanting and memorable setting for a one-of-a-kind Christmas experience.

Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds | November 23 – December 31, 2023

Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village immerses everyone in holiday fun with family favorites and new attractions, making it bigger and better than ever! The fairgrounds are enveloped in 1 million lights with a 2-mile drive-thru of elaborate displays. The expanded Santa’s Village will feature an Arctic Plunge Inflatable Snow Tube, holiday-themed rides, a self-guided walking tour of Hometown Hillsborough Historical Village, visits with Santa, camel rides, holiday movies, tasty treats, and more!

Things to Do on Friday, December 8

Amazing Athletes at Armature Works | Friday, December 8 from 10 am- 11 am

Tampa
Amazing Athletes uses a multi-sport program to benefit children aged 18 months to 6 years old. The program introduces the fundamentals of 10 different sports (soccer, hockey, volleyball, basketball, tennis, lacrosse, football, track and field, baseball, and golf) in a non-competitive environment. Children in Amazing Athletes routinely gain greater confidence, learn to combine fitness with fun, and develop key motor skills.

Taylor Swift Birthday Skate at United Skates of America | Friday, December 8 from 6:30pm-9:30pm

Tampa
Come skate to celebrate Taylor Swift’s birthday! Featuring music and videos from the ERAS Tour! There will be a lip sync contest, friendship bracelet trading, and more!

Movie on the Turf at Epperson Lagoon | Saturday, December 8 from 7 pm- 9 pm

Wesley Chapel
Head to the turf to watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Bring your blankets and chairs.

Handel’s Messiah at Straz Center | Friday, December 8 at 8 pm

Tampa
With its divine “Hallelujah” chorus, Messiah is the ultimate celebration of holiday joy. A tradition for nearly 300 years. Michael Francis conducts, featuring The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay.

Movie Under the Stars – ELF at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel | Friday, December 8 at 8 pm

Wesley Chapel
Head to Avalon Park for a free showing of Elf! The movie will begin at 8 pm.

Fortnite Friday at Esports Players Club | Friday, December 8, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Tampa
Compete for Vbucks and enjoy pizza while playing in this under-18 Fortnite Tournament.

Glo in the Park at Altitude Trampoline Park | Friday, December 8, from 7 – 10 pm

Tampa
Get ready to GLOW and jump! Altitude safety socks are required (not included). A valid waiver is required. All guests must have a valid waiver on file and receive a wristband at the front desk, including non-jumpers. Non-jumpers are not charged.

Friday Night Meltdown Public Skate at AdventHealth Center Ice | Friday, December 8, from 7:45 – 9 pm

Wesley Chapel
Start your weekend off on the right skate and join us out on the ice for a 2-hour public skate session! There will be a live DJ, colored lights and so much more!

The Great Christmas Cookie Bake-Off | Friday, December 8, from 8 pm- 10 pm

Tampa
Taking place at Stageworks Theatre, students from Tampa’s Blake, Plant, and Robinson High Schools who play the 8 young cookie bakers who’ve been selected to battle it out for 1st place in the Cookie Coliseum. Each is eliminated by a panel of judges until just the winner remains. Along the way, the young bakers lean into the virtues of charity, family and forgiveness. Many of the students are making their professional acting debut.

Things to Do on Saturday, December 9

Ornament Making at Kids Park | Saturday, December 9

Multiple Locations
Create your own ornament at Kids Park’s Ornament Workshop! Check your local Kids Park for details.

Breakfast with Santa at Chick-Fil-A | Saturday, December 9 from 8 am- 10 am

Tampa
Head to Chick-Fil-A on West Hillsborough for breakfast with Santa! Kids can make a Christmas craft.

Run Tampa Tinsel Run at Al Lopez Park | Saturday, December 9 at 8 am

Tampa
Run with your gnomies in a 5K or 1-mile fun run!

Snow Days at The Florida Aquarium | Saturday, December 9 from 9:30 am- 5 pm

Tampa
Grab your gloves and join the Aquarium for winter festivities and hands-on snow experiences! Dash your way through a snow-flurried Snow Maze, toss a real snowball or launch one for a slingshot, channel your inner artist with some Snow Painting, and more! Snow Days is free for Aquarium members and included with general admission.

Christmas in the Country at Cracker Country | Saturday, December 9 from 10 am- 4 pm

Tampa
Bring the family for a great day experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of an old fashion country Christmas. Learn how the holiday traditions of the 19th century differ from those of the 21st through hands-on historical interpretations, carols, traditional decorations and more!

Photos with Santa at Humane Society of Tampa Bay | Saturday, December 9 from 10 am- 2 pm

Tampa
Join the shelter for some great holiday fun for the whole family, including the furry ones! Get your photo taken with Santa, and also enjoy a holiday gift fair, a festive bake sale, and a cookout-style lunch under HSTB’s Sheltering Oak.

Sea of Joy at Clearwater Marine Aquarium | Saturday, December 9 from 10 am- 6 pm

Clearwater
See Santa underwater and meet him in person for a memorable holiday photo opportunity, enjoy lights and decorations celebrating the season throughout the aquarium, and participate in fun holiday crafts and activities surrounded by marine life. Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland adorned with festive marine-themed decorations, twinkling lights, and holiday cheer around every corner! Additional celebrations will be on December 9, and 16.

Weekend Workshop at Bricks 4 Kidz | Saturday, December 9 from 10 am- 1 pm

Tampa
Weekend Workshops are a great way for your child to enjoy a fun and engaging indoor activity. Whether you have a LEGO enthusiast, want your child to meet friends, looking for fun a weekend activity, or if you are a parent that needs three hours on a Saturday to run errands, a Bricks 4 Kidz Weekend Workshop has a little something for everyone! This Saturday, you can participate in LEGO City Winter is Coming!

Holiday Crafts at IKEA | Saturday, December 9 from 12 pm- 3 pm

Tampa
Children of IKEA Family members, ages 12 and under will be able to make a beautiful holiday ornament to use or give to that special someone for Christmas. Activity/craft valid for children 12 years old or younger. Parent must be an IKEA Family member to register (which is free to join). All children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the duration of the time that they are participating in the activity. No groups please. Child must be present to participate/receive the craft/activity. All supplies needed to complete the crafts will be provided.

Ugly Sweater Brunch Cruise at Yacht StarShip | Saturday, December 9 from 12 pm- 2:30 pm

Tampa
‘Tis the season to wear your holly jolly ugliest holiday sweater aboard Yacht StarShip. This two-hour brunch cruises will feature $10 unlimited mimosas and a contest for the ugliest sweater on the top deck! Enjoy beautiful views as you cruise the waterways of Tampa Bay! The Executive Chef has prepared a delicious brunch menu for this holiday cruise.

Minecraft Mania at MOSI | Saturday, December 2, from 1 pm – 3 pm

Tampa
Put those Minecraft mining skills you’ve learned to the test in MOSI’s Minecraft Mania! You’ll get a chance to play on individual, small-team, and full-team challenges as you work on perfecting your mining strategies, enchanting your tools and armor, defending a city from an alien attack, or even learning some basic coding! Children registered for Minecraft Mania will also receive general admission to the museum for no additional cost. Parents may drop off their participants and return for pick-up at 3 p.m. or are welcome to purchase their own general admission and visit the museum during the program. General admission is valid for the entire day. For kids ages 7-12.

Holiday Workshop at Snapology | Saturday, December 9 from 1 pm-4 pm

Tampa
 In Santa’s Creators Club, students will participate in various creative-play activities designed to develop their creative, social, and engineering skills focused around a fun Christmas theme! Most importantly, they will have tons of fun talking about Santa and getting in the Christmas spirit.

On Bikes Winter Wonder Ride at Curtis Hixon Park | Saturday, December 9 from 2 pm- 10:30 pm

Tampa
Don’t miss the world’s LARGEST costume-themed bicycle party! Join a neon-nineties flashback as thousands of retro radiant costume-themed riders cruise down beautiful Bayshore. And that’s not all! After the ride winds down, they’ll be lighting up the night at the Post-Ride Celebration! Attendees will enjoy family-fun activities, a live DJ to warm up the crowd, food and drink from local vendors around the Tampa Bay area, and incredible headlining entertainment. 

Winter Wonder Wharf at Sparkman Wharf in Tampa | Saturday, December 9 from 6 pm- 9 pm

Tampa
Sparkman Wharf will be transformed into Winter Wonder Wharf! Visitors of all ages can enjoy the magic of the season with photo-ops at themed areas, which include a colorful tree forest where guests can find Santa and holiday-themed performances at the Sparkman Wharf stage.

Holiday Movie at KRATE at The Grove | Saturday, December 9 from 6 pm-8 pm

Wesley Chapel
Bring a chair and enjoy a screening of How the Grinch Stole Christmas at KRATE at The Grove!

Kids Night Out at Color Me Mine | Saturday, December 9 from 6 pm-8pm

Tampa
Kids from 6 years of age and up come in for a fun kids night! Cost is $40 plus tax per child and includes pizza and drinks, pottery project, games & a movie along with lots of fun!

The Great Christmas Cookie Bake-Off | Saturday, December 9, from 7:30 pm- 9:30 pm

Tampa
Taking place at Stageworks Theatre, students from Tampa’s Blake, Plant, and Robinson High Schools who play the 8 young cookie bakers who’ve been selected to battle it out for 1st place in the Cookie Coliseum. Each is eliminated by a panel of judges until just the winner remains. Along the way, the young bakers lean into the virtues of charity, family and forgiveness. Many of the students are making their professional acting debut.

Things to Do on Sunday, December 10

AMC Sensory Friendly Films | Sunday, December 10 all day

AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where they turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! The Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Wednesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month. Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes, and don’t forget to share your family fun with #AMCSensoryFriendly.

Hot Chocolate 15K/5K | Sunday, December 10 from 7 am- 12 pm

Tampa
With 5K, 10K, and 15K distances and a post-run party that’ll make you go cocoa crazy, you and your friends will experience the ultimate chocolate celebration!

Jingle Bell Run by Arthritis Foundation | Sunday, December 10 from 9 am- 12 pm

Tampa
This fun, festive, family-friendly morning will include food and drinks (including beer for 21+ w/ proper ID), fun kids zone activities, visit from Santa, entertainment, silent auction with great holiday gifts, Arthritis Warrior Winter Wonderland, holiday costume contest, and more! Dogs, strollers, and wheelchairs are welcome. Prizes and awards for overall top finishers, top fundraising teams and costume contest winners. Costume contest categories are: Best Individual/Duo costume, Best Team costume, Best Dog Costume, and Best Sleigh (stroller, wheelchair, wagon, etc.). There is a 5k or 1 mile route and a kid’s dash. Complimentary parking is available at the George M. Steinbrenner Field main parking lot.

Sensory Friendly Play at Urban Air Tampa | Sunday, December 10, from 9 – 11 am

Tampa
This event is specifically designed for children with Autism and special needs to enjoy time at the park without loud music, flashing lights- and to have a lot of fun!

Sunday Breakfast Bowl at Pin Chasers | Sunday, December 10, from 9 – 11 am

Tampa
Bring the whole family to Pin Chasers for a special Sunday morning breakfast and bowling! Admission includes two hours of bowling, two eggs (your way), bacon, and toast. $11.99 per person.

Snow Days at The Florida Aquarium | Sunday, December 10 from 9:30 am- 5 pm

Tampa
Grab your gloves and join the Aquarium for winter festivities and hands-on snow experiences! Dash your way through a snow-flurried Snow Maze, toss a real snowball or launch one for a slingshot, channel your inner artist with some Snow Painting, and more! Snow Days is free for Aquarium members and included with general admission.

Paint with Santa at Color Me Mine | Sunday, December 10 from 10 am- 12pm

Tampa
Be festive with Santa. Paint, take pics and enjoy refreshments! Paint a cookies for Santa Plate and a ball ornament. Christmas Eve Event: Wear your favorite Christmas pajamas. Santa will be reading two special stories: T’was the night before Christmas and The First Christmas

Grinch Brunch at Epperson Lagoon | Sunday, December 10 from 11 am- 2 pm

Wesley Chapel
Whoville’s finest is visiting the Lagoon! Enjoy specialty brunch items and snap a photo with the Grinch! Brunch includes green eggs and ham, sausage with biscuits and gravy, fruit, muffins and a cup of orange juice.

Holiday Crafts at IKEA | Sunday, December 10 from 12 pm- 3 pm

Tampa
Children of IKEA Family members, ages 12 and under will be able to make a beautiful holiday ornament to use or give to that special someone for Christmas. Activity/craft valid for children 12 years old or younger. Parent must be an IKEA Family member to register (which is free to join). All children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the duration of the time that they are participating in the activity. No groups please. Child must be present to participate/receive the craft/activity. All supplies needed to complete the crafts will be provided.

Santa Brunch on Yacht StarShip | Sunday, December 10 from 12 pm- 2:30 pm

Tampa
Although his work is never done, even Santa needs a break to escape the snow. Catch him setting sail aboard Yacht StarShip in Tampa! Better than a trip to the North Pole, this holiday cruise features a special photo opportunity with Santa at boarding, a delicious brunch menu, along with great views from the top deck paired with your favorite holiday classics. This two-hour cruise is sure to be filled with enchanted surprises including a special visit from Santa during the cruise and enough holiday cheer for the whole family to enjoy!

Family Axe Throwing at Highland Axe | Sunday, December 10, from 1 – 5 pm

Tampa
Lanes are open to adults and kids ages 6 and up. Parents or guardians must accompany throwers under 18. All throwers must sign a waiver to participate.

Unity in our Community Event at Perry Harvey Park | Sunday, December 10 from 1 pm- 5 pm

Tampa
Enjoy this free family event with music, face painting, games, community resources, vendors, food trucks, and more. Up to 250 youth that attend will receive 10 community service hours for attending.

The Great Christmas Cookie Bake-Off | Sunday, December 10 at 3 pm

Tampa
Taking place at Stageworks Theatre, students from Tampa’s Blake, Plant, and Robinson High Schools who play the 8 young cookie bakers who’ve been selected to battle it out for 1st place in the Cookie Coliseum. Each is eliminated by a panel of judges until just the winner remains. Along the way, the young bakers lean into the virtues of charity, family and forgiveness. Many of the students are making their professional acting debut.

Tampa Theatre Holiday Classics | Sunday, December 10 from 3 pm- 5 pm

Tampa
Head to Tampa Theatre to enjoy a special screening of The Grinch as part of their Holiday Classics series.

Related: Awesome family-friendly things to do with kids in Orlando

Save the Date for these AWESOME Events in Tampa Bay!

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.

S.T.E.A.M. Team Superhero Training Academy at MOSI | Now – January 1, 2024

Tampa
The S.T.E.A.M. Team Superhero Training Academy encourages kids and their families to keep moving while demonstrating how much fun staying active can be. Put your skills to the test on the rock-wall climbing wall, surf through balance boarding, and more! This exhibit connects the physical exertion of play and exercise with lifelong learning objectives in the arts and sciences.

Sandbar Snorkel Tours at Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center

Discover the sandbars of Tampa Bay with the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center at St. Pete Pier. The water is calm and the sandbar is shallow so it’s great for first-time snorkelers. The critters are small, think hermit crabs, sponges, and sea stars. And there is an educator in the water with you so you learn all about the animals you encounter! Tampa Bay Watch is an environmental nonprofit that works to restore the bay and educate people about our natural water resources. Taking place on Saturdays. $34 for adults and $26 for kids.