The Best Things to Do with Toddlers and Preschoolers in Tampa Bay
Whether you’re new to Tampa Bay or not, have a free day or a free hour, our list of the Best Things to Do with Toddlers in Tampa has something fun for your family. From favorite outdoor attractions like ZooTampa and Adventure Island which both have freshly redesigned toddler play areas, to existing gems that you may have forgotten about like riding the free TECO Trolley, or trying something new like an Open Play class at The Rock, take a look and plan something fun!
This list is organized into the following categories:
- Indoor Attractions (Aquariums, museums, etc.)
- Outdoor Attractions (ZooTampa, farms, beaches, Dinosaur World, etc.)
- Best Theme Parks for Toddlers
- Regular Events, Open Play & Classes for Preschoolers (Check out our FULL LIST Here!)
Need more ideas? We’re sharing our 50+ Favorite Things to Do in Tampa Bay with the Kids
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This list is always evolving and growing, so if you know of a great place to take toddlers, feel free to email us at zoe@tbparenting.com.
And if you or someone you know is headed to Orlando then check out Things to Do and Places to Take Toddlers in Orlando from Orlando-Parenting.com!
What are the Best Things to Do with Toddlers in Tampa Bay?
INDOOR ATTRACTIONS FOR TODDLERS: Museums, Aquariums & More
Lucky for us Tampa Bay has a handful of great indoor attractions that offer memberships with toddlers in mind to help us make the most of our rainy summer afternoons. The best part is that a lot of these places have reciprocity for their memberships, meaning if you’re a member at one place, you get 1/2 off, or a discount at the others. Such is the case with Glazer Children’s Museum and the Florida Aquarium memberships, which are my top two picks if you live near downtown.
Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa
The place to be if you’re a kid in Downtown Tampa, my girls love the hands-on exhibits, especially the mini-Publix where they can shop just like mom and dad, the Vet Office and the fire station.
There are three floors packed with fun including an awesome weather station and water play area, a ginormous climbing structure, and the third floor even has the World’s Largest Triceratops fossil, Big John, to explore for all the dino lovers. Their rotating/traveling exhibits are always wonderful as well.
There’s a small café inside and just steps away outside is Curtis Hixon playground and the Riverwalk if you want to make a day of it. There’s even a great library right down the street.
INSIDER TIPS: Admission is FREE on the first Tuesday of each month Thanks to The Children’s Board! Plus, memberships include reciprocity with: The Florida Aquarium, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Dinosaur World, Great Explorations, ZooTampa and more.
Great Explorations Children’s Museum in St. Pete
St. Pete’s Children’s Museum shares a parking lot with Sunken Gardens on 4th Street North making it a great spot for a day trip with your toddler since you can easily check out both places in one go.
Although much smaller than Tampa’s children’s museum, Great Ex still packs a punch fitting a lot into a small space. Kids can pretend to be a dentist, news anchor and all sorts of fun things but our favorite parts have to be the Critter Corner where you can get up close to cool geckos and snakes, and the huge climbable Treehouse.
The Florida Aquarium in Tampa
Our go-to spot to spend the mornings during the week, stay cool on hot days or stay out of the rain. Toddlers and babies alike are enthralled with the large, colorful tanks and unique sea creatures they’re able to get up close to and even touch (sting rays, moon jellies and sea stars!).
The Florida Aquarium has been getting some really cool updates over the past couple of years, with their new Morph’d exhibit a must-visit stop. There’s a café, as well as an outdoor playground and splash pad (which, we hear is about to get a makeover – stay tuned!) so be sure to bring a swimsuit and towel if your kids like to splash.
Memberships are reasonably priced and include access to fun members-only, after-hours events which our family has enjoyed. Memberships also feature reciprocity with other top spots in town as mentioned above. Keep scrolling to learn more about the Aqua Tots program they offer on Tuesday mornings.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Another fan-favorite family membership, no two visits are alike at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which used to be the home of the movie-famous dolphin, Winter.
Start your visit by going down to see the dolphins (you can pay extra to feed them!) and work your way up from there to see the new octopus and otter, Opie. Kids love the touch pools, coloring stations and interactive learning displays set up throughout the exhibits and we especially love getting to walk into the animal hospital and learn about the animals being cared for.
With a couple of notable recent changes including streamlining the entrance and security process plus an update to their cafe (which features surprisingly good options), the Aquarium also hosts really fun events and offers the monthly Pre-K Pod Pals program (keep scrolling to read more in our “Regular Events, Classes & Open Play” section”).
Tampa Bay History Center in Tampa
Surprisingly not just for big kids and grown-ups, The History Center has a really cool Pirates, Conquistadors and Shipwrecks exhibit on the third floor which is filled with hands-on activities perfect for toddlers.
The second floor also has a giant-sized train table that is inspired by the Port of Tampa. Make an afternoon of it and include a delicious waterfront meal afterwards at The Columbia Cafe located inside the Center, and then head out onto the Riverwalk and Water Street for even more fun.
We’re sharing even MORE kid-friendly museums in Tampa Bay here.
OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS FOR TODDLERS IN TAMPA BAY
Lucky kiddos! Toddlers in Tampa Bay can take advantage of outdoor activities all year long. We have a bunch of great day trips to attractions with rides and activities designed just for preschoolers. ZooTampa is an easy outdoor fan favorite that offers affordable membership, access to fun annual events like Zoo Boo, and add-on Animal Encounters (which make great gifts!). But don’t forget about all the splash pads, farms and amazing parks we have here in town!
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
ZooTampa is easily one of the most popular spots in Tampa to bring our Littles. With tons of shady walkways and plenty of room for strollers, it’s a great spot to spend the morning. Toddlers love getting up close to some of their favorite animals including our personal favorite, manatees. We love the variety of unique animals you can see!
Included in a bunch of recent upgrades to the zoo, the Wallaroo area for youngsters was recently revamped, and everyone’s happy that the splash pad is back in action with a brand-new bar nearby. There are also a ton of added misting fans, a new climbing tower and the super fun new Aussie Trek ride, which goes around the track twice as a nice surprise.
ZooTampa has a ton of ways to upgrade your day with animal encounters if you’re feeling extra, and, keep an eye out for their special events throughout the year such as Zoo Boo and Christmas in The Wild which are festive and fun. Memberships are the way to go.
Go to a Park or Splash Pad in Tampa Bay to play!
There are so many incredible city and county parks for kids in Tampa Bay! Some of our favorites include the train-themed Largo Central Park, where you can hitch a ride on the Largo Central Railroad mini trains the first weekend of each month.
Kate Jackson Park in Hyde Park Village and Friendship Park in South Tampa are other great neighborhood parks to check out with plenty of room to zoom around. Kate Jackson added shade structures to their swing sets in recent years in case you haven’t been in a while, too.
If you’re looking for an easy one-stop spot to spend the day, Clearwater’s new Coachman Park, the St. Pete Pier, and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in Tampa are all easy options which have great playgrounds, splash pads, options for entertainment and food, plus ample room to spread out.
We also love Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park across the river from downtown because parking is easy, it’s huge and has a great splash pad with a beautiful view of Downtown Tampa.
In South Tampa, Ballast Point Park checks all the boxes for Shade, Splash Pad, and Size, plus the fishing pier and cafe are a nice touch. Up north, Carrollwood Village Park has everything anyone could evert want in a park including really nice, new facilities and long, stroller-friendly walking trails.
If you’re willing to venture out a bit further, check out the amazing Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, or spend an afternoon in Dunedin, which has an awesome waterfront park that’s nice and shady (not to mention great breweries and ice cream shops!).
Check out our Full List of amazing parks and playgrounds in Tampa Bay here!
Head to a Kid-Friendly Beach in Tampa Bay
Going to the beach with young children is no simple task but it can be done! Just don’t forget to pack a beach wagon… and plenty of hydrating snacks!
Our staff favorite family beach is Fort De Soto’s North Beach, which was named as a top beach in the country by Parents magazine and as one of America’s Best Beaches by TripAdvisor. Less crowded than other popular beaches, with a ton of room to spread out, the water is truly beautiful. This is one spot a beach wagon is especially important since the walk from the car to the beach is rather long. There is a $5 to park and you will have to pay tolls.
If your kiddos are little nature explorers like mine, take them to Honeymoon Island which has over four miles of beaches to explore and a nature center to learn all about the critters on the island. Parking is $8 per car. Pass-a-Grille Beach is another favorite day trip for seeing ocean life and exploring the cute Main Street shops afterwards for ice cream.
We’re sharing our favorite family-friendly beaches in Tampa Bay here if you’re looking for more ideas too.
Hop on the Free TECO Street Car Trolley in Tampa!
It’s not only free to ride the TECO Line Street Car, but a great way to explore the city. The route essentially connects Ybor City with downtown Tampa and there are plenty of fun stops in between. There is also a great Publix GreenWise Market not too far from Stop 9 if you decide to pick up a few sandwiches for a picnic lunch.
You can check out the TECO Line Street Car map here and even read more about planning a day on the street car.
Head to a Farm to Visit with Cute Farm Animals
There are several farms in Tampa Bay that are worth the visit and one that seems to stand out most among our team is Old McMickey’s Farm in Odessa since it’s open almost year-round for visitors to meet with their animals. This is a chance for kids to come face to nose with goats, pet a chicken and even milk a cow! They also host birthday parties and host special holiday events as well.
Horsepower for Kids in Tampa is another favorite farm to visit with farm animals! Explore their grounds which include goats, pigs, sheep, llamas, and even a Zorse (a zebra/horse hybrid)! They also have an array of unique animals such as lemurs and a sloth. You can take a spin around the park on their train or upgrade your day for a few dollars more for a pony ride.
Go on a Scavenger Hunt or Nature Hike
One of our favorite things to do as a family is going hiking at Lettuce Lake Park, Weedon Island or Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Pack up the binoculars, plenty of snacks and your check list of things you want to see: alligators (go to: Lettuce Lake Park!), owls and cool birds of prey (Boyd Hill!), or Roseate Spoonbills (Weedon Island!). All of these have great visitor centers to explore plus multiple walking trails.
We especially love the boardwalks at Lettuce Lake Park (north of MOSI on E. Fletcher), where we’ve spotted as many as 11 alligators in one day! Make sure to bring a picnic lunch or snacks to enjoy at their playground afterward, which was recently revamped all shiny and new.
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is in South St. Pete and also has a top-notch – but old-school wooden – playground with a treehouse and really fun climbing obstacles throughout. There’s also a great aviary to check out with a ton of owls and big birds of prey and usually volunteers to tell you all about them. Kiddos will love the ginormous full-size alligator skeleton and live lizards you can find inside on display in the visitor’s center.
Weedon Island Preserve is a maze of boardwalks through the mangroves which our girls love exploring. The Visitor Center has some neat historical and ecological interactive exhibits to learn about, plus there’s a 15-minute movie in case you or the kiddos need a break in the A/C after your walk.
Check out our Full List of Favorite State Parks to Visit HERE!
Whimzeyland & Folly Farms, Safety Harbor
Looking for a fun way to explore Safety Harbor? Plan a day trip to hit Whimzeyland and Folly Farms and then spend the rest of the afternoon perusing the shops on Main St. with lunch at Gigglewaters. Everything is within 5 minutes driving of each other which makes for a really easy outing.
Such a unique spot, Whimzeyland is the home of two artists who welcome guests to admire their house-turned-work-of-art. My girls love exploring this spot and examining what was used to create everything – including over 500 bowling balls! The space is an explosion of colorful mosaic pathways and sculptures, colored bottles, and bright ceramic sculptures.
Just a few blocks away, make sure to check out Folly Farms Nature Preserve while you’re there. It’s another fun spot where you can explore butterfly gardens, a community garden, walking trails, play on a playground and more. A visit to Safety Harbor wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Strachan’s for ice cream – yum!
OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS – WORTH THE DRIVE:
Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
An hour and a half east of downtown Tampa, Bok Tower Gardens was recently named one of the Most Beautiful Gardens in America. We love exploring the grounds with the kiddos, which includes a Children’s garden and a 3.5 mile hiking trail. It’s truly magical hearing the “Singing” Tower concerts, which play daily at 1pm and 3pm, amidst the beauty of the Gardens.
This spot is super close to LEGOLAND and Peppa Pig Theme Park and is not to be missed if you’re in the area. You can even bring your dog to explore. Children 5 and under are Free, Adults are $20; kids 6-17 $10; dogs $10.
Dinosaur World, Plant City
Dinosaur loving kids will think a trip to Dinosaur World in Plant City is totally RAWRsome! They can walk the boardwalk and see sculptures of all sorts of dinosaurs that will seem larger than life to them…and you. They can even dig for fossils or gems and explore an indoor area to see real fossils.
There is also a playground, picnic tables in the shade to relax with a snack and drink, and a splash pad for kids to play around in.
BEST THEME PARKS FOR TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS IN TAMPA BAY
As much as we love Walt Disney World, that Orlando traffic is nuts! Thankfully we have four options closer to home that make for a much easier daytrip if you’re theme park junkies like us. We love our Busch Gardens memberships which is guaranteed fun for both kid and adults, but if your kiddos are water babies, Adventure Island is another great option practically in our back yards. Venture out a little farther to Winter Haven and you’ve got Peppa Pig and LEGOLAND.
Busch Gardens: Sesame Street Safari of Fun
There’s so much to see and do for the whole family at Busch Gardens. First on the list for a day at Busch Gardens: see Elmo!
Kids can dance along with their favorite characters from Sesame Street, climb way up high through Elmo’s treehouse rope bridges, jump for joy in the biggest bounce floor ever and of course, ride tot-sized rides at Sesame Street Safari of Fun in Busch Gardens. Afterwards, when they’re all tuckered out take them on stroll to see the hippo and catch the new ice show on your way out.
Insider Tip: You can snag a FREE Busch Gardens preschool pass for your Little at certain times throughout the year. Memberships can include the neighboring sister-park, Adventure Island, which makes for a great combo.
Adventure Island
There’s no better time to check out Adventure Island if you haven’t been lately. Busch Gardens’ sister-park opened the brand-new Castaway Falls area for little kids over the summer, plus reopened their Endless Surf wave pool which got a big upgrade. Castaway Falls is my pick for where to “set up shop” at the park, where you can lounge while the kids play all day long. It’s for kiddos that have grown out of the splash pad – which is another great “set up shop” spot if your kids are littler.
Don’t forget to take a loop on the lazy river! There are child-sized lifejackets readily available.
We’re sharing even more fun water parks and splash pads for families in Tampa Bay here.
Peppa Pig Theme Park in Winter Haven
Located in between Tampa and Orlando you’ll find the Peppa Pig Theme Park – the world’s first of its kind, tailored just for toddlers and kids up to age 6 or 7. Rides were created solely with little ones in mind, allowing them to ride by themselves or with an adult making for a safe and memorable “first roller coaster” experience.
There’s a huge splash pad and playground, a sandbox play area, free circus games to play, and of course you can meet and take photos with Peppa herself.
Peppa Pig Theme Park is a Certified Autism Center meaning the park staff has gone through autism sensitivity and awareness training and all attractions are marked with Sensory Guides so parents can more easily navigate the park.
Want More? Read our Full Review of Pepp Pig Theme Park!
LEGOLAND Florida
Right next door to Peppa Pig Theme Park is LEGOLAND Florida which has something for all ages. Preschoolers love the special area dedicated just for them called Duplo Valley. There are several rides, a small splash pad and indoor play barn.
You’ll also find other play zones throughout the park for toddlers and the water park also has areas that are little kid friendly. Kids will love the new interactive boat ride, Pirate River Quest!
REGULAR EVENTS, OPEN PLAY & CLASSES FOR PRESCHOOLERS
Don’t feel like packing the diaper bag for the whole day? If you’re looking for something a little lower maintenance, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for a class to fill your Wednesday afternoons, want to plan a special day or just need to get out of the house before it explodes, here are our top picks for low-commitment (or maybe, last-minute) playtime.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Pre-K Pod Pals
Members and non-members can take advantage of this fun program for kids every first Thursday of the month from 10:30-11:15am at CMA, which is best for ages 3-5 years old. The cost is $10 per child and $5 per adult, and you can Add-on Aquarium Admission for $4.95 per person by calling 727-441-1790 x 2262 at least 24 hours in advance; Parking fee is not included.
The Rock Athletics of Tampa
Newer to Tampa, The Rock is a youth movement studio geared towards empowering kids and building confidence. They offer drop-in classes and reasonably-priced memberships for toddlers through 5th grade with classes for children as young as 20 months. There are 4 youth programs to choose from, plus a really great $10 Open Gym class that includes – parachute time!
Sign up for their newsletters to get in the loop for their Fall class schedules which are currently in the works.
Altitude Trampoline Park, Tampa
If your kid has more energy than they know what to do with, take them to Altitude Trampoline Park to JUMP! During their weekday Junior Jumpers program for kids 6 and under little kids can jump to their hearts delight in the Kids Court made just for them. Memberships are also available, and on Wednesdays you can jump for half-price from 3pm to close!
Little Play Place, North Tampa
For a (relatively) quiet, clean and contained playtime, check out Little Play Place in Carrollwood. Each room is a different theme to explore, from working at a cafe, to a beauty salon, being a construction worker or a doctor.
They offer play sessions Tuesdays-Sundays at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm. Reservations are recommended to ensure you have a spot.
Yellow Bird Studio, locations in South Tampa & North Tampa
If you have a budding artist on your hands, be sure to take them to Yellow Bird Studio. It’s a charming little art studio tucked away on S. West Shore Blvd. just north of El Prado (there’s a North/Gunn Hwy location as well). With its signature yellow canary to greet you, the meticulously organized space is home to Little Art and Play, plus Mini Art Lab classes for toddlers.
ZooTampa’s Toddler Tuesdays
Another reason to get your Zoo membership, members can explore a new letter of the alphabet each month and learn how it fits into the animal kingdom every second Tuesday of the month from 10-10:30am at ZooTampa. It’s free for members and best for children ages 2-6, just show your Zoo Membership card at Saunders Pavilion within the Zoo at least 10 minutes before start time.
Want More??
Check out our FULL LIST: The Best Weekly Classes and Open Play for Toddlers and Preschoolers in Tampa Bay!
Photos by Zoe Joiner, Laura Byrne, Brie Gorecki, and Dani Meyering