where to park for the children's Gasparilla parade

Where to Park for the Children’s Gasparilla Parade

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The Ashley Children’s Gasparilla Parade presented by Chick-Fil-A will be here in just a few weeks, and in order to pARRRGHHty…you’ll need to find a place to park for this alcohol-free, pint-sized party! We’ve got you covered, friends.

First, let’s go over the big details. The Children’s Gasparilla celebration will be held on January 18, 2025 with festivities kicking off at 12 pm and the parade at 4 pm.

Patel Conservatory dancers perform as baby mice in Next Generation Ballet's production of Nutcracker.

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As you make your way toward South Tampa on parade day, plan to leave early since you’ll encounter a lot of traffic due to the numerous road closures and the event itself. Tampa Police and the city do a good job of directing you on where to go–they have several decades of doing this under their belts, so it’s pretty much down to a science now.

The key will be planning ahead and giving yourself plenty of time to get there. We live less than 10 minutes from the parade route and it has taken us 30 minutes or more to get to a paid parking spot near the route. (We’ll explain where in a moment…)

Whatever you do, DO NOT park in the neighborhoods along the parade route. Tampa Police will enforce this strict no parking zone and you WILL get towed.

Best Spots to Park for the Children’s Gasparilla Parade

One of our favorite places to park for the Children’s Gasparilla Parade is at one of the nearby schools which charge for parking on parade day as a way to raise money for the school, so it’s a win-win! You get a great parking spot while supporting a local school.

In previous years, we have parked at Bayshore Christian and at the Academy of the Holy Names; both are on MacDill Avenue. It’s not too long of a walk to get to the parade route and you can avoid some of the busier downtown traffic.

The Academy of Holy Names usually sells parking spots for both Gasparilla parades, with pre-sales closing a day or two before. In the past we’ve paid $25 on the day of the parade, so don’t forget to bring some cash! Bayshore Christian also has a pre-sale of parking spots for $30.

You also might find other local businesses opening up their lots for paid parking. Check for signage, do not assume it is safe to park somewhere without checking signage. We do not recommend parking at one of the shopping centers near the parade route — you might get towed on parade day and who wants to deal with that?

Free Jolly Trolley from the Downtown Tampa Parking Garages 

If you’d rather not deal with looking for a parking spot near the parade route, plan to park in the recommended parking garages and lots in downtown Tampa:

  • Tampa Convention Center Garage
  • Pam Iorio Garage
  • Whiting Garages
  • Crosstown Lots

…and then hop on the FREE Jolly Trolley which will get you close to the parade route at Bayshore and Bay to Bay.  The trolley usually runs from 11:30 am- 8:30 pm.

The city usually charges a $15 event rate from 10 am-7 pm to park in the garages and lots, so it might be more than you’re used to paying if you park in downtown.

The Jolly Trolley Pick-Up/Drop-off locations are at Platt Street near the Publix and at Bayshore and Bay to Bay Blvd near the start of the parade. (see map below)

The Jolly Trolley will make a continuous loop between 11:30 am and 8:30 pm which is good news if you have to leave early or you’re running late.

ADA Access Parking for Children’s Gasparilla Parade

There is ADA Parking located near the ADA viewing area at Palm Drive and Howard Avenue. It is a short walk from the parking lot to the ADA viewing area on Bayshore at Howard.

Children's Gasparilla ADA Parking
Children’s Gasparilla ADA Parking

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