What are the best things to do with kids in Tampa, FL?

Some of the top-rated family activities in Tampa, FL include Empower Adventures Tampa Bay, Woodmont Park, Chick-fil-A, Apollo Beach Garden Club & Community Forest Garden, Sea Salt Stables. We have 166 curated activities with ratings, age recommendations, and parent tips.

What are free things to do with kids in Tampa, FL?

There are 75 free things to do with kids in Tampa, FL, including Ybor City, Lettuce Lake Park, Clearwater Beach, Curtis Hixon Playground, MacDill Park on the Riverwalk, and more.

What are indoor activities for kids in Tampa, FL?

Tampa, FL offers a variety of indoor activities for kids including museums, indoor play areas, and entertainment centers. Browse our full guide for details.

Family Activities Guide

Things To Do With Kids in Tampa, FL

Discover 166 family-friendly activities, venues, and restaurants in Tampa.

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Apollo Beach(12)Brandon(11)Carrollwood(7)Fishhawk(10)Largo(12)Lutz(10)New Tampa(7)Palm Harbor(11)Plant City(8)Riverview(9)Safety Harbor(11)Sarasota(25)South Tampa(10)Temple Terrace(8)Town 'n' Country(10)Valrico(11)Westchase(8)

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🧗 Adventure

Photo: Empower Adventures Tampa Bay

Empower Adventures Tampa Bay

★5.0(6,622)$$

Empower Adventures Tampa Bay offers an exhilarating treetop experience where kids can safely challenge themselves on ziplines and aerial obstacle courses designed for various skill levels. Set in a beautiful natural canopy, this adventure park provides professional guidance and equipment, making it perfect for families seeking outdoor thrills while building confidence and creating unforgettable memories together.

🕑 2.5-3.5 hours including safety training and equipment fitting

🎮 Entertainment

Photo: Nick Chapman

Plant City Entertainment

★4.9(128)$21 mi · Plant City

Plant City Entertainment offers families a budget-friendly cinema experience right in the heart of Plant City. With an impressive 4.9-star rating from over 100 reviews, this local theater is a reliable go-to for catching the latest family films without breaking the bank. It's the perfect rainy day backup plan or weekend treat when you want air-conditioned comfort and popcorn-fueled entertainment.

🕑 2-3 hours including previews and the feature film

🌳 Park

Photo: Thomas Saunders

Largo Central Park

★4.8(8,846)Free20 mi · Largo

Largo Central Park is a sprawling 70-acre community hub that offers something for every age, from interactive splash pads and multiple playgrounds to scenic nature trails and wide-open green spaces. With free admission, year-round farmers markets, weekend festivals, and engaging events, this highly-rated destination has become a beloved gathering spot for Tampa Bay families seeking quality outdoor time.

🕑 3-4 hours for a full park experience, though families often stay longer during festivals or events

Florida Botanical Gardens botanical garden in Largo, FL

⭐ Activity

Photo: Florida Botanical Gardens

Florida Botanical Gardens

★4.8(7,859)Free22 mi · Largo

Florida Botanical Gardens offers 100 acres of free outdoor exploration perfect for families seeking a peaceful nature experience. Kids can wander through vibrant butterfly gardens, explore winding nature trails, and discover different themed garden areas while parents enjoy the beautiful landscapes and ample spots for picnicking.

🕑 1.5-3 hours

🌳 Park

Photo: EducatedMother83

Philippe Park

★4.8(5,624)Free14 mi · Safety Harbor

Philippe Park is a sprawling 122-acre waterfront gem that combines history, nature, and play along Old Tampa Bay. Families can explore a 2,000-year-old Native American temple mound, hike scenic nature trails through Florida woodlands, enjoy a well-equipped playground, and picnic at shaded pavilions with stunning water views,all in one visit.

🕑 2-4 hours

🌳 Park

Photo: David Frampton

John Chesnut Sr. Park

★4.8(4,251)Free18 mi · Palm Harbor

John Chesnut Sr. Park is a sprawling 850-acre waterfront paradise that offers families endless outdoor adventures along the shores of Lake Tarpon. With multiple playgrounds, scenic boardwalks, shaded picnic areas, and miles of nature trails winding through Florida's natural landscape, this park provides the perfect setting for everything from casual afternoon outings to full-day family explorations. The combination of water views, wildlife spotting opportunities, and varied play spaces makes it a standout destination that keeps kids engaged for hours.

🕑 3-5 hours for a full experience, or 1-2 hours for a quick playground and boardwalk visit

🌳 Park

Photo: Denise the Exploring mama

Wall Springs Park

★4.8(2,740)Free22 mi · Palm Harbor

Wall Springs Park is a hidden gem offering families a refreshing natural spring experience with crystal-clear waters perfect for cooling off on hot Florida days. Kids can explore fascinating archaeological sites dating back thousands of years, splash in the spring-fed swimming area, and wander scenic nature trails that wind through beautiful coastal landscapes.

🕑 3-4 hours

Alafia River State Park state park in Brandon, FL

🌿 Nature

Photo: Brian Stinson

Alafia River State Park

★4.8(2,001)Free22 mi · Brandon

Alafia River State Park offers families an authentic Florida nature experience with scenic boardwalk trails perfect for little legs, wildlife spotting opportunities that keep kids engaged, and peaceful river views. The park's well-maintained paths wind through native landscapes where families can fish, observe birds and turtles, and explore Florida's natural beauty without the crowds of more commercialized attractions.

🕑 2-3 hours

🌳 Park

Photo: Carrollwood Village Park

Carrollwood Village Park

★4.8(1,670)Free10 mi · Carrollwood

Carrollwood Village Park is a beloved neighborhood gem that offers something for every family member. With its well-maintained playground equipment, basketball courts, skateboard park, and expansive shaded green spaces, it's the perfect spot for everything from casual picnics to active play sessions that'll tire out even the most energetic kids.

🕑 2-3 hours

🌳 Park

Photo: Reema Gandhi

Safety Harbor Waterfront Park

★4.8(956)Free14 mi · Safety Harbor

Safety Harbor Waterfront Park is a Tampa Bay gem that truly delivers for families with its winning combination of water play, recreation, and natural beauty. The splash pad keeps little ones squealing with delight on hot Florida days, while the fishing pier and spacious playground ensure kids of all ages stay entertained for hours against a backdrop of stunning bay views.

🕑 3-4 hours

🎳 Bowling

Photo: I G

1UP Entertainment + Social

★4.8(927)$

1UP Entertainment + Social in Tampa combines classic bowling with a massive arcade and casual dining, creating the ultimate family fun zone. With kid-friendly bumpers for young bowlers, hundreds of video games ranging from classic to modern, and comfortable seating areas for parents, it's a one-stop destination for families seeking several hours of entertainment under one roof.

🕑 3-4 hours

🌳 Park

Photo: Shirley Steele

Flatwoods Park

★4.8(783)Free15 mi · New Tampa

Flatwoods Park is a nature lover's paradise spanning 5,000 acres in New Tampa, offering families endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. With seven miles of paved trails perfect for strollers and bikes, shaded picnic areas, playgrounds, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, this park provides a peaceful escape where kids can burn energy while exploring Florida's natural beauty.

🕑 2-4 hours