13 Fun Things to Do in Tampa with Kids (That Parents Will Love Too)
Traveling with kids can sometimes feel like running a traveling snack stand that occasionally stops at tourist attractions. Someone’s hungry, someone’s tired, and someone’s asking “Are we there yet?” while you’re still circling the parking lot.
The good news? Tampa makes family travel surprisingly easy. The city is packed with places where kids can climb, splash, explore, and burn off the kind of energy that seems physically impossible to contain in a car.
One minute your family might be watching giraffes stroll past. The next you’re screaming down a roller coaster or chasing kids through a waterfront splash pad. And when everyone inevitably hits that “we need food immediately” phase, Tampa’s laid-back vibe makes it easy to find something quick and kid-approved nearby.
If you’re planning a family trip, these 13 things to do in Tampa with kids are the spots locals and visiting families keep coming back to.
Thrills, Chills, and a Whole Lot of Animal Selfies
Some kids want roller coasters. Some want animals. Tampa conveniently offers both—sometimes in the exact same place. These attractions are where the big excitement happens: screaming rides, close-up wildlife encounters, and the kind of moments that fill your camera roll faster than expected.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
If your kids love roller coasters but also lose their minds when they see animals, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay hits the sweet spot.
The park combines massive thrill rides with safari-style wildlife habitats, so it’s completely normal to go from spotting a lion stretched out in the sun to strapping into a coaster that launches you across the park.
Older kids gravitate toward the big rides, especially the park’s towering coasters. Younger visitors have their own areas with gentler rides, splash zones, and interactive animal encounters that give little legs a break from walking.
It’s one of those rare parks where the entire family can stay busy all day without anyone getting bored.
The Florida Aquarium
For something a little slower paced—but still fascinating—head to The Florida Aquarium where nearly 19,000 creatures live across immersive exhibits.
Your kids will absolutely press their noses right up against the glass here. Sharks glide overhead, schools of fish swirl through glowing tanks, and stingrays drift past like underwater kites.
The highlight for many families is the touch pool, where kids can gently interact with marine animals while learning about ocean ecosystems. The entire space feels interactive and colorful, which keeps younger visitors engaged without making it feel like a traditional museum.
Insider Tip: Don’t skip the outdoor splash pad area. On a hot Tampa afternoon, it might end up being the kids’ favorite part.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Animal-loving families should absolutely plan time for ZooTampa at Lowry Park. Home to more than 1,100 animals, the zoo balances impressive wildlife exhibits with kid-friendly features like playgrounds, shaded walkways, and even a few rides scattered throughout the park.
Kids especially love spotting animals they recognize—from elephants and giraffes to Florida panthers. One of the most unique parts of the zoo is the David A. Straz Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center, where rescued manatees recover before being released back into the wild.
Seeing these gentle giants up close is something most kids remember long after the trip ends.
Adventure Island
When Florida heat starts doing its thing (which is often), Adventure Island is the perfect cool-down. Located right across the street from Busch Gardens, this sprawling water park is filled with twisting slides, wave pools, splash areas, and a lazy river that practically begs tired parents to float for a while.
Thrill seekers can tackle steep slides and racing rides, while younger kids stick to the splash zones designed just for them. Expect a lot of laughing, a lot of running around, and a lot of requests to “go again.”
Pro Tip: Renting a locker early in the day makes it much easier to stash towels and sunscreen while everyone explores.
Dinosaur World
For younger kids especially, Dinosaur World in Plant City feels like stepping into a prehistoric playground. More than 200 life-size dinosaurs are scattered along shaded walking trails, and kids love spotting them around every turn.
Expect plenty of dramatic roaring noises and lots of photos with towering dinosaurs. Hands-on fossil digs add an educational twist, letting kids search for buried “bones” like junior paleontologists.
Bonus: Outside food is allowed, so pack a picnic and spend the afternoon exploring the park.
Curious Kids and Hands-On Discoveries
Not every activity has to involve adrenaline. These spots let kids build, experiment, explore, and ask endless questions while still having a blast.
Glazer Children’s Museum
Parents searching for things to do in Tampa with toddlers almost always land on Glazer Children’s Museum.
The museum features 170 interactive exhibits designed specifically for kids. Instead of looking at displays behind glass, children can climb, build, pretend, and explore everything from a mini grocery store to creative play spaces.
Kids under 10 especially thrive here because the entire space is built for hands-on exploration. It’s educational—but in the sneaky way where kids are having too much fun to notice.
Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI)
Curious kids will find plenty to explore at the Museum of Science & Industry. Think of it as a giant science playground filled with hands-on experiments, interactive exhibits, and fascinating demonstrations. Older kids often gravitate toward the ropes course or engineering challenges, while younger visitors enjoy experimenting with simple science concepts.
The planetarium adds another fun layer, letting families take a quick trip through the stars without leaving Tampa.
Tampa Bay History Center
History might not sound exciting to kids at first—but the Tampa Bay History Center does a surprisingly good job of keeping things interactive. Children can climb aboard replica boats, explore exhibits about Florida’s past, and see how early settlers lived.
The museum tells the story of Tampa’s diverse cultural history in ways that feel engaging rather than overwhelming. Parents usually appreciate the air conditioning and relaxed pace just as much as the exhibits.
iFLY Indoor Skydiving – Tampa
If your kids have ever dreamed of flying like superheroes, iFLY Indoor Skydiving delivers that moment.
Inside a massive vertical wind tunnel, participants experience the sensation of free-fall while instructors guide the entire process. Even first-time flyers quickly get the hang of it—and the excitement on kids’ faces when they start hovering in midair is pretty unforgettable.
Spectators can watch the action from observation areas, making it just as fun for family members who prefer to stay grounded. Waterfront
Adventures and Outdoor Fun
Tampa’s waterfront adds another layer of fun to family trips. Between parks, walkways, and boat adventures, there are plenty of places for kids to run around and enjoy the sunshine.
Tampa Riverwalk
The Tampa Riverwalk is one of the easiest ways to explore the city with kids. Stretching 2.6 miles along the Hillsborough River, the walkway connects parks, museums, and scenic waterfront views. Families stroll, bike, or simply wander between attractions while kids stop at playgrounds or watch boats cruise past. It’s an easy place to spend an afternoon without much planning.
Tampa Pirate Ship – The Lost Pearl
If your kids love pirates, The Lost Pearl Pirate Ship delivers a full adventure on the water. The interactive cruise includes pirate stories, treasure hunts, music, and the highlight for many kids—water cannon battles. Crew members keep the energy high throughout the ride, making it one of the most memorable family activities in Tampa. Meanwhile, parents get beautiful views of the waterfront.
Water Works Park
Located along the Riverwalk, Water Works Park is a favorite stop for families. Kids flock to the splash pad, where fountains spray in every direction and giant buckets tip over unexpectedly. There’s also a playground and open green space where kids can run around while parents relax in the shade. It’s one of the best free things to do in Tampa with kids, especially on warm days.
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Right in the heart of downtown sits Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, a lively green space along the Riverwalk. Kids immediately gravitate toward the splash fountains and playground equipment, while wide lawns give families space for picnics or games.
The park often hosts festivals and community events, which means you might stumble into live music, food trucks, or family activities during your visit.
Ready to Start Planning Your Tampa Family Adventure?
Exploring all the things to do in Tampa with kids quickly proves that this city is more than sunshine and palm trees. From roller coasters and pirate ships to wildlife encounters and splash pads, Tampa offers a mix of adventures that keep both kids and parents entertained.
Planning your trip is even easier when you bundle hotels and attraction tickets through Tripster, helping families save while organizing their Tampa itinerary in one place.
So start packing the swimsuits, sunscreen, and maybe a few emergency snacks. Your Tampa family adventure is waiting.
