Tampa and the surrounding areas of St. Pete and Clearwater are paradise vacations for visitors of all ages.
That's right--adults don't have to have all of the fun! From beaches and parks to play spaces and downtown, families with little ones have plenty of options. Discover some of the best things to do in Tampa with toddlers.
1) Beautiful Beaches
You can’t skip out on Florida’s beautiful beaches. Bring out the toys, sunscreen, towels, and snacks so you can lounge and play in the sun. Check out of any of these popular beaches:
- Ben T. Davis Beach
- Clearwater Beach
- Honeymoon Island
- Fort De Soto Park
- Treasure Island
- St. Pete Beach
- Tampa Bay Beach
photo credit: pixabay
2) Glazer Children's Museum
Ideal for ages under 1o years old, the Glazer Children's Museum enables kids to learn, play, and connect to world around them through interactive exhibits and crafts. One of the top things to do in Tampa with toddlers, your kids will leave happy and most likely ready for a nap.
3) Aquariums
Visit either or both of these acclaimed local aquariums to expose your little ones to local, regional, and international aquatic life.
Photo Credit: Clearwater Marine Aquarium via Facebook
4) Playgrounds of Tampa
This indoor bouncy house is suitable for all ages and even has a specific toddler area for little ones so parents don't have to worry. Kids can play, exercise, and develop better balance while parents enjoy the boutique coffee bar.
5) Green Locus Toddler Yoga
Yoga teaches balance and focus while exercising and stretching core muscle groups. Connect with yourself and your little ones through this toddler-friendly yoga class, ideal for ages 12-36 months old. Kids will learn yoga poses through songs, books, and games, increasing social awareness, motor development, and more significant skills.
6) Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park
ZooTampa at Lowry Park houses over 1,300 animals and features one of the most beautiful tropical zoological settings in the world. Furthermore, kids have the opportunity to get up-close and personal with many interactive activities like feeding a giraffe! Additionally, families can take advantage of water play areas, take part in educational shows, and experience a guided African safari. One of the most fun things to do in Tampa with toddlers, you don't want to miss out.
photo credit: ZooTampa at Lowry Park via Facebook
7) The Airosphere's Airo Tots & Toddler Time
Explore the toddler section of The Airosphere, which allows parents and their little ones under five to utilize the slides, ball pool, air jets, bouncy areas, and much more. Better yet, other sections are better-suited for older kids in case your children range in age.
Furthermore, The Airosphere dedicates Wednesday mornings to toddlers with Toddler Time. From 10 am to noon, attractions are reserved solely for toddlers and their parents. $9.95 for a parent and one toddler, additional toddlers are $7.
8) Manatee Viewing Center
The Manatee Viewing Center at the Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach is a short drive away from Downtown Tampa. From November 1 through April 15, visitors can see gatherings of manatees in the discharge canal that now serves as a federally designated sanctuary. Opened from 9 am to 5 pm, guests can see the manatees and park for free. You can also see a diverse collection of plant life, flowers, and butterflies in the renowned butterfly gardens. Additionally, a habitat loop trail takes visitors to the wildlife observation tower, giving guests a 50-foot high vantage point.
photo credit: ZooTampa at Lowry Park via Facebook
9) Green Spaces
Florida is known for its natural beauty! One of the best things to do in Tampa with toddlers, take advantage of parks and trails in the local area! Grab comfortable shoes and soak up some sun:
- Water Works Park
- Courtney Campbell Trail
- Florida Botanical Gardens
- The Upper Tampa Bay Trail
- Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
10) Bayshore Boulevard
Referred to as the “World’s Longest Continuous Sidewalk”, Bayshore Boulevard presents 4.5 miles of picturesque views of Tampa Bay. The ten foot-wide sidewalk begins at Columbus Statue Park at Platt Street and ends at Gandy Boulevard. One of the best free things to do in Tampa, visitors can see gorgeous greenery, blue skies, and prestigious homes in Old Hyde Park. Additionally, visitors can access a three-mile on-road bike lane along the north-bound lane of the boulevard between Rome Avenue and Gandy Boulevard.
11) Farmers Markets
Who doesn’t love farm-to-market products, hand-crafted items, and live entertainment? Whether you’re looking for fresh vegetables, kombucha, flowers, hand-crafted jewelry, or a free day out in the sun, you can spend time here without breaking the bank. Check out some of the local markets as one of the best free things to do in Tampa:
- Green & Golds Market at USF
- North Tampa Market
- Fresh Market at Hyde Park Village
- Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market
12) Tampa Riverwalk
Stroll down the Tampa Riverwalk for lovely weather, views of the water, and sights of the city skyline. Visitors can also bike or boat in the Riverwalk area as well, which features an array of businesses if you stop and get hungry! Additionally, the Riverwalk showcases a public art walking tour, playgrounds, shopping, and a historic monument trail of bronze and marble busts of local notable historic figures.
Visit Sunny Tampa with Your Little Ones
Now that you know the best things to do in Tampa with toddlers, where will you head to first? Let us know!
