• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to footer navigation
  • Skip to home navigation
  • Skip to privacy navigation
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Top 10 Party Games
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter

Play.Party.Plan

Adding fun and creativity to everyday life

  • Fun Ideas by Occasion
    • Baby Shower
    • Bridal Shower
    • Birthday
    • Game Night
    • Movie Night
    • Super Bowl
    • Valentine’s Day
    • St Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Graduation
    • Summer
    • 4th of July
    • Back to School
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • New Year’s Eve
  • Games
    • Adult Games
    • Baby Shower
    • Bridal Shower
    • Birthday Party
    • Bingo Games
    • Board Games
    • Card Games
    • Christmas Games
    • Dice Games
    • Disney Games
    • Group Games
    • Holiday Games
    • Kid Games
    • Minute to Win It
    • Outdoor Games
    • Party Games
    • Scavenger Hunts
    • Teen Games
    • Trivia Games
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Baked Goods
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Main Dishes
    • Party Food
    • Sides
    • TikTok Recipes
  • Free Printables
    • Crafts
    • Gift Tags
    • Kids Activities
    • Party Printables
    • Printable Games
  • Travel
    • Caribbean
    • Cruises
    • Disney
    • International
    • Travel Tips
    • United States
  • Popular Posts
    • Girl Baby Showers
    • Bridal Shower Games
    • Bachelorette Games
    • Diaper Cake DIY
    • DIsneyland Food
    • Dunkaroo Dip
    • Fun Math Games
    • Saran Wrap Game
    • SeaWorld San Antonio
  • About
    • About Me
    • Contact Me
    • Work With Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility
  • Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter
  • Join the Free Party E-Club!
Home Travel United States Things to Do in Tampa Florida with Kids

Things to Do in Tampa Florida with Kids

By: Britni Vigil
5/26/2015Updated: 5/03/2022
This post may contain affiliate links. Privacy policy.
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

These lists of things to do in Tampa with kids, places to eat in Tampa, and where to stay in Tampa will be the perfect guide to planning your family vacation to Tampa, Florida. 

I had no idea there were so many awesome things to do in Tampa, definitely looks like one of the best places to vacation with kids!

I know the feeling. You are dying to go on a vacation but a vacation with a toddler is not quite the same vacation you went on pre-kids. I’ve had that feeling way too many times since having my son in 2013 and have finally found a place that I feel like is the perfect vacation spot for families, families with toddlers, and even just adults looking for something new to try out. That place is Tampa, Florida. And yes, I said Tampa, not Orlando.

We love it so much that we’ve actually been there for two years in a row for our big family vacation of the year. So get excited, here’s my guide to vacationing in Tampa, Florida with kids.

I had no idea there were so many awesome things to do in Tampa, definitely looks like one of the best places to vacation with kids!

Things to Do in Tampa with Kids

  • Lowry Park Zoo – This is the coolest zoo I’ve ever been to with the chance to feed animals like giraffes and rhinos and an awesome jungle safari ride that actually takes you right into the middle of the animal exhibits. With so many exhibits, a petting zoo, and even a couple of splash pads, you could easily spend an entire day at the zoo.

I had no idea there were so many awesome things to do in Tampa, definitely looks like one of the best places to vacation with kids!

I had no idea there were so many awesome things to do in Tampa, definitely looks like one of the best places to vacation with kids!

  • The Florida Aquarium –  While this may not be the biggest aquarium I’ve ever been to, it had some awesome exhibits like the wetlands trail where the birds and animals are just in open exhibits close enough to touch. They also have an awesome splash pad and park area in the back that’s part of your entrance fee, so spend a couple of hours in the aquarium then cool off in the water.

I had no idea there were so many awesome things to do in Tampa, definitely looks like one of the best places to vacation with kids!

  • Glazer Children’s Museum – A children’s museum with over 170 interactive exhibits including everything from a water zone to a get active zone where kids can race virtual tortoises and hares. I know sometimes children’s museums are geared more toward older kids, but this one is perfect for kids of all ages and my two-year-old never wanted to leave. There are also free fountains to play in and a park right outside the museum, perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
  • Busch Gardens – Busch Gardens is one of my favorite amusement parks and perfect if your kids are older and can enjoy the huge kids area and water park. It can be pricey though so make sure to buy tickets online or look for discounts elsewhere. Or if you’re going to do Busch Gardens + the zoo or aquarium, get the Tampa Bay CityPass to save about 50% on tickets.
  • MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry) – Three full floors of science inspired exhibits, a kids in charge zone, and an outside area that includes a butterfly garden, tree grove, ropes course, and even a zip line. It’s probably better for older kids but looks like a lot of fun!
  • Tampa Bay Renaissance Festival – Held on weekends in February and March, the Renaissance Festival is definitely an experience. Tons of fun shows, chances to ride horses and elephants, and even a live “mermaid,” make this a one of a kind experience. Just be prepared for some interesting characters before you go.
  • Florida Strawberry Festival – If you’re in Tampa in March, don’t miss the Florida Strawberry Festival. It’s kind of like a big state fair dedicated to strawberries, and they have some of the best strawberry shortcake and chocolate covered strawberries I’ve ever had. And if you’re a music person, they have all sorts of great concerts throughout the week with headliners like Reba, Martina McBride, and Boyz 2 Men.

I had no idea there were so many awesome things to do in Tampa, definitely looks like one of the best places to vacation with kids!

I had no idea there were so many awesome things to do in Tampa, definitely looks like one of the best places to vacation with kids!

  • Ballast Point Park – A free park with a fun splash area, a couple of large playgrounds, and a pier you can walk out on to see the boats and fishing. If nothing else, the view of the Tampa coastline is absolutely gorgeous.

I had no idea there were so many awesome things to do in Tampa, definitely looks like one of the best places to vacation with kids!

  • Anna Maria Island – If you want to make this a day trip you can but I highly recommend taking 2-3 days and exploring the island. The beach is not only gorgeous, it’s quiet and the waves are small enough that they’re perfect for toddlers. And in March, we saw dolphins every single time we were at the beach swimming fairly close to the shore. I’ll be writing an entire post about why I love Anna Maria Island but it’s definitely worth at least spending a day there. There are other beautiful beaches as well but Anna Maria is easily our favorite with St. Pete’s coming in a close second. And as a bonus, Anna Maria has some great restaurants that are not only kid-friendly, they’re designed with kids in mind!
  • Take a day trip to Orlando! Use this awesome guide to visiting Universal Studios with kids or these great tips for visiting Disney!

I had no idea there were so many awesome things to do in Tampa, definitely looks like one of the best places to vacation with kids!

Places to Eat in Tampa, Florida

There are also a million places to eat in the Tampa area, so I’ll just highlight five of our favorites that show the variety of cuisine and options available in the city:

  1. First Watch – this chain is one of the best places I’ve ever eaten for breakfast or brunch. The banana pancakes and the chicken quinoa bowls are my favorite, but my husband swears by the omelets. There’s one right across from Glazer Children’s Museum and one right near Busch Gardens.
  2. Pane Rustica – This is right on your way to Ballast Point Park and the perfect place to pick up stuff for a picnic or lunch in the park. The thin crust pizza and the salmon were both fantastic.
  3. Al’s Finger Licking Good BBQ – A hole in the wall BBQ place that was really finger licking good. Go on Friday if you want to try their TGIF mac and cheese. It’s not too far from the Florida Aquarium, and a great place for lunch.
  4. Bangkok Jazz – A great Thai restaurant close not far from Busch Gardens the Holiday Inn Express on Telecom. Go for an early dinner to have the place pretty much to yourselves or later to enjoy some live jazz music.
  5. California Tacos to Go – A little hole in the wall, order at the window, and eat outside taco shop that’s perfect for a grab and go dinner after a big day. It’s a little off the beaten path but the tacos and sides are worth it.

I had no idea there were so many awesome things to do in Tampa, definitely looks like one of the best places to vacation with kids!

Where to Stay in Tampa with Kids

I know there are tons of hotels, B&Bs, and even vacation rentals you can stay in when you go to Tampa, but I highly recommend finding one of the Holiday Inn Express locations that’s closest to the attractions you want to see. We’ve actually stayed at four different Holiday Inn Express locations in the area and while the Telecom Drive location is our absolute favorite, they were all perfect for a family vacation. You can find the full list of Holiday Inn Express locations on the IHG website. And in case you’ve never stayed at a Holiday Inn Express before, here are three reasons why you should at least give it a try.

  1. Two-room suites – yes, I said two-room suites. When you’re on vacation with a toddler or even elementary aged kids, it’s likely they’re going to go to bed before you do. And sharing a room with your toddler who needs to go to bed at 8PM just isn’t feasible. The Holiday Inn Express locations we stayed at in Tampa have a private bedroom + a separate living area so my son can sleep in his pack and play in the living room while we stay up and watch TV or play games in the bedroom. It’s seriously the only way to go if you’re planning to stay in a hotel.
  2. Cinnamon rolls – Every Holiday Inn Express provides a free continental breakfast with everything from protein options that change up daily to hot and fresh cinnamon rolls. It’s an easy way to please everyone for breakfast while saving some money for things like feeding the rhinos at the zoo.
  3. IHG Rewards Program – IHG® includes 9 hotel brands including Holiday Inn Express. Their goal is to build lifetime relationships with their customers, or in other words, keep us happy! By signing up for the IHG® Rewards Club, you can earn points on hotels stay, which can then be used for free and discounted stays all around the world.

Want More Fun Ideas?

Want more fun ideas like this one? Enter your first name and email address in the form below to join the Play Party Plan community! You'll receive weekly recipes, party ideas, games, and more directly to your inbox!

Loading

you may also like…

  • Great beach vacation packing list, seriously has all of the things you need for a beach vacation that you probably would've forgotten!
    Travel Tips
    Free Printable Packing List for Beach…
  • 7 Reasons Why Anna Maria Island is the perfect family travel destination and why we keep returning year after year
    United States
    Why We Keep Returning to Anna…
  • United States
    Best Things to Do in Ocala…
  • Families will love the Hilton Sandestin
    United States
    9 Reasons Families will Love the…

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Use the form below to submit your question or comment. I love hearing from you and seeing what you made!
rate this recipe:




text here

  1. Mayehr says

    Posted on 2/28 at 6:39 am

    What a gorgeous collection of pictures! I love fall too 🙂 Great post

    Reply
    • BritniV says

      Posted on 2/28 at 12:43 pm

      Thank You

      Reply
Quick and easy strawberry pineapple sorbet recipe that's the perfect post-workout or healthy treat for a hot summer day!
Previous Post
Easy Strawberry Pineapple Sorbet Recipe
The most amazing pork taco recipe with a crockpot shredded pork and honey citrus cabbage
Next Post
Shredded Pork Tacos

Primary Sidebar

Hi! I'm
Britni

I love sweet treats, my family, games, and anything fun!

Read More

Ideas By Theme

Baby Shower Birthday Bridal Shower Disney Game Night Holiday Just For Kids Movie Night Outdoors

Popular Party Ideas

Bridal Shower Games

woman blindfolded with her hand in a plastic cup

Party Games

Kids Board Games

Blindfolded blocking is one of the best baby shower games

Baby Shower Games

Top Recipes

slice of chocolate dr pepper cake on a white plate

Best Party Foods

Wooden spoon stirring a batch of homemade Chex Mix

Homemade Chex Mix

cropped-best-buffalo-chicken-dip-recipe-11-of-14-e1609965122832.jpg

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Slice of peanut butter pie on two plates with a blue napkin

Reese's Pie

Free Party Ideas E-Club

Loading
As Featured On
connect
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter
  • Play
    • Board Games
    • Kids Activities
    • Minute to Win It
    • Scavenger Hunts
  • Party
    • Food
    • Games
    • Printables
    • Themes
  • Plan
    • Disney Trips
    • Easy Meals
    • Family Travel
    • Gift Ideas

Disclaimer

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Back to Top
  • Contact
  • Work With Me
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility
© 2023 · PLAY PARTY PLAN · Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
Opens in a new window Opens an external site Opens an external site in a new window