12 family-friendly things to do in Tampa and St. Pete with young kids
I've lived in the Tampa Bay area for several years and have two young kids (ages 3.5 and 1). These are our go-to weekend destinations and the places I take out-of-town visitors with children.
Exploring a city looks completely different after having kids. Don't expect trendy restaurants, rooftop bars, or quiet establishments on this list. Instead, you'll find playgrounds, splash pads, animals, and plenty of places where parents can enjoy themselves, too.
1. ZooTampa at Lowry Park
https://zootampa.org
Zoos are almost always a hit with young kids, but ZooTampa stands out from the rest. The large splash pad, kid-friendly rides with reasonable wait times, and fairly priced concessions make it one of our favorite family outings.
The shade and misting stations are lifesavers during Tampa summers. We recently took our first Disney trip with kids, and I couldn't help thinking that for a fraction of the cost, and with far less stress, my three-year-old would have been just as happy spending the day at the zoo.
2. St. Pete Pier
https://stpetepier.org
The 26-acre Pier District opened in 2020 and has quickly become one of our favorite destinations.
We love it for three reasons:
A fantastic playground with unique climbing structures
A splash fountain where kids can cool off
Food and drinks conveniently located right next to the playground
There's also a small beach nearby. Some people love it, though I've always found it a little crowded and not quite as inviting as the area's larger beaches.
If you happen to have a few kid-free hours, grab a cocktail at Perry's Porch or visit the nearby Dali Museum.
3. Glazer Children's Museum
https://glazermuseum.org
This is the ultimate rainy-day or air-conditioned escape.
The museum is packed with imaginative play areas, hands-on exhibits, and plenty of opportunities for kids to burn off energy. You could easily spend an entire day here.
I think it's best suited for toddlers and children under 8. We've visited children's museums in Atlanta and San Diego, and Glazer absolutely holds its own. The mini Publix supermarket and farm exhibit are family favorites.
4. Florida Aquarium
https://www.flaquarium.org
There's a reason it's called the Florida Aquarium rather than the Tampa Aquarium. In my opinion, it's one of the best aquariums in the state.
Because most of the exhibits are indoors, it's a great option when it's too hot, rainy, or humid to be outside. The large ray habitat is particularly fun.
Just be prepared: weekends and school holidays can get very crowded.
5. Armature Works
https://www.armatureworks.com
Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, Armature Works has become one of Tampa's most popular gathering spots.
The food hall offers something for everyone, while the large lawn overlooking the river gives kids plenty of space to move around. Children often gravitate toward the oversized chess and checkers sets, while parents gather nearby with a coffee, cocktail, or snack in hand.
6. Dunedin
https://www.dunedinfl.gov
Technically not Tampa or St. Pete, but this is my favorite walkable town in the area.
Downtown Dunedin is full of charming shops, casual restaurants, and a laid-back atmosphere that's perfect for families. There's a nice waterfront playground, and our favorite food spot is HOB Brewing, which has a fenced outdoor space where kids can roam while adults enjoy a drink.
We almost always finish the day with ice cream from Strachan's.
If you're visiting during baseball season, catch a game with the Dunedin Blue Jays. Kids can even run the bases after select games.
7. St. Pete Beach
https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com
This is our favorite beach in the Tampa Bay area.
The wide stretch of soft white sand and calm Gulf waters make it especially family-friendly. Even on busy weekends, we can usually find parking without too much trouble.
After a morning at the beach, we often head to Crabby Bill's for a casual seafood lunch where kids are more than welcome.
8. Ananda Farm
https://www.anandafarm.com
Located on Terra Ceia Island just south of St. Petersburg, Ananda Farm is unlike any farm I've visited.
The property combines farm-to-table food, live music, seasonal events, and countless kid-friendly activities in a relaxed outdoor setting. They even have a dedicated nursing room for parents with babies.
Our kids could spend all day here. The giant jumping pillows and corn pit are two standout attractions. The food and drinks are excellent, with many ingredients sourced locally.
If you're looking for a full day outdoors, this is one of the best options around.
9. Sparkman Wharf
https://sparkmanwharf.com
Located in downtown Tampa, Sparkman Wharf combines waterfront views with restaurants, food stalls, shops, and a lively outdoor atmosphere.
The large grassy lawn next to the beer garden gives kids room to run while parents relax nearby. There's often live music on weekends, making it a fun destination for the whole family.
One warning: weekend parking can be both challenging and expensive.
10. Ballast Point Park
https://www.tampa.gov/parks-and-recreation/featured-parks/ballast-point-park
This waterfront park offers beautiful views of downtown Tampa, along with a playground, fishing pier, splash pad, and casual café.
The café's fish and chips are surprisingly good. During the warmer months, the splash pad is a major draw for younger kids.
We often pair a visit here with a stroller walk along Bayshore Boulevard, Tampa's iconic waterfront roadway. With sweeping views of Hillsborough Bay and historic homes lining the route, it's one of the most scenic walks in the city.
11. Anderson Park & Hyde Park Village
https://hydeparkvillage.com
Hyde Park Village is one of Tampa's most walkable and charming neighborhoods.
Nearby Anderson Park features a modern playground, shaded swings, a splash pad with lion statues, picnic tables, and clean restrooms. There's also a separate area designed for young toddlers.
After an hour or two at the park, we usually walk over to The Hyppo for gourmet popsicles.
12. Playgrounds of Tampa
https://playgroundsoftampa.com
When the summer heat or afternoon thunderstorms make outdoor adventures impossible, Playgrounds of Tampa is our backup plan.
This indoor play center features bounce houses, slides, arcade games, climbing structures, and dedicated spaces for younger children.
It's best suited for ages 3 to 10, though babies and young toddlers have a small area away from the bigger kids. If your children need to burn off energy on a rainy day, this place delivers.