Want to enjoy the best of Tampa without breaking the bank? When I visited Tampa, I actually found a host of ideas that didn't cost a thing! If you are up for sunshine, culture, and fun, lets get out and explore.
If you are in a hurry, here is what I recommend:
Go for a stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk to admire the views and get surprised by free pop-up events.
If you have kids, explore Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park which has splash pads for little ones to jump around in.
Watch manatees for free at the TECO Manatee Viewing Center (open seasonally as I describe here).
Check out Ybor City’s historic streets on a cultural walk.
Browse vacation rentals in Tampa for an affordable stay.
More Free and Cheap Things to Do in Tampa:
1. Admire native and exotic plants at Florida Botanical Gardens for FREE
As I've mentioned in the past, as a garden lover I adore city gardens like Florida Botanical Gardens in Tampa.
Completely free to enter, these gardens provide you with a spectacle of over 10,000 native and exotic plants.
You can visit year round because there's always something great blooming.
If you want new ideas for your own garden, head to the herb garden or the native plants garden.
I loved McKay's Creek, which is home to significant aquatic habitats.
There is something for art lovers too. Explore public art, including murals, mosaic benches, and water fountains.
Your kids will love the children's trail area with outdoor musical instruments and an interactive butterfly puzzle!
FREE admission!
Open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
12520 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, Florida 33774, Phone: 727-582-2100
2. Stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk for FREE
Discover Tampa Riverwalk, a gorgeous 2.6-mile pedestrian trail and public park.
You can walk the length of the Hillsborough River within downtown Tampa. The Tampa Riverwalk is open daily so it's easy to fit it into your itinerary.
Admire a wide variety of beautiful public art along the Historical Monument Trail section, which presents bronze busts of prominent city civic figures.
You'll walk past some of my favorite museums, including the Tampa Museum of Art ($25 for adults), and Glazer Children's Museum ($24.95 for adults). I find Curtis Hixon Park a nice place for a picnic along the way.
You can begin in the city's Channelside District, pass through downtown Tampa's Arts District, and end up in the city's Water Works Park at Tampa Heights.
Cheap Family-friendly Attractions in Tampa:
3. Learn about the history of firefighting at The Tampa Firefighters Museum for FREE
Right downtown, located adjacent to the Tampa Fire Rescue Station One, you'll find The Tampa Firefighters Museum.
This 18,000-square-foot museum is completely free to visit.
You'll see restored historic fire trucks and fire equipment, as well as a variety of uniforms worn by city firefighters over the years.
I learned that the building itself is historic. It served as the city's former fire department headquarters between 1911 and 1974.
Check out their gift shop on your way out.
720 E Zack St, Tampa, FL 33602, Phone: 813-964-6862
4. Take the kids to Heritage Village for FREE
A great way for your kids to learn about local history is at Heritage Village.
Head to this 21-acre living history complex which is completely free to visit.
Explore 33 preserved historic attractions, including a general store, a railroad depot, and historic homes, churches, and school buildings.
Depending on the schedule, you may come across a including smoke house or sugar cane mill demonstration for a true immersion.
11909 125th Street N, Largo, FL 33774, Phone: 727-582-2123
5. Enjoy the view from Ballast Point Park and Pier for FREE
On the east coast of south Tampa, head to Ballast Point Park and Pier.
You'll find plenty of free activities for the whole family to enjoy including boating and fishing. When you get hungry, sit down for a nice picnic with a view.
If you decide to fish on the pier, you can rent equipment on site for a small fee.
Let your kids plan on the large children’s playground and the splash pad.
You can enjoy most of the facilities at the park for free. The fitness center requires a membership and the Gazebo which may be rented for outdoor functions.
Ballast Point Park and Pier, 5300 Interbay Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611, 813-274-8184
Affordable Romantic Attractions in Tampa:
6. Don't miss The Manatee Viewing Center
The Manatee Viewing Center is only open for the season starting on November 1 through mid-April. But when it's open, you HAVE to go. And completely free!
You can learn all about the Florida manatee and its natural habitat. When you are finished, you will know all about the life cycle and its natural and environmental challenges.
See the Interactive visitor exhibits relating to these unique animals. You will also learn about the operations of Big Bend Power Station, which provides environmentally-friendly energy for the Tampa region.
If you have any questions, the staff and volunteers there are very friendly and available to answer your questions.
My favorite part is actually outside! You can see an amazing butterfly gardens, a habitat loop trail, and a wildlife observation tower.
6990 Dickman Rd, Apollo Beach, FL 33572, Phone: 813-228-4289
7. Check out the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts
You'll find a full calendar of events in Tampa, many of which are free. I want to highlight two of my favorite free evets.
The first one is the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts which is actually one of Tampa's biggest annual cultural events. You can attend during the first weekend in March. Participating artists can win prizes.
It's completely FREE to attend.
You'll find cheap food on site because local Tampa food trucks park there.
8. Visit the Gasparilla Pirate Fest
My second favorite free event is the Gasparilla Pirate Fest. It's the third-largest annual parade in the United States, hosted each January in Tampa Bay.
The parade is named in honor of infamous 18th and 19th century pirate Jose Gaspar, who operated throughout coastal Florida.
Enjoy a full weekend of pirate-themed entertainment, including a Gasparilla Invasion reenactment with more than 750 swashbucklers. Then there is the four-mile-long Parade of Pirates, which attracts more than 300,000 annual spectators.
Admission is free, through you can upgrade to reserved seating for an additional fee and better views.
After the parade, the celebration continues at the Gasparilla Pirate Fest Street Festival, where you can watch live musical performances and taste local food from food trucks.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Q: What are some great things to see and do in Tampa?
- A: There are many great things to see and do in Tampa, including the beautiful Florida Botanical Gardens and attractions within the city's vibrant Ybor City neighborhood.
- Q: What are the transportation options in Tampa?
- A: For low-cost transportation, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit system offers bus routes and the TECO Line Streetcar System.
- Q: Are there any free attractions in Tampa?
- A: Some attractions are free only on certain days – please check before you go.
Map:
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