After years of traveling with my own family—and writing about it for over two decades—I can tell you Tampa is one of those places that just works. If you’re hunting for sun, fun, and things that keep everyone smiling, I’ve got a few must-dos you’ll want to try.
Whether we were gazing up at jellyfish, building water rockets, or watching a puppet come to life, Tampa gave us moments that stuck. And more than once I caught myself thinking, "They’re going to remember this." Here are the places that made our trip feel unforgettable, one stop at a time.
Best Things to Do in Tampa with Kids
Wowed by sea life at The Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium turned out to be way more than just tanks and exhibits—it felt like stepping into a different world, where kids could get wide-eyed over stingrays and I could take a breath in the cool, quiet spaces. There was something grounding about being surrounded by water, coral, and the gentle pulse of jellyfish gliding past. I remember thinking, "This is the kind of wonder that sneaks up on you." It was peaceful and exciting at the same time—and the perfect balance of educational and fun.
What I Loved Most: Watching the kids stare up at the floor-to-ceiling tank in total awe. One of them whispered, “I think that fish waved at me.” That kind of magic sticks with you.
My highlights? After all the exploring, we stopped at the outdoor café area where I had a grilled mahi sandwich and a cold lemonade while the kids cooled off in the splash pad. It was simple, but sitting in the shade with sea breeze in the air, I remember thinking this is exactly how a day with kids should feel—easy, joyful, and just the right amount of tired.
The Florida Aquarium At a Glance
- Location: Downtown Tampa, near the cruise terminal
- Vibe: Immersive, family-friendly, calming
- Highlights: Coral reef tunnel, splash pad, touch tanks, Wild Dolphin Cruise (optional)
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for fewer crowds
- Cost: General admission starts around $33 (ages 3 and up), kids under 2 free
- Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM daily
- Address: 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Wild encounters at ZooTampa at Lowry Park
ZooTampa surprised me in the best way—it didn’t feel like just a zoo, it felt like an adventure. The layout made it easy to explore at our own pace, and everywhere we turned, there was something new to spark curiosity. From the moment we stepped into the shaded walkways, I could feel the energy shift. I remember thinking, "This is going to be one of those days we talk about for a long time." The kids were fully in it—pointing at monkeys, watching manatees float, and giggling nonstop on the jungle-themed rides.
What I Loved Most: Feeding a giraffe by hand—it was one of those pinch-me moments where you're close enough to make eye contact. Totally unforgettable, especially seeing the kids light up right alongside me.
My highlights? Lunch at the outdoor Savanna Oasis café, where I had a surprisingly good BBQ pulled pork sandwich and an iced tea. We sat under an umbrella near the splash zone, and honestly, just watching the kids cool off while I recharged was a win in itself.
ZooTampa At a Glance
- Location: Lowry Park neighborhood, just north of downtown
- Vibe: Interactive, well-shaded, kid-focused
- Highlights: Manatee hospital, giraffe feedings, rides, splash pad
- Best Time to Visit: Morning to early afternoon before the heat peaks
- Cost: General admission starts around $45 for adults, $35 for kids 3–11
- Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM daily
- Address: 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
Playtime with purpose at Glazer Children’s Museum
From the moment we walked in, the Glazer Children’s Museum felt like a giant invitation to explore. It was loud, colorful, hands-on—and totally designed with kids in mind. They didn’t even hesitate. One minute they were playing firefighter, the next they were running a kid-sized grocery store, or launching boats in the water zone. It was one of those places where I could step back and just let their imaginations take the lead. I caught myself smiling more than once thinking, "They don’t even realize how much they’re learning right now."
What I Loved Most: Watching the kids build a ball run in the Engineer’s Workshop with total focus and excitement—proof that screens weren’t missed for even a second.
My highlights? We grabbed lunch nearby at Tampa Pizza Company, just a short walk away. I had a personal margherita pizza with a thin, crispy crust and a cold iced tea. It was casual, easy, and a great way to take a break before heading back in for round two.
Glazer Children’s Museum At a Glance
- Location: Downtown Tampa in Curtis Hixon Park
- Vibe: Imaginative, hands-on, energetic
- Highlights: Water play zone, kid-sized city, STEM stations
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for fewer crowds
- Cost: ~$18 for kids and adults; free for under 1
- Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM (closed Mondays)
- Address: 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602
Wonder and curiosity at the Museum of Science & Industry
MOSI was the kind of museum that invited us to slow down and ask questions. It had a quieter energy than other spots, but there was so much to discover—space exhibits, robotics, optical illusions. The kids got a huge kick out of building things with their hands and trying the interactive puzzles, and I loved seeing their gears turning. It was a chance to connect over curiosity instead of just running from exhibit to exhibit. At one point, I caught myself thinking, "This is what learning looks like when it’s fun."
What I Loved Most: Lying back in the planetarium and watching the stars swirl above us—it felt peaceful, even a little dreamy. We all walked out just a bit quieter than we came in.
My highlights? We grabbed a snack at the on-site café: I had a chicken Caesar wrap and the kids split a soft pretzel. It wasn’t fancy, but it hit the spot, and we ate outside in the shade before heading into the dinosaur exhibit.
MOSI At a Glance
- Location: North Tampa, near USF
- Vibe: Educational, interactive, low-key
- Highlights: Planetarium, hands-on robotics lab, science experiments
- Best Time to Visit: Midday or early afternoon
- Cost: ~$14 for kids, ~$18 for adults
- Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM, closed Tuesdays
- Address: 4801 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33617
Whimsy and wonder at Bits-n-Pieces Puppet Theatre
Walking into Bits-n-Pieces Puppet Theatre felt like stepping into a world where imagination ruled. It was smaller than other venues, but that only made it more magical. The larger-than-life puppets, colorful sets, and whimsical storytelling totally captivated the kids—and to be honest, me too. There was something so refreshing about a low-tech, high-heart performance. One of the kids whispered, "It’s like a dream on stage," and they weren’t wrong. It reminded me how powerful storytelling can be when it’s live and shared.
What I Loved Most: Seeing how totally immersed the kids were—laughing, gasping, asking questions. Their joy was contagious.
My highlights? We grabbed lunch afterward at La Segunda Central Bakery, a local staple for Cuban sandwiches. I had a classic Cuban with roast pork, ham, Swiss, mustard, and pickles on fresh-baked Cuban bread—crisp, warm, perfect. We sat on the patio and talked about our favorite characters from the show.
Bits-n-Pieces Puppet Theatre At a Glance
- Location: Touring performances across Tampa; check their schedule
- Vibe: Creative, homespun, full of heart
- Highlights: Giant puppets, musical fairy tales, interactive shows
- Best Time to Visit: When touring shows are in town—weekends or school breaks
- Cost: ~$8–$15 per ticket, depending on the venue
- Hours: Showtimes vary by location
- Address: Varies (check website for current venues)
Gentle giants at the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center
The Manatee Viewing Center had a kind of quiet magic to it. It wasn’t flashy or fast-paced—just simple, open, and full of calm energy. We followed the boardwalk out toward the water and before long, we spotted them: slow-moving, graceful manatees drifting through the warm waters near the power plant. The kids were mesmerized. So was I. There was something humbling about watching these massive creatures glide so effortlessly. I found myself thinking, "Sometimes the most memorable moments are the quietest ones."
What I Loved Most: The 50-foot observation tower gave us a sweeping view of the bay, and the boardwalk felt peaceful—like the kind of place you want to linger just a little longer.
My highlights? On the way back, we stopped at Ulele in Tampa Heights for lunch. I had the charbroiled oysters and their house-made jalapeño corn beer bread. It felt like such a contrast after the peacefulness of the manatees—lively, local, and packed with flavor—but somehow it balanced the day perfectly.
Manatee Viewing Center At a Glance
- Location: Apollo Beach, about 30–40 minutes from downtown Tampa
- Vibe: Serene, educational, nature-focused
- Highlights: Manatee sightings, nature trails, observation tower, touch tank
- Best Time to Visit: Winter months (Nov–April) when manatees gather in warm water
- Cost: Free admission and parking
- Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM daily (seasonal)
- Address: 6990 Dickman Rd, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
Heartfelt encounters at Big Cat Rescue
Big Cat Rescue hit me differently—it was emotional, eye-opening, and powerful. This wasn’t a zoo or an entertainment stop; it was a sanctuary built around care, advocacy, and education. Each cat had its own story of rescue or rehabilitation, and the guides were deeply connected to their work. Hearing the background of a tiger or a bobcat as it lounged nearby added a depth I didn’t expect. At one point, I thought, "These animals aren’t just being seen—they’re being respected." That mattered.
What I Loved Most: Watching a lion sunbathe in silence while our guide spoke gently about its past—it was a still, powerful moment, and it stayed with me long after we left.
My highlights? We picked up lunch from The Independent Bar and Café afterward, a cozy little spot with good vibes and even better food. I had the grilled brie and apple sandwich with a side of arugula salad. It was fresh, comforting, and gave us time to process everything we’d just experienced.
Big Cat Rescue At a Glance
- Location: Citrus Park area, northwest Tampa
- Vibe: Reflective, ethical, deeply moving
- Highlights: Self-guided audio tours, behind-the-scenes rescue stories, up-close views
- Best Time to Visit: Morning tours when cats are most active
- Cost: Varies by tour; around $39–$49 per person
- Hours: Tours by reservation only (check online)
- Address: 12802 Easy St, Tampa, FL 33625
Thrills and animal encounters at Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens felt like an all-day adventure wrapped in roller coasters, animal encounters, and unexpected moments of magic. I went in thinking it might be too intense for younger kids, but there was truly something for every age—and every energy level. Between the wild rides, the beautifully landscaped animal habitats, and the live entertainment, the day flew by in the best way. At one point, standing under a shady tree watching giraffes stroll across the Serengeti Plain, I thought, "This is more than a theme park—it’s a little world of its own."
What I Loved Most: Riding the Skyride cable cars with the kids and seeing everything from above. There was a breeze in the air and a chorus of excited chatter all around us—it was a pause I didn’t expect, and I loved it.
My highlights? Lunch at Serengeti Overlook Restaurant, where I had their grilled chicken flatbread and a cold lemonade with a view of zebras and giraffes in the distance. The food was solid, but the setting made it feel extra special—an actual sit-down break in the middle of all the energy.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay At a Glance
- Location: Northeast Tampa, near USF
- Vibe: High-energy, immersive, something-for-everyone
- Highlights: Roller coasters, animal safaris, live shows, splash zones
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays or early in the day to avoid crowds
- Cost: Tickets vary; starting around $100, with discounts for multi-day or FL residents
- Hours: Typically 10 AM – 6 PM (check calendar for seasonal changes)
- Address: 10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612
Conclusion
Every city has its family favorites, but Tampa felt like it was built with curious kids—and their slightly tired parents—in mind. From art to animals, hands-on science to theme park thrills, it gave us variety without chaos, and just enough stillness between the excitement. We left sun-kissed, a little worn out, and already talking about what we’d do next time. And honestly? That’s my favorite kind of trip.
Jump to a Spot...
- • Wowed by sea life at The Florida Aquarium
- • Wild encounters at ZooTampa at Lowry Park
- • Playtime with purpose at Glazer Children’s Museum
- • Wonder and curiosity at the Museum of Science & Industry
- • Whimsy and wonder at Bits-n-Pieces Puppet Theatre
- • Gentle giants at the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center
- • Heartfelt encounters at Big Cat Rescue
- • Thrills and animal encounters at Busch Gardens