If you’re looking for a family-friendly vacation destination – Tampa, Florida, checks all the right boxes. Home to award-winning beaches, thrilling theme parks and children’s museums, Tampa Bay offers fun under the Florida sun for everyone.
Here are seven of the best family-friendly destinations in Tampa, Florida.
The Florida Aquarium
Dive beneath the waves at The Florida Aquarium, where you’ll learn about freshwater and ocean ecosystems and the wildlife that inhabit them through various exhibits and habitats. Explore the 250,000-square-foot aquarium filled with ocean animals, from sea turtles to sharks. Board a 72-foot catamaran on the Wild Dolphin Cruise, where you’ll see bottlenose dolphins and native bird species taking flight. Check out the Raptors! Birds of Prey Experience, where you’ll encounter falcons and eagle owls. At the 4Ducks Theater, you’ll feel like you’re in the movie thanks to sensory effects such as scents, wind, mist and seat movement. Don’t forget swimsuits for the kids; The Splash Pad is the perfect play area for children 11 and under.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park Zoo
The perfect place for animal lovers, ZooTampa at Lowry Park Zoo lets guests get up close and personal with various wildlife. Feed towering giraffes, encounter a giant tortoise or learn about majestic manatees at the care center. Check out the Wild African Safari Ride to see a variety of wildlife, such as the southern white rhino, grazing elephants and antelopes. Of course, the zoo is home to tigers, lions and primates. Cool off with a ride on Roaring Springs, where you’ll journey along a stream before plunging three stories. The colorful carousel, Overland Express train, and Boomer’s Flyin’ Bananas are a real hit for the younger kids.
MOSI – Museum of Science and Industry
At MOSI, kids can get hands-on with the museum’s interactive exhibits and attractions that promote learning through play. This fun museum even has after-dark science events such as The Saunders Planetarium. At the A Look Inside Exhibit, peek into the human body to see how nutrition, exercise, and medicine help you become healthy. Love dinosaurs? Check out The Dinoviations Lab. This is a Jurassic-themed exhibit allows kids to take on the role of a paleontologist, watch Fossil Films and even get the chance to touch dinosaur poop! Don’t miss out on the Sky Trail Ripes Course, a 36-foot-high interactive structure that’s sure to get your adrenaline running!
Glazer Children’s Museum
Through interactive play, Glazer Children’s Museum allows your little ones to discover and learn. For example, your child can become a master of money in the Central Bank, learn by building at the Engineers’ Workshop, put on a show at Twinkle Stars Theater, and become a hero at the Firehouse. General Admission is $16, and babies under one year old are free. They also have special pricing for community helpers and a Museum for All discount for qualifying guests.
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Just across the street from the Glazer Children’s Museum is the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. This 8-acre public park is right on the Hillsborough River, across from the Tampa Riverwalk. This park is the perfect place to sit, enjoy a picnic by the water, and let the kids run around and play in the interactive fountains. Before you visit, check for any special events during your stay, as there are many concerts and events at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. With its beautiful waterfront and city views, this is a stop you will want to make sure to add to your list when visiting Tampa Bay, Florida.
Laser Ops Extreme Gaming Arcade
Your family will have a blast visiting Laser Ops Extreme Gaming Arcade. This gaming arcade is a 24,000-square-foot family-friendly entertainment center with over 50 Arcade Games, Laser Tag, Archery Tag, Bazooka Ball, and Virtual Reality Gaming. Your family will love playing the newest games, and you will have a chance to kick back, grab a cocktail and relax at the complete Sports Bar & Grille.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
No family vacation to Tampa is complete without spending a day at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. This family-friendly Amusement Park has something for everyone in your family to enjoy. If you have toddlers or preschoolers in your family, they can play in the Sesame Street Safari of Fun area with rides, shows, and a fun playground. Love thrills? Busch Gardens is home to incredible roller coasters such as the Iron Gwazi, Tigris and the triple-launch coaster, Cheetah Hunt.
