Best Fun Things To Do in Tampa, FL

Tampa, Florida gets a little overshadowed by neighboring cities like Orlando because of Disney World but there is SO MUCH to do here! Even places like Miami, the Keys and Destin often seem to get more attention. I have been living in Tampa for nearly two years now and I am still discovering new things to do all the time. While researching for this list of the best fun things to do in Tampa I found new things to try myself!

The Tampa Bay area is extra large because it really encompasses the metropolis of Tampa, St. Pete and Clearwater as well as the surrounding suburbs. Tampa is the third largest city in Florida and although there is some public transportation in downtown Tampa I recommend having a car while you vacation here. Many sights are outside the downtown area and let’s be honest, this is a U.S. city not Europe.

Now let’s go sightseeing!

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Walk the Riverwalk

The riverwalk is a must while you are in Tampa. The Hillsborough River runs right through the downtown area and the Riverwalk is a giant sidewalk that runs alongside it. The Riverwalk is great for walking and biking and takes you by popular sights like Curtis Hixon Park and the Henry B. Plant Museum.

At the northern end of the Riverwalk is Armature Works, a food hall with so many delicious restaurants to choose from. Since you are downtown though if you’d rather eat elsewhere there are plenty of choices nearby.

Kayak The Waterways

an active, fun thing to do in Tampa, Florida is to go kayaking. This was at three sisters spring off of the crystal river. It has clear blue water and manatees frequent here in the winter. You can also kayak the Hillsborough river in downtown tampa.

While you are by the Riverwalk, you can actually kayak on the Hillsborough River. You can rent kayaks or bring your own (there is a launch point by Armature Works). This super unique experience allows you to float the river in a downtown urban area surrounded by the high rise buildings of Tampa.

I say kayaking but you could paddleboard, boat or kayak on the river. I recommend going early in the morning for the most calm setting. Traffic on and off the river picks up throughout the day.

If kayaking in the city isn’t your thing and you’d rather be in a more serene nature area then try one of the many natural springs like Weeki Wachee where you can see real mermaids, Three Sisters Spring or Ichetucknee Springs.

Straz Center for the Performing Arts

Right off the Riverwalk is the Straz Center, a hub of culture in Tampa. The Straz is home to all kinds of performances throughout the year from ballet to jazz concerts to broadway plays and so much more.

Check out the Straz Center website to see what is happening during your next vacation in Tampa.

Visit a Museum

There are so many museum options, you’ll never run out of things to do in Tampa. I am not a huge art museum person but I love interactive museums and the occasional history museum. Whatever kind of museum you like, Tampa probably has it. My favorite so far has been the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) but there are several options for you to choose from. If you are visiting Tampa with kids then this round up has all the best museums for kids in Tampa.

Museum of Art
The Henry B. Plant Museum: an old luxury hotel turned museum that shows the opulence of the victorian era wealthy visiting from the North.
Glazer Children’s Museum
Museum of Science and Industry: A fun hands on museum perfect for kids. It explores science and space in active ways that the whole family will enjoy.
Tampa Bay History Center
Museum of Photogenic Arts

Some museums offer discounted entry tickets on Groupon, check them out now.

See a Sporting Event

Tampa has some incredible sports teams and they have been performing extremely well as of late. You cannot go wrong with any one of them.

See the Lightning play in Amalie Arena. It may seem odd that hockey is as big as it is in a state as warm as Florida but it is definitely a big deal.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers really picked things up once Brady and Gronk joined the team. Catching an NFL game while you’re in town is definitely one of the best things to do in Tampa.

And of course, America’s favorite pastime: Baseball. Going to a Rays game would be such a fun way to spend an evening after sightseeing all day.

Tampa Theatre

The Tampa Theatre was built in 1926 and is still a functioning movie theatre. Events, new movies, and old classics alike are shown here throughout the year. Tickets aren’t too expensive either which is a plus!

The building is an iconic Tampa landmark and the interior is luxurious looking with plush red theatre seats and beautiful details. Find out what’s playing next on their website.

Explore at Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens is Tampas local theme park with fun roller coaster rides, concessions and animal encounters that is sure to please the whole family. This African themed park offers the opportunity to go on an african safari right here in Florida!

You can buy tickets in advance here!

Adventure Island Water Park

Across the (very large and busy) street is Tampa’s largest water park. It is owned and operated by Seaworld just like Busch Gardens. The water park is a great way to have fun and stay cool in the hot Florida summers.

Florida Botanical Gardens

This botanical garden in Florida offers walking trails, stunning flowers and relaxing outdoor vibes. The best part is? The botanical garden is free to visit!

You can take a walk with your pup anytime between 9 am and 5 pm any day of the year except the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas. The park is located at 12520 Ulmerton Road or you can learn more at their website.

Zoo Tampa

The Tampa Zoo is a fun thing to do in Tampa. They have seasonal events as well as animal encounters and even feeding experiences.

With animals from all over the world there is no shortage of good times when you choose to spend the day at Zoo Tampa. Snag tickets now and skip the line!

Places to Visit Near Tampa, Florida

Ybor City

Ybor city is a historic neighborhood of Tampa known for its cultural diversity, history and Cuban cigars. In fact it is the only neighborhood on Florida’s west coast to be made a National Historic Landmark District. Learn about the city’s history in the Ybor City Museum, take a food tour (or at least make sure to try the Cuban sandwiches) and walk the streets seeing the historic buildings. There is everything from old cigar factories to cultural halls and preserved housing.

Bonus, there are chickens walking the streets with you!

Florida Aquarium

Florida has some phenomenal aquatic life and it is all on display here at the Florida Aquarium. Along with the local sea life there are habitat exhibits from all over the world. Make sure your kids bring their swim suits because there is a splash pad for them to enjoy when they want to get some energy out.

Otherwise enjoy your day walking the halls admiring the beautiful sea life of the aquarium. For an added cost you can cruise around the bay on the wild dolphin cruise spotting wild dolphins in the water. Get your tickets now!

American Victory Ship and Museum

The SS American Victory is one of only 4 operational WWII ships still around today. And it is docked right here in Tampa Bay where you can tour it and see what life on a military ship is like. So head down to the bay and get ready to be amazed.

Get discounted tickets on Groupon!

Hyde Park

Hyde Park is an upscale outdoor shopping and food center. The cute stores are fun to stroll along and shop in. There is everything from a very cute plant shop to clothing stores and a pet store where dogs are welcome. While shopping and when you inevitably get hungry make sure you stop in at one of the many delicious options for food.

There is also a Sprinkles cupcake vending machine for dessert. Did you know that if you sign up for the Sprinkles reward program you can get a free cupcake on your birthday?!

One of the most unique things to do in Tampa, Florida is to see (or swim with) manatees just like the one pictured here.

Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center

Tampa Electric inadvertently attracted manatee’s with the warm water from their discharge canal. During the winter manatees naturally migrate inland to the warmer waters of Florida’s springs which stay at a balmy 72 degrees fahrenheit all year long. So it is no surprise that the warm water used to cool off the power units is loved by the manatees too.

The water is clean, warm, and safe for the manatees and the power company has turned the area into a state and federal manatee sanctuary where you and I are free to observe them in their natural habitat.

It is free to visit and the grounds also have a stingray touch pool, a butterfly garden and beautiful landscaping.

You can’t swim with manatees here but you actually can in the Crystal River a couple hours north of Tampa.

Hillsborough River State Park

Just a short drive outside the city is the Hillsborough River State Park, a very fun thing to do in Tampa that gets you outside. Here you can hike, kayak, camp and swim in the diverse Florida landscape. The river has some of the only class two river rapids to be found in the whole state (rare thanks to its flat landscape).

Entry is only $6 per car and the park is open from 8 am to sunset.

Hindu Temple of Florida

Feel like you are in a whole other country without leaving the state of Florida! The Hindu Temple of Florida is a beautiful sight to see. The temple grounds are free and they offer free temple tours as well.

They do ask that guests dress modestly with knees and shoulders covered while visiting. That means no shorts but pants are ok. The hindu temple is a great opportunity to learn about other cultures and religions you may not know much about.

This is a great free thing to do in Tampa if you’re on a budget.

Go to the Beach

There are so many beach options to visit near Tampa and several have been voted the best in the U.S. at one point or another. I would definitely put the beach in the best things to do in Tampa Bay category pretty much any time of year.

If you want something close by Downtown Tampa (but not #1 rated) then try Davis Island or Cypress Beach Park. For the really great beaches drive about 45-60 minutes to Clearwater, St. Pete or Sarasota.

My favorite beaches in the area are Clearwater Beach, Indian Rocks Beach and Anna Maria Island.

Big Cat Rescue

The Big Cat Rescue is a facility dedicated to caring for large cats that have been rescued from various situations. They give tours of the facility while educating guests about wildlife conservation and the proper treatment of these beautiful creatures.

The Big Cat Rescue was the cat sanctuary featured on the popular show Tiger King on Netflix.

**Since coronavirus they have stopped giving general public tours for the time being. Their website says they plan to resume private tours soon but currently they do not offer any.**

Dinosaur World

Fun for all ages is Dinosaur World, located about 30 minutes east of Tampa. There are over 200 life size dinosaurs throughout the park plus a fossil dig where kids can get hands on play.

On top of the dinosaurs there are a couple playground areas, exhibits and gem excavation activities. So pack a lunch and head over for the day.

The fossil dig and gem excavation cost extra. Random bonus, the entire park is dog friendly except one indoor area that has dinosaur animatronics. I’m guessing the dogs bark at the moving dinosaurs too much.

Practical Info for Tampa, FL

Find accommodation, sign up for a local tour, or get your Florida Travel Guide.

CityPASS gives you a discounted admission price to multiple Tampa Bay sights. You get into 5 attractions for 55% off! the sights are: Busch Gardens, Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa, Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the Museum of Science and Industry (or The Tropics Boat Tours Dolphin or Sunset Cruise). Check it out and save today!