Tampa, Florida is a great destination for families with young children. From amusement parks and museums to beaches and zoos, there are so many things to do in Tampa with toddlers that will keep your little ones entertained. Whether you’re looking for an indoor activity or want to explore the outdoors, this list of fun things to do in Tampa has something for everyone. Get ready to plan a day full of adventure!
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Toddler-Friendly Museums in Tampa
Tampa is a large city in central Florida filled with fun things to do and see. Whether you live here and are looking for a new way to spend time with your toddler or just here on family vacation, take some time to explore the museums for kids in Tampa.
Glazer Children’s Museum
The Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa is a great spot to visit for families with young children. With its interactive displays and engaging activities, the museum offers an immersive learning experience that combines education and fun. There are some permanent exhibits as well as some rotating exhibits that make sure there is always something new to see and play with. The museum is perfect for kids aged 0-10 years old and added bonus, they offer free admission on the first Tuesday of every month. Whether you’re looking for creative play or educational opportunities, the Glazer Children’s Museum has something for everyone!
Great Explorations Children’s Museum St. Pete
Located in St. Pete, right by The Sunken Gardens, another great spot to visit is the Great Explorations Children’s Museum. This is another fun museum geared toward kids learning through play. Here kids can build, destroy, explore and just be kids alongside other kids.
Tampa Bay History Center
Tampa Bay History Center may sound like a pretty boring place that would hold the attention of a toddler for approximately 2 seconds. However, there are a couple of exhibits in this history museum that are actually very fun. The treasure seekers exhibit on floor four is always a big hit thanks to the pirate ship!
Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI)
Bring the whole family to the MOSI. Here older kids, toddlers and parents alike will enjoy fun interactive exhibits that showcase the wonderful world of science! From laying on a bed of nails, speed tests, dinosaurs, and paper airplanes the fun can last for hours.
Florida Aquarium
Not exactly a museum but the Aquarium is a lot of fun with toddlers. At the Florida Aquarium, you can see everything from lemurs and alligators to sharks, turtles, and unique fish. There are also touch tanks where kids can experience touching sting rays, jellyfish, and starfish. Then when they need to get their wiggles out the playground and splash pad outside can wear a kid out in the best way.
Tip: if you are staying in the Clearwater Beach area there is another great aquarium called the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. You can see turtles, dolphins and more here without having to go as far into the downtown area.
Indoor Play in Tampa for Toddlers
The summer is hot under the Florida sun and it rains a lot in Tampa so having a few indoor things to do in Tampa for toddlers up your sleeve is a good idea.
Toddler Time at the Library
Most public libraries offer some sort of toddler time, although it might be called something different depending on the location. Going to a story time or craft time can be a great way to pass a rainy morning for a few hours.
Suncoast Gymnastics in Trinity
We love going to toddler hour at Suncoast Gymnastics! The gym opens up for an hour in the morning and your kiddo can run and play and test their physical abilities in new ways. Roman loves walking on the balance beam, jumping into the foam pit, and jumping on the trampoline.
We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym
Another great thing to do in Tampa with toddlers is visiting this indoor gym that is open to kids of all ages up to 12. Here there are playrooms and a gym with a trampoline and zip-line where kids can play for a few hours. The whole facility is built to be inclusive for kids with autism and special needs.
Little Play Place
Off of Dale Mabry in Tampa is a fun indoor play place for kids called Little Play Place. They offer an open play time where walk-ins are welcome but reservations are encouraged as they do fill up sometimes. The Little Play Place has several play stations where kids can imagine and explore and just have fun. They also offer a couple educational programs you can sign young kids up for if you want to visit on a regular basis.
Little Explorers
Little Explorers is similar to Little Play Place but it is in the Palm Harbor area so see if it is a closer alternative for you. There are seemingly endless new toys and nooks for kids to explore. This is a great place to go for a change of scenery from home If you’re just wanting a fun new place to play.
Mall Playgrounds
If you are looking for indoor things to do in Tampa with toddlers, consider hanging out in a mall. This is the perfect free place to go to escape the heat or the rain, depending on the weather that day. Both International Plaza and Citrus Park Town Center have great indoor play areas perfect for toddlers that need to run around.
More to Do With Kids in Tampa:
Outdoor Play for Toddlers in Tampa
There is so much to do in the Tampa Bay area that will get you outside and moving without having to drive very far.
A Park
A classic for a reason, there is nothing wrong with spending the morning at the park to get some energy out, get some fresh air, and keep the house clean for a brief moment. Tampa has a lot of awesome parks all throughout the city and the surrounding areas. Get a small group together and explore a new one each week or so for a fun way to break up your normal routine.
ZooTampa
ZooTampa is another fun thing to do with toddlers in Tampa! The zoo has so many different animals to see that will entertain any child as you walk around. There is also a splash pad at the zoo which is the perfect way to cool off on a hot day. If you are local make sure you take advantage of their pay for a day and get the rest of the year free deal that they run.
Splash Pad
Similar to parks I find myself taking my kids to the splash pad weekly during the summer and fall in Tampa. It is one of my favorite free things to do with toddlers in Tampa. This guide has all the best splash pads in Tampa to visit with a toddler. So grab your swimsuit and a towel and head out to cool off in the warm summer sun.
The Beach
One of the best things to do in Tampa with toddlers is a day trip to the beach! The beach is nature’s playground where toddlers can be active, loud, messy and, of course, have a blast. There are so many awesome beaches but this guide to Tampa’s beaches can help you pick the right one for your kids. Plus this list of toddler beach essentials will help keep everyone happy and comfortable all day long!
Read More: Is it Illegal to Take Sand from the Beach in Florida
Visit St. Pete Pier
If you’re willing to drive outside Tampa and visit St. Petersburg then make sure you check out St. Pete Pier. This large structure was finished only a few years ago and has lots of great activities. There is a playground, a splash pad, a small beach, and even a couple of museums you could visit. On weekends there are often markets and free events going on which are fun to participate in.
Amusement Parks in Tampa for Toddlers
Something about Florida and amusement parks just seems to go together. Theme parks can be fun for the full family and these ones are especially perfect for toddlers near Tampa.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens is a really fun African-themed amusement park near downtown Tampa. There are big roller coasters that toddlers won’t be able to go on but it has a lot of features that still make it great for visiting with toddlers. They also have a sister park next door called Adventure Island which is a water park that is the perfect place to cool off on a hot day.
First, they offer ride swap so parents and other people in the group can switch off riding the ride while one adult stays back to watch the kids, then you can swap. So everyone can still enjoy the rides and doesn’t have to miss out.
Secondly, there is an entire kids’ section that toddlers will love! The Sesame Street area has characters to meet plus rides that even the smallest visitor can enjoy. There is also an air pillow to jump on and a splash pad to run through
Dinosaur World
Enter the prehistoric age of the dinosaurs by visiting Dinosaur World. Located less than an hour from Tampa in Plant City is this fun park filled with kid-friendly attractions. There are animatronic dinosaurs, fossil digs where kids can find their own fossils, and a playground. Just make sure you bring in a packed lunch because there is no food service in the park.
Weeki Wachee State Park
Head North of Tampa to this unique roadside attraction that has been around since 1947. Here at Weeki Wachee kids can watch mermaid shows, swim in one of Florida’s natural springs, and play in the small waterpark. The water is a little chilly at 74 degrees Fahrenheit but it is worth visiting to see the real mermaids swim around.
Legoland + Peppa Pig Theme Park
If you feel like venturing a little further outside Tampa, you can drive just under 2 hours to visit the Legoland theme park. Here kids can build to their heart’s content with lego blocks. There are also tons of rides and attractions for kids, and adults, to enjoy.
Legoland also has other parks right next door. One is a water park with slides and lego shaped floats that is fun to enjoy in the summer. The other is the Peppa Pig theme park based on the popular kids’ show. Visit one or all three of the parks depending on your kid’s interests.
More to Do in Tampa:
- Things to Do Along the Tampa Riverwalk
- 11 Restaurants in the Tampa Bay Area to Try Today
- 14 Fun Day Trips from Tampa, FL
Farms to Visit with Toddlers in Tampa
Some of the most fun things to do in Tampa with toddlers are on one of the many local farms you can visit!
Old McMickeys Farm
Head back outside to a world free of lines but just as much fun at Old McMickeys Farm. Here toddlers can enjoy being led on a guided tour of the farm where they’ll see and get to interact with cows, horses, goats, chickens, and rabbits! Plus there is a fun farm maze and plenty of room to run around. Bring lunch if you’d like and enjoy a day on the farm.
Horsepower for Kids
One of the best places to visit near Tampa with toddlers is Horsepower for Kids. This is an outdoor animal sanctuary and such a unique place to visit with kids. Kids under 7 can enjoy pony rides while kids over 7 can try horseback riding. There is also animal petting, tire swings, picnic areas and a playground.
Fruit Picking and More
Another fun thing to do in Tampa with toddlers is to go berry picking! It’s not only a fun way to pass the day but then you get to take home delicious fruit that you can eat plain or turn into a sweet treat. There are SO MANY places to choose from and different fruits to pick depending on the time of year. Oranges are in the winter, strawberries ripen in the early spring followed by blueberries and then blackberries. Sunflowers can be picked in the spring and fall.
DK Farms
One other local favorite farm in the Tampa area to visit with your toddler is DK Farms. They have a petting zoo that is open daily and lots of friendly goats. They also host events throughout the year that are so fun like the medieval fair in February and their pumpkin patch in October.
Read More: Rapragers Family Farm near Tampa: What You Need to Know
Unique Activities for Toddlers in Tampa
Ride the Free TECO Trolley Downtown
If you are in downtown Tampa another exciting pass time is to get around using the free TECO streetcar that runs through the city. It will take you from downtown, through Channelside by the Aquarium all the way to Ybor City, a fun city with strong Cuban roots that you can explore.
Fun Things to Do in Tampa with Toddlers
Tampa is a perfect destination for families with toddlers. Tampa gets overlooked at times since Orlando and Walt Disney World is so close but that is a mistake. Along with great weather, there are plenty of things to do in Tampa that will keep your little ones entertained, from amusement parks and museums to beaches and zoos.
Whether you prefer indoor or outdoor activities, there’s something on this list of fun things to do in Tampa with toddlers that everyone can enjoy! So pack up the family and start exploring all the wonderful things Tampa has to offer today!
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