Spring Break is right around the corner and there are so many great activities for kids in the Tampa area. Now that my kids are in their tween/teen years, the venues for fun definitely change. Chucky Cheese and the mall play area are in the past. Check out some recommendations by category that are great for spring break and year round hangouts with their friends.

Entertainment
It’s all about the fun and keeping kids occupied. Movies are still a great indoor activity to keep kids entertained especially on a rainy day. My kids are watching PG-13 movies most of the time, so it is critical to read reviews and understand the grey areas to see if it may be scary or inappropriate even for their age. Common Sense Media can give you a good sense of the movies you might be considering. I prefer preparation to explanation if possible.

Educational
There are many wonderful museums that older kids can enjoy and appreciate. MOSI is definitely a family favorite and we have been members there for years. As the kids have gotten older, we expanded our reach to the Dali Museum, Tampa History Museum and even the Florida Holocaust Museum. It takes a little more patience and attention so I recommend doing these activities in the morning.

Adventurous
Who is ready for some roller coasters? Busch Gardens is a great place for all kids, but especially teens with rides they enjoy. Q-Zar and the Xtreme Fun Center have laser tag or other activities that get teens engaged a fun game. MOSI gets into the adventure category with the Ropes Course and Zip Line add-ons that kids can enjoy during their visit.

Active
Definitely try to get the kids some indoor or outdoor activity each day for healthy fun and just to wear them out. Airheads is a great place for kids to get active indoors burning calories while jumping for hours. On Fridays, they have “Friday Night Flights” from 9-11pm for ages 13 and up for $14.95. They usually have a DJ and dodgeball tournaments.

Another way we keep our kids moving is visiting one of Tampa’s many local parks. When we visit the park now, the kids still may do the swings, but usually we bring balls, a Frisbee and other things to keep active outdoors. Bowling and roller-skating are two additional fun indoor activities that teens enjoy.

Even just biking or walking in your neighborhood as a family is a great everyday activity in Florida, but fun for the kids in the neighborhood to do together during break.
I hope you and your family have a wonderful, adventurous, active, educational Spring Break!!