5 Cheap {or FREE} Spring Break Activities in Tampa Bay

Spring Break is just around the corner.  Are you ready for a week home with the kids?  Tampa Bay is a popular Spring Break vacation spot for many families because we have so much to see and do.  Why not stay local this spring break and explore some of what our very own Tampa Bay has to offer? I’ve put together a short list of cheap {or free} activities to enjoy right here in our own backyard.

1.  TECO Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center: 6990 Dickman Road, Apollo Beach, FL; Cost: FREE

Have you heard of this place?  Frankly, I never even knew this existed until some out of town family asked us about it.  The Manatee Viewing Center is located at the Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach.  Take the kids to enjoy some time in the environmental education building and enjoy the wildlife trail leading to the manatee observation tower.  Pack a picnic lunch for a completely free, and educational, experience.

2. Yankees Spring Training Games: George M. Steinbrenner Field, 1 Steinbrenner Dr, Tampa, FL; Cost: Starting at $17.00

Catch the New York Yankees take on the Boston Red Sox on March 11, and two additional games, with the Spring Training Triple Play Pack.  With tickets starting at just $17 per game, this is a nice affordable way to take the kids to see a MLB game.

3. Tarpon Springs Dolphin Cruise and Beach Excursion: 510 Dodecanese Blvd., Tarpon Springs, FL; Cost: $18.95 (adults), $9.95 (10 and under).

I have to thank out-of-town visitors for letting us know about this experience also.  We love heading over to Tarpon Springs for the day to walk the sponge docks, enjoy Greek food and treats, and take in the peaceful beaches.  But we’ve never tried a sightseeing cruise before.  Spongeorama Cruiselines offers an Island Beach Cruise departing right from the sponge docks.  Be sure to take advantage of their free parking.  Keep an eye out for manatees, dolphins and other wildlife while you cruise the waters and learn about Tarpon Springs’ history.  You’ll disembark at a local island beach for a stroll where you can collect shells and sponges.  It’s not the cheapest suggestion on this list, but I can’t wait to take our family to be tourists in our own backyard.  {No travel expenses required!}

4. Honeymoon Island: # 1 Causeway Boulevard, Dunedin, FL; Cost: $8.00 per vehicle

Spring Break wouldn’t be the same without a proper beach day, right?  We want to show off our fabulous weather to our family and friends who are still snowed in, but want to avoid the crowds of tourists.  Grab the kids, pack a picnic lunch and head out to Honeymoon Island.  Take lots of pictures to show off on social media because it is beautiful.

5.  Weeki Wachi Springs State Park: 6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL; Cost: $13.00 (adults), $8.00 (children 6-12), Children 5 and under FREE

If you’re looking for nice affordable day trip, head north about 45 minutes to Weeki Wachi Springs State Park. With modest entry fees and free parking, Weeki Wachi Springs has a lot to offer: a spring-fed waterpark, animal encounters, and of course, the mermaid shows that I remember from my childhood visits.  This park will not disappoint.