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Six years ago, my little family and I planned to visit Tampa for the first time on our 2012 Spring Break. My daughters were three years and five months old. We spent the week visiting kid-friendly attractions, eating at great restaurants, and checking out some hot spots around Tampa Bay. We never expected that in just a few short years, we would be living on the exact exit as our hotel and that we would be locals in a place that we once vacationed!… And even more shocking is that I am, now, writing this list of 100 Things to Do in Tampa Bay on Spring Break!

The great thing about Tampa Bay is that you really don’t have to go far to have a good time! You don’t even have to leave town to plan a fun-filled Spring Break! I’ve compiled a list of some kid-friendly favorite things to do in this area and made it really easy for you to plan your family’s perfect spring break!

Do you want to see our famous dolphins or get up close to a giraffe, these places are perfect for an animal encounter:

1. Busch Gardens
2. Lowry Park Zoo
3. Florida Aquarium
4. Clearwater Marine Aquarium
5. Big Cat Rescue
6. Old McMicky’s Farm
7. Croc Encounters
8. Electric Manatee Viewing Center
9. Safari Wilderness
10. Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary
11. Giraffe Ranch
12. Horsepower for kids

If getting back to nature is more your style and you would prefer to kayak, canoe, or walk nature trails to see Florida plants and wildlife in its habitat- you should check out our parks and gardens.

1. Hillsborough River State Park
2. USF Botanical Gardens
3. Lettuce Lake Regional Park
4. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
5. Homosassa Springs
6. Lithia Springs Park
7. Alafia River State Park
8. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
9. Edward Medard Park
10. Florida Botanical Gardens
11. Eureka Springs Park
12. Trout Creek Park
13. Weedon Island Preserve
14. Sunken Gardens
15. Not a Clue Adventures

Speaking of nature, you can’t visit Tampa without checking out one of our beautiful beaches! If you are craving some salt in your hair and sand between your toes, you are going to have to check out these favorite beaches.

1. Clearwater Beach
2. Manatee Beach
3. Coquina Beach
4. Longboat Key
5. Lido Key
6. Fort Desoto
7. Siesta Key

Or.. if you have your sea legs, grab the family and head out on a boat excursion!

1. Captain Nemo’s Pirate Cruise
2. Sea Life Safari
3. Pirate Water Taxi
4. Wild Bill’s Airboats

Maybe you’re not a fan of sand and you’ve seen Jaws a little too many times- if prefer for your children to splash and cool off at a water park or splash pad, here is a list of our favorite places:

1. Adventure Island
2. Water Works Park
3. Ballast Point Park
4. Anderson Park (Hyde Park Village)
5. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

Are you looking for an all day activity or just an afternoon out? Check out these perfect places for kids to run free, have a blast, and wear them out!

1. LEGOLAND
2. Dinosaur World
3. QZar Tampa Laser Tag
4. Chuck E. Cheese’s
5. Airheads Trampolines Arena
6. Bangin Bungee Kid Zone
7. Kidz World of Play
8. Sky Zone
9. Xtreme Adventures Family Fun Center
10. Celebration Station
11. Boing! Jump Center
12. United Skates of America
13. Top Golf
14. Tampa Bay Grand Prix
15. Vertical Ventures
16. iFly
17. Captive Kids
18. Jump Station
19. Largo Central Railroad
20. Terrace Sports
21. Tampa Riverwalk
22. Playgrounds of Tampa
23. Ace Golf
24. Movie Theater

Just because it’s Spring Break, doesn’t mean we have to take a BREAK from learning! If you are looking for an educational Spring Break- full of exploration and creativity- visit one of our museums, an art studio, or your local library!

1. Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI)
2. The Glazer Children’s Museum
3. Great Explorations Children’s Museum
4. Tampa Museum of Art
5. The Ringling Circus Museum
6. Tampa Bay History Center
7. Veterans Memorial Park and Museum
8. Florida Railroad Museum
9. B Creative Painting Studio
10. Color Me Mine
11. The Potter’s House
12. Public Library

Spring, for us, means one thing- BASEBALL! Your family can enjoy America’s favorite pastime and take in a spring training game around and near Tampa. Maybe we will see you there!

1. Tampa Bay Rays in Port Charlotte
2. Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin
3. Philadelphia Phillies in Clearwater
4. Baltimore Orioles in Sarasota
5. NY Yankees in Tampa
6. Detroit Tigers in Lakeland
7. Pittsburg Pirates in Bradenton

Spring Break seems like the perfect excuse to surprise the kids and grab a frozen treat, sweet snack, or visit a unique restaurant or Farmer’s Market!

1. Kraftologee
2. Dough Nation
3. Snowrolls
4. Mini Donut Factory
5. Nothing Bundt Cake
6. Mellow Mushroom
7. Fabrica Pizza Shop
8. Game Time
9. The Revolution Ice Cream Co.
10. Hokulia Shave Ice
11. Jeremiah’s Italian Ice
12. Culver’s
13. Johnny Rockets
14. Whatever Pops and Bowls
15. Eats! American Grill
16. Twistee Treat
17. Tampa Pizza Company
18. Portillo’s
19. Fresh Market at Hyde Park
20. The Big Red Barn
21. Dooley Groves

As you can see, Tampa Bay has something for everyone! I hope this list helps you out and that you and your family have a great and safe Spring Break! Comment below the article with your Top Things to Do in Tampa Bay on Spring Break!