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!
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:
- Busch Gardens
- Lowry Park Zoo
- Florida Aquarium
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Big Cat Rescue
- Old McMicky’s Farm
- Croc Encounters
- Electric Manatee Viewing Center
- Safari Wilderness
- Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary
- Giraffe Ranch
- 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.
- Hillsborough River State Park
- USF Botanical Gardens
- Lettuce Lake Regional Park
- Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
- Homosassa Springs
- Lithia Springs Park
- Alafia River State Park
- Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
- Edward Medard Park
- Florida Botanical Gardens
- Eureka Springs Park
- Trout Creek Park
- Weedon Island Preserve
- Sunken Gardens
- 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.
Or.. if you have your sea legs, grab the family and head out on a boat excursion!
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:
- Adventure Island
- Water Works Park
- Ballast Point Park
- Anderson Park (Hyde Park Village)
- 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!
- LEGOLAND
- Dinosaur World
- QZar Tampa Laser Tag
- Chuck E. Cheese’s
- Airheads Trampolines Arena
- Bangin Bungee Kid Zone
- Kidz World of Play
- Sky Zone
- Xtreme Adventures Family Fun Center
- Celebration Station
- Boing! Jump Center
- United Skates of America
- Top Golf
- Tampa Bay Grand Prix
- Vertical Ventures
- iFly
- Captive Kids
- Jump Station
- Largo Central Railroad
- Terrace Sports
- Tampa Riverwalk
- Playgrounds of Tampa
- Ace Golf
- 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!
- Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI)
- The Glazer Children’s Museum
- Great Explorations Children’s Museum
- Tampa Museum of Art
- The Ringling Circus Museum
- Tampa Bay History Center
- Veterans Memorial Park and Museum
- Florida Railroad Museum
- B Creative Painting Studio
- Color Me Mine
- The Potter’s House
- 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!
- Tampa Bay Rays in Port Charlotte
- Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin
- Philadelphia Phillies in Clearwater
- Baltimore Orioles in Sarasota
- NY Yankees in Tampa
- Detroit Tigers in Lakeland
- 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!
- Kraftologee
- Dough Nation
- Snowrolls
- Mini Donut Factory
- Nothing Bundt Cake
- Mellow Mushroom
- Fabrica Pizza Shop
- Game Time
- The Revolution Ice Cream Co.
- Hokulia Shave Ice
- Jeremiah’s Italian Ice
- Culver’s
- Johnny Rockets
- Whatever Pops and Bowls
- Eats! American Grill
- Twistee Treat
- Tampa Pizza Company
- Portillo’s
- Fresh Market at Hyde Park
- The Big Red Barn
- 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!
Can you please add Horsepower for kids. It’s a non-profit park in Tampa with lots of farm animals, pony rides and horseback for kids. Lots of fun for the entire family.
Estela, Yes! I will add it. Sorry that Horsepower for Kids was overlooked. It looks like a great place to visit!