Tampa is a great place to visit with your kids, as there are many free activities to enjoy. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures or indoor entertainment, there's something for everyone. In this article, we'll explore some of the best free things to do in Tampa with kids.
One great option for outdoor fun is the Hillsborough River State Park. This park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and even a swimming pool. Kids will love exploring the nature trails and spotting wildlife along the way. Another great outdoor activity is visiting the Tampa Riverwalk. This scenic walkway offers beautiful views of the water and plenty of space to run and play. There are also several playgrounds along the way, as well as public art installations to admire.
Tampa is home to several beautiful parks and gardens that are perfect for families with kids. From water parks to butterfly gardens, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the best parks and gardens in Tampa:
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Located in downtown Tampa, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is a popular destination for families. The park features a large playground, a splash pad, and plenty of open space for kids to run and play. There are also several picnic tables and shelters available for use.
Florida Botanical Gardens
The Florida Botanical Gardens is a 100-acre garden located in Largo, Florida. The garden features a wide variety of plants and landscapes, including a butterfly garden, a tropical fruit garden, and a wetland habitat. There are also several hiking trails and picnic areas throughout the garden.
Water Works Park
Water Works Park is a 5-acre park located in downtown Tampa. The park features a large splash pad, a playground, and several picnic areas. There is also a dog park and a skate park located within the park.
Largo Central Park
Largo Central Park is a 70-acre park located in Largo, Florida. The park features several playgrounds, a splash pad, and several picnic areas. There are also several hiking trails and a dog park located within the park.
Fort De Soto Park
Fort De Soto Park is a 1,136-acre park located in St. Petersburg, Florida. The park features several beaches, a playground, and several picnic areas. There are also several hiking trails and a dog park located within the park.
Edward Medard Conservation Park
Edward Medard Conservation Park is a 1,284-acre park located in Plant City, Florida. The park features several hiking trails, a fishing lake, and several picnic areas. There is also a playground and a splash pad located within the park.
Hammock Park Butterfly Garden
The Hammock Park Butterfly Garden is a small garden located in Dunedin, Florida. The garden features a wide variety of plants and landscapes, including a butterfly garden and several picnic areas. There are also several hiking trails located within the park.
Overall, Tampa's parks and gardens offer a wide variety of activities for families with kids. Whether you're looking for a splash pad, a playground, or a hiking trail, there is something for everyone.
Tampa offers a variety of museums and heritage sites that are perfect for families with kids. Here are some of the best free options:
Tampa Firefighters Museum
The Tampa Firefighters Museum showcases the history of the Tampa Fire Department and features antique fire trucks, equipment, and uniforms. It is a great place to learn about the brave men and women who protect the city from fires and other emergencies.
Tampa Museum of Art
The Tampa Museum of Art is a great place to expose kids to art and culture. It offers free admission on the third Friday of every month and features a variety of exhibits and interactive activities.
Henry B. Plant Museum
The Henry B. Plant Museum is located on the University of Tampa campus and showcases the history of the Tampa Bay Hotel, which was built in the late 1800s. It features exhibits on the hotel's architecture, guests, and social events, as well as the history of the university.
Sulphur Springs Museum
The Sulphur Springs Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the Sulphur Springs neighborhood, which was once a popular tourist destination known for its natural springs. It features exhibits on the area's history, including its role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Tampa Police Museum
The Tampa Police Museum is located in the historic Tampa Police Department building and features exhibits on the history of law enforcement in Tampa. It showcases vintage police equipment, uniforms, and vehicles, as well as interactive exhibits for kids.
Tampa Bay History Center
The Tampa Bay History Center tells the story of the Tampa Bay region, from its earliest inhabitants to the present day. It features interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentations, and offers free admission on the third Saturday of every month.
Pinellas County Heritage Village
The Pinellas County Heritage Village is located in Largo, just a short drive from Tampa, and features a collection of historic buildings and artifacts from the late 1800s and early 1900s. It offers free admission and is a great place to learn about life in early Florida.
Spongeorama Sponge Factory
The Spongeorama Sponge Factory is located in Tarpon Springs, about 30 minutes from Tampa, and offers free admission to its museum and gift shop. It showcases the history of sponge diving in the area and features exhibits on the biology of sponges.
J.C. Newman Cigar Company
The J.C. Newman Cigar Company is located in Ybor City, the historic cigar-making district of Tampa. It offers free tours of its factory and museum, which showcase the history of cigar-making in Tampa and the Newman family's role in the industry.
Waterfront and Beach Activities
Tampa Bay is known for its beautiful waterfront and beaches that offer plenty of free activities for families with kids. Here are some of the top spots to check out:
Tampa Riverwalk
The Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.6-mile pedestrian trail that runs along the Hillsborough River and connects several parks, museums, and attractions. Families can enjoy a leisurely stroll, bike ride, or jog while taking in the scenic views of the waterfront. There are also several playgrounds and splash pads along the way for kids to cool off and play.
Manatee Viewing Center
Located in Apollo Beach, the Manatee Viewing Center is a free educational facility that offers a glimpse into the world of manatees and their habitat. Families can observe manatees in their natural habitat from the center's boardwalks and observation tower, and learn about their behavior, diet, and conservation efforts. Check their Facebook to find their hours as they are only open seasonally.
Bayshore Boulevard
Bayshore Boulevard is a scenic drive that offers stunning views of the Tampa Bay waterfront. Families can take a leisurely walk or bike ride along the 4.5-mile waterfront promenade, and enjoy the fresh sea breeze and views of the skyline.
St. Pete Pier
The St. Pete Pier is a popular destination for families looking to enjoy the waterfront and its many attractions. The pier offers free access to its playground, splash pad, and fishing deck, as well as several restaurants and shops.
White Sand Beaches
Tampa Bay is home to several white sand beaches that offer free parking and access to the public. Families can enjoy a day of swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing at spots like Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, and Honeymoon Island.
Tampa Bay Watch
Tampa Bay Watch is a non-profit organization that offers free educational programs and activities for families to learn about the local marine life and ecosystem. Families can participate in guided tours, hands-on activities, and volunteer opportunities to help protect and preserve the bay.
Outdoor Recreation
Tampa has plenty of outdoor activities that are perfect for families with kids. Here are some of the best free options.
Geocaching
Geocaching is a fun and exciting outdoor activity that the whole family can enjoy. It's like a treasure hunt, where you use GPS coordinates to find hidden containers called geocaches. There are over 100 geocaches hidden in Tampa, so you're sure to find one that's close to you. All you need is a GPS-enabled device and a sense of adventure.
Dog Parks
If you have a furry friend, Tampa has plenty of dog parks where you can let them run off-leash. One of the best is the Davis Island Dog Beach, which is located on the south side of Davis Islands. It's a great place to let your dog swim and play in the water. Another great option is the Al Lopez Park, which has a large fenced-in area for dogs to run and play.
Overall, Tampa offers a variety of outdoor activities for families with kids. Whether you want to go geocaching or take your dog to a park, there's something for everyone. So get outside and enjoy the beautiful Florida weather!
Aside from the popular free attractions in Tampa, there are other places that are worth visiting with kids. Here are some of them:
Ybor City
Ybor City is a historic neighborhood in Tampa that offers a glimpse of the city's rich cultural heritage. It's free to explore the area, and there are plenty of things to see and do. You can take a self-guided walking tour, visit the Ybor City Museum State Park, or simply stroll along the streets and admire the colorful buildings and street art.
Tarpon Springs
Tarpon Springs is a charming town located about 30 miles north of Tampa. It's known for its Greek heritage and sponge-diving industry. You can visit the Sponge Docks and watch the divers in action, explore the shops and restaurants, or take a boat tour of the Anclote River.
IKEA Tampa
IKEA Tampa is not just a furniture store - it's also a fun destination for families. Kids can play in the Smaland play area for free while parents shop. There's also a restaurant that serves Swedish meatballs and other kid-friendly food.
Heights Public Market
The Heights Public Market is a food hall located in the Armature Works building in Tampa Heights. It features a variety of local vendors selling everything from tacos to ice cream. You can grab a bite to eat, listen to live music, or just hang out and enjoy the atmosphere.
Hillsborough County Library System
The Hillsborough County Library System has over 30 branches throughout the county, and all of them offer free programs and activities for kids. You can attend storytime, participate in a craft workshop, or join a book club. The libraries also have computers and Wi-Fi that you can use for free.
Oaklawn Cemetery
Oaklawn Cemetery is a historic cemetery located in downtown Tampa. It's the final resting place of many notable figures, including Civil War veterans and early pioneers. You can take a self-guided tour of the cemetery and learn about the history of Tampa.
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