Headed to Tampa with kids? Whether you have kids, are a kid, or are just a kid at heart, you will find plenty of fun and adventure on your vacation to Tampa.
Florida Aquarium
Alligators🐊 Sea Creatures 🐢 Sharks 🐬 Swim with fish 🐠
At the Florida Aquarium kids will be fascinated by sea creatures of all kinds, from baby alligators, to playful otters, to scary sharks. There are several touch tanks for children who love to get up close and personal—but if anyone wants to get their feet wet, check out the “Swim with the Fishes” program. Adults and kids can go snorkeling in the aquarium’s coral reef exhibit, giving you a fish’s-eye view of hundreds of angelfish, parrotfish, moray eels, and other sea life.
See Animals in the Wild
🐬 Dolphins 🐋 Manatees
There are many opportunities to see animals in their natural habitat. Too see manatees head over to the Manatee Viewing Center at Tampa Electric. If you’re looking to get out on the water, indulge in a dolphin sightseeing cruise with The Florida Aquarium, which will take you far enough from shore so you can see dozens of wild dolphins and other marine animals.
For All Things Nature
Canoe 🚣 Alligators🐊 Snakes🐍 Turtles 🐢 Fish 🐟 Birds 🕊️
Enjoy Water-sports
Paddle Board 🏄♂️ Water-bike 🚲 Jet Ski 🏍️
Want to be a bit more active while still enjoying the beautiful beaches of Florida? Tampa offers water-sports for all ages and activity levels. From paddle boarding to jet skiing you’ll have your time in the water while taking on some adventurous activities. Families can also enjoy the water bike, a safe and easy way of seeing the floral beauty of the city.
TopGolf Tampa
Golf ⛳ Food 🍕
Top Golf is located in Brandon, a 15-minute drive from downtown Tampa. The golf range is 3 levels high and consists of 109 golf bays that can accommodate up to 6 people per bay. If you like both golf and video games, you’ve come to the right place. A state-of-the-art gaming system logs player performance and keeps track of both the game and the score using microchipped golf balls. Each bay has a host that provides full food and beverage service.
Bush Gardens Tampa Bay
Wild Animals🦒 Roller Coaster 🎢 Food 🍟
Wild animals and wilder rides await visitors at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. With six famous roller coasters and 2,000 animals, there is something for everyone at this world-class park. Adventure lovers can brave SheiKra, a floorless dive coaster with a 200-foot, 90-degree plunge while animal enthusiasts might enjoy hand-feeding kangaroos and wallabies at Walkabout Way or enjoying majestic views of free-roaming giraffes, zebras and white rhinos on the Serengeti Railway. Be prepared to walk quite a bit to explore all areas of the park. There are several restaurants and numerous vendors throughout the venue to keep you fueled up during your journey.
Adventure Island
🌊Waterparks 🌭 Food
When it comes to water parks in Tampa, Adventure Island, the aquatic corporate cousin of Busch Gardens, is something you can't miss. It’s an opportunity for thrill seekers to get on rides with hairpin turns and stomach-churning drops. For those looking for a relaxing day, head over to the lazy river or play in the wave pool. If all this adventure is working up an appetite - there's plenty of dining options located throughout the park including snack bars, cafes and, of course, an ice cream shop. If you prefer, you can also bring your own coolers.
