Top 5 Family Activities
in Tampa, FL
From theme parks to marine rescues and world-class zoos, Tampa's family scene is packed with adventure. Bookmark this guide so you don't miss the best family activities in Tampa, Florida on your next visit!
1. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
(813) 884-4386
10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612
Tampa's crown jewel of family entertainment blends heart-pounding roller coasters with authentic African wildlife — all in the same park. Ride the Serengeti Flyer, brave SheiKra's 200-foot drop, or let the kids loose in Sesame Street Safari of Fun while you kick back with a cold drink in the shade. The 65-acre Serengeti Plain is home to giraffes, zebras, and elephants roaming freely, and you can tour it by skyride, train, or open-air truck. The newest addition, Iron Gwazi, is one of the tallest and fastest hybrid coasters in the world. Plan for a full day — there's no way to fit it all into just a few hours.
Visit Busch Gardens
2. The Florida Aquarium
(813) 273-4000
701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Right on Tampa's Channelside waterfront, The Florida Aquarium is home to more than 20,000 aquatic animals — from sand tiger sharks and sea turtles to jellyfish, stingrays, and colorful coral reef fish. The immersive galleries walk you through Florida's full aquatic ecosystem, from freshwater springs all the way to the open ocean. Kids go absolutely wild for the outdoor Splash Pad water play area, and the dive shows let you watch scuba divers hand-feed the animals up close. It's an easy walk from the Tampa Riverwalk for a post-visit stroll along the waterfront.
Visit The Florida Aquarium
3. ZooTampa at Lowry Park
(813) 935-8552
1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
Repeatedly voted one of America's top zoos, ZooTampa spans 63 acres and is home to more than 1,000 animals — including Florida manatees, African elephants, giraffes, Komodo dragons, and Malay tigers. The zoo's Florida Manatee and Aquatic Center is one of the few places in the world you can see rescued manatees up close in their rehabilitation habitat. Kids love the hands-on Wallaroo Station petting area and the Maharaja Boat Adventure. Pair it with a picnic and make a full day of it — there's something new around every corner.
Visit ZooTampa
4. Adventure Island Water Park
(813) 884-4386
10001 Malcolm McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612
Right next door to Busch Gardens sits Tampa's premier outdoor water park — 30 acres of slides, pools, and splash zones designed to keep the whole family cool under the Florida sun. From the towering Wahoo Run tube slide to the 17,000 sq ft wave pool, there's a thrill level for every member of the crew. Younger kids have their own dedicated Fabian's Funport play area complete with tipping buckets and mini slides, while the adults stake out chairs by the lazy river. Bundle tickets with Busch Gardens for the ultimate Tampa combo at a discount.
Visit Adventure Island
5. Clearwater Marine Aquarium
(727) 441-1790
249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767
About 35 minutes from Tampa, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is one of the most heartwarming family stops in all of Florida. Made famous by the movie Dolphin Tale, the aquarium is a working marine rescue and rehabilitation center — meaning every animal you see has a real rescue story. Meet dolphins, sea otters, sea turtles, sharks, and stingrays while learning about conservation efforts that directly protect Florida's coastlines. Combine your visit with a stroll across Clearwater Beach — one of America's most consistently top-rated beaches — just minutes away.
Visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium