Fun Things to Do in Tampa with Kids of All Ages

Tampa has many places to take your whole family – like the state of Florida, the city is reputed to be kid-centric. Situated on the Gulf coast, it’s the 3rd largest city in Florida after Miami and Jacksonville. The hospitable residents of this family-friendly city make sure that everyone receives a warm welcome.

Under the blue skies and year-round sunshine, nothing beats Tampa’s waterfront parks and paths – not to mention the several nearby beaches – while a line-up of air-conditioned museums tempt families inside with exhibits that entertain as much as they educate. Check out the best things to do in Tampa with the kids below.

» Visit and Explore the Florida Aquarium

Your Tampa Bay trip won't be complete without visiting the Florida Aquarium. There is nothing more exciting than getting up close with the animals native to the shores and waterways of Florida. Snap a picture with some moon jellyfish; if you're brave enough, you can swim with their sand sharks.

The Florida Aquarium has garnered the attention of publications like USA Today and Parents Magazine. You and your family can journey to 7 exhibits from freshwater to the open ocean habitats at the Florida Aquarium.

There are simulated beaches, wetlands in glass atria, coral reefs, and much more. You can check them out at your own pace or join any of the 5 offered tours – some running from the Aquarium and leaving to head out to the open ocean.

You can also go snorkeling, swim with the marine life, or dive with the sharks. The Splash Pad is a 4D multi-sensory theater that brings short films to life and is perfect for kids.

» Go for a Bike Ride at Tampa Bay Water Bikes

With Tampa Bay Water Bikes, you can get a new perspective on the city of Tampa from its bays, rivers, and waterways. Water bikes are stable and ensure riders won’t risk tumbling in, so all the family can enjoy a stress-free adventure.

BiYaks or kayaks with pedals are also available. Explore the Hillsborough River, Garrison Channel, Davis Island, and Harbour Island.

Anyone over 8 can operate a water bike, making this a great activity for the whole family. Safety gear and instructions are provided. Reservations are recommended and can be made online or in person.

» Enjoy Animal Experiences at the Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park

ZooTampa at Lowry Park, beloved by locals and visitors alike, is a 65-acre site home to around 1,300 wild animals and emphasizes regionally endangered species and those in similar climates.

It is home to a non-profit rehabilitation facility dedicated to the treatment and critical care of Florida manatees. The facility has treated over 400 wild manatees and reintroduced them back to the waters.

Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park aims to improve and evolve to offer more authentic experiences and animal habitats. If you want more than the usual zoo experience, you can interact with a few animals, including elephants, white and Indian rhinos, and penguins.

There are also safari tours hosted by the Africa Expedition Company and animal-themed rides.

» Play With Purpose at Glazer Children's Museum

The Glazer Children's Museum is in downtown Tampa, Florida, next to the Tampa Museum of Art and near the Tampa Riverwalk.

The museum works on 1 fundamental principle: innovative play leads to discovery. With over 170 hands-on exhibits, there's so much to explore, discover and do for your kids. Themed zones, such as fire stations and cruise ships, entertain and educate children up to 10 years old.

In the engineers' workshop, your kids can design their own train line or make the ultimate paper airplane. The KidsPort exhibit offers the chance to play with a working model of Tampa's port – its levers and bars let children route model ships and figure out what it might be like to work as a harbor pilot.

» Experience the Fascinating Art of Puppetry at Bits-n-Pieces Puppet Theater

Experience the mesmerizing puppetry art at Bits-n-Pieces Puppet Theater.

Classic morality stories are performed to entertain and educate kids at the troupe's home theater called PuppetWorld Playhouse. Many shows use small puppets, but larger puppets are also used to perform Princess Thumbelina, Three Billy Goats Gruff, Aesop's Dinosaur Fable, and Rip Van Winkle.

The theater also boasts a 5,000-square-foot exhibit called 'Got No Strings Interactive Exhibit' where the guests can see several giant puppets of the theater, explore the large puppet currently being constructed, and check out the moving parts.

» Kids Tour to the Big Cat Rescue

Did you know that the northwest area of Tampa is more like an animal sanctuary than a zoo? If you visit, you get the chance to learn about tigers, lynx, bobcats, cougars, snow leopards, and house cats. The whole complex has a total area of 67 acres and houses over a hundred animals from 14 species.

Those who love big cats are absolutely thrilled with what they will learn from the informative, passionate, and friendly guides of the Big Cat Rescue. The place is a sanctuary for the big cats that were rescued from abusive situations or from being abandoned.

It provides not only refuge to these big cats but also works nonstop to stop the big cat trade and private possession via legislation and education.

If you want to visit during their most active time, you can register for a night tour or a feeding. Most guided tours are only limited to guests above ten years old.

» Experience the Animals and Attractions at Busch Gardens

Wild animals and wilder rides await visitors to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. This 335-acre, Africa-inspired theme park boasts several scream-worthy roller coasters, 2,000-plus animals, and a host of entertaining live shows. There is always something for kids of all ages at this world-class park.

While adventure lovers flock to the many adrenaline-inducing thrill rides, animal enthusiasts can enjoy hand-feeding kangaroos at Walkabout Way.

While there is a gondola and a train to help negotiate the distances, be prepared to walk to explore all areas of the park. Luckily, there are plenty of places to linger for rest and refueling, with shops, restaurants, and entertainment stages located throughout the park.

» Two-hour Ocean Voyage at Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise

If you want a fun and exciting day on the water with the family, then Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise may be the best choice.

Guests can come aboard to the lively tunes from the boat's state-of-the-art surround sound system.

The 2-hour cruise features a treasure hunt, pirate antics, face painting, dolphin searching, water gun games, stories, and even dancing. The voyage glides along Clearwater Beach, going to the Gulf of Mexico. A sunset cruise is also an option if you want a romantic night.

It is highly recommended to book reservations beforehand. However, reservation or not, guests who fail to show up an hour before the cruise starts may have their reservations forfeited. So be sure to be there at least an hour in advance.

» Visit Tampa Bay History Center

Situated on the Tampa Riverwalk, the Tampa Bay History Center features 3 floors of exhibits exploring 12,000 years of Florida history. Set sail with the explorers and pirates in the History Center's Treasure Seekers gallery, journey through the Florida Seminoles, ride along with a cattle drive, and roam the brick streets of Ybor City with the immigrant cigar rollers.

The History Center's hands-on exhibits and immersive theater experiences explore the history and heritage of the Tampa Bay area. The History Center is located along Tampa's Riverwalk and features waterfront dining at the Columbia Cafe and a museum store showcasing local crafts and artwork.

One of Tampa's premier cultural attractions, the History Center's cutting-edge, interactive exhibits provide a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

» Take a Trip to the Museum of Science & Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) is a not-for-profit science museum in Tampa. It has over 100 hands-on activities making it the ultimate scientific playground for people of all ages.

Guests can build a robot, solve a brain puzzle, explore a lunar colony, or take a look into the future with up-and-coming technologies.

MOSI's permanent exhibits include a tour inside the human body, a look at NASA's Mission Moonbase, Connectus with revolutionary innovations, Idea Zone, The Saunders Planetarium, Sky Trail Ropes Course, and the Virtual Reality Simulator.

A trip to MOSI would be a highlight of any vacation.

» Travel in style with all your family and friends in a Party Bus

Are you excited to visit all these places but worried about the travel? Then, why not hire a party bus?

Get your children on board for a unique and fun experience!

L3 Limo offers you the best party buses and the highest quality service for your family vacation and outings in Tampa, Sarasota, and Orlando. Contact us today to reserve your party bus for an unforgettable kid's day out!

Our party buses at L3 Limo come in different sizes. Regardless of how many friends and family you're taking with you, we have a party bus for you. To ensure the safety of our customers, the vehicles are also cleaned and disinfected before and after every trip.

Also, our party bus service includes unlimited stops within a 30-mile radius of the pick-up location. For locations over 30-mile radius, we require a 20% fuel charge. After paying 20%, you can travel anywhere in Florida.

So, what are you waiting for? Book our party bus and get ready for a fun and exciting experience! Call us today at (813) 699-5777 or visit www.l3limo.com for more information.