What follows is a list of kid-friendly activities that’ll help you not only entertain junior, but yourself, too. We’ve arranged them by distance from Tampa International Airport, so make a plan and get the hell out of the house.—June Bunch
Get Inspired at Glazer Children’s Museum
8 miles from Tampa International Airport
110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sundays 1 p.m.-6 p.m.
“Play with purpose” and use your imaginations to climb, thrive, and create. It’s a controlled environment where your kids can “take on the world.” Admission runs $15 for adults, $13 for children under 12.
Photo via GlazerChildrensMuseum/FacebookCatch a classic at Tampa Theatre
8 miles from Tampa International Airport
11 N Franklin St., Tampa. Sunday and Thursday Showtimes at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The nonprofit hosts a classic movie series with nothing short of golden box office options. Watch your kids get mesmerized by the theater’s realistic star-lit ceiling, and see why the community kept this beloved 1926 theatre popping (get it, like popcorn?). Admission runs $10 per person. Doors open an hour before showtime.
Photo via Javi OrtizTake on the Tampa Riverwalk
9 miles from Tampa International Airport
Begins near Tampa Bay History Center: 819 Water St., Tampa
Indulge in downtown’s 2.6-mile waterfront walk along the Hillsborough River which spans from the History Center all the way to Armature Works, highlighting a cityscape with lit-up waterways and plenty of quality people-watching. The art along the path is sure to light up the eyes of the little ones. If you’re feeling adventurous, add rollerskates to the mix.
Photo via Keir Magoulas/Visit Tampa BayRock your roar at ZooTampa
13 miles from Tampa International Airport
101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa. Open 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Meet a macaw, encounter a giraffe, witness a wallaby and simply fall in love with a lemur (because who wouldn’t?). Admission runs $42.95 for adults, $32.95 for children 3-11 and free for children 2 or under.
Photo via Visit Tampa BayGet fired up at Busch Gardens
16 miles from Tampa International Airport
10165 McKinley Dr., Tampa.
Why limit fireworks to July 4? Get your adrenaline activated on roller coasters, then stay for sparks that fly nightly through Aug. 8, then every Friday-Sunday through Sept. 6, including Labor Day (so long as weather permits). Admission runs $114.99 (tip: buy an annual pass for the same price).
Photo via BGT PRWaterbike the Hillsborough River
16 miles from Tampa International Airport
333 S Franklin St., Boat Slip No. 15, Tampa. Open 10 a.m.-sunset
Who needs a sidewalk when you can bike on the waterway? Tampa Water Bike Co. offers single and tandem water bikes from the Convention Center docks. Pedal the river while staying dry atop a boat-bike-lovechild. So long as they can reach the pedals, anyone 4 years of age or older can enjoy the buoyant hour-long experience for $30 per adult or $25 per child 15 or under.
Photo via TampaWaterBikes/FacebookPack a picnic at Eureka Springs Conservation Park
18 miles from Tampa International Airport
6400 Eureka Springs Rd., Tampa. Open weekdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (6 p.m. on weekends).
Stock up on your charcuterie supplies (or Lunchables) and make your way to a lush landscape of rare and unusual tropical plants at Eureka Springs. See all the crazy things Florida can grow and compete in collecting the names of the endless prized horticulture. Eureka Springs’ 31-acre botanical garden rocks riveting roses, orchid rooms, and even greenhouses. Admission runs $2 per vehicle with up to 8 people per vehicle.
Photo via Google MapsMaster your imagination at MOSI
18 miles from Tampa International Airport
4801 E Fowler Ave., Tampa. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Experience the ultimate science playground at the Museum of Science and Industry. You and your family can expand your minds with brain puzzles, IMAX movies, and zillions of other options worth getting curious about (even beds of nails). Admission runs $12.95 for adults; $10.95 for seniors 60+; and $7.95 for children 12 and under.
Photo via mositampa/FacebookBike the Pinellas Trail
20-ish miles from Tampa International Airport depending on starting point. Refer to map for preferred entrance points. Open 7 a.m.-sunset.
Pump up those bike tires and explore any length of the 75-mile long Pinellas Trail. A beloved section of the trail spans the Boca Ciega Bay, starting with the Cross Bayou Bridge. Kids can cruise the bridge and test out their need for speed on the way downhill. Another favorite ride travels along the Dunedin Causeway, safely heading toward Honeymoon Island State Park with a sea breeze and an awesome view along the way.
Photo via pinellascounty/FlickrTake them out to the Tampa Bay Rays ballgame
4 miles from Tampa International Airport
1 Steinbrenner Dr, Tampa
Nothing spells summer quite like baseball games—and with the Trop under repair, the boys are finally playing their games outside and in Tampa. There’s something classic about root-root-rooting for the home team and grabbing a bunch of impulse vendor snacks along the way. Gear up in your Rays cap and dream of catching the rogue ball in the bleachers. Admission prices depend on seating.
Photo via cityofstpete/FlickrStare at the surreal at the Dalí
22 miles from Tampa International Airport
1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.
Take your eyes on a high-dive with “DillyDally with Dali,” a free workshop for children 4-11 running select Saturdays with games, puzzles, and arts and crafts. See what inspiration escapes the frames. Admission runs $25 for adults, $23 for discounted adults (see list on website), $18 for students, and $10 for children 6-12. Mondays are free for strolling the grounds and galleries.
Photo via cityofstpete/FlickrLearn what grows at Florida Botanical Gardens
22 miles from Tampa International Airport
12520 Ulmerton Rd., Largo. Open 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
Extensive flora and fauna, so the whole family can explore sensational succulents, extensive discovery areas, and beautiful butterfly-garden wonders. Run around in the vibrant color palette of the 100-acre landscape and see what new favorite flowers you’ll find. The best part? The gardens are free of charge to roam.
Photo via pinellascounty/FlickrLook out from Lettuce Lake
25 miles from Tampa International Airport
6920 E Fletcher Ave., Tampa. Open 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
When the kids want to feel on top of the world, race them to the top of the stairs at Lettuce Lake’s observation tower. Overlooking the Hillsborough River’s floodplain, the tower rests at the heart of Lettuce Lake’s 3,500-foot long boardwalk. The whole park can be made into a day, loaded with slides and swings and such at the gigantic playground. Admission runs $2 per vehicle with up to 8 people per vehicle.
Photo by Ray RoaSunbathe St. Pete Beach, the nation’s No. 1 sandy destination
29 miles from Tampa International Airport
4700 Gulf Blvd., St Pete Beach. Open 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset.
See why St. Pete Beach was ranked America’s favorite beach. Is it the powder white sands, the clear waters, or perhaps the perfect salty breezes? Grab your SPF and a towel and find out for yourself. You can even grab some post-sunbathing ice cream at the Don CeSar for a classic, pastel-backdropped treat. Admission is free of charge, but you have to pay for parking.
Photo via Visit St. Pete/Clearwater
Sunbathe St. Pete Beach, the nation’s No. 1 sandy destination
29 miles from Tampa International Airport
4700 Gulf Blvd., St Pete Beach. Open 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset.
See why St. Pete Beach was ranked America’s favorite beach. Is it the powder white sands, the clear waters, or perhaps the perfect salty breezes? Grab your SPF and a towel and find out for yourself. You can even grab some post-sunbathing ice cream at the Don CeSar for a classic, pastel-backdropped treat. Admission is free of charge, but you have to pay for parking.
Photo via Visit St. Pete/ClearwaterFerry to Egmont Key State Park from Ft. Desoto
32 miles from Tampa International Airport
3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde 33715. Open 8 a.m.-sunset. Ferry times 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Grab your cameras and prepare for a day of “wow” at this secluded island paradise. Perfect for swimming, shelling and exploring old Spanish forts (Fort Dade), Egmont Key can be reached via Hubbard’s Marina ferry at Ft. Desoto’s Bay Pier. Keep an eye out for sea turtles and dolphins along the way. Admission to Ft. Desoto runs $5 per vehicle. Ferry entry runs $30 for adults, and $15 for children.
Photo via outdoorstudios/Flickr (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)Stand-up paddleboard or kayak Little Manatee River to Wildcat Park
41 miles from Tampa International Airport
Start: 215 Lightfoot Rd., Wimauma. End: 110 Stephens Rd., Ruskin. Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Set up your shuttle and take a 7-mile beginner-friendly paddle from Little Manatee River to the Wildcat Park, a stretch of river rich with sandy river bottoms and plenty of windy, whimsical picnicing spots. The run is surrounded by sand pine, oak scrub and oxbow wetlands which are sure to entertain the outdoor iSpy enthusiast. There are plenty of rental companies available, with most requiring a minimum age of 8 or older to partake. Admission is free of charge.
Photo via Florida State ParksZipline through the sky
42 miles from Tampa International Airport
27839 Saint Joe Rd., Dade City. Reserve online, as hours vary daily (walk-ins welcome).
What kiddo doesn’t dream of flying through trees like a superhero? TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure park provides a 3-hour climb for platform challenges all connected by cable, wood, rope and zip lines. Admission runs $58.95 for adults 12 and over, $40.94 for children 7-11, and $21.95 for ages 5-6.
Photo via treehopperstampa/Facebook??Meet mermaids at Weeki Wachee
52 miles from Tampa International Airport
6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee. Open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Remember watching “The Little Mermaid” and wondering if mermaids were real? Look no further; these mermaids perform the beloved tale of Ariel and the prince every day, right in the heart of a spring-fed underwater stage. Admission runs $8-$13 and remains free for children 5 and under.
Photo via WeekiWacheeSprings/Facebook??Bird watch, scavenger hunt and look for giant alligators at Circle B Bar Reserve
48 miles from Tampa International Airport
4399 Winter Lake Rd., Lakeland. Saturday-Monday 6 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Tuesday-Friday 6 a.m.-8 p.m.
Circle B Bar Reserve’s 1,267 acres host some of Florida’s best bird watching. Whether the goal is to spot a rare painted bunting or an elegant sandhill crane, you’re bound to find something worthwhile in your binoculars. Even if birds aren’t your family’s thing, Circle B features great games on its interactive Agents of Discovery Mobile App including scavenger hunts and nature bingo. Early morning or near dusk grant the best sightings (and lighting) but you can make a whole day out of exploring the reserve. Admission is free. Also, giant alligators.
Photo via Visit FloridaStep right up to the Ringling Museum
54 miles from Tampa International Airport
5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Come one, come all, to the mighty Ringling grounds, where you can wander through not one, but two circus museums and look at all the marvels of the classic circus attributes. And, as if that weren’t enough, there’s also a fine arts museum, extensive rose garden, and Ringling mansion, Ca’ d’Zan. Admission runs $25 for adults, $23 for seniors 65-and-up, and $5 for children 6-17.
Photo via Mariakray – stock.adobe.comMake your best fishy face at Mote Marine Laboratory
60 miles from Tampa International Airport
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota. Open 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Mote Marine Laboratory runs an independent, nonprofit, marine research organization with hands-on exhibits, touch pools, and countless aquarium windows of underwater wonders. The place is just flooded in fantastic discovery potential to learn. Reserve tickets in advance. Admission runs $24 for adults 13 and over; $18 for children 12 and under.
Photo via MoteMarineLab/Facebook??Let go at Legoland
61 miles from Tampa International Airport
1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
The brick-tastic botanical garden is sure to entertain the troop of kids with its numerous interactive shows, imaginative stations and Lego-themed rides. Your honey can skip the shrink-ray-gun and dive into the larger-than-life Legos at Legoland (stylized “LEGOLAND”). Admission runs $90.54 for all guests 3 years of age or older.
Photo via LEGOLANDFlorida/Facebook??Kayak Homosassa Springs
68 miles from Tampa International Airport
4150 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa. Open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Panthers, and bobcats, and bears, oh my! Make your way to the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park to see native Florida wildlife in its many forms. On kayak, you can paddle through the river’s Huckleberry Finn worthy wonders. Admission runs $13 for adults and $5 for children 6-12. Children under 6 admitted at no charge.
Photo via Florida State Parks??Hike the treetop canopy at Myakka River State Park
73 miles from Tampa International Airport
13208 SR-72, Sarasota.
This gorgeous suspended trail runs 25 feet above ground and grants a true bird’s-eye view. Look out across the hammock canopy and expansive surrounding wetlands while wandering the 100-foot long path. If you’re up for the real climb, you can reach the Treetop Canopy’s unforgettable overlook, towering 74-feet from the trail. From that vantage point, the whole family can feel like they’re flying. Admission is free of charge.
Photo via Adobe??See coastal wildlife at Turtle Beach
73 miles from Tampa International Airport
8918 Midnight Pass Rd., Sarasota. Open 6 a.m.-midnight.
The south end of Siesta Key holds Turtle Beach, a seashell-collecting dreamland with legendary views of turtles, dolphins, manatees and coastal birds. The currents pull pristine shells to the shore and house ample opportunities to bust out your field guide and learn new wildlife. Admission is free of charge.
Photo via Sarasota CountyGeocache at Bok Tower Gardens
74 miles from Tampa International Airport
1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
If your kids crave a real-life treasure hunt, this is a popular destination for Geocaching, where an app uses GPS coordinates to lead users toward hidden caches. Often these caches have log books where you can prove you’ve found the treasure and see who else has sought the same spot. The Geocache app is free. Admission to the Garden runs $15 for adults, $5 for children 5-12, and $5 for dogs.
Photo via Visit Central Florida??Have some good ole’ fashioned fun at Old Town
75 miles from Tampa International Airport
5770 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy., Kissimmee. Open 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Take a whack at some carnival games, ninja courses, weekly car shows and escape rooms. This permanent homage to classic American fun hosts a town’s worth of activities for the whole family, all the way down to funnel cakes and ferris wheels. Admission is free of charge, activity prices vary.
Photo via MyOldTownUSA/FacebookRock some mouse ears at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom
82 miles from Tampa International Airport
3111 World Dr., Lake Buena Vista. Open 9 a.m.-11 p.m.
Gather your Disney trivia for the car ride and watch the kiddos illuminate at the Magic Kingdom entrance. Check out your favorite childhood attractions and stick around for Happily Ever After fireworks at 9:15 p.m. nightly. Advance admission starts at $109 for adults 10 and up, $104 for children 3-9.
Photo via Disney/PixarTube down Rock Springs at Kelly Park
110 miles from Tampa International Airport
400 E Kelly Park Rd., Apopka. Open 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Finally, a place to use those unicorn and pizza-shaped tubes. Enjoy glassy turquoise waters at Rock Springs, where the sandy-bottomed currents maintain 68 refreshing degrees no matter how hot the Sunshine State reaches. Wake up early and visit the website for capacity updates, as the park fills up fast. Admission runs $3-$5 per vehicle for 1-8 people, and $1 for additional people/walk-ins/motorcycles/bikes.
Photo via rain0975/FlickrGlass-bottom boat tour Silver Springs State Park
112 miles from Tampa International Airport
5656 E Silver Springs Blvd., Silver Springs. Open 8 a.m.-sunset. Boat tours run 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Peer into Silver Springs’ marvelous depths durting this30-minute excursion of Native American and Spanish artifacts, wildlife, and old submerged Hollywood movie props. (This park was actually where the glass bottom boat was invented!) The tour treks numerous springs including the river’s impressive head waters, Mammoth Spring, and grants informative facts along the way. Admission runs $2 per person (above the age of 6). Boat tours run $12 per adult, $11 per senior or child 6-12. Children under 6 admitted at no charge.
Photo via SilverSpringsStatePark/FacebookGet out of this world at the Kennedy Space Center
133 miles from Tampa International Airport
Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Walk the same paths of astronauts at the NASA launch site. Get up close to the place space exploration blasted off and see the innovations that made all of it possible. Tickets run $57 for adults and $47 for children 12 and under.
Photo via Jillian Cain – stock.adobe.com??Learn to surf at Cocoa Beach
138 miles from Tampa International Airport
216 E Cocoa Beach Causeway. Open sunrise to sunset.
What’s not to love about the east coast’s surf capital? The warm waves welcome beginners and professionals alike and have been home to many all-star surfers including Kelly Slater, 11-time ASP World Tour Champion. Rent a board at a local shop and check out lesson schedules. Tales of 2-year-old rippers remain, but lessons start at 7 and up. We bet you can catch your own perfect break. Beach admission is free of charge. Parking runs $15 for the day.
Photo via Adobe??Speed up your senses at Daytona International Speedway
143 miles from Tampa International Airport
1801 W International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach.
Loud. Fast. Tactical. NASCAR takes a track and makes it dramatic. You just pick a car, any car, and follow it around the circle, wondering how it doesn’t crash. (Think of how quickly they have to react!) Be sure to bring ear-plugs for the pedal-to-the-medal engines revving. Upcoming races happen on August 27-28 (Wawa 250, Children under 12 get free GA; Coke Zero Sugar 400, kids 12 and under are $10).
Photo via DAYTONA/FacebookSnorkel Ichetucknee Springs State Park
171 miles from Tampa International Airport
12087 SW US-Hwy 27, Fort White. Open 8 a.m.-sunset.
Daydream while floating over deep-cyan ripples of Ichetucknee’s spring-fed flows. Eventually, make your way to the Blue Hole, where 67 million gallons of water flow each day from seemingly endless dark blue depths. This relaxing river float holds glass-like waters and endless family photo backdrops. Admission runs $6 per vehicle.
Photo via Pengd0t, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
