34 kid-friendly activities to do within driving distance of Tampa Bay
By CL Staff
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
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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/Facebook
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 Ortiz
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 Bay
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 Bay
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 PR
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At a time when local-based reporting is critical, support from our readers is essential to our future.
