# 6 Best Kids' Activities in Tampa Bay (2026) A zoo with a splash pad, a pirate-themed playground, and 170-plus hands-on exhibits. Tampa Bay's family attractions range from a nationally rated zoo to free parks with splash pads. Details like ticket promotions and free days change, so confirm dates, prices and age rules before you go. Spots are numbered for easy browsing, not as a strict ranking. Updated: October 2026. Source: Real Tampa Bay Media, https://realtampabay.com/guides/best-kids-activities-in-tampa-bay ## Spots ### 1. ZooTampa at Lowry Park Rated among the country's best zoos. - Neighborhood: Tampa ZooTampa is rated one of the best zoos in the country and the most visited cultural attraction in Florida. Its Wallaroo Station section has rides, a petting zoo, a splash pad and a wallaby walkabout. Highlights: Petting zoo; Splash pad; Wallaroo Station ### 2. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island Theme park and waterpark across the street. - Neighborhood: Tampa - Address: 10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and its neighbor Adventure Island are a major family day out. A 2026 Preschool card allows free unlimited visits for children age 5 and younger through December 31, 2026. Highlights: Theme park; Adventure Island waterpark; Free for ages 5 and under (2026 card) ### 3. Glazer Children's Museum 170-plus hands-on exhibits. - Neighborhood: Downtown Tampa The Glazer Children's Museum has over 170 hands-on exhibits and suits kids up to about age 10. Highlights: 170+ exhibits; Hands-on; Ages up to 10 ### 4. The Florida Aquarium Otters, coral reefs and a splash park. - Neighborhood: Channel District The Florida Aquarium has otters and coral reef habitats and an outdoor splash park for kids. It is one of the attractions in the Tampa Bay CityPass. Highlights: Otters; Coral reefs; Splash park ### 5. St. Pete Pier Playground and splash pad on the water. - Neighborhood: Downtown St. Petersburg The St. Pete Pier has the Glazer Family Playground and the Majeed Foundation Splash Pad among its attractions, alongside restaurants and public art. Highlights: Glazer Family Playground; Splash pad; Public art ### 6. Coachman Park A pirate-themed playground in Clearwater. - Neighborhood: Downtown Clearwater Coachman Park in Clearwater has a pirate-themed playground and a splash pad. Highlights: Pirate-themed playground; Splash pad; Free ## About this guide Picks are compiled from local publications and public sources and are not a paid ranking. Spots are numbered for browsing, not as a strict ranking. Hours and prices are intentionally omitted because they change; confirm details with each venue. All guides: https://realtampabay.com/guides Header photo: Media Relations at ZooTampa, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ZooTampa_at_Lowry_Park_Main_Entrance.jpg).