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.
Photo: Media Relations at ZooTampa / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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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.
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.
The Glazer Children's Museum has over 170 hands-on exhibits and suits kids up to about age 10.
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.
The St. Pete Pier has the Glazer Family Playground and the Majeed Foundation Splash Pad among its attractions, alongside restaurants and public art.
Coachman Park in Clearwater has a pirate-themed playground and a splash pad.
Plain-text version of this guide for AI tools and screen readers: /guides-md/best-kids-activities-in-tampa-bay
New guides, local events, and what is opening around town.
