Location: Tampa
Top Things to do in Tampa
10 Things to do Good for Kids in Tampa That You Shouldn't Miss
Tampa is a laid-back city with a vibrant arts scene and plenty of opportunities for adventure. Busch Gardens offers thrills for families and risk-averse adrenaline junkies, as does the domed IMAX theater of the Museum of Science and Industry. Spend a day touring Tampa’s many art museums, then cheer on your favorite Tampa Bay team at a home game. Get up close and personal with the majestic lions, tigers, and leopards of the Big Cat Rescue animal sanctuary.
Restaurants in Tampa
1. Tampa Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 706 reviews
1926 movie palace is on the National Register of Historic Places and still plays its Wurlitzer organ before shows.
Reviewed By richieactor - Sarasota, United States
A 1926 Movie Theater meticulously restored to its glory days of the silent film. Take the 2 + hour guided tour of this beautiful theater will acquaint you to the films of the past present and future. Watching and seeing an organist make the original Wurlitzer pipe organ come to life is worth the nominal tour fee - what a sound! The CEO of the non-profit historical theater is your guide, and knows all the history and more that willing to share it. If you miss the tour, buy a ticket to see an old silent film with live organ accompaniment. Certainly not like like watching a silent on TV. Thoroughly enjoyable.
2. Horse Power for Kids & Animal Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 229 reviews
Animal sanctuary with exotic and livestock species. Farm animals ,exotics, pony rides ,train rides, hayrides, horseback riding all in a farm setting. We are open Thurs-Sunday, please note we are closed Mon-Wed.
Reviewed By oceanadventurerPADI - Tampa, United States
We were looking for a place to have our daughter's birthday party and stumbled on this hidden gem. We ended up having the best birthday party and the staff was amazing. We had over nearly 20 kids ranging from ages 4 to 12, and there was something for everyone. Kids ages 7-12 were able to ride horses in groups of 5. The staff had a guide riding in the front and a guide in the rear, but the kids were taught to control the well behaved (older) horses and went on a 25-30 minute trail ride on the grounds. When they returned, the next group of 5 kids went. The children younger than 7 are able to do pony rides, and all the animals appeared to be clean and well taken care of. When not riding the horses/ponies, there are animals of all types (bunnies, goats, pigs, ferrets, raccoons, etc.) and the kids were able to explore and move around freely. Everyone in attendance was amazed at how much fun everyone was having, and we were all relaxed allowing the kids play while the staff was stationed around to help with the animals. I can't be more happy with our experience at this interactive animal sanctuary. Thank you to everyone.
3. Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 152 reviews
Reviewed By B1714D - Belgrade, Serbia
The Sacred Heart is a beautiful Neo Gothic style church built in the very center, in the business district but close to the Riverwalk. The Church is built of stone blocks and the interior is great as well, with nice altar, stained glass and rose window.
4. Busch Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17,575 reviews
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure, combining world-class thrill rides, live entertainment and more than 12,000 animals. Challenge a 335-foot drop tower, Falcon's Fury, or race like a cheetah on Cheetah Hunt. Busch Gardens' newest attraction, Cobra's Curse puts a spin on family thrills with this one-of-a-kind spin coaster.
Reviewed By 82lloydm - Salvador, Brazil
This is truly one of my Favorite theme parks, as it has a Mixture of everything Thrill rides Theme park and zoo, Sheikra is one of my Favorite rides with a 200 foot drop, it truly gets my Adrenaline going every time, I love the cheetah Hunt ride it’s super fast also it reminds me of Another fast ride in Thorpe park called stealth which is in a Theme park in England. One of my Best part of this park is the Gorillas and primates park you see the playing in a Natural environment, a big open space. You can see the Gorilla Through the glass there one Silverback male I think and some other smaller gorilla. The Hippos area is truly beautiful it like a Small aquarium one of the best I’ve ever seen you get to see the hippos in and out of water swimming around with fishes and Turtles. I love this place
5. ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,931 reviews
See our full modified operations plan here: https://zootampa.org/visitor-info/new-beginning-zootampa-reopens/ ZooTampa at Lowry Park is home to more than 1300 animals and famous for having one of the most beautiful, tropical zoological settings in the world. The Zoo brings together animals and visitors to create unforgettable, natural connections. Guests get closer to wildlife than ever before by touching a giant tortoise, feeding a giraffe, getting nose-to-horn with an Indian rhino, hand-to-fin with slippery stingrays and more! Families can also splash in water play areas, feel thrills on rides and take in educational shows. Love manatees? The Zoo is the only place in Tampa where guests can see Florida manatees year round. At the David A. Straz Jr. Manatee Hospital, the Zoo’s veterinary and animal-care staff treat sick, injured and orphaned manatees, and return them to the wild after rehabilitation.
Reviewed By tompM626YY
Nestled in the lush vegetation of Lowry Park in Tampa, FL is a most wonderful zoo experience for the family. The Tampa Zoo is a world class facility filled with engaging and unique exhibits of animals from around the world. The park is clean, well maintained and staffed by some of the most friendly and well trained people you will encounter anywhere. The African Exhibit tram in particular is well worth the ride. Our tour guide Betsy provided an entertaining and fact-filled narrative while we enjoyed an up-close encounter with rhinos, giraffes, antelopes, elephants and monkeys. The zoo provides many opportunities for special animal encounters and hosts a variety of programs for children including zoo camps, sleepovers, zoo school and arts & crafts. The zoo's kids zone is well designed with kid-friendly exhibits and play areas to keep the little ones entertained. And the zoo's on-site animal hospital keeps the residents healthy while working to promote the zoo's breeding programs and sustainability initiatives. An all around great day with the family at a first-class attraction. Enjoy.
6. Hyde Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
A historic part of town filled with interesting homes from the early 20th century.
Reviewed By lj3efird - Topeka, United States
Many shops and eating places have either remodeled or built new structures for neighborhood shopping and eating. High priced homes south and east toward the historic Bayshore Blvd. and Davis Island are worth a walk through to view up close, especially the houses on Newport.
7. Bayshore Boulevard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 965 reviews
Home of the world's longest sidewalk.
Reviewed By wimi7985 - Tampa, United States
If you want a beautiful view of the Bay, an uninterrupted sidewalk to run/walk on, and great landscaping with large upscale houses as your backdrop, definitely check out Bayshore. The scenery and no traffic on the pedestrian path makes your workout, much more pleasant!
8. George M. Steinbrenner Field
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 634 reviews
George M. Steinbrenner Field is the Spring Home to the New York Yankees and Home to the Single-A Advanced Affiliate, the Tampa Tarpons. The Tampa Tarpons play 70 home games from April through September with ticket prices starting as low as $5 per person.
Reviewed By 807bonniep
My husband and grandsons had a wonderful day, he has been a Yankee fan for more than 7 decades. Will return again.
9. Lettuce Lake Regional Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,071 reviews
Lettuce Lake Park opened in 1982 and quickly became a hub of activities. The 240-acre site offers something for everyone. Wooded picnic areas and a playground are family favorites. A 1.25 mile bicycle path/jogging trail, complete with a fitness course, meander through the park. Lettuce Lake is also a haven to study nature. An interpretive center, featuring exhibits, leads to a 3,500-foot boardwalk and an observation tower where visitors can view an extensive variety of wildlife. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent to visitors to experience a wholenew side of the Park.
Reviewed By cindylM3906GL
Pretty place. Nice boardwalk along the lake, Saw a few adult gators crossing the lake and several Baby gators near the boardwalk.
10. Amalie Arena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,896 reviews
Reviewed By drichmond99 - Ontario, Canada
was a great NHL game, seemed that the Visiting Maple Leafs brought all of Canada with them, Amalie Arena was easy to get around, enjoyed some pre game drinks at Cigar City Brewing, good times.
