It’s easy to find attractions in Tampa Florida that appeal to kids of all ages, but finding free adventures is another story. When you’re going to see friends, on a break, or maybe a community resident who has kids and really doesn’t want to shell out that $50-$100 it will take for popcorn and theater tickets, we have some great alternatives.
Curtis Hixon Park
This gem is situated between Ashley Blvd and the Hillsborough River right next to the new Glazer Children’s Museum and the Tampa Museum of Art. This park offers several acres of open area including a dog walk, part of Tampa’s new River Walk, a nice walk along the water with views of the University of Tampa, and some amazing opportunities to play. When you’re driving around looking for parking, your kids will surely get excited and start trying hard to escape the vehicle as they see the “spray fields”. Spraygrounds are interactive fountains designed for children to run around, much like the children’s model of the Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas. As long as you can get them away from the fountains, there is a play area that looks like a giant toy setup with a segment that combines games with exercise, so there will be something to keep everyone entertained!
the pier
The Pier Aquarium is a huge venue right in the center of St. Petersburg, located towards the end of the St. Petersburg Pier. The place is not the only thing your children will like. The center of St. Petersburg is undoubtedly charming and beautiful. As you park your car, you’ll end up walking alongside a marina full of beautiful sailboats with pelicans and seagulls overhead. You’ll be close to many small cafes and restaurants, galleries and museums, and a beautiful recreation area that features an impressive Banyan tree. Actually, the kids could probably spend half the afternoon just playing around that tree! But continue on to the Pier Aquarium and wander through a unique environment designed specifically to teach and inspire children. Keep your video camera handy, as you’ll need to film your kids at the Tampa Bay Touch Tank exhibit where they’ll touch everything from horseshoe crabs to tulip snails. This fish tank is a fun and entertaining day out for everyone in the family!
Fort DeSoto Park
Fort DeSoto is listed as one of the best beaches in the region almost every year, and is located in Tierra Verde, a small community here within Tampa Bay that is 45 minutes from Tampa airport hotels. The beach is a stunning example of the sun and white sands that Pinellas County has to offer. Still, if it had been just a beach, it probably wouldn’t have made the list. Fort DeSoto is a historic site, a fortification built by the Spanish around the year 1500 to combat a local community of Native Americans. It is possible to organize picnic areas and take the traditional trip to the beach, discover more than 1,000 acres of land, let the children play near the fort or even get a fishing rod and enjoy the 2 fishing piers.
