Last summer I found myself with a week of scheduled vacation time and no getaway planned! It was the perfect opportunity for a Tampa Bay staycation!  We took advantage of it and played tourist in our own town!  We planned a different activity everyday and checked off new places that we had always wanted to try.  

 Planning a summer staycation in Tampa Bay for the family can be an exciting adventure. There are many options for activities and exploring nature. Tampa Bay offers the perfect setting for an unforgettable staycation that kids and parents alike will enjoy. From world-class beaches and attractions to hidden gems, there's something for everyone in this city by the bay.

 In this blog, discover the best family-friendly spots Tampa has to offer, including fascinating museums and beautiful beaches perfect for swimming and fishing. Embark on outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting in the city's scenic parks and preserves. With these top staycation ideas, your family can experience an amazing getaway without ever leaving the Tampa Bay area.  Pin this on your refrigerator for year-round Tampa Bay staycation ideas - you’ll thank me again and again!

Family-Friendly Attractions and Activities

Tampa offers a wealth of exciting attractions and activities that cater to families with children of all ages. From museums to beaches, there's something for everyone to enjoy during a Tampa Bay staycation.

Beaches and Waterfronts

It wouldn’t be a staycation in Tampa if you didn’t plan some time at one of the area's stunning beaches. Clearwater Beach consistently ranks among the nation’s best. It boasts soft white sand and calm, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and fishing. My boys love to go fishing and are prepared to drop a line anywhere.

For a more laid-back atmosphere, head to Fort De Soto Park. There you can explore nature trails, spot wildlife, and relax on the beach. Fort De Soto Park is located along Florida’s Gulf Coast.  

HOT TIP: Many migratory birds utilize the area during spring and fall migration so it’s a great place to visit year-round. Did you know Fort De Soto Park is famous as one of the premier bird watching locations in the eastern United States? 

Museums and Educational Centers

If those summer thunderstorms are popping, head to the Glazer Children's Museum.  Here, the kids can get their hands on exhibits that encourage learning through play. Kids can pretend to be doctors, veterinarians, or engineers as they explore the museum's interactive displays.  Say hi to Big John, the full-size triceratops fossil, while you’re there! 

The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) is another terrific option. It offers immersive exhibits on topics ranging from space exploration to the human body. Afterward, head over to the University of South Florida’s campus for a snack at the student center. It’s never too early to start exploring college campuses.  USF joined the prestigious AAU in 2023.

The Florida Aquarium is rated among the best aquariums in the US and is always a favorite for my fish-loving crew on a hot Florida day!  Fish and stingrays and sharks, oh my!

Love animals?  Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and The Zoo at Lowry Park are always a hit in my home!  For a unique Florida experience, head to the TECO Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach during the winter for an up-close encounter with manatees in their natural habitat.

Sports and Recreation

We love to stay active with our kids. We’re all in luck! Tampa has no shortage of sports and recreation options. Grab your bikes and pedal along the scenic Tampa Riverwalk. You can also visit one of the parks, such as Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Riverfront Park or Ballast Point Park.  They are all great for picnics, playgrounds, splash pads and outdoor fun.  We also like to take our bikes for a spin at New Tampa Nature Park and my boys absolutely love to ride the zip line and climb the rock feature after our ride.

If you like to watch the action too, check the schedule and catch a Tampa Bay Rays baseball game at Tropicana Field this summer. Minor league baseball games are also loaded with fun activities at the game, like bring your dog day or fireworks after the game. We had a blast with the Tampa Tarpons $2 Tuesday led by MLB’s first female manager! 

Tampa Bay is also home to a TopGolf and PopStroke, a unique putt putt golf spot founded by Tiger Woods. For you golf-lovers, also be on the lookout for Ace Golf Courses to do a “kids golf free” promotion that we enjoyed the past couple of years.  It allows kids to play a game of putt putt or drive a bucket of balls at the range daily during the summer for free (or $1!).  

To beat the summer heat, Tampa has a number of indoor recreation options:

• A favorite indoor activity spot for our family has always been Playgrounds of Tampa which has been newly renovated with even more space, bounce houses and a new climbing playground!  
• Bowling alleys, like Pin Chasers and Splittsville   are always guaranteed fun. 
• Elev8 Tampa was a blast with laser tag, go-karts, indoor ropes course, mini-golf, arcade and bowling.  
• We found indoor rock climbing at Vertical Ventures in St. Pete to be a great way to wear out my busy guys on a hot day!  They literally climbed for 6 hours straight and napped on the ride home! This summer, we’re excited to try out Central Rock Gym, which has opened since.

With such a diverse array of family-friendly attractions and activities, Tampa is the perfect destination for a memorable staycation filled with fun, learning, and quality time together.

Dining and Local Treats

Tired of cooking? Tampa offers an array of family-friendly restaurants and unique dessert spots that cater to everyone. There's something for everyone in Tampa Bay in terms of mealtime. An afternoon exploring the Riverwalk and then a night out with the family at Sparksman Wharf will make you feel like you’re truly on vacation!

Family-Friendly Restaurants

Tampa Bay is home to many kid-friendly restaurants that make dining out with the family fun. Here are a few we like to go to:

1. Armature Works features a variety of local restaurants in its Heights Public Market. 
2. St. Pete Pier has a number of open air markets and provides outdoor dining options with a few fun playgrounds as well. 
3. Starkey Farms and Market is outside of Tampa, in New Port Richey, but it’s a fun spot for the entire family and the farm-fresh food is terrific.

There are a number of fun restaurants in Tarpon Springs as well. It’s fun to walk along the sponge docks and treat yourself to some delicious Greek delights! 

Unique Dessert Spots

No family dining experience is complete without a sweet treat. For a truly memorable dessert experience, visit these three local favorites:

• Dairy Joy: A local favorite for ice cream with a 50’s flare and corn hole fun!
• Crumbl Cookies: Delicious and unique flavors. I dare you to not eat the entire cookie!
• Hyppo Gourmet Ice Pops: All-natural, handmade ice pops in a variety of flavors

Nature and Outdoor Adventures

Tampa Bay offers a wealth of opportunities for families to explore the great outdoors and connect with nature during your staycation. From lush gardens and nature preserves to scenic parks and hiking trails, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Gardens and Nature Preserves

The USF Botanical Gardens, spanning 16 acres, showcases a diverse collection of plants from around the world. Kids under 12 are free! Stroll through Butterfly Garden or the Herb and Scent Garden. They have a small store where they sell unique plants as well. 

Honestly, in Tampa, your family might be hard pressed to run out of ways to connect with nature.  For a more immersive experience, visit one of the area's nature preserves:

• Lettuce Lake Regional Park: Explore the 3,500-foot boardwalk through a hardwood swamp forest, spot wildlife from the observation tower, and enjoy picnic areas and playgrounds.  You can rent a kayak onsite to explore the park by water.
• Eureka Springs Regional Park: Discover rare and unusual plants in this botanical garden developed by volunteers over many years.
• Blackwater Hammock Preserve: Stroll through diverse habitats, including hardwood hammocks, pine flatwoods, and cypress swamps, in this 1,300-acre preserve.

Parks and Hiking Trails

For a unique outdoor experience, visit the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center on the St. Pete Pier. This marine education center offers hands-on exhibits, touch tanks, and interactive displays that teach children about the importance of preserving Tampa Bay's ecosystem. Bring your bikes and fishing gear - you can do both on the Pier too.

Tampa's parks and trails offer endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and adventure. Here are a couple of our top picks for families:

• Al Lopez Park: 1.2-mile paved trail, picnic shelters, fitness stations, dog park, amazing playgrounds
• Upper Tampa Bay Trail : 7.3-mile paved trail through residential areas and natural habitats

Plan Tampa Staycations Year Round!

Different from Orlando and/or Miami - Tampa Bay is known to provide a more relaxed atmosphere with a focus on outdoor activities. It also features numerous family-oriented neighborhoods and suburbs. As you plan your summer (or fall or winter) family staycation, bookmark this blog to refer to throughout the year. You'll never run out of ideas for creating lasting memories with your family in Tampa Bay. Have fun!