Tampa · Hillsborough County, FL

Family things to do in Tampa

Scout analyzed 142 Tampa places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.

Places analyzed

142

Matches

Typical spend

$15

Typical visit

1.6 hr

Complete outings

Family Afternoon at The Florida Aquarium

Spend your afternoon immersed in marine life at The Florida Aquarium, where kids can marvel at sharks, penguins, and touch tanks. Afterward, grab a casual lunch that caters to all tastes at the bustling Armature Works. Finish your day with some relaxed playtime at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, letting the kids burn off energy by the water.

Scout-verified spots

Courier City/Oscawana

Caffeine Roasters

Caffeine Roasters is a good spot for a quick coffee and snack, ideal for a solo work session or a casual meet-up. Expect to spend $5-$15 per person for a visit lasting about 30 minutes.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Tampa Heights

Ulele

Ulele is suitable for a dinner outing, particularly with visitors or for a special occasion. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours and about $40-80 per person on native Floridian cuisine and house-brewed beers.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors

$40–$80 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown

Naked Farmer

Naked Farmer is suitable for a quick, healthy meal, often paired with a walk around the Water Street district. Expect to spend $15-25 per person for a bowl, taking about 30 minutes for your visit.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$15–$25 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Sun Bay South

Salt Shack On The Bay

Salt Shack is a relaxed seafood restaurant on the bay, good for a casual meal or drinks with views. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $20-40 per person.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors

$20–$40 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

John Chesnut Sr. Park

John Chesnut Sr. Park is a good place for an inexpensive outdoor outing with family or pets, offering walking trails, wildlife viewing, and recreational fields. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and little to no money per person.

OutdoorsAnimalsSports

$0–$5 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Greater Thonotosassa

Eureka Springs Park

Eureka Springs Park is ideal for a 1-2 hour leisurely stroll through tropical gardens and along boardwalks. Expect a low cost of admission, if any, making it a budget-friendly option for nature observation.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals

$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Town N Country Alliance

Upper Tampa Bay Trail-Montague St.

This trail is a good option for a casual outdoor walk, run, or bike ride. It's free and can be combined with a picnic or a stop at a nearby cafe, typically taking 1-2 hours depending on distance.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Robinson Preserve

Robinson Preserve is a good spot for a 2-3 hour outdoor adventure, offering hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. It pairs well with a picnic and is free to visit, suitable for families or solo outings.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Northwest Tampa

Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail

This trail is ideal for a free outdoor exercise outing with scenic views over the bay, suitable for walking, running, or cycling. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here, pairing it with a meal or other activity in Tampa or Clearwater.

OutdoorsViewsWellness

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Family

Moccasin Lake Nature Park

Visit Moccasin Lake Nature Park for a 2-hour nature walk or educational tour, good for a free family outing. It pairs well with a picnic or a nearby playground visit.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Ybor City Historic District

Café Quiquiriqui

Café Quiquiriqui is a casual coffee shop suitable for a quick breakfast or a light snack, costing roughly $10-25 per person. It works well as a starting point for a day exploring Ybor City.

FoodShoppingViews

$10–$25 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Roasted!

Roasted! is a coffee shop suitable for a casual solo stop or a quick family outing, expecting to spend about 45 minutes and $5-15 per person on drinks and light bites.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Hyde Park

Oxford Exchange

Oxford Exchange is suitable for a brunch or lunch outing, combining dining with a browse through books and gifts. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $25-60 per person.

FoodShoppingWellness

$25–$60 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Greater Thonotosassa

Hillsborough River State Park

Hillsborough River State Park is suitable for a 3-5 hour outdoor adventure, offering hiking, fishing, or kayaking. It's a budget-friendly option, typically costing $2-$6 per person for entry.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$2–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Sawgrass Lake Park

This park is ideal for a quiet, free outdoor walk on boardwalks to observe wildlife and nature. It can be a good stop for 1.5-2 hours, perhaps before or after a meal, especially on a dry, mild day.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Sugar Factory - Tampa Bay

This is a whimsical American restaurant and dessert spot, good for a family meal or a celebration. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $30-$75 per person on food and specialty drinks.

FoodCocktailsPlayful

$30–$75 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Outdoors

James E. Grey Preserve

This preserve is suitable for a 1-2 hour nature walk, birdwatching, or a family outing with a playground. It costs nothing to enter and pairs well with a picnic or other outdoor activities.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Westshore

Bahama Breeze

Bahama Breeze is suitable for a casual meal or drinks, offering Caribbean-inspired food and cocktails. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and around $25-50 per person.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$25–$50 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Arts & Culture

Weedon Island Preserve

Weedon Island Preserve is ideal for a half-day outdoor exploration, offering hiking and paddling. Expect to spend a few hours exploring the trails, with costs mainly for optional kayak rentals.

OutdoorsSportsHistory

$0–$25 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

South Seminole Heights

Spaddy's Coffee Co.

A good spot for a casual coffee break or light bite, either solo or with a small group. Expect to spend 45 minutes to an hour and around $5-15 per person.

FoodShoppingOutdoors

$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Lakewood Estates

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

This nature preserve is good for a multi-hour family or solo outing, offering trails and wildlife viewing. Expect a low per-person cost, mainly for entrance and optional tram tours, best enjoyed on a temperate day.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$2–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Sports & Recreation

Brooker Creek Preserve & Environmental Education Center

Brooker Creek Preserve is suitable for a 2-hour outdoor excursion, offering trails and an education center. It's a free activity, good for pairing with a picnic or other local outdoor attractions.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Greater Thonotosassa

Lower Hillsborough Wildlife Management Area

This wildlife management area is ideal for a half-day to full-day outdoor excursion, offering trails for hiking or biking and opportunities for river activities. Expect minimal cost, primarily for parking or equipment rentals if needed.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0–$10 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Keysville Neighborhood

Alderman's Ford Conservation Park

Alderman's Ford Conservation Park is ideal for a few hours of outdoor family fun, hiking, or picnicking. Expect to spend a small park entry fee per vehicle. It pairs well with packing a picnic lunch.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$2–$5 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking