2026 Free & Cheap Summer Fun for kids
School is out and Summer is in! Whether it is enrolling your child in a Tampa Bay Area Summer Camps or visiting one of the popular Tampa attractions, there is always something to do.
Spend the summer exploring all the free and cheap things to do in the Tampa Bay Area. From free movies, bowling, golf, discounted museum admissions and more. There’s something for everyone to do.
With this comprehensive list you will have no problem planning a family outing that is easy, free, and cheap. Here is a great list that will keep you out and on a budget this summer.
Ready for the best summer around Tampa?
Please Note: This article was accurate the day it was posted. All prices, offerings and dates are subject to change without notice. Please contact each location and attraction for up-to-date rates and information before heading out.
Summer Movie Deals
FREE & Up Summer kids MOVIES
There is a great selection of new-release movies and older ones that you can watch for $5 or less per person. Click on the links below to see the full movie schedule.
1. Xscape Riverview Theatre is one of the only indoor movie theatres that offer free movies! You’ll want to catch the full schedule before heading out.
See the full schedule here.
3. AMC Summer Movie Camp watch some of your favorite movies on the big screen. Get tickets for just $3+tax on Mondays and Wednesdays for their Summer Movie Camp! Revisit your family favorites, only at select locations.
5. The B&B Theatres in Wesley Chapel, FL Summer Kids Series operates during the summer months when school is not in session and is designed to give families an affordable morning option that is great for the whole family.
B&B Kids movies showtimes will be at 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM, and a Sensory Friendly Showtime at 10:15 AM on the below dates. Tickets are $5 OR $3 for Backstage Pass Members! Not a Backstage pass member? It’s FREE to join! Sign up here.
See the full schedule here.
9. Visit Spring Hill 8 for their Summer Kids Movie series for 2025! Enjoy $1 movie tickets, $2 popcorn, and $2 drinks on Wednesdays at 9:45 a.m
See the full Summer Kids Movie Schedule for Spring Hill 8.
10. Switch it up! Watch a movie for cheap at one of Tampa Bay’s Drive-In Theatres. They are affordable and many include two movies for one price.
11. $5 and Up Movies on Tuesdays. Visit our Ultimate Guide to Tuesday movies! Movies start at $5 and go up to $6.99 for any show, all day.
Explore our
Tampa Bay Kids Summer Camps
Summer Attraction Deals
Summer is all about deals! With over 70 days of summer break with the kids, doing things together can quickly add up. Make sure to take advantage of these deals before planning your summer adventures.
12. PopStroke Summer Pass 2026
The PopStroke Summer Pass gives you unlimited mini golf from May 25 through September 7, 2026 for just $50 per person. The pass includes unlimited play at all PopStroke locations, a free scoop of ice cream when you sign up, and no blackout dates or restricted hours. It’s a great way for families to enjoy unlimited summer fun while taking advantage of food specials and family-friendly activities throughout the season.
13. Reward your star student with a visit to the Florida Aquarium! Through the Sea Stars Program, Florida K-12 students who earn all A’s and/or B’s, E’s and/or S’s, or perfect attendance can receive free admission, plus 50% off up to two general admission tickets for accompanying guests during June. The Florida Aquarium is one of Tampa Bay’s top family attractions, featuring interactive exhibits, touch experiences, and thousands of animals from Florida and around the world.
14. Not sure what to do? Always check Groupon for amazing deals on food and things to do.
15. Visit a Tampa Bay Area museum daily for FREE admission. Monday-Sunday there is an option for families.
Examples include:
- The John & Mable Ringling Museum
- Glazer Children’s Museum
- Tampa Police Museum
- Tampa Museum of Art
See the full list of local museums that offer free admission.
16. Get unlimited visits for two full months. Play up to 250 games every visit, score up to 50% on food and drinks & more for the whole family.Visit as many times as you want and play games every day at Chuck E Cheese starting at $59.99 for a limited time.
Get unlimited visits to Chuck E. Cheese for 2-months with your Summer Fun Pass.
Learn more about this deal by going to their website.
17. Love laser tag? Then your family will love visiting the LaserOps Extreme Gaming Arcade located in Tampa for their Play All 3 Deal.
$37 PLAY 3 DEAL
1 – 1 Hour Tactical Laser Tag. 1 – Nerf® Arena. 1 – $20 Arcade Game Card. Available Everyday
18. All the fun for half the price! Play ½ price games every Sunday and Wednesday from open to close at Dave & Busters!
Also step into Dave & Buster’s for their Eat & Play Combo that promises a blast of fun and savings! Starting at just $19.99, you can enjoy your choice of entrees and a Power Card and play at the arcade.
19. Stop by Catapult Adventure Park, one of the newest indoor attractions in St. Pete! Your kids will love this spot. There are many fun attractions that you won’t find anywhere else in the Tampa Bay area. Snag the $39.99 all-day pass so your kids can enjoy a fun-filled day without the stress of the time clock.
Also check out their Summer 2026 Membership Pass
One payment of just $59 per person (covers June 1 – August 15)
20. Bring the fun to The Main Event in Wesley Chapel, FL! Check out these amazing summer deals:
KIDS BOWL FREE: Sign up below to snag 2 FREE games of bowling every Monday through Friday from open to 5 pm for kids 15 and under, now through 10/31/2026 with the Kidsbowlfree.com offer.
- ARCADE GAME CARD: Buy a $20 Arcade Game Card and get a $20 Arcade Game Card for FREE
- MONDAY NIGHT MADNESS: Most people wind down on Monday. You wind up. All-you-can-play activities or games are just $12.99 per person after 4 pm on Mondays! Just because the week has started doesn’t mean the party has to stop.
- KIDS EAT FREE TUESDAYS: Savor the savings, and have fun doing it! Kids under 12 eat FREE when you buy a menu item for $11.99 or more, all day long!
21. Bowling: Kids bowl free and cheap at select Tampa Bay area locations. Check out our ultimate guide to free & cheap bowling centers for the summer.
22. Jump for this summer special at Altitude Trampoline Park in Tampa, FL for their Happy Hour Specials: Monday-Thursday 3 Hours of Jump for $27.99.
23. Any military families, first responders or families with children with special needs? Flying Squirrel wants to show their appreciation to these special groups with discounted jump time. 50% off jump time for military and first responders’ immediate family (spouses and children).
Special needs families are eligible for reduced admission for $8 an hour.
24. Kids Skate FREE in Lakeland.
25. Roller Skating: Learn how to skate on Saturdays at United Skates of America in Tampa. Includes 30 minutes of skate lessons, skate rental and you can practice skating at their 10am-noon session for only $12 per person.
26. Airosphere in Tampa. Purchase an all-day jump pass for the price of 9Indoor Bounce Amusement Park: Visit on Tuesdays for $Twenty
- $22
- On Tuesdays
- buy 2 hours of jump
for $22!
27. Add ice skating to your summer fun list. While you don’t see a lot of discounts with ice skating, it’s a fun family activity. Check out these fun options for ice skating:
Photo Courtesy AdventHealth Center Ice
- Visit the TGH Ice Plexin Brandon, FL for public skating.
- AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel has a beautiful ice skating facility and skating starts at $11 for an hour session.
- Visit the Tampa Bay Skating Academy in Oldsmar and Clearwater for ice skating.
28. Go carting atTampa Bay Grand Prixfor an indoor experience if you’re near Tampa, Clearwater or St. Petersburg.
Come in during lunch time Monday through Friday between 11am and 2pm. Specials are not available during the weekend or on holidays.
Races start at $16 for those 48 inches and $19 for those 56 inches or taller.
29. Get the Vertical Ventures St. PeteMulti-Visit pass for some rock climbing fun! The best part, the multi-visit passes are 25%-35% off regular admission:
- Shareable with friends & family
- May use multiple passes on the same visit.
- Transferable
- Includes rental gear
- Never Expires
30. If you have a car enthusiast in the family, make a pit stop at the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum in Pinellas Park. It is FREE for children under 6 and it’s only $10 for those 6-17 yrs old.
31. Every Monday gets you free admission into the beautiful Ringling Museum in Sarasota. There are so many beautiful art pieces to see. They also have a beautiful rose garden and that’s all a part of the free admission. Definitely worth the visit.
32. Museum for All. Visitors with a SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) or other EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card receive free or reduced priced Museum Admission for up to 4 guests at these participating museums.
- Low income families can visit The Ringling Museum, MOSI, Great Explorations Museum and others through the Museums for All program.
Great for Visitors! Visit Busch Gardens, MOSI Tampa, The Florida Aquarium, and other Tampa Attractions for 54% off through CityPass.
33. Art on the House: Visit the Tampa Museum of Art on Thursday evenings from 4–8 p.m. for Pay-as-you-will admission. Donate if you would like or simply pay nothing, either one will get you into the museum.
34. The Replay Amusement Museum in Tarpon Springs is home to more than 100 pinball games, video games, and other amusements that you can play.
No need to bring any coins. One admission fee gives you unlimited play time on all games and re-entry to the museum during the whole day.
The museum opens Wednesday-Sunday in Tarpon Springs and admission is $8 for children 7-12 years old. Children ages 6 and under play for FREE with a paying adult.
35. Looking for cool things to do in St. Pete? Join us at Imagine Museum every Thursday night from 5-8pm for $5.00 admission and on Sundays from 10am-12pm. Get your tickets here.
36. 101 Free Attractions in the Tampa Bay Area
Let’s start this summer with the ultimate list of free things to do in the Tampa Bay area. We already knew there were so many free events, but now you can explore these free family outings daily. Come back often and share this list with a friend.
There is no shortage of free museums to visit in and around Tampa, FL.
Explore the 101 free things-to-do lists for these free opportunities to visit a local Museum practically every day of the week.
37. If you are visiting the Tampa Bay Area, then you want to take advantage of Tampa Bay CityPASS. The Pass includes one low price to five Tampa Bay attractions, including Busch Gardens, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Florida Aquarium, and more.
Vbs locations
15. Vacation Bible School is back in session! Over 50 VBS locations in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties.
Check out the updated 2024 VBS Guide list.
Sports & Recreation Activities Deals
37. Come watch our Tampa Bay Rays baseball team this summer and tickets start as low as $10! Bring the family and make some memories at the ballpark. Check out their schedule to reserve your tickets today!
38. Tampa Tarpons minor league baseball specials this summer with The Family 4-Pack package includes 4 tickets, 4 Tampa Tarpons hats, and a Family Meal Discount at Concessions!
39. The Clearwater Threshers baseball game has some amazing deals almost daily for some fun deals.
- Dollar Tuesdays: The fan favorite returns with $1 hot dogs, 16 oz. fountain sodas, 12 oz. domestic drafts (21+), peanuts, popcorn, chips and ice cream sandwiches. Plus, $1 berm tickets are available.
- Enjoy fireworks on most Saturday games!
40. The Summer months are a time for baseball in Dunedin! Attend a Dunedin Blue Jays game on Wednesdays for $2 tickets, $2 hot dogs, $2 popcorn and more.
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41. TopGolf play for as low as $20 per hour every day!
For a limited time, up to six can play for as low as $20/hr per bay, every day! Book online, and you’ll always get their BEST price on game play.
42. Topgolf Summer Pass: We’re the only place where ONE summer pass is your ticket to daily play for you plus five friends every visit all summer long. You can enjoy it every day, April 28 – September 7, so the sooner you get it, the better the value for you and your entire group. It even pays for itself in as few as 2 visits!
Outdoor Fun Deals
Don’t want to feel cooped up in your home? Take advantage of the summer and explore some fun outdoor attractions and things to do. Here are some ideas for a fun outdoor adventure around Tampa Bay.
43. Go carting and miniature golf is a fun option at Celebration Station in Clearwater, FL has some amazing $19.95 deal over the weekend that include miniature golf and other fun indoor and outdoor activities.
44. Take a ride on the Largo Central Railroad’s miniature train on the first full weekend of every month on a 1 mile route through the beautiful Largo Central Park. Free Admission. Donations Accepted.
45. Visit St. Pete Pier – St. Pete Pier is a favorite among tourists and locals because of the variety of activities there that you can do for free and low-cost. You can stroll along the pier, eat at the marketplace, shop, have the kids play on the colorful and magical playground or even get wet at the interactive splash pad. 800 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
46. While at St. Pete Pier, visit Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center for a pit stop to all things marine life. It’s a very small center but The Discovery Center tells you the story of Tampa Bay’s vast and complex estuary — its history and recovery, and our organization’s pivotal role in that effort.
48. Go For A Bike Ride At Tampa’s Suncoast Trail for FREE. Spanning 42 miles, Tampa’s Suncoast Trail passes through a pleasant mix of suburban, agricultural, and natural areas. Pause for a tranquil moment with the scenic views at the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Preserve. Plan your day here.
49. Explore Tampa Bay’s Best Hiking Trails. Need fresh air and exercise? Set up the alarm and hike on any of the epic trails at Tampa Bay. Whatever your comfort level, there is surely a trail for you. Pack a picnic meal for a nice break in between your hike. Choose from the best hiking trails.
Check out the beautiful trails and boardwalk at the Upper Tampa Bay Trails in Tampa and Weedon Island Preserve and Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Park in Pinellas County.
50. Plan a day at the beach. Tampa is lined with top-rated beaches, so it’s time to catch up on some much-needed sea breeze. Outside of parking at some locations, beaches are a great free family outing for families.
Not sure where to go? Here are some of the best beaches.
51. Going on a walking or drive-by mural tour is free every day. Walking is a great exercise for everyone. It’s fun and relaxing, too. Florida has a lot of interesting and scenic cities that you can appreciate better with a walking tour.
Try the St. Petersburg History Mural Tour.
Immerse yourself with Tampa’s Downtown Murals.
Find even more murals in Tampa.
52. Visit a small zoo or petting farm for fun interaction with animals. Check out these low-cost zoo/petting farm options.
- $15 admission to the petting zoo & playground at Hunsaders Farm in Bradenton. Petting zoo admission includes access to view their zoo animals, the playground, sandbox, pedal carts, game area (basketball toss, football toss, baseball toss, etc..), and their NEW Tiny Town!
- Visit DK Farms & Gardens in Largo, FL for a fun day of petting the zoo animals, games, mini golf and more.
- Visit Old McMicky’s Farm in Odessa, FL (A little higher priced but you get a lot for your buck)
53. Take it outdoors and visit the Heritage Village, a 21-acre open-air living history museum in Largo, FL. Come visit more than 31 historic structures and it’s free admission for everyone to visit and explore. Bring some good walking shoes and sunscreen.
FOOD DEALS
54. Kids eat FREE & CHEAP across Tampa Bay. Tuesday is definitely the most popular day, so make sure to check our our Ultimate Guide to Kids Eat Free & Cheap.
Monday Kids Eat Free List
Tuesday Kids Eat Free List
Wednesday Kids Eat Free List
Thursday Kids Eat Free List
Friday Kids Eat Free List
Saturday Kids Eat Free List
Sunday Kids Eat Free List
55. Children 18 years and under can also eat free at designated Summer Breakspot locations throughout the summer. No child should have to worry about eating a healthy meal in the summer.
Educational & Home Fun
Who says summer can’t be fun and educational? There are so many ways to make your summertime with the kids filled with learning. You can even make it something that the entire family can participate in doing.
57. Check out our 2026 Mega List of Tampa Bay area and national summer reading programs that earn kids 18 and under prizes and treats.
58. Kids can earn prizes from Tampa Bay Rays by taking part of the Reading with the Rays program.
59. Check out our Boredom Busters of 100 Things to do at Home with the Kids that are free or really cheap.
family-friendly tip:
If you have a membership to any museum, they may also offer discounted admission or free admission to other museums around Tampa and the United States. Members, on average get FREE or 50% off of reciprocal membership programs.
Outdoor Attraction Deals
Parks & Nature
There are so many beautiful wildlife, vegetation and trails to see and explore. Stay active and be prepared by bringing lots of water, sunscreen and a snack when out and about. Make it an enjoyable family adventure.
60.
61. While you’re at Indian Rocks Beach, stop by Seaside Seabird Sanctuary for free admission. Children will love seeing the huge variety of birds.
62. Visit the beautiful Hillsborough River State Park, and check out their Class II rapids along your hiking trail.
63. Visit some of our favorite parks:
- Lettuce Lake Park in Tampa, FL.
- Largo Central Park, Full of interactive play features, synthetic turf safety surface and lots of green space.
- New Tampa Nature Park, Features paved & unpaved trails for hiking & cycling, plus a zip line & ropes course.
- Julian B Lane Riverfront Park, Playground, splash pad, and green area to relax.
64. Stop by the beautiful 30-acre Florida Botanical Gardens for free in Largo, FL. While the Florida Botanical Gardens is not technically a museum, you will be amazed at how much you will learn and the many species of plants you will encounter. Pack a picnic lunch and take a stroll through the gardens.
Arts & Crafts Deals
Free Arts & Cheap Crafts
66. Yes, IKEA Tampa is a furniture store. But it’s also a great place to spend an air-conditioned day. The store offers Kids Eat Free on Wednesdays and family game night. Explore the store’s schedule for upcoming craft and free events.
67. Register for a free craft kit at Lowes for their Kid’s DIY workshops. Sign up early as they fill up every month.
68. On the first Saturday of every month, kids can build free projects at Home Depot.
Register at your nearest location.
Water Activities
Cool off this summer at one of the many water parks, pools, and splash pads available around Tampa Bay. Help your kids stay active, all while having fun. Slather on the sunscreen and take a refreshing swim or sunbathe on the beach for a few hours.
Springs
69. Visiting local springs can be an affordable option for families. You can visit Weeki Wachee Springs State Park and many others.
See The Full Local Springs Guide
Beaches
70. The biggest and the most visited Tampa Bay area attraction is our beautiful beaches. Some of our favorite beaches include:
- At the top of our list is Honeymoon Island beach, it is a perfect way to spend the summer days.
- Pass-A-Grille Beach is another one of our favorite beaches to visit.
- Swim at the beautiful Treasure Island Beach.
- Sand Key Park has playgrounds, grills, and a dog park for the whole family to enjoy.
- Take a ferry to visit the beautiful Caladesi Island State Park and lounge on the beach. Kids 5 and under ride for free on ferry.
Pools
71. Don’t have your own personal pool? No worries. Many Tampa Bay Metropolitan YMCA & Suncoast YMCA offer free or affordable admission for non-members at their pool or water slide parks during the summer. Make sure to call your local YMCA to see if they are participating and dates and times for admission.
Make it a family pool day at some of these family-friendly locations:
Hillsborough County
- Large tube slides and a zero depth entry into Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Pool. $2 entry fee for kids. See the full list of pools.
- Located on Davis Islands near downtown Tampa, Roy Jenkins Pool is a great family pool that has five lap lanes and a fun children’s activity pool. See the full list of pools.
- South Tampa Family YMCA
- The Campo Family YMCA in Valrico, FL.
- Bob Sierra North Tampa Family YMCA
72. Pasco County
- Visit the Epperson Lagoon near Wesley Chapel for some local fun. It’s a little higher priced than other attractions, but an available option.
- The Lift Adventure Park operates the aquatic attractions, including the wakeboard cable, the Aqua Park, and paddlesport rentals in Sunwest Park in northwest Pasco, just off of Hwy 19 in Hudson.
73. Pinellas County
- Take a dip at the large pool at the City of Dunedin Highlander Pool for $3 admission. The Sprayground is in the same park which doubles the fun.
- Visit the Splash Harbor Water Park at Indian Rocks Beach after 3 p.m. for discounted admission.
The St. Pete Beach Family Aquatic Center has a six-lane Junior Olympic swimming pool with an attached children’s play area for the little ones.
214 foot corkscrew water slide and 3-story speed slide is all the rage at Highland Family Aquatic Center in Largo.
The North Shore Aquatic Complex in St. Pete is another local favorite that includes a 50 meter pool with a diving board.
Splash Pads/ Sprinkler Parks
Admission or Membership Based
74. Splash Pads can be found in all the major Tampa area attractions like
- Busch Gardens, 10165 McKinley Drive, Tampa
- ZooTampa at Lowry Park, 1101 Sligh Ave, Tampa
- Adventure Island Water Park, 10001 McKinley Dr, Tampa
- Florida Aquarium
Free Entrance Splash Parks
75. If you don’t have a membership to a Tampa Attraction, check out these free or low cost splash parks below. These are a few of our favorites:
- Check out the beautiful Julian B Lane Waterfront Park in Tampa on 1001 North Boulevard.
- The Curtis Hixon Park has two spray fountains in between their spacious field.
- The lion themed splash pad at Anderson Park (Kate Jackson Community Center). The beautiful park that has a playground and a Little Free Library where you can get a free book or drop one off.
- Great splash pad at Dell Homes Park in St. Petersburg. Shaded picnic shelters offers a great place for parents to watch the kids. Playground is super interactive and fun.
- The Water Works Park in downtown Tampa has a huge water bucket, scenic view, walking paths and close proximity to downtown attractions.
- Colorful water fixtures at the splash pad at the Ballast Point Park in Tampa. It has an amazing view of the bay and multiple playgrounds makes this a fun family spot.
- The interactive Waterplay Sprayground at Zephyr Park in Zephyrhills has water cannons and dumping buckets to keep the kids cool and entertained.
- All Person’s Rotary Park has a great playground area tucked into the Brandon community, in addition to their splash pad area.
- The Cypress Forest Park Rec Center in Oldsmar has a fun and interactive splash area for the kids. Parking is $5 per day.
See the full guide to 18 + local Splash Parks/Pads
