Family-Friendly Tampa Bay

Florida Botanical Gardens- Free Admission
2026-09-21 07:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-22 07:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-23 07:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-24 07:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, 33774, United States
Florida Botanical Gardens
The Florida Botanical Gardens is one of the best free outdoor attractions in Pinellas County, featuring more than 100 acres of gardens, walking trails, native Florida plants, wetlands, and wildlife habitats. It’s a great spot for families, nature lovers, photographers, and anyone looking for a peaceful place to explore.
Admission: Free
Hours: Daily from 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed: Christmas Day and the day after Thanksgiving
Entrances:

12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL
12211 Walsingham Road, Largo, FL

What You’ll Find

Butterfly and pollinator gardens
Tropical and native Florida plants
Walking and nature trails
Wetlands and wildlife viewing areas
Children’s garden areas
Seasonal events and plant festivals throughout the year

The gardens are located next to Heritage Village, making it easy to combine both attractions into a free day trip for families.
Tip: Visit in the morning during the summer months for cooler temperatures and the best chance to see butterflies, birds, and other wildlife.

Ringling Museum- Free Museum Day
2026-09-21 10:00 - 17:00 | The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, 34243, United States
Monday- Free Museum Admission
Museum Details: Every Monday at the Ringling Museum, the Museum of Art, Bayfront Gardens, and Glass Pavilion are free to the public on Mondays. Note: Regular admission pricing applies for entry to the Circus Museum or Ca’ d’Zan.
Advance tickets for this free entry are not available; register in the Visitors Pavilion upon arrival OR skip the line by purchasing regular Museum Admission online and visit the Circus Museum too!

The John and Mable Ringing Museum
5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
The Ringling Museum is located in Sarasota, Florida, and preserves the legacy and estate of John and Mable Ringling. John Ringling was one of five brothers who owned and operated the circus called “The Greatest Show on Earth.
The museum is home to more than 28,000 art pieces, including memorabilia from the circus. It is home to the State Art Museum of Florida, the historic Ca’ d’Zan Mansion, Bayfront Gardens, an Art Library, the Circus Museums, and the Historic Asolo Theater.
It’s definitely one to add to your bucket list if you’re going to be staying in the Tampa Bay Area for any amount of time. The grounds are beautiful and the artwork and different artifacts there will put you in a happy place.

Father's Day at Imagine Museum: Dad's World
2026-09-21 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-22 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-23 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-24 10:00 - 17:00 | Imagine Museum, 1901 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL, 33713, United States
Father’s Day at Imagine Museum: Dad’s World
Treat dad to a one-of-a-kind Father’s Day experience at Imagine Museum, where kids design their own planet inspired by their dad, create mission cards and keepsake crafts, and explore stunning contemporary glass art exhibitions. Best of all, dads get in free all weekend long — spots fill quickly so book ahead.
Date and Time: Friday, June 19 – Sunday, June 21, 2026 (regular museum hours apply)
Location: Imagine Museum, 1901 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Age: All ages (family friendly)
Cost: Fathers receive free admission; Kids $5 (June 19–21 only)
Activities Include: “Dad’s World” interactive planet-design experience, Mission Cards and keepsake creations, glass-inspired collage and hands-on art activities, full access to contemporary glass art exhibitions

250th Celebration – Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
2026-09-21 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-22 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-23 10:00 - 17:00 | Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10165 N McKinley Drive, Tampa, 33612, United States
250th Celebration – Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens goes all-American this summer with a patriotic limited-time celebration packed with world-class coasters, live shows, Americana-inspired food, and the brand-new Wild Skies Drone & Fireworks Show lighting up the night sky every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Pass Members 21+ get two complimentary 7 oz beers per day at Overlook Taproom, and all guests 21+ receive one free pour — plus special military appreciation experiences and exclusive patriotic merchandise throughout the park.

Date and Time: May 22 – July 5, 2026 (Wild Skies Drone & Fireworks Show every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at sunset — weather permitting; check daily show schedule for showtimes)
Location: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10165 N McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612
Age: All ages (family friendly)
Cost: Included with park admission; tickets required (buschgardens.com/tampa/tickets)
Activities Include: World-class roller coasters with extended evening hours, live shows (Beach Bash, Cirque Electric), Wild Skies Drone & Fireworks Show, complimentary beer (21+), Americana-inspired food and summer treats, military appreciation experiences, exclusive Pass Member perks, patriotic merchandise and commemorative souvenirs

AMC Summer Movie Camp for Kids and Families
2026-09-21 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-09-23 11:00 - 14:00
$6.29 Summer Movie Camp at AMC Theatres
AMC Theatres invite all ages to enjoy 4 weeks of their Summer Kids Series.
If you are looking for something to do with the kids once the school year ends and summer break kicks off, AMC Theatres has you covered.

Summer Movie Camp Is Back

Get discounted tickets to family favorites every Monday and Wednesday from 6/22-8/12. A portion of the proceeds will support the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation.

AMC $6.29 Summer Kids Movies Pack Schedule:
There are so many locations, these are only some of the locations. Please find your participating location.

AMC Veterans 24
AMC Highwoods 20
AMC The Regency 20
AMC West Shore 14

Paddington in Peru
Get 6/22 Tickets
Get 6/24 Tickets

David
Get 6/29 Tickets
Get 7/1 Tickets

How to Train Your Dragon
Get 7/6 Tickets
Get 7/8 Tickets

The Lego Movie
Get 7/13 Tickets
Get 7/15 Tickets

Check to see if your local AMC location is participating. Learn more by visiting their website.

AquaGlow – Adventure Island Tampa Bay
2026-09-21 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-09-22 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-09-23 20:00 - 23:00 | Adventure Island Tampa Bay, 10001 N. McKinley Drive,, Tampa, 33612, United States
AquaGlow – Adventure Island Tampa Bay
Adventure Island transforms into a neon paradise after dark for AquaGlow, a family-friendly nighttime event with vibrant lights, pulsing music, and immersive surprises around every corner. With limited capacity, it’s a more relaxed, exclusive experience — perfect for glowing, dancing, and making summer memories with the whole family.
Date and Time: Select nights May 22 – August 8, 2026, 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Adventure Island Tampa Bay, 10001 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612
Age: All ages (family friendly)
Cost: Starting at $39.99/person (single night); $34.99/person for groups of 15+; optional meal add-on $10 (entrée + fountain drink). Cabana and lounger upgrades available starting at $69.00
Activities Include: Neon light experience, live entertainment, glowing atmosphere, dancing, wave pool, water slides, access to park attractions

Toddler Takeover at Glazer Children's Museum
2026-09-22, 2026-09-23, 2026-09-24 | Glazer Children’s Museum, 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL, 33602, United States
Toddler Takeover

August 1 – September 30

When big kids head back to school, toddlers take the lead with programs designed just for them—full of movement, sensory play, and age-appropriate exploration.

Learn about Toddler Takeover

Glazer Children’s Museum

110 W Gasparilla Plaza
Tampa,FL33602United States
(813) 443-3861

Visit a National Park for FREE Today - See Florida List
2026-09-22, 2026-09-23, 2026-09-24
2026 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks
Come experience the national parks! All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone (other fees, including timed entry or reservation fees, may apply). Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates:

February 16: Presidents Day (Washington’s Birthday)
May 25: Memorial Day
June 14: Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday
July 3-5: Independence Day weekend
August 25: 110th Birthday of the National Park Service
September 17: Constitution Day
October 27: Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday
November 11: Veterans Day

Beginning in 2026, free entrance on these days will be for US citizens and residents only. Nonresidents will pay the regular entrance fee and any applicable nonresident fees.
For more information on these free days, visit nps.gov

Florida National Parks
Big Cypress National Preserve (Ochopee)
Explore more than 729,000 acres of swamps, wetlands, and forests that help support the Everglades ecosystem. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including alligators, wading birds, and the endangered Florida panther. Learn more.
Biscayne National Park (Miami, Key Biscayne & Homestead)
Just outside Miami, Biscayne National Park protects crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, islands, and historic shipwrecks. It’s a popular destination for boating, snorkeling, fishing, and enjoying beautiful coastal scenery. Learn more.
Canaveral National Seashore (Titusville & New Smyrna Beach)
This undeveloped stretch of coastline offers pristine beaches, sand dunes, wildlife viewing, and a glimpse into Florida’s rich history. It’s one of the longest stretches of untouched beach on the East Coast.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument (St. Augustine)
Step back in time at the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Built by the Spanish more than 300 years ago, this historic landmark overlooks Matanzas Bay in downtown St. Augustine.

De Soto National Memorial (Bradenton)
Located along Tampa Bay, this memorial commemorates the 1539 landing of Hernando de Soto and his expedition. Visitors can enjoy waterfront trails, history exhibits, and scenic views.
Dry Tortugas National Park (Near Key West)
Accessible only by boat or seaplane, Dry Tortugas is known for its turquoise waters, coral reefs, abundant birdlife, and the massive Fort Jefferson. It’s one of Florida’s most unique national parks.
Everglades National Park (South Florida)
Covering 1.5 million acres, Everglades National Park protects one of the world’s most unique ecosystems. Visitors can spot alligators, manatees, birds, and other wildlife while exploring wetlands, trails, and waterways.

Fort Caroline National Memorial (Jacksonville)
Learn about one of the earliest European settlements in what is now the United States. The memorial shares the story of French settlers and their struggle for survival in 16th-century Florida.
Fort Matanzas National Monument (St. Augustine)
This small but fascinating fort helped protect St. Augustine from attacks arriving by sea. Visitors can explore the historic watchtower and surrounding beaches, marshes, and nature trails.

Gulf Islands National Seashore (Florida & Mississippi)
Known for sugar-white sand beaches and emerald waters, Gulf Islands National Seashore offers swimming, wildlife viewing, hiking, and historic sites along the Gulf Coast.
Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve (Jacksonville)
Discover coastal wetlands, salt marshes, forests, and thousands of years of history at this beautiful preserve. The area also includes Fort Caroline and the historic Kingsley Plantation.

Summer Movies: Xscape Theatres Riverview
2026-09-22 09:30 - 11:00, 2026-09-24 09:30 - 11:00
$1 Summer Kids Movies at Xscape Theatres Riverview 14 (2026)

2026 $1 Summer Movies in Riverview, FL
Free and cheap summer movie offerings are popping up everywhere in the Tampa Bay area. There is enough movie options to satisfy a variety of interest for your family.
We are excited to add Xscape Theatres Riverview 14 as a Tampa Bay area summer movie option for kids. The doors open at 9 a.m. and free movies begin at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday from June 2- July 23, 2026.

Xtreme Theatres Riverview 14: Summer 2026 Kids Movie Schedule:
Summer is here and so is the return of our Summer Movie Series at Xscape Theatres! Bring the family and enjoy fun-filled mornings at Xscape! Tuesdays & Thursdays Doors open at 9:00 AM | Movies start at 9:30 AM Tickets: $1.00 per person $6.00 Summer Combo! (Popcorn & Drink)Get more info here -> https://xscapetheatres.com/summer-movie-series

XSCAPE RIVERVIEW 14
6135 Valleydale Dr, Riverview, FL 33578

Xscape Theatres – Summer Movie Series 2026

June 2 & 4 – Trolls
June 9 & 11 – The Bad Guys 2
June 16 & 18 – The Boss Baby
June 23 & 25 – The Croods

June 30 & July 2 – The Wild Robot
July 7 & 9 – Dog Man
July 14 & 16 – Kung Fu Panda 4
July 21 & 23 – Trolls Band Together

LOOKING FOR MORE FREE & CHEAP MOVIE OPTIONS FOR THE SUMMER?
Check out our Kids Summer Movies Guide.

Paws for Literacy - Humane Society
2026-09-22 14:45 - 16:00 | Humane Society of Tampa Bay, 3607 N Armenia Ave, Tampa, 33607, United States
Paws for Literacy

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay wants to give children who love animals a chance to spend time with them while catching up on their reading or improving their reading skills.
Our Paws for Literacy Program at the HSTB Hillsborough campus pairs children with homeless pets who love to hear the stories and look at the pictures.
Paws for Literacy is a free program offered for children ages 5 and up. We provide reading stools, books and treats (for the animals), but children are welcome to bring their own books if they wish. Books provided include animal tales, stories of the animal-human bond and books that teach empathy to young readers.
Parents should accompany children for this program.

Ages: Children ages 5+
When: 2:45 pm – 4:00 pm | Tuesdays & Thursdays
Where: HSTB Hillsborough Campus | 3607 N. Armenia Ave. Tampa, Fl 33607
Register: Sign Up Today!

Imagine Museum's $10 Tuesday Nights
2026-09-22 17:00 - 20:00
$10 Tuesday Nights

Looking for cool things to do in St. Pete? Join us at Imagine Museum every Tuesday night for a range of select events, admission just $10 from 5-8 PM! From artist features to live music nights and comedy nights, there’s always something new and exciting to experience. Join us & experience the best events in town!

Learn more about this Imagine Museum deal.
Imagine Museum
1901 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33713, USA

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse 2026 Movie Deals- Wednesday
2026-09-23 09:30 - 11:00
Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse 2026 in Lakeland – $1.75 Kids Movies
Looking for cheap summer movies in Lakeland? The 2026 Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse at Cinemark Lakeland Square Mall 12 offers family-friendly movies for just $1.75 per ticket all summer long.
This popular summer movie program features kid-friendly films at discounted prices from June 1 through August 6, 2026.
Summer Movie Clubhouse Details
Location: Cinemark Lakeland Square Mall 12 & XD
Address: 3800 US Highway 98 N, Lakeland, FL 33809
Dates: June 1–August 6, 2026
Ticket Price: $1.75 per person (plus tax)
Showtime: Wednesdays at 9:30 AM
Additional showtimes may be available. Check with the theater for the most current schedule.
Summer Movie Clubhouse Concession Deals
During Summer Movie Clubhouse showtimes, guests can also enjoy:

$1 off Snack Packs
$1 off any size Popcorn & Drink Combo

2026 Cinemark Summer Movie Schedule
Week of:
June 1–4 – Paddington (2015)
June 8–11 – Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)
June 15–18 – KPOP Demon Hunters Sing-Along (2025)
June 22–25 – Shrek Forever After
June 29–July 2 – The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants
July 6–9 – A Minecraft Movie
July 13–16 – Dog Man
July 20–23 – How to Train Your Dragon
July 27–30 – The Bad Guys 2
August 3–6 – Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie

See the full schedule on Cinemark’s website.
More Cheap Summer Movies Near Tampa Bay
Looking for additional summer movie deals? Be sure to check out other affordable movie programs at Regal, CMX, B&B Theatres, and local independent theaters throughout the Tampa Bay area.

Cracker Country Homeschool Day: Pioneers & Cowhunters
2026-09-23 10:00 - 14:00 | Cracker Country, 4800 N US Highway 301, Tampa, FL, 33610, United States
Discover what life would have been like for a child growing up in a Florida farming and ranching community over 100 years ago! Educators in historic dress will welcome guests to the 1895 Smith House, Okahumpka Depot, Terry Store, School House and more authentic structures. Students will learn cowhunter skills, like how to read a cattle brand and what to pack for a long cattle drive.
Each young learner will enjoy demonstrations of daily chores and skills such as butter churning, laundry, cattle roping and a period school house lesson.
Designed specifically for homeschool groups & families!
Activities:

See our model train display
Explore our historic buildings
Learn to read cattle brands
Help with old fashioned laundry
Print a post card on an antique printing press
Practice a lesson in a one-room school house
Try out turn-of-the-century toys
and more!

Add-on Lecture: People of 1890s Florida: Who Lived Here?

Price: $2 add-on to Homeschool Day general admission ticket
Ages: The lecture is designed for students aged 12+
Time: 45-minute lecture at 11 am & 1 pm
Location: Governors Inn at Cracker Country

Bring a Picnic Lunch: Picnic tables are available for a picnic lunch.
Shopping: There are lots of unique items to be found at the General Store! The store features nostalgic and reproduction items, historical toys and games, books, candy, and many other unique gift items. The General Store accepts cash and all major credit cards. Proceeds from sales in the General Store help support Cracker Country’s education programs.
