Family-Friendly Tampa Bay

Småland Kids Play Area at IKEA Tampa
2026-08-12 14:00 - 18:00, 2026-08-13 14:00 - 18:00, 2026-08-14 14:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | IKEA Tampa, 1103 N 22nd St, Tampa, 33605, United States
Småland Kids Play Area at IKEA Tampa
A simple option for parents who want a little breathing room while shopping. Kids can spend time in a supervised play space, giving you a short window to walk through the store without distractions.
Date and Time: May 18 – August 31, 2026
Weekdays: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Weekends: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Location: IKEA Tampa, FL
Age: 3–10 years (must be potty trained, 37″–54″ height)
Cost: Free
Activities Include: Supervised playtime (30 minutes, extra time for IKEA Family members)
Contact: 1-888-888-4532

AquaGlow – Adventure Island Tampa Bay
2026-08-12 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-08-13 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-08-14 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
2026-08-13, 2026-08-14, 2026-08-15 | 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
2026-08-13, 2026-08-14, 2026-08-15 | FL
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.

Florida Botanical Gardens- Free Admission
2026-08-13 07:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-14 07:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-15 07:00 - 17:00 | 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.

Summer Movies: Xscape Theatres Riverview
2026-08-13 09:30 - 11:00 | FL
$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.

Father's Day at Imagine Museum: Dad's World
2026-08-13 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-14 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-15 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
2026-08-13 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-14 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

Regal Summer Kids Movies
2026-08-13 11:00 - 12:30 | FL
2026 Regal Summer Movies
What to do in Tampa for the summer? Kids’ movies are at a great price for the 2026 summer at Regal Cinemas.
During summer break, enjoy a series of great family movies returning to the big screen. Each week from Monday- Thursday at 11AM, get Summer Movie Express tickets for just $1.
From June 1- August 13, 2026, you and your family can watch your favorite movies on the big screen for a low price.
Admission to Regal Cinemas Summer Kids Movies is only $1 per person. Movie tickets will be available on-site at the box office and they all start at 10 a.m. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays this summer.

$1 Family Movies for Summer Break
All attendees of a Summer Movie Express title will receive $3 off a cup of refreshingly cold Dippin’ Dots ice cream and a Snack Pack, which includes a junior-sized drink, popcorn, and fruit gummies.

2026 Regal Summer Movie Express Schedule
Movies play Monday through Thursday at 11:00am. Always confirm showtimes at the Regal website before you go, times can vary by location.
June 1-4 – Sing + Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
June 8-11 – David + Kung Fu Panda 4
June 15-18 – KPop Demon Hunters (Sing-Along Event) + The Wild Robot
June 22-25 – The Bad Guys 2 + The Garfield Movie
June 29-July 2 – A Minecraft Movie + Sonic the Hedgehog 2
July 6-9 – How to Train Your Dragon + Sonic the Hedgehog 3
July 13-16 – Scoob! (only one movie currently listed)
July 20-23 – Animal Farm + The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants
July 27-30 – Dog Man + Paddington in Peru
August 3-6 – Charlie the Wonderdog + Despicable Me 4
August 10-13 – Muppets: Treasure Island + The Sandlot

NOTE: Movie listings are subject to change without notice. Please call ahead to confirm.

REGAL THEATERS IN THE TAMPA BAY AREA:
Click on this link to access the closest theatre to you and confirm movie dates.

Regal Citrus Park Stadium 20
Citrus Centre
7999 Citrus Park Town Center Mall
Tampa, FL 33625
(813) 920-9471

Regal Hollywood 18 Port Richey
6701 Cinema Drive
Port Richey, FL 34668
(727) 862-9567

Regal Park Place & RPX
7200 US Highway 19 North
Pinellas Park, FL, 33781

Regal Hollywood – Sarasota
1993 Main Street, Sarasota
Sarasota, FL 34236

Paws for Literacy - Humane Society
2026-08-13 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!

Art on the House at the Tampa Museum of Art
2026-08-13 16:00 - 20:00 | Tampa Museum of Art, 120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL, 33602, United States
Art on the House
Every Thursday from 4 to 8 pm, the Tampa Museum of Art offers Art on the House where admission prices change to pay-as-you-will, and visitors choose whatever admission price they want to pay. Bring the family and celebrate 100 years of art in Tampa with exhibitions that emphasize ancient, modern, and contemporary art.
Beginning at 4 pm every Thursday, walk up to the Welcome Desk and tell the Visitor Experience and Engagement Representatives the admission price you chose to pay for your visit to the museum. Any donation amount is welcome.

Imagine Museum: $5 After 5 PM Thursday
2026-08-13 17:00 - 20:00 | Imagine Museum, 1901 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL, 33713, United States
$5 After 5 PM Thursdays
Unwind at Imagine Museum every Thursday night from 5pm to 8pm for just $5! Explore mesmerizing sculptures and intricate designs in a cool, laid-back atmosphere perfect for young professionals, friends, or a unique date night. Immerse yourself in vibrant art installations, spark creativity, and connect with fellow art lovers as you escape the daily grind and experience the magic of contemporary glass art in a whole new light.
Learn more about this Imagine Museum deal.
Imagine Museum
1901 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33713, USA

Museum After Dark
2026-08-14 18:00 - 21:00 | Great Explorations Children’s Museum
Join us on August 14th, 2026 from 6-9 pm for Museum After Dark where curiosity meets cocktails and the museum glows after hours. This adults-only night transforms the space into an electrifying playground of science, light, fire, music, and hands-on discovery, all with a drink in hand.
Get your tickets here

Impact Martial Arts Patents Night Out
2026-08-14 18:00 - 22:00 | Impact Martial Arts, 13038 Race Track Rd, Tampa, United States
Karate Parents Night Out in Tampa

Now, Every Friday AND Saturday Night is
Parent’s Night Out at Impact Martial Arts!
Parents, need an evening without the kids? Our Parents Night Out gives you the opportunity to take a well-deserved break. Go out for a night on the town feeling confident that your little ones are safe and having the time of their lives with their favorite Karate teachers.
This incredible evening for your children is filled with a variety of fun games, activities, and they won’t want the night to end! And don’t worry about food – we’ll take care of that too!!
Every Parents Night Out event activities are different, and include themes like Fortress Dodgeball, Nerf Wars, Ninja night with obstacle courses and more!
Our Parents Night Out events always include:
– Fun games on the mat such as dodgeball, moon ball and much more
– Obstacle Courses
– 2 slices of Pizza
– Drinks
– Staff of certified martial arts instructors
– 4 hours of fun for kids from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
*For safety reasons, PNOs are for kids ages 6 yrs to 11 yrs only.
The cost for PNO is $30 per child. PNO often sells out quickly due to its bodacious fun and limited space, so register ASAP if you would like your child to attend PNO!

Register here for this weekends Parent’s Night Out!

Your Pizza Shop: Kids Make Their Own Pizza for FREE!
2026-08-15 | Your Pizza Shop, 1200 8th Ave SW, Largo, 33770, United States
EVERY SATURDAY!
KIDS MAKE THEIR OWN PIZZA FREE!
CREATE IT. TOP IT. LOVE IT!
😊 FUN FOR THE KIDS!❤️ MEMORIES THAT LAST!🍕 PIZZA THE WAY THEY LIKE IT!
Your Pizza ShopLargo, FL
1200 8th Ave SW, Largo, FL, United States, 33770
(727) 581-1101

GOOD FOOD. GREAT TIMES. MADE THEIR WAY!
DINE-IN • CARRY-OUT • DELIVERY
One free kids pizza per child age 12 and under with purchase of an adult entrée. Dine-in only. Not valid with any other offers.

Conservation Connections: World Elephant Day 2026
2026-08-15 09:30 - 14:30 | ZooTampa at Lowry Park, 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL, 33604, United States
Join the Education team at the Elephant Habitat in Africa to learn more about the world’s largest land mammal! See if you have what it takes to protect the habitats and resources that elephants and other wildlife need to survive!
Don’t forget your ZT Saves Kid’s Club Notebook or Passport to collect your stamp as we start a new year!

New to Conservation Connections? Find out what it’s all about!
The ZT Saves Kids’ Club returns for another exciting year of Conservation Connections! Join us at the Zoo for each of our monthly celebrations to participate in interactive activities and collect unique stamps. Find out how you can BE involved in conservation in your own backyard and take action when you get home to protect wildlife and wild places.
NEW THIS YEAR! Flora the Explorer joins Conservation Connections!

Download, print, and create your own “Flora the Explorer” puppet. Take her with you on your conservation adventures and take photos of her in action. Look for our monthly social media posts and share your photos in the comments so we can see how Flora is helping you protect wildlife and wild places! #FloraTheExplorer, #ZTConservationConnections
Flora the Explorer sheets are also available for purchase in any of our gift shops.

ZT Saves Kids’ Club Notebooks and Stamp Passports are available for purchase in any of our gift shops.

Use your notebook at the Zoo to collect clues and record observations during our monthly celebrations. Then, use your notebook at home to record the extra activities you complete and to keep track of your conservation adventures.
Use your notebook or your passport to collect your Conservation Connections stamps each month.

At the end of the year, show us your stamp collection to redeem small prizes to celebrate a year of conservation in action!

Level 1 Prize-4 or more stamps collected
Level 2 Prize-8 or more stamps collected
Level 3 Prize-All 12 stamps collected

Important Details:

Date: 3rd Saturday of the month.
Time: 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM.
Location: Designated areas throughout the Zoo. Please see the monthly description for more information.

What to Expect:

Our goal is to inspire kids of all ages to learn about the amazing animals at the Zoo and to take action to protect wildlife and wild places near them.
Each monthly celebration will have a different theme, interactive Zoo activity, conservation message, and suggested at-home activity.
Zoo activities may include a scavenger hunt or Zoo exploration, or they may be based at the Education table.
At-home activities are suggestions to help you get involved in conservation efforts near you. Please use them as a guide or inspiration to find activities that will work for you and your family.

Celebration Station Clearwater Summer Early Bird Deal
2026-08-15 10:00 - 12:00 | FL
Celebration Station Clearwater Early Bird Deal: Unlimited Attractions for $19.95
Looking for a fun and affordable family activity in Clearwater? Beat the heat this summer with Celebration Station’s Early Bird Deal. Arrive before noon and enjoy an All-Day Unlimited Attractions Pass for just $19.95 per person.
This deal is available when the park opens at 10:00 AM on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays, giving families plenty of time to enjoy go-karts, mini golf, batting cages, bumper boats, arcade games, and more.
Deal Details

Price: $19.95 per person
Includes: All-Day Unlimited Attractions Pass
When: Arrive before noon
Available: Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays
Park Opening Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Celebration Station Clearwater

If you’re looking for cheap family fun in Clearwater or a way to keep the kids entertained during summer break, this is one of the best attraction deals in the Tampa Bay area.

Learn more about this summer deal.
24546 US Hwy 19 N, Clearwater, FL 33763
