Family-Friendly Tampa Bay

Summer Movies: Xscape Theatres Riverview
2026-09-03 09:30 - 11:00, 2026-09-01 09:30 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
$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.

Florida Botanical Gardens- Free Admission
2026-09-03 07:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-02 07:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-01 07:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-31 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.

Visit a National Park for FREE Today - See Florida List
2026-09-03, 2026-09-02, 2026-09-01, 2026-08-31
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.

Toddler Takeover at Glazer Children's Museum
2026-09-03, 2026-09-02, 2026-09-01, 2026-08-31 | 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

AquaGlow – Adventure Island Tampa Bay
2026-09-02 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-09-01 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-08-31 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-08-30 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

AMC Summer Movie Camp for Kids and Families
2026-09-02 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-08-31 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.

Father's Day at Imagine Museum: Dad's World
2026-09-02 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-01 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-31 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

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse 2026 Movie Deals- Wednesday
2026-09-02 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.

Imagine Museum's $10 Tuesday Nights
2026-09-01 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

Paws for Literacy - Humane Society
2026-09-01 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!

Småland Kids Play Area at IKEA Tampa
2026-08-31 14:00 - 18:00, 2026-08-30 14:00 - 18:00 | 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

Ringling Museum- Free Museum Day
2026-08-31 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.

Monday: Kids Free List
2026-08-31
Kids Eat Free on Mondays in Tampa Bay
Updated for 2026
Eating out with kids can get expensive fast. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best Kids Eat Free Monday deals in Tampa Bay to help local families save money while enjoying a night out.
Many Tampa Bay restaurants offer free or discounted kids’ meals on Mondays, making it one of the most popular nights for family dining deals.
Looking for other days? We also track Kids Eat Free offers available on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout the Tampa Bay area.

Important Information About Kids Eat Free Deals

Deals are subject to change without notice.

Participation may vary by location since many restaurants are independently owned franchises.

Some offers require the purchase of an adult entrée.

Always call your local restaurant before heading out to confirm participation.When you arrive, mention the Kids Eat Free deal before ordering to ensure the promotion is applied.

Monday Kids Eat Free & Cheap

1. Carmelita’s Mexican Grill and Cantina
(Multiple Tampa Bay locations)
DEAL: If you’re in the mood for some Mexican cuisine, then check out Carmelita’s Mexican Grill at locations throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Kids eat free on Mondays with an adult purchase.
Photo Courtesy: Carmelita’s Mexican Grill & Cantina

2. Fred’s Market
(Multiple Tampa Bay Locations)
DEAL: Kids eat free from Monday- Tuesday after 5 pm.Ã‚Â *2 children 12 and under eat free with the purchase of an Adult MarketTable.
Fred’s Market Restaurant serves up a special taste of farm-to-plate freshness, on their MarketTable(TM). Their food is slowly cooked in a natural and unprocessed way. It’s southern comfort that’s pure and hearty all the way to the core. You’ll find options like Black Oak Smoked Pork Ribs, Golden Fried Chicken, Crispy Catfish, Rainbow Trout, Daily Entree Specials, Fresh Vegetables & Casseroles, Skillet Cornbread, SaladTable & DessertTable.

Photo Credit: Fred’s Market Facebook Page

3. Pinchers Crab Shack (Wesley Chapel/Tampa)
28330 Paseo Dr. Ste. 185
Wesley Chapel, FL 33543
(813) 528-8715
Open: 11AM – 10PM
Kids eat free every day of the week. Kids eat free with an adult entree at Pinchers! Bring the kids and relax with seafood and other tasty options. The offer is usually available after a certain time. Please call ahead to verify.

4. Village Inn
(Multiple Tampa Bay locations)
DEAL: Bring the kids in every Monday and Tuesday, for a limited time, for a FREE** meal from Village Inn KidsÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ Menu, with the purchase of an adult entrÃƒÂ©e. Why wait Ã¢â‚¬â„¢til the end of the week for a great time?
**Kids Eat Free program available at participating location only. Valid for KidsÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ Menu item from the KidsÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ Menu for one child 10 and under with the purchase of an adult entrÃƒÂ©e. No cash value. Not valid with other discounts, coupon offers or promotions. Dine-in only. Beverage, pie or dessert not included. Tax and gratuity not included.
Photo Credit: Village Inn

5. Grand Hacienda
(Multiple Tampa Bay Locations)

It’s Magic Mondays at Grand Hacienda for their Kids Eat Free deal. Kids eat free from 5pm to close on Monday from age 3 to 11. Cannot be combined with any coupons or discounts. Requires the purchase of one adult entrée.

6. OCC Roadhouse
10575 49th Street North, Clearwater, FL 33762
(727) 231-1510
Road House & Museum on Monday & Tuesdays after 4pm, kids 10 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult meal on their website.

6. Denny’s
Various Tampa Bay locations.
Kids Eat Free 7 days a week. Buy any entrée and get a kids meal free. Only at participating restaurants.
This offer is valid at participating restaurants only, and details may vary by location. We recommend calling ahead to confirm your local Denny’s is honoring the promotion before you go.

7. The Screaming Jalapeño Tacos & Cantina

100 Main St Suite 109, Safety Harbor, FL 34695

Get There:55 min

(727) 223-9696

The Screaming Jalapeño, kids can enjoy a FREE kids meal with an adult purchase of $10 or more. That means you can order your favorite tacos, burritos, fajitas, or house specialties — and your child’s meal is on the house.

8. Duke’s Brewhouse

2212 James L Redman Pkwy
Plant City, FL 33563

(813) 752-2700

Kids Eat Free with the purchase of an adult entrée at participating Duke’s Brewhouse locations — making it a great option for an affordable family dinner out. Enjoy a relaxed sports-style atmosphere while the kids get their meal on the house when an adult orders from the regular menu.

9. Johnson Barbeque (Plant City)
1407 W. Dr. Milk Jr. Blvd.
Plant City, FL 33563
Monday-Saturday, 11:00 AM- 8:30 PM
(813) 759-0009
DEAL: On Mondays and Wednesdays, Kids 11 and under eat free ( two kids meals per adult) with the purchase of an adult meal after 5 pm. Dine-in only. Kids’ meal includes pork, beef, or turkey sandwich and chips.
So what types of delicious food will you find at Johnson Barbeque? You’ll find delicious St. Louis Ribs
slow-smoked & then grilled over an open flame with their house-made grill sauce. BBQ’ed chicken, a wide variety of sides and so much more!

Looking for more kids eat free offers?
Did you know kids eat free offers happen every day of the week? Check out our master list by visiting our Kids Eat Free & Cheap page.
