Fun Things to Do With the Kids on Tampa Riverwalk for FREE!
If you’re looking for one of the best places in Tampa to spend the day without spending a fortune, head to the Tampa Riverwalk. While the Tampa Riverwalk Attraction Pass is a great way to spend the day, there are also so many free things to do with the family.
Stretching 2.4 miles along the Hillsborough River, the Tampa Riverwalk connects some of the city’s most popular destinations, including Armature Works, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Water Works Park, the Tampa Museum of Art, Sparkman Wharf, Water Street Tampa, and more.
Whether you’re planning a family outing, a date night, entertaining visitors, or simply looking for free things to do this weekend, the Riverwalk has something for everyone.
Here’s how to make the most of your visit.
Start Your Adventure
1. Walk or Ride the Tampa Riverwalk
The Tampa Riverwalk isn’t just a sidewalk—it’s an attraction all by itself. The 2.4-mile paved path winds along the Hillsborough River, connecting downtown’s best parks, museums, restaurants, and waterfront views. Hop on at any spot and start exploring.
Bring the stroller, walk the dog, ride a scooter, or simply enjoy the scenery. Since it’s open 24 hours a day and is ADA accessible, it’s a great outing any time of year.
💲 Cost: Always FREE
Enjoy Arts & Culture
2. Visit Art on the House at the Tampa Museum of Art
Every Thursday evening from 4–8 p.m., the Tampa Museum of Art opens its doors for Art on the House, allowing guests to pay what they wish.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore Greek and Roman antiquities alongside contemporary exhibitions without paying full admission. They also have free events throughout the year so make sure to visit their events calendar.
💲 Cost: Pay as You Will Admission (FREE or any donation is accepted)
3. Celebrate Sunset at the Henry B. Plant Museum
401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606
Looking for a unique and budget-friendly Friday night? On one Friday each month (except December), the Henry B. Plant Museum opens its doors for free admission from 4:30–7:00 p.m. during its Celebrate Sunset series.
In addition to exploring the museum’s permanent exhibits, each event features something different—from short films and live performances to curator talks and special presentations.
Even if you don’t visit the Henry B. Plant Museum, don’t skip Plant Park.
The grounds surrounding the University of Tampa are absolutely beautiful. Bring a picnic and enjoy the palm trees, brick walkways, and river views make this one of our favorite spots for an evening stroll.
Family Friendly Tip: Visit around sunset when the building glows in the evening light—it’s one of the prettiest photo spots in Tampa.
💲 Cost: FREE (One Friday each month; check the museum’s calendar for upcoming dates and themes or visit our Events Calendar as we add their monthly free events to help save you money.)
4. Ride the FREE TECO Line Streetcar
One of our favorite ways to explore downtown Tampa is to park once and let the streetcar do the driving.
The vintage TECO Line Streetcar connects Historic Ybor City, Channelside, Water Street, and Downtown Tampa with 11 convenient stops. Instead of paying for parking at every attraction, simply hop on and off throughout the day.
Kids especially love riding the historic streetcars—it almost feels like a ride at an attraction.
💲 Cost: FREE
5. Take the Tampa Soulwalk
Looking for something a little different? Download the free Bloomberg Connects app and explore the Tampa Soulwalk, a self-guided experience featuring nearly 100 stops celebrating Black history, culture, art, and influential community leaders.
You’ll discover murals, bronze busts, monuments, and stories that many visitors don’t even realize are tucked throughout downtown Tampa.
💲 Cost: Always FREE
Parks You’ll Want to Explore
6. Let the Kids Run at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
600 N Ashley Drive, Tampa, FL 33602
If you’re visiting the Riverwalk with kids, Curtis Hixon is almost always our first stop.
Children can splash in the fountains, run across the open lawn, or simply enjoy the playground while parents relax with river views. Throughout the year, you’ll also find festivals, fitness classes, outdoor movies, and family-friendly events taking place here.
💲 Cost: Always FREE
7. Cool Off at Water Works Park
1710 N Highland Ave, Tampa, Florida 33602
Florida summers are hot, which makes Water Works Park a family favorite and it’s located right by Armature Works for a fun lunch or dinner option.
Kids can cool off in the splash pad while parents enjoy shaded seating overlooking the Hillsborough River. There’s also a playground and plenty of space to spread out with a picnic.
Don’t forget a towel—you’ll probably need one!
💲 Cost: Always FREE
8. Take a Quick Trip to Ballast Point Park
If you have a little extra time, it’s worth driving a few minutes south to Ballast Point Park.
This waterfront park has one of our favorite playgrounds in Tampa, a seasonal splash pad, a fishing pier, and incredible views across Tampa Bay. It’s also one of the best places in the city to watch boats and overlook the beautiful waters of Tampa Bay.
Pack a picnic dinner and stay for sunset, you won’t regret it. This waterfront park is a local favorite thanks to its beautiful bay views, large playground, seasonal splash pad, and plenty of space to relax.
💲 Cost: Always FREE
- Park Hours: 6 AM–8 PM and Splash Pad Hours: 8 AM–4 PM
Family Friendly Tip: Make it a meal and stop by Leon’s Lobstah Shack, located right inside the park. The waterfront restaurant is open Tuesday–Sunday from 11 a.m.–8 p.m. is a great place to grab lunch or dinner while enjoying the bay views.
9. Explore Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park
601 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602
Tucked along the Tampa Riverwalk near the Tampa Bay History Center, Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park is a great place to slow down and enjoy the waterfront. Families can walk the scenic paths, let the kids play on the playground, watch boats cruise through the Garrison Channel, or simply relax on one of the shaded benches with beautiful river views. The park also features a pier, a canoe and kayak launch, picnic areas, and open green space, making it an easy stop while exploring downtown.
Family Friendly Tip: This park is just steps from the Tampa Bay History Center, Sparkman Wharf, and the TECO Line Streetcar, making it a great place to take a break during your Riverwalk adventure.
💲 Cost: FREE
13. Sparkman Wharf
10. Explore Armature Works
1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, Florida 33602
Even if you’re not planning to grab a bite to eat, Armature Works is worth adding to your Riverwalk itinerary. Relax on the waterfront lawn, and enjoy views of the Hillsborough River while the kids run and play in the open green space.
Throughout the year, Armature Works hosts a variety of free family-friendly events, including outdoor movies, live music, seasonal markets, holiday celebrations, fitness classes, and community festivals. Event offerings change throughout the year, so it’s worth checking the calendar before your visit.
Family Friendly Tip: Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and let the kids play on the lawn while enjoying one of the free events. It’s an easy way to spend an afternoon or evening without spending a dime.
💲 Cost: FREE to explore the grounds and attend many community events. Food, drinks, and select events can be added as a cost.
11. Relax at Sparkman Wharf
615 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602
Located along the Tampa Riverwalk, Sparkman Wharf is much more than a place to grab a bite to eat. Families can spread out on the large waterfront lawn, enjoy the views of Garrison Channel, and watch boats cruise by. Throughout the year, Sparkman Wharf hosts a variety of free community events, including outdoor movies, live music, holiday celebrations, fitness classes, seasonal markets, and family-friendly festivals.
Family Friendly Tip: Check the event calendar before you visit. You may discover a free concert, movie night, or seasonal festival happening during your trip. Even on days without an event, the open lawn is a great place for kids to run around while parents relax by the water.
💲 Cost: FREE to visit the lawn and attend many community events. Food, drinks, and select special events are available for purchase.
12. Take a FREE Port Tampa Bay Harbor Tour
603 Channelside Drive, 33602 Tampa, FL
See Tampa from a whole new perspective on a FREE Educational Harbor Tour aboard the Yacht StarShip located on the Riverwalk. During this two-hour cruise, you’ll learn how Port Tampa Bay operates, discover its role in Florida’s economy, and get an up-close look at cruise ships, cargo terminals, and the working waterfront.
Tours are offered on select dates throughout the year and are free, but advance registration is required and typically opens about two weeks before each tour.
2026 Tour Dates:
- March 20
- July 10
- October 2
- November 13
Family Friendly Tip: If your child loves boats, cruise ships, or anything transportation-related, this is a unique behind-the-scenes experience you won’t find anywhere else in Tampa Bay.
Sign up and register today!
13. Go on a Tampa Treasure Hunt
Unlock your inner pirate with the Tampa Treasure Hunt, a free, year-round scavenger hunt through Downtown Tampa and Tampa Heights. Follow the treasure map to 12 participating businesses and attractions, including The Florida Aquarium, as you search for Jose Gaspar’s hidden pirate chests. If you’re lucky, you may even find a prize inside!
There’s no official starting point, so you can complete the hunt at your own pace while exploring some of Tampa’s most popular neighborhoods.
Family Friendly Tip: Pair the Treasure Hunt with a walk along the Tampa Riverwalk or a ride on the FREE TECO Line Streetcar to visit even more attractions along the route.
💲 Cost: FREE
14. Live Music at Rock the Park
Enjoy a fun evening of free live music at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park during Rock the Park, held on the first Thursday of every month. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs, relax on the grass, and enjoy performances from local bands with the beautiful downtown Tampa skyline as your backdrop.
Family Friendly Tip: Arrive early to let the kids play at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, then stay for the concert. It’s an easy and affordable way to enjoy a night out in downtown Tampa.
💲 Cost: FREE
15. Don’t Miss the Free Events
One of the reasons we keep coming back to the Riverwalk is that there’s always something happening.
Some of our favorites include:
- Rock the Park — Free live music at Curtis Hixon on the first Thursday of every month.
- Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta — Browse dozens of food trucks while enjoying free entertainment.
- Fourth of July on the Riverwalk — Fireworks, a boat parade, and family activities.
- Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
- Riverwalk Trick-or-Treat
- Holiday Spectacular
Before heading downtown, it’s always worth checking the Riverwalk event calendar—you might stumble upon a free festival you weren’t expecting and of course check out Family-Friendly Tampa Bay’s events calendar to find all types of fun events for the family.
