Looking for events & deals? Get the best picks delivered to your inbox!

80 Family-Friendly Things To Do In Pinellas County (Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Largo & More) 

This post may contain affiliate links. When you use them, you help support our site. For more information, please read our Disclosure Policy.

80 Family-Friendly Things To Do In Pinellas County (Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Largo & More) 

If you are on vacation or are a resident and want to explore all the amazing things to do in Pinellas County, then you’re in the right spot. Most people think that all the fun is centered in St. Petersburg, but there are endless activities your family can do throughout the rest of the county. With so many fun things to do in Clearwater, Indian Shores, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Largo, Tarpon Springs, and Seminole each have unique sites and activities to offer.

 Don’t believe us? Here are 80 things to get you started on the unique experiences you can have in Pinellas County.

 

1. Clearwater Beach – Take a dip into the crystal-clear water, bask in the beautiful sun or watch the kids play with the white, pillowy sand at the county’s top beach.

 

2. Visit St. Pete Pier – St. Pete Pier is a favorite among tourists and locals because of the variety of activities there. 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 their splash pad. 800 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

 

Credit: St. Pete Pier Facebook Page

 

 

3. While at the 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. You may even want to pick up some lunch or dinner at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille. Just a few ideas.

 

4. Go On A Scavenger Hunt Around St. Petersburg – Add a twist to a sightseeing tour with Urban Adventure Quest. You will solve puzzles and complete challenges while learning about the history of St. Pete. 

 

 

5. Explore St. Pete Beach On A Buggy – Explore the 2.2 square miles of St. Pete Beach on a scooter or a buggy from Toy Barn Rentals where the whole family can sit and enjoy a fun day in St. Pete.

 

 

 

6. Bond with Alligators at Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center Get a unique perspective of and learn about alligators and other reptiles and amphibians. You can meet Sid the Sloth, hold over 20 different rescue animals and see the cutest chinchilla. Don’t miss the opportunity to kiss an alligator! You can also host a kids birthday party at this fun wildlife center 

 

 

 

 

7. Dine With A Scenic ViewSandbar Restaurant & Bar pairs classic American food with a scenic view of Florida’s iconic sunset. You will not be disappointed.

 

 

 

8. Visit The Great Explorations Children’s Museum in St. Petersburg is a 24,000 square foot museum geared towards the 10 and under crowd. The 16 different exhibits allow kids to interact and use their imagination while learning about health, science, animals, math, and art. Some exhibits are tailored for the younger child exploring their environment. A play pizza kitchen, grocery store, firehouse, vet, and broadcasting booth allow kids of all ages to experience learning through play.

 

Photo Credit: The Great Explorations Museum

 

 

9. Frenchy’s Rockaway Grille – Have a tasty “Floribbean” lunch that even picky kids will enjoy just a few steps from Clearwater Beach.

 

 

8. Bounce At The Floating Water Park – Join your kids on the inflatable rides and trampolines, or relax at the floating cabanas of TradeWinds Island Resorts in the Gulf of Mexico. Non-hotel guest can get day passes to experience this fun water park. 

 

 

 

 

10. Train Ride From Largo Central Railroad – Explore the 70-acre Largo Central Park without breaking a sweat. Children will enjoy the train ride as well as the view of the park. This monthly event occurs on the first weekend of the month. 

Photo Credit: Largo Train

 

11. Tour Shell Key On A Kayak – Older kids will enjoy touring the beautiful Shell Key island on a kayak. Island Kayak Tours offers guided kayak tours where you might meet a dolphin or a manatee. The pricing is really affordable too! 

 

 

 

 

12. Grill At Salty’s Island Bar & Grille – Have a refreshing lunch at Salty’s Island Bar & Grille without leaving Clearwater Beach. 

 

 

13. Golf With Gators At Smuggler’s Cove – Kids will love the 18-hole adventure style courses at Smuggler’s Cove. They can find caves, pirate ships, and waterfalls there. You can also feed alligators using cane fishing poles.

 

 

 

 

14. St. Pete Urban Mural Tour – Discover and appreciate the colorful streets of Sunshine City. You will stumble upon powerful street art by some of the most prominent St. Pete artists.

 

By Derek Donnelly and Sebastian Coolidge

 

 

15. Immerse In Nature At The Sunken Gardens – Explore the 100-year-old Sunken Garden to find some of the oldest tropical plants in Florida as well as animals such as flamingos. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16. Nature Adventure At The Florida Botanical Gardens – Treat your kids to an educational trail hike. The Children’s Trail at the Florida Botanical Gardens will take them through the Butterfly Garden, the Boardwalk Tree Station, and the Fruit Garden where they will learn a lot. 

 

 

17. Bird-Watch at Fort De Soto Park – Fort De Soto Park consists of five islands with preserved ecosystems. Explore all of them to find more than 300 species of birds in addition to plant and sea life. 

 

 

18. Splash Away At Splash Harbour Water Park – Your kids will have fun splashing and sliding around at Splash Harbour Water Park. Meanwhile, you can soak up some sun at their extra-large sundeck.

 

 

19. Slide Into Treasure Island – Your kids would not want to leave Treasure Island Slide Florida’s giant inflatable slide, bungee trampoline, and bounce house. Don’t worry because you can rest on their white sand beach.

 

20. Dine With Marine Life At RumFish Grill – This is one of the best seafood restaurants in Pinellas County. Do not leave RumFish Grill without checking out their 33,500-gallon aquarium. If you are up for it, you can even swim with the fish!

 

21. Play At Celebration Station – For a change of scenery, have some old-school fun.  This indoor and outdoor facility is a perfect way to spend several hours with the kids. They also have some great packages to help you get the best combination of fun. Indoors you’ll find arcade games and laser tag. On the outdoors, kids can ride bumper boats, go-karts, laser tag, and miniature golf at Celebration Station.

 

Photo Credit: Celebration Station

 

 

22. Sail Toward The Sunset With Schooner Clearwater – Join the 2-hour Sunset Sail Cruise and enjoy the view of Clearwater Beach and Florida’s beautiful sunset.

 

23. Meet Dolphins With Tropics Boat Tours Clearwater Beach is home to bottlenose dolphins, and you can meet them aboard the Tropics Boat Tour’s double-decker catamaran.

 

24. Go Fishing At Weedon Island Preserve – Boasting a rich cultural history from the Timucuans and Masotas, the Weedon Island Preserve Park is also a beautiful spot to go fishing with your kids.

 

25. Snorkel At Egmont Key – Florida is home to numerous artificial coral reefs that are helping revive marine life along the Gulf of Mexico. Check out coral reefs at Egmont Key that is buzzing with healthy marine life. This snorkeling spot is shallow and calm, so it is perfect for kids and absolute beginners.

 

 

26.  Want to get creative? Visit Practically Pikasso in St. Petersburg, FL for their colorful studio and family fun time! They offer over 300 different ceramic pieces to choose from to create your own ceramic masterpiece. Adults, teens, and children of all ages are welcome and there’s no experience necessary. Drop in any time or sign up for one of our fun workshops. They also host events for toddlers and young children.

 

Photo Credit: Practically Pikaso

 

 

 

27. Parasail At The Gulf Of Mexico – Parasailing may be a high-adrenaline activity, but it’s pretty easy. If you’re lucky, some dolphins may swim next to you. Contact Fly N’ High Waverunners & Parasail.

 

28. Run On The Pinellas Trail – Burn some calories on the Pinellas Trail. This 50-mile trail will take you through a scenic path of sunset and trees from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs.

 

29. Be A Tourist At John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk – Do your kids love pirates? If so, they will love John’s Pass. A legendary pirate, John Levique is said to have passed through this area in the mid-1800s. Now, it’s filled with restaurants, shops, and other activity spots. 

 

30. Zipline At Empower Adventures Tampa Bay Get an aerial view of Tampa’s scenery while ziplining through Empower Adventures Tampa Bay. Aside from zip lines, there are aerial obstacle courses that will challenge your kids.

Photo Credit: Empower Adventures Facebook Page

 

 

31. End Your Day At Crabby Bill’s – Exhausted from Sunset At Pier 60? Get some rest and indulge in tasty seafood meals at Crabby Bill’s. Make sure to get a patio table so you can still feel and watch the festivities at Pier 60.

 

32. Have A Picnic At Sunset Beach Go on a picnic at one of the picnic sheds with the family while watching the sunset at Sunset Beach in Tarpon Springs. This is a great way to end a relaxing day at the beach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

33. Visit A Working Lighthouse At Anclote Key – The historic Anclote Key Lighthouse is one of the last remaining working lighthouses. It has been around since1887, was refurbished in 2003, and has been maintained ever since. You can visit the lighthouse by booking a tour at Anclote Key Preserve State Park.

 

 

34. Explore The Ecosystem At Boyd Hill Nature Preserve – This place has Lake Maggiore, a marsh, a swamp, and other habitats, so kids will learn about ecosystems and meet different types of animals.

 

35.Watch Demonstrations At Heritage Village – Heritage Village is known for its wide range of flora, but kids will surely love watching demonstrations of traditional sugar cane milling, blacksmithing, and woodworking.

 

Photo Credit: Heritage Village in Largo

 

 

 

 

36. Watch Birds At Honeymoon Island State Park – Look for eagles, osprey, and great horned owls while you walk around or swim at the beautiful Honeymoon Island State Park.

 

37. Hike At Osprey Trail – The Osprey Trail is located at Honeymoon Island State Park. Follow this trail through a virgin pine forest, and get a close-up look at a rookery of sea eagles.

 

 

 

38. The Suncoast Primate Sanctuary in Palm Harbor is an outdoor facility with over 100 animals including Chimpanzees, Orangutans, Monkeys, Reptiles, Tropical Birds, and more. The Sanctuary is run entirely by volunteers and relies on the generosity of the community and local businesses. For the safety of both the primates and the guests, you will not be able to touch or hand-feed the primates. But be sure to bring a camera or camera phone! Picnic tables are available on-site, so feel free to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages.

 

Photo Credit: Primate Sanctuary

 

 

 

39. Fish At Skyway Fishing Pier State Park Skyway Fishing Pier is an excellent fishing venue. You’ll find redfish, spotted sea trout, cobia, tarpon, Spanish mackerel, and kingfish. 

 

 

40. Have little ones? Check out Munchkin Fun in Largo for a fun place for the little ones to explore.

 

Photo Credit: Munchkin Fun

 

 

41. Tour At Gizella Kopsick Arboretum – This miniature golf course turned arboretum features more than 500 cycads and palms from all over the world. You can rest in conversation corners or shaded gazebos in between your walks or while the kids play in the fields.

 

 

42. Have A Quiet Day At Brooker Creek Reserve – This peaceful trail system has six paths that create four loops around creek crossings, majestic pines, cypresses, and oaks. The plants and wildlife will keep your kids interested.

 

 

43. Educational Tour At Seaside Seabird Sanctuary – Seaside Seabird Sanctuary is a wildlife rehabilitation facility. They offer educational tours for kids to learn more about wild birds and how to rehabilitate them. 

 

 

 

44. Bike At Wall Springs Park – This historical park that used to be a natural spring has multi-use trails where you can either walk or ride bikes. You’ll be surrounded by magnificent trees and wildlife. A small butterfly garden, two playgrounds and tons of beautiful trails. Don’t forget to walk to the 35-foot observation tower at Wall Springs Park, and marvel at the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico.

 

 

45. Learn About Marine Life At Clearwater Marine Aquarium – Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a rehabilitation center for marine animals and an educational facility. Kids will meet and learn a lot about a wide range of marine animals. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

46. Swim At Indian Rocks Beach – Indian Rocks Beach is known for its shallow waters and soft sands. If you have young kids who love splashing around at the beach, this place is perfect. 

 

47. Chill At Sand Key Park – Sand Key Park is a barrier island connecting the Gulf of Mexico and Florida’s Gulf Coast. A lot of people walk from Sand Key Park to Clearwater Beach, but you can also just chill and have a picnic at this white-sand beach.

 

 

 

48. The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum, located in Pinellas Park is a great place to bring the family to enjoy displays historic automobiles from the 20th century. The collection is focused on cars which demonstrate special creativity and imagination in their history and engineering. This includes rare early front-wheel drive cars, replicas and more.

Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Automobile Museum

 

 

 

49. Freshwater Fishing At Lake Seminole Go boating in the peaceful Lake Seminole, and try freshwater fishing. Lake Seminole is a dedicated wildlife rehabilitation and sanctuary, so be sure to follow their rules.

 

 

50. Enjoy A Bird’s Eye View Of Florida Gulf Air Adventures Seaplanes gives tourists an opportunity to see St. Pete Beach and Clearwater Beach from above. Don’t pass up the unforgettable opportunity to fly above the beautiful Florida Gulf. 

 

51. Go Horseback Riding At Cypress Breeze Farm If your children are into horseback riding, you should take them to Cypress Breeze Farm. You can ride through the beach or a trail while learning about nature and the history of Tampa Bay. Locations in St. Petersburg and Pinellas Park. 

Photo Credit: Cypress Breeze Farm

 

 

52. Miniature Golf With A Twist Congo River Golf offers Congo-themed adventure golf. Explore golf courses with giant waterfalls, rocky summits, mysterious caves, and tropical rainforests.

 

53. Go On An Eco Expedition With Coconut Kayak Tours Coconut Kayak Tours will take you on an adventure of your own choosing outside Pinellas County with a kayak.

 

 

54. Cool Down At Kiwanis Sprayground – Your kids will love this action-packed sprayground. This 3000-square-foot water playground has all sorts of fun ways to dump and sprinkle water. The best part is that it’s free—just book a reservation before you visit.

 

 

See a Full List of Splash Pads in the Tampa Bay Area. 

 

 

55. Climb Aboard Captain Memo’s Ship Captain Memo’s Original Pirate Cruise is a two-hour cruise along the Florida Gulf and the Gulf of Mexico. Kids of all ages will enjoy the games and entertaining shenanigans of Captain Memo’s crew on the realistic pirate ship.

 

Photo Credit: Captain Memo’s Facebook page

 

 

56. Become A Mermaid At Ina’s Mermaid School Do you have a mermaid with you? You might want to take them to Ina’s Mermaid School to learn the art of being a mermaid from real mermaids.

 

57. Spend Time With Butterflies At Hammock Park – Hammock Park’s Butterfly Garden is a favorite among nature enthusiasts. It has lots of beautiful and fragrant flowers and, more importantly, 16 species of butterflies.

 

58. Adrenaline Rush From Kiteboarding Is your kid athletic and adventurous? Hooked On Kiteboarding will teach your kid the basics of kiteboarding so they can enjoy St. Pete’s Beach waters even more. 

 

59. Have Fun At Highland Family Aquatic Center in Largo – No second will be wasted when you go to this multipurpose pool with activities for the whole family. Take on the 214 foot corkscrew water slide. Zero depth area with play structure and sprays. Double slide suitable for all ages (Must be able to swim without a life jacket.)

 

Photo Credit: Highland Family Aquatic Center

 

 

60. Join The Marine Life Tour On A Jet Ski – Tour St. Pete and Clearwater with Island Jet Ski Adventures, and learn about the marine life and the plethora of interesting shells you can find there. Alternatively, you could rent a jet ski and go exploring on your own.

 

61. Shell And Beach Walks – If you are interested in the different shells and birds you find along the beaches of Florida, turn to Shell And Beach Walks. They will guide you through John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk to Madeira while sharing interesting facts. 

 

62. Go On A Sea Life Safari – Kids can learn about animals better when they get to touch and interact with them. Join Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s The Sea Life Safari Tour for an opportunity to touch puffer fishes, sea urchins, starfishes, sea horses, and horseshoe crabs. It will be an unforgettable experience for your little ones.

 

63. Cooters Restaurant – You’ll have to go beyond the main road to find this family-owned gem of a restaurant, but it is absolutely worth it. If you are a crab fanatic, you should try their All-You-Can-Eat Crab Legs. Find out who can eat the most among you. 

 

Photo Credit: Cooters Facebook page

 

 

 

 

64. Go-Kart Racing – Kids can race go-karts at Tampa’s very own PKZ Pro Karting Experience. They will be taught how to drive before they race on a secure track.

Photo Credit: Pro Karting Experience in St. Petersburg, FL

 

 

65. Try Every Aquatic Sport You Can – Whatever aquatic sport your family wants to try, Allen’s Aquatic Adventures will make it possible. Take your pick between wakeboarding, water skiing, kneeboarding, tubing, snorkeling, and many more.

 

 

66. Try Clear Sky Beachside Café – This kid-friendly café serves the freshest seafood and different cuisines. Plus, you get to eat by the beach.

 

 

67. Solve Puzzles Puzzling Adventures will keep the whole family engaged with puzzles while you go through downtown St. Petersburg. There’s nothing better than turning a tour into a game for the whole family. 

 

 

 

68. Are you ready to splash in Indian Shores? Check out the Splash Harbour Water Park where you can spend all day in the water. The water park has a variety of slides, kids’ splash zones, a lazy river, casual dining & a tiki bar. Open daily. Weather permitting.

 

Photo Credit: Splash Harbour Park

 

 

69. Swing From Trees At TreeUmph! Adventure Course – TreeUmph’s adventure course is not for the fainthearted. You (or your kids) will climb, zip line, swing, and free-fall from 15 to 60 feet in the air. 

 

 

70. Escape Rooms:

 

 

71. Hurricane Seafood Restaurant Enjoy Hurricane Seafood Restaurant’s bestselling Mom’s 1945 Crab Cake while watching the sunset on their roof deck. But hurry as tables run out fast during peak hours!

 

 

72. Glass Bottom Tour Through Clearwater – Curious kids will love seeing everything under the sea while on glass-bottom kayaks. Glass Bottom Tours also have LED-illuminated glass-bottom kayaks if you want to take the tour at night.

 

 

 

73. Go Greek At Mykonos – Tarpon Springs has a bustling Greek community. One of the best authentic Greek restaurants there is Mykonos. Try their Soutzoukakia (char-broiled ground beef and Greek herbs on a skewer) or Patatokeftedes (pan-fried Greek potato patties).

 

 

74. Kayak Through A Mangrove Forest At Caladesi Island – Give your kids an unforgettable experience at Caladesi Island, where you can kayak through an untouched mangrove forest.

 

75. Rent A Boat At IRB Boat Rentals Feel the sea breeze as you explore the glittering sea around Indian Rocks Beach on a boat. We hope the friendly dolphins pop up to say hello.

 

76. Stand Up And Paddle Stand Up Paddleboarding is an exciting way to explore the waters. They say it’s almost like walking on water. Tampa Bay SUP offers paddleboard rental and lessons for beginners. If you’re not comfortable standing up, you could also rent a trusty kayak.

 

 

77. The Replay Amusement Museum in Tarpon Springs is home to more than 100 pinball games, video games and other amusements that you can actually play. No need to bring any coins. One admission fee gives you access to all of the machines.  The museum opens Thursdays-Sunday in Tarpon Springs and admission is $8 for children 7-12 years old with a paying adult and $14 for Adults. Children ages 6 and under play for FREE with paying adult. 

 

78. What about some skating fun? Visit Astro Skate in Pinellas Park or Tarpon Springs with the family for some old fashion roller skating.

 

 

 

79. Imagine Museum in St. Petersburg, FL is a beautiful contemporary museum that showcases glass artworks from around the world. They have weekly offers that reduces the fees for a family on a budget. 

 

 

 

 

80. More museums to check out? These are great for kids of all ages. 

 

 

 

Want More?

 

Pinellas County is home to numerous breathtaking beaches. It is complemented by unique and fun-loving communities that give character to each city. At St. Petersburg alone, there are so many activities to do, from hiking, swimming, and watersports to tours, shopping, and dining. You will never run out of fun family activities at Pinellas County even if you have lived here for years. For more fun family-friendly ideas and activities, subscribe for more fun family things to do.

 

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email