Fun things to do near me as a family

Time to get your spook on – Halloween weekend is here are there are SO many fun things happening around town! In addition to all the awesome things going on this weekend, here are The BEST Kid-Friendly Halloween Events in Tampa Bay + MORE Fun!

We’ve also got our list of our favorite pumpkin patches in Tampa Bay and Halloween events which is jam-packed with pumpkin patches and corn mazes galore!

We’ve got our TOP PICKS of fun things to do this weekend in Tampa Bay, but first, here’s what’s trending for the weekend:

• Our 10 Favorite Things About the NEW Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland
• The BEST Ways to Celebrate Halloween with the Kids in Tampa Bay
• Dinosaurs and Dolphins Take Over Clearwater Marine Aquarium!

Our Weekend Guide is divided up into multiple sections since there are SO many fun things to do around Tampa Bay! Scroll down for New Fun Things to Do This Week, What’s on Exhibit, Ongoing Events, Parent’s Night Out, and Save the Date! You can also check out our Save the Date Events that are coming soon to start planning ahead.

So, keep scrolling to find your best day ever!

New FUN Things to Do This Weekend in Tampa Bay 

Creatures of The Night at ZooTampa | Select dates through Sunday, October 30

Tampa
This year’s event welcomes the Swamp Witch, a mysterious new resident looking to make a deal as she conjures spells in the darkest corners of Florida’s murky swamps. Enjoy mischievous characters, animals, spooky frights and festive treats!

Boos and Bubbles at Clearwater Marine Aquarium | Fridays and Saturdays October 14-29

Are ghosts bubbles? Find out this October at CMA’s new Halloween event, Boos and Bubbles! This high-spirited event is included with admission and will be packed with playful poltergeists, giggling ghosts and silly specters… plus billions of bubbles. Families will be able to celebrate Halloween by dancing at the “Bubble Party” hosted by DJ Boo! Free boat rides also included during event. Float on by for some festive family fun at Boos and Bubbles! Friday and Saturday evenings. Fri: 5pm-8pm, Sat: 4pm-8pm

Spooktacular at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Sesame Street Safari of Fun Kids Weekends | Weekends through October 30

Tampa
At Busch Gardens’ all-new Spooktacular, guests will step into a whimsical world full of enchantment with Kandy, a witch-in-training! A costume parade, story time and trick or treating are some of the activities guests will find in this immersive Halloween experience. Busch Gardens’ Spooktacular will be casting magical spells from 12 – 4 p.m. at the Festival Walkway. Included with admission.

Don’t forget–there is also Sesame Street Safari of Fun Kids Weekends on weekends in October for even MORE Halloween fun for the kiddos! That event is celebrated from about 11 – 4pm.

Brick-or-Treat presents Monster Party at LEGOLAND | Select dates through October 30

LEGOLAND Florida
This signature brick-tastic event is back and better than ever! Enjoy live entertainment and shows, limited time attractions, character meet and greets, a costume parade, and of course, trick-or-treating! Included with general admission.

Celebrate Spooky Season at The Dali | Thursday, October 27 from 5pm-8pm

St. Petersburg
Visitors to the Dali Museum are invited to enjoy spooky-inspired activities leading up to Halloween, including extended hours and discounted admission, spooky music throughout the museum, pop-up tours in the permanent collection of Dali works from 5pm-8pm, and a lecture on the spectral domain of Dali’s art at 6pm (separate registration required). Come in costume and enjoy 10% off your order at Cafe Gala. There will be a costume contest at 7pm with Dali-inspired prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

Pied Piper’s Haunted Carnival | Thursday, October 27-Sunday, October 30

Tampa
Taking place at Armature Works, the 2nd Annual Haunted Carnival Experience will feature over 300,000 square feet of terrifying carnival rides and nostalgic sugary eats. Come early with the family and take a pic on the Ferris Wheel with the backdrop of downtown Tampa. There will be a kid’s zone dedicated to family-friendly activities. There will be pumpkin decorating, meet your favorite superhero characters, facepainting, and more.

Amazing Athletes at Armature Works | Friday, October 28 from 10am-11am

Tampa
This 9-week program empowers children by using sports as a catalyst to engage their inner strengths and abilities so they can confidently pursue an active lifestyle through each stage of development. Kids can participate in either Amazing Tots (18M-2.5 years) and Amazing Athletes (2.5 years-6 years old).

Halloween Glow Party at Playtime Apollo | Friday, October 28 from 4:30pm-7:30pm

Apollo Beach
Get ready to glow crazy! Kids ages 3-9 are invited to this special drop-off event. Wear your white or neon clothing. There will be special glow activities, glow face paint, glow dance party, and pizza. Call 813-645-8777 at least 48 hours in advance to register.

Downtown Trick-Or-Treating and Halloween Parade | Friday, October 28 from 5pm-8pm

Dunedin
Roads will be closed for kids to safely trick or treat along Main St. and along Broadway Ave. Participating merchants will provide candy and trinkets. At 6:15, the Halloween parade will take place starting at Dunedin History Museum the march to Pioneer Park for an awards ceremony and family-friendly movie to follow.

Haunted Happenings at R.E. Olds Park | Friday, October 28 from 6pm-9:30pm

Oldsmar
This interactive family Halloween event features costume contests for ages 12 and under, a trick or treat trail, haunted hayrides, fun games, and more! A non-scary hayride will run from 6pm-7pm and a scary hayride will begin at 7pm.

The Witching Hour | Friday, October 28-Saturday, October 29 at 7:30pm

Straz Center
Tampa’s annual drop-dead funny cult favorite returns to the scenic Riverwalk this October. This family-friendly celebration of the spooky season features musical selections from opera and pop culture.

Fortnite Friday at Esports Players Club | Friday, October 28 from 6pm-8pm

Tampa
Play and compete together to earn V-bucks! Includes pizza. For kids ages 18 and under.

Fourth Friday at Curtis Hixon Park | Friday, October 28 at 5pm

Tampa
This monthly arts and cultures crawl throughout Tampa’s Downtown provides an evening of special offerings, live music, programs by cultural destinations and more! There will also be free admission, discounts, and special offers at participating arts and cultural partners. Enjoy food and drink specials and Sip & Stroll the Riverwalk with alcoholic beverages in vendor approved cups.

Halloween Party at Mini and Me New Tampa | Friday, October 28 from 1:30pm-2:30pm

New Tampa
Have a blast with games, sensory activities, music, costumes, goodies, and a super cute photo op! Kids can come dressed in their awesome costumes. For kids ages 2-6.

Spooky Movie Night at The Kids Social Club | Friday, October 28 from 5:30pm-7pm

Ruskin
Come out for a spooky movie night with Mickey Mouse! DIY a Halloween Pumpkin and enjoy popcorn, juice, character interactions, photo ops, and open play. $35 per child.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S Halloween Party | Saturday, October 28 at 7pm

Riverview
This special event is put on by F.R.I.E.N.D.S – Down Syndrome/Special Needs. Eat, drink, dance, and be silly at this family and friends Halloween party! Pizza and refreshments will be served along with a lot of candy! Costume contests will be broken up into age groups.

The Great West Chase 5K, 10K, and Kids Fun Run | Saturday, October 29 from 7am-10:30am

Westchase
Head to West Park Village in Westchase for their annual race! The 10K begins at 7am followed by the 5K at 8am and the kids fun run at 9am. There will be a celebration with vendors and giveaways after the race.

Guppyween at The Florida Aquarium | Saturday, October 29-Sunday, October 30

Tampa
This annual Halloween event will feature complimentary trick or treating, animal encounters, character appearances, and more! Activities also include table activities, costumed divers, underwater carving, and musical entertainment. On Saturday from 8am-9:30am, there will be a special sensory-friendly version with dimmed lights and sounds for children with special needs and their caregivers.

Weekend Workshop at Bricks 4 Kidz | Saturday, October 29 from 10am-1pm

Various Locations
Bricks 4 Kidz is offering weekend workshops at several of their Hillsborough County locations. Kids can enjoy LEGO building, LEGO challenges, games, arts, and crafts. Each workshop will be completely different. On October 29 the theme will be LEGO Spooktacular! $25 per child, per workshop.

HCC’s Family Fall STEM Festival | Saturday, October 29 from 10am-3pm

Tampa
Celebrate the fall season with Hillsborough Community College’s Institue for Corporate and Continuing Education. There will be fun-filled STEM activities, demonstrations, exhibits, food, raffles, live DJ, and more! Dress up in your favorite Halloween costume for a chance to win a prize.

Monster Mash at MOSI | Saturday, October 29 from 10am-5pm

Tampa
Wear your costume while indoor trick or treating throughout the museum and take part in our Hall-o-STEM activities that include mad science shows to really get you into the Halloween spirit. Tickets include access to all of MOSI’s permanent exhibits.

Fall Harvest Days at Keel Farms | Every Saturday in October from 11am-4pm

Plant City
Head to Keel Farms for fall fun for the whole family! There will be activities for all ages including pumpkin painting, bounce house, and farm animals. Admission and parking are free.

Howl-O-Ween at Humane Society of Tampa Bay | Saturday, October 29 from 11am-2pm

Tampa
Grab your furry friends (or come adopt a new one!) at HSTB’s annual Halloween event! Enjoy trick or treating through the shelter, games, prizes, spooky crafts, grillin’ & chillin’ costume contests for both kids and pets! Dog costume will be at 12:30pm and kids costume contest will be at 12:45pm.

Dairy Joy Halloween Party | Saturday, October 29 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm

South Tampa
Join Tampa’s iconic ice-cream shop, Dairy Joy, for an afternoon of thrilling fun! In fact, it’s going to be so spooky good that even the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus are flying in for a meet-and-greet. There will also be a costume contest and more fun to be had!

Minecraft Mania at MOSI | Saturdays from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

If your kids love Minecraft, they will think Minecraft Mania at MOSI is totally awesome! Your child can play Minecraft while learning new skills to become Minecraft Designer, Adventurer or even Master! While you’re there, stay and play at the beloved science museum!

Wesley Chapel Fall Food Truck Festival | Saturday, October 29-Sunday, October 30

Lutz
Head to Tampa Premium Outlets for their 18th Annual Fall Festival! Featuring 40+ food trucks, a fall festival, carnival rides, and more! There will also be entertainment, a fall pageant, pet costume contest, pony rides, petting zoo, hayrides, characters, and inflatables. $10 per adult. Kids under $18 are free.

Riverwalk Trick-Or-Treat | Saturday October 29 at 4pm

Tampa
This free community event along the Tampa Riverwalk will allow children and their families to come in costume and trick or treat. There will be several treat stations from Waterworks Park to MacDill Park including Curtis Hixon. Be sure to stick around for the Lighted Boat Parade and the Halloween Movie in The Park at 7:30pm (movie TBD).

Trick or Treat at KRATE at The Grove | Saturday, October 29 from 5pm-10pm

Wesley Chapel
Kids can enjoy a spooky story time, costume contest, and trick or treating. Adults can stay late for live music and their own contests.

Tampa Bay Lightning Girls Only Ball Hockey and Field Hockey Clinic | Saturday, October 29 from 10am-12pm

Odessa
This free girls only clinic is for girls of all ages! The clinic will consist of 60 minutes of ball hockey and 60 minutes of field hockey. The clinic will be run by the staff of the Lightning of Tampa Bay Field Hockey. Ball hockey stick will be provided.

A Nightmare on Franklin Street at Tampa Theatre | Saturday, October 29 at 11am, 2:30pm, and 7:30pm

Tampa
Head to the Tampa Theatre for some family-friendly Halloween movies. Catch The Haunted Mansion at 11am, Ghostbusters at 2:30pm, and The Addams Family at 7:30pm. Tickets are $10. Kids 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.

Sunday Breakfast Bowl with Pin Chasers | Sunday, October 30 from 9am-11am

Multiple Locations
Bring the whole family to Pin Chasers for unlimited bowling plus breakfast! Includes two hours of bowling and two eggs (your way), bacon, and toast.

Boo Brunch with Starship Cruises | Sunday, October 30 from 12pm-2:30pm

Tampa
This Halloween- themed brunch will include $10 bottomless mimosas and a cruise overlooking the boo-tiful Tampa scenery with a family-style buffet. Get creative and show off your best costumes for a chance to win fun prizes in the costume contest. Don’t forget to enjoy some tricks and treats on the top deck with lively DJ entertainment! Each child will receive a complimentary pumpkin at the end of the cruise along with a fun photo op before boarding. The ship boards at 12:00 and sails from 12:30-2:30.

Family Axe Throwing at Highland Axe Throwing | Sunday, October 23 from 1pm-5pm

Wesley Chapel
Come out for a family day of axe throwing! Lanes are open to families and kids ages 6 and up. Parents or guardians must be present for kids under 18.

Tampa Bay Moms Group Trunk or Treat 2022 | Sunday, October 30 from 5pm-8pm

Tampa
Head to WestShore Plaza for this free trunk or treat event! Kids of all ages are welcome to dress up and go trick or treating. You do need to provide candy or treats to share and you must register your car to get your armband to participate. Visit the link for tickets and more info on how to register.

Paws for Literacy at Humane Society of Tampa Bay | Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:45pm – 4pm

Tampa
The Humane Society of Tampa Bay gives children who love animals a chance to spend time with them while catching up on their reading or improving their reading skills. Children are paired with homeless pets who love to hear the stories and look at the pictures. The program offered for children ages 5 and up. They’ll 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. Supervised by a Florida state certified teacher.

Save the Date! 

Pinocchio at The St. Pete Opera – Nov. 12-13 and Nov. 19-20

Fast-moving, colorful and funny, this one-hour opera in English adapted from Collodi’s timeless tale of the wooden puppet who longs to become a real boy includes captivating scenes and songs that highlight the opera’s message about the importance of family, friendship and telling the truth. Featuring music by Mozart, Donizetti, Offenbach, Verdi and more, Pinocchio is the perfect introduction to opera for the young and the young at heart! stpeteopera.org

Busch Gardens Christmas Town – Nov. 14 – Jan. 9, 2023

The park is filled with holiday cheer and holiday traditions with a twist. Ride the Holly Jolly Express train, view millions of twinkling lights from the top of a roller coaster, visit Santa in his workshop and spend time with Rudolph and his friends! buschgardens.com

8th Annual Tampa YMCA Turkey Gobble – Nov. 24 at 7 a.m.

Lace up and head to Amalie Arena on Thanksgiving morning for this out and back Thanksgiving race tradition for the whole family! Participate in your choice of a 1-mile fun run, 5K or 8K run or walk. Awards will be given out following the race to all winning children, men and women. Strollers and dogs are also welcome! Registration closes Nov. 23. All proceeds from the Turkey Gobble benefit LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA and other healthy living programs. turkeygobble.tampaymca.org

Holiday Sparkle at The St. Pete Opera – Dec. 15-22

It wouldn’t be the holidays without some SPARKLE! Our holiday extravaganza is extra special this season with a festive double feature. The program begins with a fully staged production of Gian Carlo Menotti’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors.” This one-act opera in English, based upon Italian folk tales of the Nativity and Epiphany, has a heartwarming message that resonates with people of all ages. The second part of our presentation will include our world-class singers, accompanied by a 20-piece orchestra, performing a wide array of holiday-themed music from the sacred to the popular and everything in between! stpeteopera.org

THINGS TO DO: See What’s on Exhibit in Tampa Bay

NEWDINO RESCUE at Clearwater Marine Aquarium | Now through April 15, 2023

Experience Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s largest rescue mission ever! Dino Rescue will bring guests up-close to life-size dinosaurs, some as tall as 35 feet and 65 feet long. As guests walk throughout CMA, they will encounter prehistoric dinosaurs, which move and roar, as they rehabilitate from various ailments today’s animals face – like habitat loss and entanglement. Dino Rescue is included with admission and roaring now!

AlegreMENTE at Glazer Children’s Museum| Now open through January 1, 2023

During the interactive new exhibit, AlegreMENTE – Happy Brain: Celebrating Early Connections, visitors can celebrate loving, playful connections together in a whimsical forest full of families of all kids – both human and animal. Caregivers and their children will get the chance to explore through dance, storytelling, and more, discovering they’re equipped with everything they need to support early brain development and build healthy connections. Recommended for kids ages 0-6years old.

NEW LEGO City Space at LEGOLAND Florida | Now on Exhibit

Celebrate all things space at LEGOLAND and head to the Imagination Zone to fully immerse yourself on a LEGO Moonbase where you’ll be challenged to build a rover or a rocket. This is not only a great way to inspire kids to use their imaginations, but also cool off in the air-conditioning!

Dinosaurs Around the World at MOSI | Extended through January 1st!

MOSI invites guests to travel back in time on a dinosaur adventure and tour an earth very different from today. With advanced animatronics and immersive design elements, you can experience the Age of Reptiles as it comes to life! Grab your prehistoric passport to Pangea and discover how plate tectonics, land bridges, and volcanic activity allowed dinosaurs to disperse all corners of the globe. Included with MOSI general admission. Originally scheduled through September, MOSI has extended Dinosaurs Around the World through January 1st to give guests more time to enjoy this incredible, interactive exhibit!

NEW Ribbit Exhibit at Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center

Hop on over to the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center at The St. Pete Pier and learn about native and invasive frog and toad species in thematic displays in their all-new permanent exhibit. The Ribbit Exhibit will feature Florida’s native frogs and toads, including green tree frogs, barking tree frogs and southern toads, which are increasingly threatened by invasive species, such as Cuban tree frogs and cane toads. In addition to The Ribbit Exhibit, the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center also hosts interactive programs such as mollusc and lionfish dissection, field trips, classroom visits, and sensory-focused events.

Florida Aquarium Penguin Habitat 

The Florida Aquarium has a new African penguin habitat! Located in the outdoor plaza, guests now have the opportunity to engage with penguins any time, included with general admission! African penguin populations are declining rapidly and it is The Florida Aquarium’s goal to help save the species from extinction.

Fairgrounds St. Pete | Open Thursday-Sunday

A new immersive art experience has made its mark in Tampa Bay! Fairgrounds St. Pete recently opened its doors with a exhibit like you’ve never seen, heard or even smelled before! More than 60 artists were commissioned during the pandemic to bring it together. You can go and simply enjoy the whimsical art that celebrates weird, wacky, wonderful Florida or choose a different adventure and try to crack the codes and mysteries you’ll find throughout. Learn more about what it’s like here!

MORE Ongoing Events in Tampa Bay

Zubrick Magic Theatre

Experience wonder in St. Pete’s only magic theatre! The Zubrick Magic Theatre is a spectacular venue that gives audiences an intimate and unforgettable evening of magical entertainment. Illusionists Chris & Ryan Zubrick conjure up an exhilarating blend of sleight-of-hand, family-friendly comedy, and breathtaking grand-scale illusions in a 70-minute performance that captures hearts and imaginations. Conveniently located in downtown St. Petersburg, FL., the Zubrick Magic Theatre guarantees to stretch smiles and drop jaws with a performance that will leave you walking away scratching your head in disbelief saying, “How did they do that?!” Get your tickets now before they all… DISAPPEAR! 

Read More: Get your tickets to Tampa Bay’s ONLY magic show before they all … disappear!

Dolphintopia and Summer Glow at Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Guests will be transported to a summer of peace, love, and dolphins. Celebrate the facts, fiction, and fun of these enchanting marine mammals, while exploring the fascinating science of dolphins and their intimate connection with humans throughout history. Dolphintopia will feature unique dolphin art installations, activities, interactive shows, and vibrant Instagrammable photo ops. The elements of this saltwater celebration will change throughout the summer, offering annual members different experiences. The Dolphintopia celebration is included with general admission. Guests can also visit CMA’s resident dolphins in their habitats while visiting, and purchase VIP Dolphin Experiences or Photo Moment Experiences.

Future Voyagers Month at Kennedy Space Center

Throughout the month of September, kids ages 3-11 can receive one free admission to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex with the purchase of at least one adult admission! The offer is valid for up to three complimentary children’s admissions per one adult. See the latest in space exploration at the Gateway featuring Spaceport KSC, play among the planets at the three-story indoor playground, Planet Play, then head to LEGO Build to Launch exhibit for more hands-on activities. *Blackout dates apply

Visit a Florida State Park for FREE with Your Library Card

With your public library card, you can check out the Real Florida Reader Day Pass which provides free park admission to Florida’s state parks. This is a pass that you check out from your local library and will need to return, just like you would a library book. Each library location will receive an allotted number of passes for checkout by library patrons. Offer valid through September 12.

Ruskin Family Drive-In | Wednesdays-Sundays

The Ruskin Family Drive-In Theatre has over 50 years of continuous service to the Ruskin and South Hillsborough County. It’s been a community gathering place since its first movie, “Singing in the Rain” played in 1952. They offer great movies, good food, and peace and quiet on a continuous basis with a 2000 square foot screen, clean restrooms, snack bar and clean parking lot. Through August 25th, you can catch Lightyear and Thor: Love and Thunder. Please note: you must bring a portable radio with you or use the radio in your car to hear the movie. There will be no showings on Monday and Tuesday.

Bank of America Museums on Us Weekends

The first weekend of every month, active Bank of America, Merrill, or Bank of America Private Bank (U.S. Trust) credit or debit cardholders with photo ID will receive one free general admission to the Tampa Museum of Art and The Florida Aquarium. This offer applies to the cardholder only and excludes ticketed and special exhibitions and fundraising events.

Parents’ Nights Out!

While family time is fun, it’s also important to carve some time out for yourself, whether it’s a night out with your significant other, friends, or some solo time. Several places around the Tampa area are hosting Parents’ Nights Out! For a fee, you can drop your kids off for some fun activities and playtime while you get an evening out!

Playgrounds of Tampa | Second and Fourth Friday of Every Month from 6pm – 10pm

For four hours, your kids will be entertained with games, movies and bounce houses galore (maybe even with some pizza) while you do whatever you want. Participants must be potty trained, ages 4 and up. Cost is $30 per child. Click here to register.

Humane Society of Tampa Bay | Last Friday of Every Month from 6pm – 10pm

Kids ages 5 and up will enjoy playing with the shelter animals, dinner, and watching a movie with furry friends! This program takes place monthly and registration is required. The dogs and cats can’t wait to party! Cost is $50 per child. Includes pizza dinner and drinks. To register, click here.

Jubilee Gymnastics | Second and Fourth Friday of Every Month from 6pm – 9:30pm

Drop off the kids to eat, play, and have fun at Jubilee Gymnastics in Ruskin while you enjoy a night out. Pre-registration is highly encouraged as these will fill up quickly. For kids ages 4 and up. Cost is $30 per child for members/$35 for non-members. Includes pizza and drinks! Click here to sign up.

Cypress Forest Park | Last Friday of Every Month from 6pm – 10:30pm

Take a night off while your children enjoy themed fun at Cypress Forest Park in Oldsmar! Pizza dinner are included. For kids ages 5-12. Cost is $10 for kids with a rec card and $15 for kids without. Click here to learn more.

More ideas to spark a weekend of lifelong memories!

Have the ultimate family island adventure with A Boat Day!   

Enjoy a private boat excursion departing from the Clearwater, Indian Rocks Beach and Dunedin areas, this is a favorite for locals and travelers alike. See dolphins up close, explore sandbars and the pristine state park barrier islands, search for shells, snorkel for sealife, or just relax in the beautiful Gulf waters. Professional Boat Captains are at your service to provide a safe and relaxing day for all. Choose from 7 amazing family friendly boats, 4 FUNships which are very large, luxury pontoon boats featuring a second story and a waterslide, or 3 Deck boats which are suited to sport, speed and lounging. A Boat Day rental boats are perfect for family/friends reunions, Birthdays and Bachelor/Bachelorette parties. Their Clearwater area boat trips range from a 2 hour Sunset Tour to an all day 8 hour Adventure, and can accommodate 1-50 people including the baby and their grands. A Boat Day is TripAdivsors #1 Boat Tour in Clearwater and often described as the “best day of our vacation”, come see why!

Paddle Pals with Get Up and Go Kayaking in St Pete

Get Up and Go Kayaking in St. Pete is offering a new kayaking tour designed just for kids and their families called Paddle Pals. The tour is an educational adventure with tour guide Hannah as you explore the mangroves and Shell Key Preserve. See what the experience is like here!

Upgrade your day at ZooTampa with an animal encounter! 

If you’re planning a day at ZooTampa, we love upgrading our experience with the kids with an animal encounter like feeding the giraffes or rhinos. We recently booked a time to feed a Jamie the Indian White Rhino with our 5 year old and he had a great time. Baby rhino Gronk even hung out for snacks! You do have to wear a face mask during the encounter, but you can remove it for a photo. Learn more here.

Snap a mural selfie and help provide a free eye exam and glasses for a local child!

Head over to Armature Works to check out the NEW mural on the north end of the property created to promote the Glazer Vision Foundation’s “Glasses For All Children” campaign. All you have to do is share a photo of the mural, a selfie in front of the mural, or selfie wearing any type of glasses, tag @glazervisionfdn, hashtag #OneShareOnePair and the foundation will give a local child a free eye exam and pair of glasses! Easy peasy! Learn more.

Check out the St. Pete Pier

Eat, drink, shop and play at the new St. Pete Pier. The new playground area is quickly becoming a family favorite in Tampa Bay, just make sure to bring plenty of hand sanitizer and/or hand sanitizing wipes with you. Stay late and look up to see the Bending Arc light up in a spectacular display. You will need to wear a mask inside the stores, restaurants and Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center. The Glazer Vision Foundation just announced it is contributing $1.5 million to the Glazer Family Playground at the Pier to support the space for years to come!  Learn more.

Best Spots to Go Tubing in Tampa Bay:

We’re sharing some of our favorite spots to sit back and relax on a tube whether it’s at a Florida natural spring or lazy river at a nearby water park. It’s the perfect way to wrap up the lazy days of summer.

FREE Resources to Explore!

Children’s Board Family Resource Centers

The program provides parents and caregivers and their children an opportunity to participate in parent/child developmental playgroups, developmental screenings, and health and safety education classes at no cost. In addition, pediatric well-child visits, immunizations and hearing or vision screenings are provided for qualifying families.  To sign up for programs and services, and to find your neighborhood Children’s Board Family Resource Center visit familysupporthc.org.

Learn & Play Tampa Bay Playgroups

The program provides quality early learning experiences at no cost at the seven children’s Board Family Resource Centers and other designated Hillsborough County sites.  The program also delivers weekly in-person and online virtual developmental classes and provides take home activities that promote early learning and school readiness at no cost. tampabayparenting.com/lets-play-tampa-bay/

Outdoorsy Things to Do in Tampa Bay

• 8 Must Do Outdoor Adventures in Tampa Bay by the Outdoorsy Diva
• Splash Pads and Water Parks NOW OPEN in Tampa Bay
• 10+ Florida Springs Your Family Needs to Explore
• Seven Ways to Explore Tampa’s Riverwalk
• Step Back into Time: A Day on Anna Maria Island

Head to the beach! 

The beaches are open, but you’ll see plenty of reminders about social distancing. You’ll also want to pack some extras in your beach bag like hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. Cloth masks are also a good idea in case you decide to visit an establishment that requires them. We’re sharing some of our favorite family-friendly beaches in Tampa Bay here.

Go for a hike! 

Lace up the hiking shoes and spend the day in nature with the kids! Many preserves and conservation parks are now open in Tampa Bay. Find a park near you or discover a new one:

• Hillsborough County
• Pinellas County
• Pasco County

Weekend Farmers Markets in Tampa Bay this Weekend

Saturday Morning Market at Williams Park in St. Pete | Saturdays from 9am -1 pm

Experience one of the top farmers markets in the U.S.! Expect an estimated 170 vendors selling their goods and artisans selling their crafts. Add stellar food choices for dining and live music for entertainment and it’s a perfect day in the Florida sunshine. Their Summer Market, located at Williams Park, typically runs from June to August.

Dunedin Downtown Market | Saturdays from 9 am-1 pm

The Dunedin Downtown Market at John Lawrence Pioneer Park features 40+ local merchants and vendors including fresh fruits and vegetables.

Fresh Market at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel | Select Saturdays from 10am-2pm

There are 60+ vendors expected at the Fresh Market at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel including organic and hydroponically grown produce.

Corey Avenue Market in St. Pete Beach | Sundays from 9am- 1pm

Corey Avenue Market features more than 70 local vendors and merchants selling everything from crafts, art, food and locally grown produce.

Ybor City Saturday Market in Tampa | Every Saturday from 9 am-1 pm

The Ybor City Saturday Market is the largest continually operating outdoor market in the Tampa Bay Area. Centered in Tampa’s Historic District, the market is one of the most popular shopping destinations for locally produced items unique to the Tampa Bay Area. Features locally made arts, crafts, and gourmet foods representing the area.

The Market Elaine at Wesley Chapel | First Friday of Every Month

Head to The Grove in Wesley Chapel for a unique evening market featuring tons of local businesses! Enjoy local vendors, live music, food, and more. themarketculture.com

Hyde Park Fresh Market in Tampa | First Sunday of Every Month from 10 am -3 pm 

Hyde Park Fresh Market features over 80 local vendors including produce, handcrafted goods, plants, and more. While you shop, enjoy live music by Gasparilla Music in Village Circle.

Carrollwood Market | Select Saturdays from 10 am-2 pm

Head to the Carrollwood Cultural Center to explore 60+ local vendors and businesses.

Westchase Locale Market | Every Second Saturday from 10am – 3pm

Enjoy live music and over 30 vendors in Westchase Town Center every second Saturday of the month.

 Celebrate the weekend in Orlando!

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