Places to see in tampa for free

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These are the best free things to do in Tampa, Florida including museums, parks, activities, walking tours, beaches, and suburbs.

Even though Tampa is the third-largest city in Florida, it may not be the first city you think about visiting when planning a trip to Florida. You may think of Orlando, Miami, or even Jacksonville, but Tampa has a lot to offer.

In fact, there are many fun free things to do in Tampa in the USA, including are over 175 parks, 80 playgrounds, 300 miles of trails, and beaches for days. So let’s get started on some of the free activities in Tampa Bay so that you can have fun and avoid the costly tourist traps.

Free Museums in Tampa

Tampa Museum of Art

This modern building in Tampa is filled with many beautiful sculptures and art pieces. The Tampa Museum of Art has two Pay-As-You-Will opportunities. You get to decide what you will pay for admission, even if that amount is nothing.

Tampa Museum of Art Pay-As-You-Will admissions are for Art on the House, every Thursday evening from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

In addition, the museum constantly offers promos that allow visitors to explore the museum for free or at a discounted rate. For the current offers, make sure you check out their official promo page here!

Sulphur Springs Museum

The Sulphur Springs Museum is dedicated to sharing the history of the area and preserving the neighboring areas. When you are learning about the history of Florida’s Coney Island, be sure to take the kids to the TECO play area. This is a fun room for kids that has displays and hands-on activities that focus on the oceanic environment, such as shells, shark teeth, corals, and fun facts about nature.

There is always free admission, but donations are appreciated. It is open on Wednesday – Saturday from 11:00 am.- 4:00 pm.

Glazer Children’s Museum

The Glazer Children’s Museum is a favorite for most families in Tampa. There are a lot of interactive learning experiences that will keep the kids having fun for hours!

They are located in the heart of downtown Tampa, so once you are down at the museum be sure to see some of the other free activities in Tampa.

Admission is only free on the first Tuesday of every month from noon to 5:00 pm.

Tampa Police Museum

This free museum in Tampa celebrates the history of the police department. You will find police uniforms, famous criminals’ mug shots, fingerprint cards, and much more.

There is always free admission to the Tampa Police Museum. It is open from Monday to Friday from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Tampa Firefighters Museum

When you are done learning about the history of the police department, be sure to stop by the first Firefighter Department building in Tampa.

This free museum includes an interactive fire safety and emergency awareness classroom.

There is always free admission to the Tampa Firefighters Museum. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

Henry B. Plant Museum

This National Historic Landmark was once the 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel. You will find the actual furnishings enjoyed by the first guests to visit the Victorian-styled railroad resort.

The Henry B. Plant Museum currently offers one free admission opportunity. You can visit on the fourth Friday of every month for free from January to November.

But just keep in mind that the free admission days can often change, so we recommend you to check out the official site before visiting!

Free Activities in Tampa

Manatee Viewing Center

The Manatee Viewing Center is a state and federally designated manatee sanctuary that provides protection from the cold for these gentle animals. Visiting the Manatee Viewing Center is one of our favorite things to do when the weather cools down some here in Tampa.

Where else can you go and see dozens of manatees and wildlife in their natural habitat? Be sure to step inside of their museum to learn more about the manatees and the Florida landscape. And don’t miss the stingray touch tank!

Admission and parking are always free at the Manatee Viewing Center. It is open daily from Nov. 1st through April 15th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. They are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Easter.

Go Sugar Cane Vodka Tasting at Florida Cane Distillery

On Fridays and Saturdays, Florida Cane Distillery offers a free Tasting Room Experience. This 20-minute presentation highlights the company’s story and product, and offers guests the chance to sample its signature Florida CANE Vodka.

Just remember to reserve your spot beforehand and make sure you are 21 years old or older!

Visit El Reloj, Once The Finest Cigar Factory in the World

When you are in Ybor City, don’t miss the chance to visit El Reloj, the largest and finest cigar factory when it was built in 1910. As part of the family-owned J.C Newman Cigar Company, El Reloj is listed in the National Register of Historic Places! And guess what?! It is one of the most unique places to visit in Tampa for free!

Visitors can tour the J.C. Newman’s cigar museum, theater, rolling room, and factory store completely free of charge, but affordable guided tours are also available for anyone interested in learning more. El Reloj is open public on weekdays from 9 am to 5:30 pm.

Hillsborough County Library System

You can find free events at the Hillsborough County Library Branch locations regularly. In fact, I have given a few presentations at several locations myself!

You will find free events for children of all ages and adults and in a ton of different categories. You can learn to use your slow cooker or draw cartoons or even set up your email. There are about 30 locations throughout the Tampa Bay area.

Self-Guided Free Walking Tours in Tampa

Oaklawn Cemetery

If you enjoy history and maybe a few ghost stories, then you will enjoy exploring Tampa’s first public burial ground. It was deeded in the mid-19th century and was described as the final resting place for “White and Slave, Rich and Poor”.

There are various monuments inside as well as the final resting place for many people of historical prominence. You can find the full walking tour as well as all the haunting spots along the way here.

Tampa Riverwalk Art Walking Tour

This beautiful walk around the Hillsborough River is just over 2.5 miles. Not only is there local art along the way but there are plenty of unique dining options and museums, and there is almost always a fun festival going on.

You can download the free PDF for the Riverwalk Art Walking Tour here.

My family and I have done that walk countless times, from the Straz Center to Performing Arts to Armature Works, I swear we see something new each time. My favorite is the Woven Waves under Laurel Street Bridge.

Ybor City

Before you jump on the streetcar, be sure to walk around town a little. Known for its Cuban flair, there is much to see in Ybor City. It is the only community on the west coast of Florida to be named a National Historic Landmark District.

In Ybor City, you’ll find a 12,000-square-foot mural, several art galleries, and a lot of nightlife venues.

While you are here, you can jump on one of the TECO Line Streetcars. It is completely free and travels about 2.7 miles. It looks like an old-fashioned streetcar and will take you on a free tour through Tampa. You can catch one about every 15 minutes at designated areas.

On the streetcar route, you will see lots of great monuments, memorials, and parks.

You can get off at Sparkman Wharf and The Florida Aquarium along the way. Sparkman Wharf is free to walk around and there is always something fun going on, you can usually find free live music there on the weekends, while the food and drinks can be a tad on the expensive side, it doesn’t cost a thing to enjoy the music, colorfully decorated buildings and appreciate the gorgeous water views. You may even see a cruise ship!

Parks in Tampa

While there are plenty of free parks in Tampa, two of our favorites are Curtis Hixon Park and Water Works Park.

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

Curtis Hixon Park is located in downtown Tampa. Both kids and adults love the area and you will find a free splash pad for the kids and plenty of places for you to sit and relax. You are also not far from Glazer Children’s Museum, so if you go on a Tuesday, don’t forget to add that free spot in Tampa to your agenda!

Water Works Park

Water Works Park is located right by one of my favorite restaurants in Tampa, Ulele. There is also a splash pad here for the kids to play in and shaded areas for the adults to relax.

This park is located right on the Tampa Riverwalk, so if you want to extend your day, be sure to take the Self Guided Art Walking Tour along the Riverwalk before heading home.

READ: Free Things to do in New York City

Best Beaches in Tampa

You can’t plan a trip to the Sunshine State without visiting one of the many beaches and sticking your toes in the sand.

While not far from Tampa are some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, you don’t have to drive over any long bridges to enjoy the sand and water.

Ben T Davis Beach

Ben T Davis Beach is located right along the Courtney Campbell expressway and if you are flying into Tampa, it will be the first beach that you see.

There is always a volleyball game going on, residents are fishing, and you will find unique restaurants along the way.

A family favorite is Whiskey Joe’s Bar & Grill, located right on the water, it’s hard to beat those views!

As you can see, there are plenty of free things to do in Tampa. So, if you are planning a Florida road trip or if you live there, be sure to add these fun things to do to your travel itinerary.

As a Tampa resident for 20+ years, I can tell you that there is beauty all around us here in the Sunshine State.

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Things to do in Tampa for Free FAQs

What are some things to do for free in Tampa with kids?

There are many excellent things to do for free with kids in Tampa among them are visiting some of the excellent parks (Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park or Water Works Park) or beaches (Ben T Davis Beach). There are also plenty of free museums designed for kids, such as the Glazer Children’s Museum and the amazing Florida Botanical Gardens!

What are the best free museums in Tampa?

Tampa is full of free museums that any visitors should take advantage of. We recommend checking out El Reloj (a cigar rolling museum), the Pinellas County Heritage Village (an indoor & outdoor museum about local history), Henry B. Plant Museum (a Victorian railway resort), and Tampa Museum of Art.

Is Tampa expensive to visit?

Once touted for its low cost of living, Tampa Florida is no longer as affordable as some people might think. While comparatively, it is still cheap when you put it next to cities like New York City or Los Angeles, don’t expect your money to go far when you are visiting the Tampa Bay region.

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If you know of any other free things to do in Tampa, FL, comment below to add them to the list!

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How can I spend a day in Tampa?

One day in Tampa itinerary.

Start your day at the Riverwalk. ... .

Visit Tampa Museum of Art. ... .

Head to the Aquarium. ... .

Grab some tasty lunch. ... .

Admire some really big cats. ... .

Check out the Hindu Temple of Florida. ... .

Get some excitement at Busch Gardens Tampa! ... .

Find a nice place for dinner or grab a drink..

What is Tampa most known for?

Tampa is known for the vibrant Ybor City, the gigantic Florida Aquarium, the heart-pumping Busch Gardens, and for being the birthplace of the Cuban sandwich. Tampa is also famous for its lush parks, cigar factories, contemporary museums, high-end eateries, and stunning sidewalks.