With year-round sunlight and an active lifestyle where you’re always only minutes from the waters of a bay, beach, river, or lake, huge features meet small-city convenience in Tampa Bay. These are the reasons why the Tampa Bay and Sarasota metro regions are regarded as one of the greatest places to live by U.S. News & World Report, and why Time magazine named it one of the top 25 cities where millennials are relocating.
Tampa, located on Florida’s Gulf Coast along the beaches of Tampa Bay, is a whole year destination for family vacations. Busch Gardens is most likely the area’s most popular attraction. There are numerous enjoyable activities to do in Tampa with kids, from Old McMickey’s Farm, Bits-n-Pieces Puppet Theater to Glazer Children’s Museum. This article will help you learn about the best things to do in Tampa Florida with kids and find some great parks and play centers.
What Makes Tampa Such a Great Place?
1. Low living costs
While Tampa Bay has numerous big-city-style features, it lacks one major metro trapping: a high cost of living. For employees at all levels, the city is extremely inexpensive.
Plenty of resources and opportunities
Tampa Bay has established a well-deserved and rapidly rising reputation as a fantastic location to live. It’s a destination with award-winning waterfront attractions, award-winning public schools, prestigious higher education institutions, and renowned medical facilities.
2. The rich culture
The Tampa Bay region is a melting pot with a diverse ethnic population. The region’s considerable Hispanic and Cuban populations, however, stand out, and their effect on the culture is palpable. Look no farther than Ybor City for your cultural fix and enjoy the old-world charm of this ancient Tampa district.
3. The climate
With over 230 days of sunlight each year and a median temperature of 80 degrees year-round, there’s a lot to love about the Tampa Bay area. Visitors and residents alike may travel to the beach on Christmas and take part in different outdoor activities without freezing to death throughout the winter.
4. The beautiful beaches
Florida is regarded for possessing some of the world’s best beaches, and the Tampa Bay area has a few of them. A trip to the beach is a necessity while visiting the region, weather permitting, and thankfully for the millions of folks who visit here each year, there are numerous alternatives to pick from when deciding where to sink your toes in the sand and relax.
Best Things to Do in Tampa
1. Old McMicky’s Farm
A tour to Old McMicky’s Agricultural should be on your schedule if you want to explore farm life. The farm provides guided tours as well as a pleasant lunch break facing Crescent Lake and under the shadow of oak trees.
2. Clearwater Beach
One of the fun things about Florida is that there is always a beach nearby. Even in landlocked areas like Gainesville, there are water parks and sandpits built to resemble the shoreline of coastal cities, so a list of things to do in Gainesville may include splashy fun. It is also one of the romantic things to do in Tampa.
3. American Escape Rooms
This is a great, engaging, and participatory activity for the whole family. The activities are family-friendly and have been built with the participation of children in mind.
4. Giraffe Ranch
Giraffe Ranch is the place to go if you want to see an unusual theme park or animal zoo. It is located 45 minutes outside of Tampa, near the Green Swamp, and covers a total area of 47 acres. It provides four-wheel-drive safari experiences that allow tourists to get up close and personal with animals such as pygmy hippos, camels, alligators, giraffes, and rhinos.
5. The Tampa Theater
The Tampa Theater is a legendary monument in the United States and a must-see while in town. Enjoy an evening in an atmospheric-style theater while watching live music, or a foreign film that is playing.
Did You Know This About Tampa?
At first sight, Tampa may appear commonplace, but there are a few interesting facts about the city that you may not be aware of. Here are a few:
- Tampa has the state’s oldest restaurant
- Tampa is regarded as among the top places for coffee enthusiasts
- The Gasparilla Event, a big pirate ship festival, has been held for almost a century
- Birdwatching is a common hobby
- The largest port in Florida is located in Tampa
- With 4.5 miles of walkway, Bayshore Boulevard is the longest
- Teddy Roosevelt slept in Tampa
- You can visit Cuba without requiring a passport
Best Things to Do in Tampa if You Have Children
1. Lowry Park Zoo
Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park is a nonprofit zoo that has been serving families with animal encounters since the late 1930s. It is continually changing in order to create more genuine biodiversity and human encounters. Those who wish to explore outside the typical zoo adventure can engage in animal interactions with rhinos, elephants, and penguins.
2. The Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium – a humongous 220,000 square-foot facility, has seven displays that take families from freshwater to broad ocean settings. To explore, there are replicated wetlands in coral reefs, beaches and bays, glass atrium, and more. The Splash Pad is a children’s water play area that is included in the entry ticket.
3. The Dunedin Fine Art Center
A visit to The Dunedin Fine Art Center in Tampa will be appreciated by the artist in the family. The Art Center specializes in art programs for children through adults. Nearly 20 sessions are particularly created for children, with topics ranging from storytelling to clay sculpting to cooking to sketching.
4. Glazer Children’s Museum
The Glazer Children’s Museum allows children to have fun with an objective. They engage with their surroundings and uncover new concepts. With 22 exhibitions, there are plenty of opportunities for a child’s imagination to run wild.
5. Bits-n-Pieces Puppet Theater
With Bits-n-Pieces Puppet Theater, children can learn about the amazing art of puppetry. PuppetWorld Playhouse, the troupe’s home theater, hosts productions of classic morality stories that both delight and educate young theatergoers.
6. Tampa Riverwalk
This 2.6-mile-long route along the Hillsborough River is one of Tampa, Florida’s greatest kid-friendly attractions. While children may not appreciate merely wandering by the river, there are a variety of other fun activities available here. You may kayak or ride a water bike down the river.
7. Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) is the ultimate scientific playground, with over 100 hands-on exercises. Guests may solve a mental challenge, construct a robot, or glimpse the upcoming future with new technology. The Saunders Planetarium, and NASA’s Mission Moonbase are among the permanent displays.
8. The Tampa Museum of Art
In 2010, the Tampa Museum of Art moved to its current location. This award-winning museum uses a unique approach to show art ranging from ancient to current. The history museum displays antiques from Roman and Greek traditions, with changing exhibits on display from time to time.
9. Sunken Gardens
Sunken Gardens is a visual feast, with meandering trails running across over 50,000 tropical plants and flowers, and through scenic waterfalls. You may take a garden tour or engage in horticulture lessons and demonstrations.
10. Dakin Dairy Farms
Dakin Dairy Farms is the Sunshine State’s first open-to-the-public dairy farm that bottles its own milk. Their 1,000-acre sustainable, cutting-edge farm is operated by a family. Their business has expanded to include an agritourism destination. Hayrides and farm tours are available for families. The fossil dig, hay labyrinth, Sand Mountain, and toddler play equipment will definitely appeal to children.
Local Parks in Tampa
1. Ybor City Museum State Park
Ybor City Museum State Park is located amid Tampa’s “Barrio Latino,” a recognized National Historic District honoring the immigrants who lived in the area. The urban park maintains Ybor City’s cultural legacy, which was founded on the cigar-making business. From the establishment of its first cigar factory in 1886 until the 1930s, this area was renowned as the “Cigar Capital of the World.”
2. Adventure Island
Seaworld’s Adventure Island is a water park located directly across the street from Busch Gardens. It has water pools, lazy rivers, and 10 incredible waterslides, including the newest Vanishing Point, a dramatic free-fall plunge adventure. The Adventure Island Paradise Lagoon includes a 20-foot precipice to jump from, waterfalls, thrill rides, a pool, and slides.
3. The Lettuce Lake Conservation Park
If you want to explore nature and have outdoor activities, go visit Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, which is one of Tampa’s most popular destinations. The hardwood hammock vegetation, pine Flatwoods, and intriguing swamp forest are popular with visitors. It contains a 3,500-foot-long observation tower over the boardwalk and a 1.25-mile workout paved track. If you wish to explore on your own, you may hire a kayak or canoe and float around the waterways in silence.
4. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is an eight-acre park along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa. It has splash fountains, playgrounds, and a dog park all with a magnificent view of the city skyline.
5. Croc Encounters Park
Croc Encounters Reptile Park and Wildlife Center was founded in 2005 as a reptile rescue facility. It gradually expanded to encompass other unwanted animals. In 2008, the family-owned and run business began offering teaching and guided tours.
Play Centers in Tampa
1. Romp n’ Roll
Romp n’ Roll is a safe and enjoyable indoor play environment for kids aged three months to five years. They emphasize physical exercise but also provide art and music programs.
2. Sylvia’s Clubhouse
Sylvia’s Clubhouse in Clearwater provides a secure and inviting environment for children aged six and younger. There is also a baby section for youngsters under the age of two.
3. Playtime
Playtime is an indoor playground for children aged one to five. Private birthday parties, preschool lessons, Walk-in Open Play sessions, and other special events are available. Reservations are not required for Open Play; however, big groups should contact beforehand.
4. We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym
Children can come in and participate in the same activities that are available during private parties and sessions. This includes access to the whole gym including the arts and crafts section.
5. K Peas Place
This is an indoor playground in the Tampa Bay Area for caregivers and children aged one to five. Structured and open play, arts and crafts, and hosted birthday parties are all available.
Attractions in Tampa
1. Big Cat Rescue
Did you realize that Tampa’s northwest section is more like a refuge than a zoo? If you go, you can learn about lynx, snow leopards, tigers, bobcats, house cats, and cougars. The entire facility covers 67 acres and shelters over 100 animals from fourteen different species. Those who are interested in large cats will definitely be pleased with what they may learn from the Big Cat Rescue’s informed, enthusiastic, and pleasant guides.
2. Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center
If you want to see the lovable and adorable manatees, don’t skip Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center. Swimming manatees may be seen through the electric water plant, which is a welcome change from the regular sights.
3. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
One of the best things to do in the whole state of Florida, from roller coasters to real tiger enclosures. It’s a zoo and an amusement park rolled into one, and you can spend full weekends exploring its bumper cars, ziplines, water slides, elephant enclosures, and bird gardens.
4. Tampa Bay Automobile Museum
If you enjoy antique vehicles, you should not miss a visit to the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum. Each automobile was designed with foresight and was chosen for exhibition due to its effect on the ever-changing automotive industry.
5. Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise
If you want to spend a fun day on the sea with your family, Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise, with its colorful blue sails, white striped sails, and the bright red boat may be the perfect option.
Endnote
The Tampa Bay area is home to many varied neighborhoods, and locals choose to seek amusement in these cultural enclaves rather than in more touristic places such as the Southshore or Channel District. The beaches in the region may be found in Clearwater and St. Petersburg. Fort DeSoto Park near St. Pete has a dog beach, fishing piers, and kayak rentals.
The cost of living in the Tampa Bay region is comparable to the national average, and there is no state income tax in Florida. In recent years, the real estate market has become extremely competitive. You can also compare it with the housing market in Orlando.
Ready to move out of the big cities and you’re probably wondering, “Who will buy my house in Florida?” At Problem Property Pals, we buy houses in Tampa and we are also one of the companies that buy houses in Orlando. Why not give us a call today? Let us help you sell your house fast.
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