Downtown Tampa has a lot of family friendly things to offer. As an active family of five we are always looking for things to do. Luckily we live in the beautiful Tampa Bay Area and have a lot of options. For instance, my list includes a lot of family favorites that our family never gets tired of doing!
My list of activities can be done any day of the week but be sure to check each businesses web page before making your final plans!
Here are twenty things to do with your family in down town Tampa:
Indoor Options
1. Glazer Children’s Museum – Tampa’s interactive learning museum where children can come learn, play and grow. Located at 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza.
2. Florida Museum of Photographic Arts – Explore artwork through photography. Located at 400 N Ashley Drive.
3. Tampa History Center – Guided and custom tour options available. Make dinner plans and dine a the Columbia Café! Located at 801 Water St.
4. Florida Aquarium – Explore sea animals and creatures with your family. Spend the day here and bring your children’s bathing suits for the splash pad. Located at 701 Channelside Dr.
5. Straz Center for the Performing Arts – From Broadway to rock concerts this performing arts center has it all. Located at 1010 N. Wc Maciness Pl.
Taking my boys and a classmate to a show 
The kids had a great time 
Charlie and the Charlie Factory was a big hit!
6. Amalie Arena – Your place to be for sports events and music concerts as well as family friendly shows like Disney On Ice. Located at 401 Channelside Dr.
7. JW Marriott Hotel – Book a stay at the newly opened JW Marriott hotel. It’s nice to be a tourist in your own back yard. The amenities and location of this hotel is sure to have you back as a repeat customer. Located at 510 Water St.
Outdoor Options
8. Tampa River Walk – Take a family stroll while taking in all of the downtown sights and action. Great place to people watch and to feel like you’re a part of the down town action. Bring your scooters and bicycles or rent one while you’re there. Everyone will love it! Located at 1280-1502 Doyle Carlton Dr.
9. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park – Come play downtown at one of Tampa’s well known parks. There is a children’s playground area where children of all ages and sizes can play together. If you’re feeling adventurous there’s a fountain at the top of the park where you can have some fun running through the water. Located at 600 N. Ashley Drive.
10. Teco Line Streetcar – Did you know riding the Tampa streetcar is FREE! Guided tours or privately renting out a streetcar is an option as well. Located all around Tampa. Get access from their Channelside stop.
FOOD
11. Sparkman Wharf – Have you seen the new changes happening in the Channelside District? It has everything you need for an amazing family day out. Large open area for family interaction, 7+ restaurants to choose from and relax outdoors and enjoy the waterfront. Located at 615 Channelside Drive.
12. Dine at Ulele – Enjoy native inspired foods and spirits for lunch or dinner. Located at 1810 N. Highland Ave.
13. Armature Works – Come during the day, stay all night! Plenty of interaction to be a part of at Armature Works. Come hungry and leave full! Located at 1910 N. Ola Ave.
14. Brunch at Jackson’s Bistro – Brunchin’ at Jackson’s is a Tampa must! They feature an eclectic menu that everyone can enjoy. Reserve seating outside so you can enjoy the views as you eat. Located at 601 S Harbour Island Blvd.
15. Dessert at Peterbrooke Chocolatier – What family doesn’t love a chocolate factory? Get ready to have all of your chocolate and gelato dreams come true! Dessert here is a no brainer for a family night out. Located at 777 N. Ashley Drive.
Watch my Tampa Bay Road to Game Day Restaurant Recap for more dinning options
Kiva – The Fun Foodie Mama
Water Activities
16. eBoats Tampa – What’s better than driving around downtown Tampa? Riding in a boat! Located at 333 S. Franklin St. (See Facebook link to get a better idea of what it’s all about). https://www.facebook.com/thefunfoodiemama/videos/1052542301886663
17. Pirate Water Taxi – Hop on at one of their fifteen stops daily to tour Tampa via the water! Located at 603 Channelside Dr.
18. Water Works Park – Pack a bag and be sure to bring your towels! This park has one of the largest dump buckets around town. It’s a crowd pleaser for sure amongst the kids. Located at 1710 N. Highland Ave.
19. Starship Yacht – How about a dinner cruise? There’s something about exploring your city from a yacht with good food! Located at 603 Channelside Dr.
20. Cross-Bay Ferry – Take a ferry from Bay to Bay. Start in Tampa and ride to St. Pete. Be sure to book online and check availability and times to make the perfect selection for your family.
Thank You!
If you made it this far down in my blog post I truly appreciate you taking the time out to read it. Stay up to date with me and all things food, family and food by subscribing to my blog and following me on all of my social sites.
Sincerely, The Fun Foodie Mama
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