If you’re a parent, grandparent, or caregiver looking for something fun and affordable to do with the kiddos this summer look no further. We know how difficult it can be to keep your little ones entertained during summer break. We also understand that inflation is making it difficult to do the usual family vacations or summer activities like theme parks.
Family Friendly Tampa Bay made a huge list of things to do over the summer, we condensed the list of the most fun and affordable attractions in the Tampa Bay area that is fun for everyone and added a few favorites of our own! Spend the summer exploring all the free or cheap attractions of Tampa Bay. From beach days, to museum visits or baseball games, there’s something for the entire family while staying in your budget.
NOTE: All prices, offerings and dates are subject to change without notice. Please check out each businesses to see if deals are still active.
Pier 60 Clearwater Beach Sunset Celebration
Sunsets at Clearwater Beach Pier 60 are a nightly tradition. Every evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. vendors, performers and musicians take to the pier to entertain the masses who come to see one of the best sunsets on the beach. Pier 60 is known not only for its spectacular views but also its convenient amenities including playgrounds, telescopes, two massive inflatable slides, a café, and a bait and tackle store.
Glazer Children’s Museum
The first Tuesday of every month is free admission at the Glazer Children’s Museum. Right outside the museum is Curtis Hixon Park which has great family amenities like an interactive playground and splash pad!
Clearwater Threshers
Catch a ballgame without pay major league prices! The Clearwater Threshers offer dollar Tuesdays: $1 hot dogs, 12 oz. fountain sodas, peanuts, popcorn, and other concession goodies. Plus, $1 berm tickets are available. That’s fun for the whole family!
Morean Arts Center
Saturday and Sundays at The Morean is a FREE family drop-in art and clay studio; it will just require pre-registration, in order to keep group sizes smaller. You can register here.
Studio Movie Grill in Seminole
Movies are held during the weekdays from at select times of the day every Monday-Thursday from June 6 – August 11. Enjoy children’ movies for only $6 and tickets includes small drink and popcorn. You may purchase tickets online or at the box office. Some movies they’re showing this summer include: Minions, Shrek, Despicable Me and more!
Astro Skate (Multiple Locations)
Skating is making a comeback! And Astro Skate makes it affordable for your little ones to buzz around the rink with just $7 admission and $3 rentals, that’s fun for the whole family for a cheap price!
Alligator Attraction & Wildlife Center
Take a break from the beach action to check out some of Florida’s wildlife! This hands-on adventure creates memories and photo opportunities that will last a life time. Tickets start at just $10 for children 13 and under!
Jenny's Petting Zoo
Take a trip to a local farm and have your little one interact and learn all about barn life! Open weekends from 11-3, parking and admission is FREE
Mini Golf At Ace Golf Ranges
Experience tropical-themed, family-friendly, neighborhood miniature golf in Tampa. No windmills — just fun bank shots, jumps, curves, traps and holes with undulations and hills. Tickets start at just $7 for kids under 10 and adult tickets are only $10.
Tampa Bay Grand Prix
This indoor go-kart track is totally worth the trip to Tampa, Clearwater, or St. Pete. They have weekday specials including a lunch special where kids can race for just $12!
Family Summer Vacation Trips Within Driving Distance Of Tampa
1. Clearwater Beach:
The Pinellas County beaches have lots of options from the bustle of Clearwater to the more serene Indian Rocks Beach.
The Pinellas County beaches are the nearest place to go for the sun, the sand and the water.(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
2. The most obvious, and possibly expensive: Walt Disney World and Universal
Orlando area theme parks at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. The tourist mecca of central Florida has seemingly anything you’d like to do. Add in Sea World Orlando and Legoland and there’s something for every age group.
Walt Disney’s dream is still the most visited tourist attraction.
(Photo by Olga Thompson/Walt Disney World Resort via Getty Images)(Photo by Rachel Pitts/BBGI)
3. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex:
Some history, some technology, all coolness. If you plan the trip right, you might even be lucky enough to witness a rocket launch.
(Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
4. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park:
Yes, it’s still there and so is the famous mermaid show!
🧜🏻♀️ Happy #MermaidMonday with Ashleigh! The mermaids perform daily at 11 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3 PM (Weather permitting).
— Weeki Wachee Springs State Park 🧜🏻♀️ (@WeekiWacheeSpgs) April 4, 2022
The Ranger Experience: 10 AM, 12 PM & 2 PM
The Wilderness River Cruise: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM.
Buccaneer Bay Waterpark is currently open on weekends only. pic.twitter.com/js5SnLYYBM5. Cedar Key:
It’s a small community on the Gulf of Mexico where you can find yourself enjoying getting away from the ‘big city’ and enjoy some of the best clam chowder in the country. We’re looking at you, Tony’s!
Took a short trip to the Old Florida Festival of the Arts, an art show in Cedar Key, Florida. Here's a few pix of some of the sights #CedarKey #art #festival#WagnTailsRanch road trip
— Inland K9 SAR (@InlandK9SAR) April 10, 2022
1/7 pic.twitter.com/GCEHAyutYcTony’s Platter for 2! Enjoy!
Posted by Tony's Seafood Restaurant on Wednesday, May 12, 20216. Silver Springs State Park:
You can enjoy looking through the crystal clear waters from a glass-bottom boat. Bring the family to go canoeing or kayaking through the springs.
Silver Springs State Park re-opens tomorrow! #GlassBottomBoats @VisitFlorida #FLStateParks #FloridaNow #LoveFL #OcalaMarion pic.twitter.com/KZ5HpCVayD
— Silver Springs (@SilverSpringsSP) September 15, 20177. Tarpon Springs
Whether you visit for the food, or a dolphin cruise, or to learn the history of the sponge docks of Tarpon Springs, it’s a family trip that isn’t so far.
(Photo by Geno/BBGI)