Things to do in Tampa
Tampa packs a lot into one Gulf Coast city. You can spend a morning at the Florida Aquarium, an afternoon on the Tampa Riverwalk, and an evening catchi…
Tampa packs a lot into one Gulf Coast city. You can spend a morning at the Florida Aquarium, an afternoon on the Tampa Riverwalk, and an evening catching a show at the Straz Center. The mix of family attractions, waterfront parks, and historic venues means there’s usually something worth doing, whether you’re visiting for a weekend or just looking for a new spot close to home.
For families, the big draws are Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and ZooTampa at Lowry Park, both with rides and animal encounters. Outdoors, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and Water Works Park offer riverfront green space and splash pads. Food ranges from Cuban classics at La Teresita to newer spots like Armature Works, a food hall in a restored building. History buffs can tour the Henry B. Plant Museum or the American Victory Ship, and nightlife runs from live music at Crowbar to the eclectic scene at The Castle.
Frequently asked questions about Tampa
What are the best outdoor things to do in Tampa?▾
The Tampa Riverwalk is a great starting point—it’s a paved path along the water with views and easy access to parks. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park sits right on it and hosts events. For a quieter option, Lettuce Lake Park has a boardwalk, canoeing, and a fishing dock.
What can families do with kids in Tampa?▾
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and ZooTampa at Lowry Park are the biggest draws, but the Glazer Children’s Museum and Museum of Science & Innovation (MOSI) are also kid-friendly. For a wet day, Adventure Island is a water park with slides and a wave pool.
Where can I get Cuban food in Tampa?▾
La Teresita is a family-run spot that’s been serving Cuban and Spanish standards for years. It’s casual and homey, with options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can also find Cuban influences at places like Ulele, which focuses on native Floridian fare.
What are some historic places to visit in Tampa?▾
The Henry B. Plant Museum is a landmark building with exhibits on Florida’s early tourism. Centro Asturiano de Tampa, a 1902 Spanish social club, is on the National Register of Historic Places. The American Victory Ship is a restored WWII warship that’s now a museum.
Where can I go for live music or nightlife in Tampa?▾
Crowbar is a downtown spot for live music and DJs, while The Orpheum features independent artists. The Castle is a multilevel dance club with a Goth-to-fetish crowd, and Club Prana has different music on each floor. For comedy, Funny Bone Comedy Club is an option.
Upcoming events
Tech Help
Lake and Sea Curiosities
An Overview to Historic Sanborn Maps
Fun with Florida Flowers
Toddler Time
Public Speaking for Teens
Family Story Time
Job Help for Teens
Family Story Time
Baby Time
Building a Compelling Character
Color Café
Book Discussion: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Job Help for Teens
How to Crochet
Art From The Heart
Introduction to Ancestry Library Edition
Engineering Challenge: Building for Hurricanes
Teen Make & Take: DIY Journal
Book Discussion: Moby Dick
Relax with Adult Coloring
Introduction to Tai Chi
Made in Florida: Highlights from the Tampa Museum of Art Collection
Gallery on the Avenue: Made in Florida: Highlights from the Tampa Museum of Art Collection
Gallery @ 2607 Presents: Made in Florida: Highlights from the Tampa Museum of Art Collection
Gallery on the Boulevard Presents: Made in Florida: Highlights from the Tampa Museum of Art Collection
Made in Florida: Highlights from the Tampa Museum of Art Collection
Gallery @ 2902 Presents: Made in Florida: Highlights from the Tampa Museum of Art Collection
Family Story Time
Baby Time
Baby Time
Family Story Time
Family Story Time
Family Story Time
Baby Time
Bilingual Story Time
Family Story Time
Family Story Time
National Cheeseburger Day
Tech Help
Baby Time
Family Story Time
Family Story Time
Family Story Time
Feline Fantastic
Bilingual Story Time
Brick Building
Tai Chi Flow
Relax with Adult Coloring
Movie Screening:: National Treasure (PG)
Hispanic Heritage Month Craft Hour
Dapper Dogs
Movie Screening: Ella Enchanted (PG)
Handsewn Buddies
Fun with Florida Flowers
Google Drive
Family History for Teens
Write Now
Made in Florida: Highlights from the Tampa Museum of Art Collection
Gallery @ 2902 Presents: Made in Florida: Highlights from the Tampa Museum of Art Collection
Gallery on the Boulevard Presents: Made in Florida: Highlights from the Tampa Museum of Art Collection
Made in Florida: Highlights from the Tampa Museum of Art Collection
Gallery @ 2607 Presents: Made in Florida: Highlights from the Tampa Museum of Art Collection
Gallery on the Avenue: Made in Florida: Highlights from the Tampa Museum of Art Collection
Family Story Time
Makerspace Orientation
Heroes Quest
STEAM Time: Glow in the Dark Slime
Come Write-In: Haiku
Steam Time: Circuit Robot
Family Story Time
STEAM Time:: The Science of Fluffy Slime
Portrait Drawing Made Easy : - A Bilingual Program
Graphic Novel Book Discussion: Batwing: Luke Fox
Movie Screening:: TRIUMPH: Tampa's Untold Chapter in the Civil Rights Movement
Movie Screening:: TRIUMPH: Tampa's Untold Chapter in the Civil Rights Movement
An Afternoon with Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti
Film Discussion: The Patriot (R)
Sewing Workshop-Pocket Pillow
Book Discussion: The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
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Things to do in Tampa
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The Florida Aquarium
Aquarium with sharks, penguins, stingray touch tanks, a wild dolphin cruise & a water playground.
Walmart Supercenter
Bahama Breeze
Laid-back chain eatery featuring Caribbean entrees & tropical cocktails amid beachy decor.
Armature Works
Striking mixed-use event space offering an upscale food court, bar & lounge in lofty, historic digs.
Whiskey Joe's | Tampa
Rustic hangout with a party vibe that serves casual American chow & booze right on the beach.
International Plaza and Bay Street
Indoor mall with name-brand stores & high-end designers, plus a mix of casual & upscale restaurants.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Venerable theme park with thrill rides, African animals, live entertainment & kiddie attractions.
Bulla Gastrobar Tampa
Contemporary bar with made-to-order sangrias, plus Spanish & Catalan small plates.
La Teresita Restaurant
Family-run eatery serving a menu of Cuban & Spanish standards in homey surroundings.
Benchmark International Arena
Huge, snazzy indoor venue hosting pro hockey & arena-football games, plus concerts & more.
Florida State Fairgrounds
Dave & Buster's Tampa - Brandon
Family-friendly chain offering a sports-bar-style setting for American food & arcade games.
Ulele
Rustic-chic site for native Floridian fare, with barbacoa grilling & house-brewed beers.
Columbia Restaurant
Traditional Spanish restaurant, a branch of a long-standing local chain dating back to 1905.
Tampa International Airport
Large airport with free WiFi, an on-site hotel & many offshoots of popular Tampa restaurants.
Adventure Island
Thrill rides drench visitors at this outdoor water park that also offers a wave pool & lazy river.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Celebrated zoo offering giraffe feeding, educational programs & a water play area.
Keke's Breakfast Cafe
Local chain serving American breakfasts & comfort-food lunches in a modern diner with booth seating.
via Google MapsWalmart Supercenter
