Fun things to do in Tampa, Florida, with kids in winter include animal parks, aquariums, outdoor attractions, and family-friendly activities that take advantage of the area’s mild winter weather. For families visiting between December and February, Tampa offers plenty of ways to keep children active without spending the entire day indoors.
The challenge is deciding which attractions deserve a spot on your schedule. Some locations work best for younger children, while others offer experiences that appeal to older kids and teens. Travel time, ticket costs, and crowd levels can also influence your plans, especially when trying to find a place to stay that keeps your family close to the attractions you want to visit.
This guide covers the best family attractions in Tampa for winter, including options for different ages, interests, and budgets. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of where to go and how to make the most of your family trip.
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Table of Content
- Tampa winter weather
- 10 Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Tampa in Winter
- 1. TECO Manatee Viewing Center
- 2. Dolphin-Watching Boat Tour on Tampa Bay
- 3. Florida Aquarium
- 4. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
- 5. ZooTampa at Lowry Park - Florida's most visited zoo
- 6. Tampa Riverwalk - free waterfront family adventure
- 7. Glazer Children's Museum
- 8. MOSI - Museum of Science & Industry
- 9. Gasparilla Pirate Festival & Distance Classic
- 10. Citrus & Strawberry Picking - a uniquely Florida winter experience
- Seasonal Events in Tampa, FL
- Where to Stay in Tampa, Florida
- Final Thoughts
- FAQs
- More Related Blogs From Tips and Tricks
Tampa winter weather
December –70°F / 54°F (High / Low)
January – 69°F / 52°F (High / Low)
February – 71°F / 53°F (High / Low)
what families need to know
- What to pack: Light layers, a cardigan or light jacket for evenings, comfortable walking shoes, and always sunscreen. Florida’s winter sun is stronger than you’d expect.
- Rainfall: Winter is Tampa’s driest season. You’re very unlikely to be rained out of plans in January or February.
10 Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Tampa in Winter
From free wildlife encounters to world-class theme parks, here are our top picks for Tampa family fun in the winter months.
1. TECO Manatee Viewing Center
The TECO Manatee Viewing Center is Tampa’s most unique winter experience – and it’s completely free. From November through March, hundreds of West Indian manatees migrate to the warm water discharge channels surrounding Tampa Electric’s Big Bend Power Station. From the elevated observation deck, you can watch these gentle giants glide just below the surface, often within feet of the viewing area.
Beyond the manatee deck, the site features educational exhibits on Florida’s marine ecosystem, a stingray touch tank (kids love it), a butterfly garden, and picnic areas. Plan to spend 1.5–2 hours here.
Weekday mornings (before 11am) offer the best manatee viewing with the fewest visitors. Bring binoculars for a closer look. The facility has its own parking lot – arrival by car is easiest.
2. Dolphin-Watching Boat Tour on Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is home to a thriving wild bottlenose dolphin population, and winter conditions make for some of the best sightings. Cooler water temperatures push dolphins closer to shore and into the bay, while calmer winter seas mean smoother, more comfortable rides for younger children. Sightings are virtually guaranteed on reputable tours.
Several family-friendly operators depart from the Tampa Riverwalk area and Channelside. Tours typically run 1.5–2 hours and combine dolphin spotting with views of the Tampa Bay skyline.
Book morning departures for the calmest water and most active dolphins. If any child is prone to motion sickness, bring acupressure wristbands and light snacks. Layers are useful – it feels breezy on the water even on warm days.
3. Florida Aquarium
One of the Southeast’s finest aquariums, the Florida Aquarium is a Tampa must-visit for families. Kids can walk through a breathtaking 360-degree coral reef tunnel, come face-to-face with sand tiger sharks, and get hands-on touch tanks with horseshoe crabs and sea stars. The aquarium also dedicates significant space to Florida wildlife perfect for learning about the ecosystems children will encounter outdoors during the trip.
The outdoor Splash Pad is open year-round and gives younger kids a bonus play outlet. In winter, the “Wild Dolphin Cruise” departing from the aquarium dock is at its seasonal best.
The Florida Aquarium is included in the Tampa Bay CityPASS, which bundles admission with Busch Gardens and ZooTampa for roughly 40% savings. Highly recommended if visiting all three.
4. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is one of Florida’s best theme parks and one of the most popular things to do in Tampa with kids any time of year. In winter, it becomes especially magical: December brings Christmas Town, a seasonal overlay with millions of twinkling lights, live holiday entertainment, a dueling-piano show, and festive dining experiences. January and February offer shorter wait times and cooler temperatures – ideal conditions for enjoying the park’s 10+ coasters.
For younger children, the Sesame Street-themed kids’ area and Congo River Rapids (with reduced splash in cooler months) are perennial favorites. The open-air safari section is significantly more enjoyable in 70°F winter weather than the sweltering summer heat.
Always buy Busch Gardens tickets online in advance – gate prices are significantly higher. If visiting in December, confirm Christmas Town dates and purchase that add-on early, as evening sessions sell out.
5. ZooTampa at Lowry Park - Florida's most visited zoo
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is consistently ranked among Florida’s best family attractions, and winter is hands-down the best season to visit. Cooler temperatures keep animals active, visible, and engaging – unlike summer, when many retreat to shade and become harder to spot. The zoo’s manatee rescue rehabilitation facility is especially poignant in winter, when injured manatees are most frequently admitted following cold-water rescues.
ZooTampa is particularly well-suited for toddlers and younger children, with dedicated play areas, a children’s petting zoo, water play, and calm animal encounters. Plan at least 3–4 hours.
Best time to arrive: Opening time (9:30am) – animals are most active in the cool morning hours, and crowds are minimal until 11am.
6. Tampa Riverwalk - free waterfront family adventure
The Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.6-mile free waterfront walkway connecting parks, playgrounds, museums, and neighborhoods along the Hillsborough River. It’s one of the best free things to do in Tampa with kids, and winter weather makes it perfect for walking, biking, and exploring at a relaxed pace – without the summer heat and humidity.
Along the route, you’ll pass Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park (excellent playground and splash pad), Sparkman Wharf (outdoor dining and entertainment), and the starting point of several boat and kayak tours. The Pirate Water Taxi offers a fun and practical way for kids to experience the Riverwalk from the water.
Walk the Riverwalk to the Florida Aquarium in the morning, then grab lunch at Sparkman Wharf and return by Pirate Water Taxi for a full, affordable family day..
7. Glazer Children's Museum
Downtown Tampa’s Glazer Children’s Museum is 53,000 square feet of interactive, imaginative play designed specifically for children ages 0–10. Kids can step into the role of construction worker, chef, hospital doctor, airline pilot, and more across themed “neighborhoods” that encourage creative and educational play. It’s a rainy-day safety net and a go-to on any Tampa family trip.
Visit on the first Tuesday afternoon of the month for free admission. Buy tickets online to skip the entrance queue – it can be busy on weekends and school holidays.
8. MOSI - Museum of Science & Industry
MOSI is one of the largest science centers in the Southeast and a fantastic option for curious kids ages 5 and up. With 450+ interactive exhibits, a digital dome planetarium, an IMAX theater, and Florida’s only public high-wire bicycle ride, MOSI offers hours of engaging, educational fun. Kids can walk through a hurricane simulator, touch a real 3-billion-year-old meteorite, and conduct hands-on science experiments.
Winter programming includes “Science Saturdays” – special themed workshops and demonstrations that run throughout December, January, and February at no extra cost beyond admission.
Combine MOSI with ZooTampa on the same day – they’re both on the north side of Tampa and only 5 minutes apart by car.
9. Gasparilla Pirate Festival & Distance Classic
Gasparilla is Tampa’s most beloved annual celebration and one of the most distinctive family experiences in the American South. The Gasparilla Pirate Festival (held on the last Saturday in January) features a full-scale “pirate invasion” of Tampa Bay – complete with a replica pirate ship, costumed buccaneers, and a raucous parade along Bayshore Boulevard. Kids go absolutely wild for the beads, gold coins, and treasure paraphernalia thrown from floats.
In February, the Gasparilla Distance Classic brings a completely different energy – a running festival with race waves, live music, and family entertainment. Both events are completely free to spectate and create lasting memories.
Arrive at Bayshore Boulevard at least 90 minutes before the parade starts to claim a good viewing spot. Pack sunscreen, snacks, and small bags for the kids to collect parade throws. Book hotels 2–3 months in advance for the Gasparilla weekend – it sells out.
10. Citrus & Strawberry Picking - a uniquely Florida winter experience
One of Florida’s most underrated family experiences is visiting the citrus and strawberry farms just outside Tampa – and they’re only possible in winter. Kids can pick fresh oranges straight from the tree at Dooley Groves in Ruskin (just 15 miles from Tampa), a family tradition that connects children with where their food actually comes from. In January and February, the nearby Plant City area kicks off strawberry season – the region produces a significant share of the nation’s winter strawberry supply.
The Florida Strawberry Festival (late February through early March in Plant City) is a full-scale event with rides, entertainment, strawberry-themed food, and live music – a perfect end-of-winter-trip treat.
Combine citrus picking at Dooley Groves with a stop at the nearby Hillsborough River State Park for a picnic and nature walk – a full, low-cost outdoor day for the whole family.
Seasonal Events in Tampa, FL
| Month | Event | Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | Busch Gardens Christmas Town | Theme park event | Add-on ticket |
| December | ZooTampa Holiday Lights | Zoo event | Park admission |
| December | Channelside Holiday Market | Outdoor market | Free |
| December–April | TECO Manatee Viewing Center open | Wildlife | Free |
| January | Gasparilla Pirate Festival (last Saturday) | Parade & festival | Free |
| January–March | Orange picking at Dooley Groves, Ruskin | Farm experience | Pay-by-weight |
| February | Gasparilla Distance Classic | Running event | Free to watch |
| February | Florida State Fair (Tampa) | State fair | $10–$15 |
| January–March | Strawberry season, Plant City | Farm experience | Pay-by-weight |
| Late Feb – March | Florida Strawberry Festival, Plant City | Festival | $10–$15 |
Where to Stay in Tampa, Florida
Choosing the right area can make your Tampa family trip much easier. Here’s a simple breakdown of the best places to stay based on what you want to do most.
- Downtown Tampa (Best for first-time visitors)
Stay here if you want short walking distances to key attractions. The Florida Aquarium, Glazer Children’s Museum, and Tampa Riverwalk sit close together, so you can move between them without planning long drives.
- Channelside & Harbour Island (Best for waterfront access)
This area sits near the water with direct access to dining spots, Water Taxi stops, and Sparkman Wharf. Movement between attractions stays simple, often on foot or short rides.
- Brandon / East Tampa (Best for lower hotel prices)
Hotels here cost less compared to downtown. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and MOSI sit roughly 10 minutes away by car, with easy highway connections for day trips.
- Clearwater Beach area (Best for combining beach and city visits)
This area sits about 30 minutes from central Tampa. It works well if your plan includes both Tampa attractions and time at the Gulf coast beach.
Final Thoughts
A winter trip to Tampa works better with flexible plans. The city does not fit tight schedules very well. Short distances between attractions help, but the pace of the day usually shifts once you are out.
Some days move around wildlife stops and outdoor walks. Others lean more toward indoor spaces or shorter visits. That mix is normal here.
A simple plan works best – group places that sit close to each other, limit long travel across the city in a single day, and leave space between activities instead of stacking them back-to-back.
FAQs
Absolutely. Tampa in winter offers mild 65–75°F temperatures, far thinner crowds than spring and summer, and most attractions at or below peak-season pricing. Several experiences like manatee watching and citrus picking are only possible in winter, making it one of Florida’s most underrated seasons for family travel.
The TECO Manatee Viewing Center is completely free and uniquely magical in winter. Tampa Riverwalk, Gasparilla parade, Curtis Hixon Park, and Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park are all free. Glazer Children’s Museum also offers free admission on the first Tuesday afternoon of each month.
The main Gasparilla Pirate Fest parade is held on the last Saturday of January each year along Bayshore Boulevard. The Gasparilla Distance Classic follows in mid-February. Both are free to spectate and a memorable experience for kids. especially the pirate parade with its costume floats and treasure throws.
Yes, if you plan to visit the Florida Aquarium, Busch Gardens, and ZooTampa, the Tampa Bay CityPASS bundles admission and typically saves families 40% or more compared to buying individual tickets. It’s best value when visiting three or more of the included attractions over 2–3 days.
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