Between laundry, diaper changes, and shuttling the kids to and from (insert extracurricular activity here), “boredom” may seem like a distant memory to us parents. But despite the bins and chests full of toys, costumes, and crafts, kids get bored — and they’re not afraid to tell you so.
I don’t mind letting my kids embrace boredom every once in awhile, but when I start to see it manifest itself into epic meltdowns or trails of toilet paper all over my house, I know it’s time to find the nearest escape route. Like every family, we have a list of go-to spots, but sometimes we (and our wallet) want a break from the usual. Us parents and caregivers are always on the lookout for free things to do in Tampa for kids, and one of the reasons we love living here is that there’s no shortage of options. It’s brimming with fun, free things to do to help kids bust out of that boredom rut.
So, the next time your kid dares to utter the phrase, “I’m bored,” skip your neighborhood playground, load up the swagger wagon, and head to one of these free kid-friendly activities and attractions.
Tampa Fire Fighters Museum
Address: 720 E. Zack St., Tampa, FL 33602-4002
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Contact: 813-964-6862
I’ve got two words for you: fire trucks. I mean, what kid doesn’t love them? This hidden gem is housed in a historic downtown building that — once upon a time — served as HQ for the Tampa Fire Department. So, in addition to being a cool part of Tampa’s history, it’ll also spark your kids’ interest in a big way.
Kids are welcome to climb aboard and explore the fire engines, and there’s even dress-up gear so they can play the part (hello, photo ops!). To get the full experience, take a guided tour; they’re short, but informative, and led by a real live firefighter. An interactive classroom is designed to teach kids about fire safety and emergency awareness, and it’s equipped with plenty of buttons your kids are more than welcome to push.
It’s a pretty small museum, so your visit should take only an hour to an hour and a half — perfect for a pre-lunch or post-nap outing. And let’s face it, Tampa summers are scorching, so this pick gets bonus points for being air-conditioned!
Explore the Tampa Riverwalk
Wiliam F. Poe Parking Garage : 800 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa, FL 33602
Hours: Open daily, 24 hours
Website: Click here for more information and a detailed map
I don’t know about you, but my 3-year-old loves to run. If you’ve got kids like mine, then the 2.5-mile Tampa Riverwalk is a perfect spot to let them burn off some energy while getting in a little calorie burning or sightseeing yourself. Oh, and did I mention that there are FOUR splash zones and a few playgrounds along the path? It’s literally miles of fun.
We like to park at the William F. Poe Garage (across the street from the Glazer Children’s Museum) and start our walk by Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and the Tampa Museum of Art. It’s right at the halfway point, which makes it easy to head back to the car should a meltdown or diaper explosion ensue. We always end our adventure at Curtis Hixon, which has a huge lawn, a playground filled with space-age, not-your-average-playground equipment, and two small splash zones. The kids love to watch the water taxis and stand-up paddleboarders go by while gobbling up our packed picnic lunch, followed by a sweet gelato treat from Sono Café (located inside the art museum).
Sprayground at Cypress Forest Park
Address: 650 Pine Ave. N., Oldsmar, FL 34677
Hours: Open daily from April 1 – Oct. 31, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Contact: 813-749-1152
Fifteen hundred square feet of play space for the kids, shady covered pavilions for you — that’s the beauty of this free splash park. The non-skid play area is filled with brightly colored, whimsical fountains and misters. Fill a small cooler with sandwiches, fruit, and plenty of water and enjoy a few hours of wet and wild fun. Just remember the sunscreen and bug spray.
Pro tip: Not surprisingly, this is a popular birthday location, so the shelters may be reserved on weekends, depending on what time you head out.
Your Local Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library
Address and Hours: Click here to find a location near you
Schedule: Click here to browse a complete calendar of events
Take a look — the answer to your kid’s boredom might just be in a book … or a coding class.
Think libraries have only story time to offer? Think again. The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative is like a gold mine of goodness, with free events, readings, and classes happening every day throughout the county’s 30-plus locations. From Baby and Toddler Time to board game hour, craft classes, Science Saturdays, and more, there’s something for every single age.
Events start as early as 10:05 a.m., and the latest one (animal slumber party, anyone?) starts at 7 p.m.
Tampa Electric’s (TECO) Manatee Viewing Center
Address: 6990 Dickman Rd., Apollo Beach, FL 33572
Hours:
- General Hours: Open daily from Nov. 1 – April 15, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Wildlife Observation Tower and Habitat Trails close at 4 p.m. daily
Contact: 813-228-4289
Your kids have probably encountered manatees at the zoo, but there’s something really amazing about seeing these gentle beasts in the wild — especially dozens of them at a time.
Super quick science lesson: When the temperature drops, manatees start looking for warmer waters (kind of like snowbirds). Big Bend Power Station discharges a steady stream of heated salt water, which manatees (and the occasional shark) really dig. Hence, the TECO Manatee Viewing Center was born — it’s even been designated a state and federally regulated manatee sanctuary.
Plus, with a walking trail, a butterfly garden and a new rays touch tank, there’s plenty more to see and do.
