Outdoor Family Fun in the Tampa Bay Area

Hillsborough County, FL has so much to offer people of all ages, from 2 years old to 102 years old! You want to know where to go, and we’re eager to tell you. You may have already taken our museum tour of Tampa, but we’ve got more where that came from. These incredible places will have you and your family jumping for joy and leave everyone ready for bed at the end of the day. With so much excitement, it’s no wonder Tampa is such a great place to live!

Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park

Zoo Tampa Source: Yelp

At Zoo Tampa, you will find a wide array of incredible animals. Meet with a giant tortoise, learn how to take care of manatees, feed an Indian rhinoceros, take a photo with a cuddly koala, or visit the Lorikeet Landing Aviary. Once you’re done scoping out the wildlife, take a ride on one of their rollercoasters. The Tasmanian Tiger coaster is great for kids, but for the more adventurous thrill-seeker who wants to make a splash, don’t miss Roaring Springs!

Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise

Cruising on Captain Memo’s Pirate Ship Source: Yelp

Ahoy, matey! Sail around the Gulf of Mexico with Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise! Hear pirate stories, hunt for treasure, battle it out with water guns, or get your face painted aboard this incredible three-deck pirate ship. For 2 hours, you will learn all about the infamous pirates that plundered the seas hundreds of years ago.

Busch Gardens

No visit to Tampa is complete without a stop at Busch Gardens. This premier amusement park has everything you’ll need for a day of fun. Climb up to the highest heights on the incredible roller coasters Scorpion or SheiKra. Go for a safari ride on the Serengeti Express. You can even meet a sloth and learn how they take care of their animals! Be on the lookout for their seasonal events!

Adventure Island

Colossal Curl Water Slide, Adventure Island Water Park Source: Yelp

Just down the road from Busch Gardens is Adventure Island water park. Load up on sunscreen and put on your swimsuits because you’ll never want to leave the lazy rivers around the park. Go for a ride on the Rapid Racer or compete against your friends on Riptide. For the most adventurous among us, try Vanish Point, a 70-foot drop slide through 425 feet of twisting, turning tube into a great pool.

Little Toot Dolphin Adventure

Little Toot Dolphin Adventure Source: Yelp

Florida’s waters are known for dolphins. You don’t want to miss out! Hop on Little Toot for a dolphin adventure unlike any other. This family owned and operated tugboat takes you on a tour of Clearwater Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico where you’ll not only see dolphins, but learn all about them, as well.

Florida Aquarium

Sea turtles, sharks, and stingrays, oh my! The Florida Aquarium is great for all ages, from kids to seniors. Get up close with a loggerhead sea turtle and feel its shell with SeaTREK, an underwater experience where you can explore caves and coral with hundreds of fish, bonehead sharks, and spotted eagle rays.

Empower Adventures

Empower Adventures Source: Yelp

Soar above the Tampa Bay area landscapes at Empower Adventures. With 5 zip lines in their adventure course, you’ll cool off in the Florida breeze. Take a sunset walk along the 200-foot suspension bridge to see the sun setting along the Gulf Coast. Looking to step out of your comfort zone? Take the Leap of Faith after you finish up your zip line tour.