12 Best Things to Do in Tampa with a Baby
Planning a family trip and wondering what to do in Tampa with a baby? You’re in the right place!
I’m a local mom who’s explored Tampa with an infant, and I know how tricky it can be to find activities that are both fun and baby-friendly.
Whether you’re visiting or live nearby, this guide has you covered with the best things to do in Tampa with a baby.
Some of these baby-friendly things to do include visiting the Florida Aquarium, exploring the Tampa Zoo, taking a stroller ride along the waterfront Riverwalk, and more.
Plus, not only are these activities entertaining for your baby, but all of them are either free or have free admission for babies, usually under the age of 2.
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Best Things to Do in Tampa with a Baby
Here’s a list of the best baby-friendly activities around Tampa Bay—perfect for newborns, older babies, and even toddlers. Tampa is a super family-friendly city, making it an ideal spot to explore with your little one!
1. The Florida Aquarium in Tampa
Location: 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, Florida 33602
Cost: Children under 2 years are FREE, Adult tickets start at $31
The Florida Aquarium is one of the most baby-friendly activities in Tampa, and you will see lots of families with young kids here.
We started taking our daughter to the Florida Aquarium when she was 4 months old and she absolutely loved it! In fact, she loved it so much that she slept a 12-hour night after we went here for the first time – which I loved as a mom who needed a catch up on sleep.
The aquarium is the perfect stimulating activity for babies because they can see all the cool fish and other marine life swimming around. It’s also fun for toddlers and older kids, and there are some more interactive exhibits here too.
Another benefit of taking your baby to the aquarium is that it’s indoors and air-conditioned. So you don’t have to worry about your baby getting overheated while visiting. It’s also a perfect rainy-day activity!
The aquarium also has baby-friendly facilities, including a nursing room on the 1st floor. To use it simply check in with guest services. Infant formula/food is of course allowed, as well as strollers or wagons.
2. Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park
Location: 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
Cost: Children 2 years & under are FREE, Adult tickets start at $46
Zoo Tampa is so baby-friendly which makes it one of the best places to go in Tampa with an infant!
One thing I like about the zoo is they have a private area for nursing mothers called the Lil’ Joey’s Family Stop. This is a clean place to feed or change your baby while you are at the zoo.
The zoo is also stroller-friendly with large, paved pathways. If you have other little ones, you can even rent a double stroller for the day.
Other than the baby-friendly facilities, the zoo is just so much fun for young kids. Babies (especially 4 months +) will love looking at all the different animals. Its also great for newborns who can get some fresh air and maybe a nice stroller nap.
3. Tampa Riverwalk
Location: Located along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa
Cost: FREE
If you are looking for a great place to go for a stroller ride in Tampa, the Riverwalk is a fantastic option. The Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.6-mile waterfront pathway that goes along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa. It starts near Sparkman Warf and ends near Armature works.
Not only is it scenic, but the sidewalk of the Riverwalk is paved and extra wide, making it great for strollers. Along the Riverwalk, you can stop to grab a refreshment or some food at Sail Plaza. If you have toddlers or older kids, there is also a small playground to play at.
4. Glazer’s Children’s Museum
Location: 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602
Cost: Children under 1 are free, Adult tickets are $24.95 ($19.99 for Florida residents)
Glazer’s Children’s Museum is a great place to visit, especially if you have a baby and a toddler to entertain. Most of the exhibits are aimed more at toddlers and young children that can experience interactive play.
However, it can still be really fun for babies to go through the museum as there is a lot to look at and process. It is especially good for older babies (6-12 months) who can interact with toys more.
One of my favorite baby-friendly exhibits is the Tugboat Tots, which is designed for children under the age of 3. This exhibit allows babies and their parent or caregiver to do things like read stories under a tree, play “I Spy”, steer a mini tugboat, and fish off a mini pier.
Glazer’s Children’s Museum also has excellent baby facilities including a nursing room and a GoBaby Vending Machine with essentials like diapers, formula, fidget toys, and more.
⭐ If you are looking for sensory-friendly things to do in Tampa then Glazer’s Children’s Museum is worth checking out.
They prioritize accessibility and offer several accommodations to help kiddos who need a sensory-friendly environment. For more accessibility information see their website here.
5. Sunken Gardens
Location: 1825 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704
Cost: Children 1 & under are free, adult tickets are $15
Sunken Gardens is a botanical garden that features over 50,000 exotic tropical plants, birds, and even a flock of Flamingos.
The gardens are very well shaded and stay pretty cool even in the Florida heat. There are also paved pathways that are easy to navigate with a stroller. My daughter loved visiting here as a baby and seeing the colorful plants, birds, and of course – the iconic pink Flamingos!
Sunken Gardens is just across the Tampa Bay, in St. Petersburg. It is a short drive from downtown Tampa and it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon with a baby.
6. Indoor Play Places in Tampa
Location: Several across the Tampa area
Cost: Varies
One thing about Tampa is that the weather can be rainy or too hot/humid to enjoy being outside (unless you’re at the beach)! Thats why you’ll find multiple indoor play places across Tampa Bay.
Most of these indoor playgrounds are designed for toddlers and younger kiddos, but a majority of them also have a “baby area” for kiddos under the age of 1. The baby area consists of baby friendly toys and is the perfect place for kids that aren’t walking yet.
For these play places, you’ll typically book a time slot and pay per child. Prices vary based on the location, so I recommend checking out the websites of the one you are interested in beforehand.
Some of the popular indoor playgrounds in Tampa include:
TinyTots – located in Lutz
Nana Anas Playhouse – located in Tampa
Little Play Place – located in Tampa
Play Haven – located in Brandon
Thunder Bears Discovery Den – New Port Richey
7. Beach Day
Location: Several in Pinellas, Pasco, and Sarasota Counties
Cost: FREE (or a small entrance fee for beaches that are County or State Parks)
One of the best things about Tampa Bay is how close we are to some of Florida’s most beautiful beaches—many within an hour of downtown Tampa.
On the west side of Pinellas County, you’ll find everything from the popular Clearwater Beach to the more laid-back Fort De Soto Park. Just a heads-up: some beaches can get crowded, and parking in parts of Pinellas can be tricky.
As a local, here are a few of my favorite family-friendly beaches near Tampa:
Siesta Key Beach
- Powdery white sand & colorful lifeguard stands
- Spacious with plenty of parking
- On-site playground
- Near Ocean Blvd’s restaurants and shops
Honeymoon Island State Park
- Quieter than Clearwater Beach
- Known for seashells and natural beauty
- On-site parking, restrooms, picnic tables
- Playground and scenic hiking trails (bring bug spray!)
Fort De Soto Park
- Less crowded, easy parking
- Wide, natural beach
- Historic fort ruins to explore
- Amenities include restrooms, picnic pavilions, camping, and kayak launches
🦺⚠️ Important Beach Safety Notes
Beaches are so fun but can be dangerous – keep in mind the following safety precautions & visit at your own risk.
❗Tampa has a hot & humid climate. Heat is dangerous and babies are less able handle heat than adults. Make sure to keep babies do not get overheated.
❗ Thunderstorms are dangerous in Florida, especially with lightning by the beaches.
❗ Please be cautious around water, especially with kids. There is undertow in Florida beaches and there are not lifeguards at most beaches.
8. St. Petersburg Pier
Location: 600 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Cost: FREE
The St. Pete Pier is one of the most popular things to do in downtown St. Pete, and it’s a fantastic place to bring an infant.
Unlike traditional piers, the St. Pete Pier has a modern design, including a long, spacious paved walking area which is ideal for strollers. They also have a free trolley that goes up and down the pier.
If you have older kids or toddlers with you, make sure to stop by Glazer Park at the St. Pete Pier, which is arguably one of the best parks in Pinellas County! There is also a splash pad at the pier.
The Pier also has a few places to grab a drink or food while walking around with the baby. Nearby the pier, you’ll find spacious green parks which are perfect for an afternoon picnic. Plus, along the water, there is the chance you may see some dolphins!
9. Sparkman Warf
Location: 615 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Cost: FREE
Located on one end of the Tampa Riverwalk, Sparkman Warf is a great waterfront venue. It features an outdoor dining area, food stands, live music, restaurants, shops, and events.
This has been one of my favorite places in downtown Tampa, and its easy to bring a baby there (especially after a walk along the Riverwalk).
One thing I love about going here with a baby is that you can get dinner without having to sit down at a restaurant (which we don’t love doing with a small baby). There are several shipping containers that have been converted into food stands, which is a unique concept.
There is a beer garden here too, but it is a very welcoming atmosphere for families with small kids. One thing to note is that it can get crowded on Friday & Saturday nights, especially if there is live music.
If you like Sparkman Warf, I’d recommend checking out Armature Works, located at the opposite end of the Tampa Riverwalk.
10. Clearwater Aquarium
Location: 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767
Cost: Children 2 & under are free, adult tickets are $41.95
Babies love aquariums, and this is another cool one to visit in the Bay area. Its located in Clearwater, which is ideal for those traveling with a baby to Clearwater Beach or surrounding beach areas.
Some unique exhibits at the Clearwater Aquarium include the Manatee Rehabilitation Area, the Dolphin Pavilion, and more.
⭐ One significant thing about the Clearwater Aquarium is it’s purpose is to rescue animals, rehabilitate them, and release them back into their natural habitats.
So by visiting, you are helping support this mission to help Florida marine life!
One thing I will note is that this aquarium is pretty different from the Florida Aquarium in Tampa. It is less like a “typical aquarium” with lots of exhibits and more like a real life functioning animal rescue.
11. Visit One of the Small Towns like Dunedin
Location: Dunedin, FL
Cost: FREE
One of my favorite things about the Tampa Bay area is all the cute, hidden gem towns to explore. Dunedin is my favorite because it has a variety of shops, restaurants, and breweries that are all family-friendly.
Dunedin has an adorable main street that is the perfect place to walk with a stroller. On weekends they also have farmers markets and art & craft fairs throughout most of the year.
A few of my favorite places to visit in Dunedin with a baby include the Sandpiper Breakfast Café, Ice & Cream Creamery, and Edgewater Park.
Other cute towns to visit near Tampa include Safety Harbor, Gulfport, and Hyde Park Village.
12. Dinosaur World
Location: 5145 Harvey Tew Rd, Plant City, FL 33565
Cost: $24 per adult ticket, $19 per child, 2 years and under FREE
Dinosaur World is a fun park for kids that has life size dinosaur replicas, a playground & splash pad, and walking paths that are perfect for stroller rides with a baby.
It is a bit older (originally opened in 1998!) but it’s a fun place to spend an afternoon with kiddos. Plus, there is enough to do to keep them entertained for a couple hours (depending on the age).
We took our daughter here when she was around 10 months old, and she enjoyed playing in the sand at the Fossil Dig and going for a stroller ride and looking at all the big dinosaurs.
FAQ’s on Things to do in Tampa with a Baby
Yes, many of Tampa’s attractions have free admission for babies under the age of 2. There are also free activities for the whole family, like going for stroller walks along the St. Pete Pier, Tampa Riverwalk, or at kid-friendly parks like Lettuce Park.
The Florida Aquarium in downtown Tampa is the perfect place to visit with a baby. Newborns to toddlers will enjoy the lit up aquarium tanks with fish, sea turtles, and other marine animals swimming around. Plus, it is indoors so you don’t need to worry about your baby getting overheated in Tampa’s warm weather!
Some of the best baby-friendly attractions in Tampa include the Florida Aquarium, stroller walks along the Tampa Riverwalk, Glazer Children’s Museum, and ZooTampa at Lowry Park.
The Wrap Up: Best Things to do in Tampa with a Baby
Tampa is such a family-friendly city, and there are plenty of things to do with a baby in Tampa. There are plenty of baby-friendly activities to do in Tampa, from watching the fish and marine life swim at the aquarium to enjoying a stroller walk on the St. Pete Pier.
So, whether you have a newborn, a 3-6 month old, or a 6-12 month old there are plenty of fun activities and things to do with an infant in Tampa!
