Spring Break Ideas for Families in Tampa, Florida

Spring break is the time to plan a fun and memorable family spring break experience. So, what are some family-friendly spring break activities in Tampa? This vibrant city has plenty to offer tourists of all ages, from history buffs and art enthusiasts to adventurers and nature lovers. 

We compiled the top five family-friendly spring break activities in the area. Whether you're young or old, there's sure to be something exciting on this list that you'll love. So pack your bags and let the family trip begin!

Top 5 Family-Friendly Spring Break Activities in the Tampa, Florida, Area

Spring break is the perfect time to take a break from the daily grind and enjoy quality time with your family. Florida offers numerous family-friendly activities — from aquariums and zoos to local attractions and museums, there's something for everyone in your family to enjoy! To help you decide, here are our top five spring break ideas for families in the Tampa, Florida, area. 

1. The Florida Aquarium in Tampa, Florida

The Florida Aquarium is a family favorite, and it's easy to understand why. You can find the Florida Aquarium in the center of downtown Tampa, directly on the inner coast of Tampa Bay. This aquarium focuses on increasing awareness of Florida's vulnerable ecosystems and provides several opportunities to interact with the species. It's one of the biggest aquariums in the state of Florida, with lots of habitats, exhibits and fun experiences for kids and families. 

Explore animal habitats with species from Florida's backyard to exotic areas worldwide — from the wetlands of Florida to coral reefs. Get acquainted with the various aquatic animals. When you visit The Florida Aquarium, you never know what you'll uncover, with mysterious sand tiger sharks, energetic otters, small seahorses and curious sea turtles. 

You can also embark on an adventure into their unique exhibits. The 4Ducks Theater is a must for movie-goers as it combines the visual excitement you'll experience from 3D films and other sensory effects. Near the theater is the incredibly fun Splash Pad, an outdoor water play zone for children. 

Whether you want to experience tranquility in the Aquatic Lounge or learn more about coral conservation, there's an exhibit for all. There's even more to see with the new Ocean Decade Exhibition, which hosts digital pieces of thought-provoking aquatic art. 

Go all out with exciting premium experiences, such as a wild dolphin cruise or partake in SeaTREK, an underwater walking tour. These experiences will submerge you into the animals' ecosystems in exciting ways. You and your family will better grasp the environment around you and have a greater appreciation for the animals who live in it. 

2. Great Explorations Children’s Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida

Need to escape the heat? The Great Explorations Children’s Museum is a perfect indoor experience. You can find this children's museum on 4th Street near the Sunken Gardens — two attractions in one day! Great Explorations is an excellent location for children to run about and play. Although education is important, it feels more like a playground for toddlers and younger children.

Designed for kids ages 10 and under, Great Explorations is an 18,000-square-foot museum with various family-friendly activities like hands-on exhibits and workshops. This museum has exhibits and activities designed to encourage learning through creativity, exploration and play. Great Explorations also offers field excursions, camps and community outreach initiatives. 

Let your kid's imagination run wild with uniquely fun exhibitions like augmented reality (AR) sandboxes, or have them channel their inner architects with tables of various building materials and allow them to learn more about art, nature, science and technology. 

3. ZooTampa in Tampa, Florida

A family-friendly Tampa spring break is not complete without visiting ZooTampa — one of the most famous zoos in the Southeastern United States, which is also named the Best Kids Attraction by the Tampa Magazine's Best of South Tampa 2021 awards. ZooTampa at Lowry Park is abundant with numerous species and is known for having one of the world's most magnificent tropical zoological environments. 

The zoo brings animals and visitors together to form amazing, natural friendships. Tap into your wild side and get close and personal with a panther, feed a giraffe, pet a gigantic tortoise or walk down a covered boardwalk among native birds, otters, alligators, bears and other Florida wildlife to the exhilarating family water ride, Roaring Springs. 

4. Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida

Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay is the perfect family adventure and a must for your next Florida spring break. Busch Gardens combines thrilling rides, live entertainment, adventure tours, safaris, camps and education, kid-friendly activities, and copious amounts of animals. 

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has rip-roaring roller coasters and thrilling attractions ideal for any coaster fanatic and families looking for thrills. The Tigris catapults you through many twists with forward and backward motions as well as exhilarating drops. Or, you may enjoy a whitewater expedition on the Congo River Rapids with your whole family. 

There are always new live entertainment shows to dazzle you. From the park's award-winning ice-skating spectacle "Turn It Up!" to interactive kid-friendly events in the Sesame Street Safari of Fun, there's something for everyone. 

For animal enthusiasts, you can immerse yourself in Busch Garden's enriching animal park tours and safaris, where you can drive in an open-air car over the Serengeti Plain. The animal attractions and Behind the Scenes experiences include a variety of animal interactions as well as animal and theme park excursions. 

Seasonal events are always exciting experiences. There are numerous events held throughout the year — from colorful Mardi Gras to flavorful food and wine festivals and memorable musical performances. Check out the events to see if any are happening during your spring break vacation. 

5. Elite Watersports Watersport Lessons in Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg, Florida

If you and your family share a love of water and a passion for sports, take watersport lessons from us at Elite Watersports in Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg. We offer a complete learning experience that includes kiteboarding, hydrofoiling, wakeboarding, e-foiling and wind winging. 

You and your family can dive into this new hobby of watersports on your spring break. You'll be in great hands with our excellent professional, trained instructors who can teach first-timers and advanced enthusiasts alike. Lessons range from beginners to intermediate and advanced. 

Interested in something the whole family can do together? Consider our wake boat charter! You'll join us at a local boat ramp and then we will cruise out among the waters of Tampa Bay and St Petersburg. Our boat can hold up to six guests- perfect for most families.

Elite Watersports is just minutes from the best kiteboarding places in St. Petersburg — Skyway Bridge and Fort Desoto. For your convenience, our mobile shop is available on the beaches where we provide on-site kite and board rentals. 

Book Watersport Lessons at Elite Watersports

The Tampa and St. Petersburg areas offer an abundance of family-friendly activities to enjoy over spring break. Florida during the spring season is the perfect time to go out and about, as it's not as hot and not as busy during the summer season. You can choose to try one of these activities or go all out and try each one. Whichever your family chooses, now is the opportunity to create memorable experiences with your kids on a thrilling spring break. 

For a truly unforgettable vacation, head out on the water with Elite Watersports. Feel free to contact us online or call us at 727-800-2202 to book your chosen lesson.