While our beautiful Gulf Beaches are what bring most people to the area, Tampa Bay is jammed packed with other fun things for families to do.  This area is compromised of both small and large towns full of character and history. Yes, Tampa Bay has award winning beaches all along our coast; but if you’ve had a little too much sun or want to venture away from the beach to explore then here are my Top Five Things to do to enjoy Tampa Bay with your kids.

Dive-In To The Florida Aquarium

This is a family favorite as my kids have been enjoying this Aquarium since they were tiny. Spend a half-day exploring this fun and educational spot. Once you’ve finished walking the aquarium, let the kids enjoy the outdoor playground and bring bathing suits along for fun in the Splash Pad.

Photographer’s Tip: Stop for a cool photo in the Coral Reef Tunnel on your way to a show in the Coral Reef Room. Arrive early for the show, sit up front, and wait for the front of the huge tank to FILL with bubbles just before the show starts. 

Thrill seekers will love Busch Gardens 

While Busch Gardens is known for its list of coasters and thrill rides, there is fun for the whole family. Sesame Street Safari of Fun is a favorite for the littlest fans. Busch Gardens is also home to more than 200 species of animals many of which you have the chance to spot while riding the Serengeti Express.

Take a stroll down Tampa’s Riverwalk

The city of Tampa has really amped up this area and it is now a must see for those visiting the area. There is something for just about everyone no matter the time of day, choice of tastes, level of energy or size of the wallet. This could easily be a full day of shopping, dining, playing, riding, and learning. 

Photographer’s Tip: While there are so many great spots, I would be sure to visit the Glazer Children’s Museum and snap a pic of the kids in front of the very cool mosaic wall out front. 

Get in on the Sports action

You may be familiar with our self-deemed title of CHAMPA Bay, and its not wrong! Our teams have had a great year, but regardless of who you cheer for if you love sports there is something for everyone. Kids love to hear the cannon ROAR after touchdowns at a Buccaneers game. If you prefer Baseball be sure to catch a Rays game, and then grab a bite to eat on Central in St. Pete (so many GREAT choices!). Spring training games always bring in lots of fans to our area as well. Don’t forget to check out schedules for the Lightning and Rowdies too! 

ProTip: If you end up at a Rays game, be sure to check out the Rays Touch Tank just over the right-center field fence. This tank is filled with three different species of rays, including cownose rays that were taken from Tampa Bay waters. The tank is one of the 10 biggest in the nation.

Hop on the Jolley Trolley

This is probably my favorite tip because it is truly a hidden gem in our area, and kids LOVE it! This adorable trolley travels all the way from Clearwater Beach up to the historic town of Tarpon Springs, with so many fun stops along the way. You can have a yummy Greek lunch in Tarpon Springs where there are tons of Mom & Pop restaurants to choose from, be sure to take home a sponge from the docks. Downtown Tarpon also offers Replay, a cute little old fashioned arcade. Palm Harbor and Dunedin are other great spots worth stopping in. Dunedin is full of great small businesses to support and a fun park for the kids to play at over looking the water. 

Photographer Tip: Be sure to keep your camera handy in Dunedin! There are so many fun opportunities for photos here from the old train station on Main St., fun murals, hanging umbrella’s on Douglas Street, and more. Also, be sure to make a stop at Strachan’s Ice Cream Shop for dessert and snap a photo of your kids enjoying their yummy treats.

I am currently booking beach sessions and along with sessions at many of these fun spots!  If you are local and interested in scheduling a session or are visiting and want to take home some sweet photographs of your summer trip, give me a call or send me a message! I want to help you plan a fun and stress free session that will bring back all the sunny FL memories for your family!