Tampa Area

According to Homes.com, Tampa ranks among the top ten places for families to live in the USA. So, it makes sense that the area abounds with family activities to keep you busy.

These are some of the most popular places for family-friendly fun after your move to Tampa.

1. Seaside Family Activities

There’s no shortage of beaches in the Tampa area for swimming and playing in the sand, but that’s not the only attraction the shoreline offers.

Nearby you’ll find the Florida Aquarium, one of the best in the USA. Here, children and adults alike can gawk at sharks, penguins, alligators, and multi-colored ocean fish. 

Wild Dolphin Tours in the bay are a treat for families wanting to see these marine mammals in their natural environment.  

Clearwater Beach sets the scene for Sunset Celebrations with live performers and craft vendors. On weekends you can catch a movie under the stars at Pier 60.

2. Curtis Hixton Waterfront Park

This grassy 8-acre expanse stretches along the Hillsborough River and is a great family destination for a day out in the Florida sunshine.

The park has two interactive fountains, splash pads, a playpark, and even a dog run for the furriest member of your family. It’s a wonderful, secure location where you can relax on the lawns while the kids entertain themselves.

 It’s also surrounded by prominent Tampa Museums, including the Glazer Children’s Museum.

3. Horsepower for Kids

Children of all ages love the exotic animals that they’ll meet at this rescue center.  They’ll get to see armadillos, foxes, camels, rabbits, raccoons, turtles, ducks, opossums, deer, squirrels, and more from up close.  

Ponies, a miniature train, and a haywagon are all on hand or fun rides around the farm. More experienced riders can head off on a horseback trail ride with a competent guide. 

4. Playgrounds of Tampa

If it’s too hot for outdoor kid’s activities, Playgrounds of Tampa is a good place for young children to use up their energy undercover.  The venue offers several bouncy castles, a safe toddler play area, and an interactive gaming floor. 

The best part is that mom and dad can relax at the boutique coffee bar, which serves up gourmet teas and coffees as well as a range of snacks.

5. Dinosaur Park

Which child doesn’t love a dinosaur? If you can’t stand the crowds at well-known Florida theme parks, this popular greater Tampa area attraction is your next best bet.

Over 150 full-size dinosaur models lurk in the lush vegetation of this park. These include big names like the Triceratops, Pterodactyl, and Brachiosaurus.

There’s also a fossil dig for treasure hunting in the sand, interactive exhibits and a dinosaur-themed play park on-site. 

Pack a picnic and experience a day enjoying this fascinating world of fun and learning. 

Planning a Family Move to Tampa

Have you decided to start life anew in this family-oriented destination? We can help you to orchestrate a stress-free relocation. Get in touch for assistance with your move to Tampa or keep reading our blog for more ideas about family activities and tips for settling in.

Tampa has fascinations for both locals and visitors. Outdoor activities are all the rage thanks to its balmy climate, but there are plenty of low-key ways to spend time around Tampa too. 

The area has a long and colorful history dating back to 1539. You’ll find no shortage of museums in Tampa where you can find out more about its exciting past.  

It’s also a hotspot of artistic endeavors and home to some of the best art museums in Florida. Here’s a snapshot of the best places to go in Tampa for an intellectual boost. 

1. Henry B. Plant Museum

Housed in the original building of the Tampa Bay Hotel circa 1891, this Tampa history museum provides a glimpse of the early days of tourism in the area. 

Here you’ll step back in time to a grander age of ornate furniture, elaborate gardens, and extravagant architecture. 

2. Glazer Children’s Museum

As the name suggests, this is one of the best Tampa museums if you have children to entertain. There are enough attractions here to keep any child busy here for days, and the best part is they’ll be learning as they go.

There’s a handyman, fireman, cooking and science station, as well as a mini theatre to amuse kids of all ages.  The special events and workshops are a top hit with the youngsters too. 

It’s the best way to keep children occupied on rainy days when outdoor activities are less accessible. 

3. Tampa Bay History Center

It’s all about interactive exhibits and mini theatres showcasing the history of Central Florida.

From the earliest, inhabitants via the first settlers and the cigar trade to present times, you’ll learn all about it at this premier Tampa museum. 

4. Ybor City State Museum

This museum, housed in the historic Ferlita Bakery, is a left-over from Tampa’s once-thriving cigar industry. It’s a celebration of the Cuban, Spanish, and Italian residents of Tampa, against a backdrop of lively Latin music.

After your museum tour, you can explore the lush Meditteranean styled gardens outside, including a perfectly restored cigar worker’s casita.

5. SS American Victory Museum Ship

Take a tour of one of the only remaining WWII ships either on your own or with a guide.

Discover what it was like living on a warship during these troubled times in the crews quarters, or check out the galley, bridge, mess halls, and weaponry.

6. Major Art Museums in Tampa

The Tampa Museum of Art boasts an eye-catching architectural design as well as a substantial collection of Greek and Roman antiquities. It’s also well-known for its displays of contemporary photography and special educational events.

The Salvador Dali Museum has one of the largest collections of work by this artist. It holds pride of place on the waterfront of downtown St. Petersburg. 

Ready to Make the Move to Tampa?

The museums in Tampa are only a small part of the joys you’ll experience while living in Tampa. Keep reading our blog for more about what’s in store when you make the move to Tampa.

When you’re ready to join us, get in touch to learn how we can help you make the process as stress-free as possible.

Content

The Tampa Bay area is one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions. If you’re planning your move to the area or are already settling in, you aren’t alone. 

If you’re moving to Tampa this fall, take the opportunity to get to know your new city with these fall events and activities.

1. Tailgate Taste Fest — Oct. 5, 2019 

Food, sports, and music. Tailgate Taste Fest has it all! This is a free, family-friendly festival held at Curtis Hixon Park. 

The Fan Zone is a central-attraction of the festival. Try your hand at the Tampa Bay Rays Pitching Challenge or the Valspar Championship Games. There’s even a Tampa Bay Buccaneers Kids Zone for the younger crowd. 

Over a dozen local restaurants will be serving up great tailgate treats throughout the day. Enjoy some mac-n-cheese bites, classic BBQ, or even chicken and waffles! 

Wherever you venture, you’ll be able to watch the day’s college football games live on a large LED screen. 

2. Viva Tampa Bay — Oct. 6, 2019

If you’re searching for, “fall events near me,” check out Viva Tampa Bay. This festival is centered around celebrating Hispanic heritage month. But, you don’t need to be of Hispanic descent to enjoy all the festival has to offer. 

Head over to Harvey Perry Sr. Park to enjoy live music from Oro Solido, Frankie Negron, Timbalive, and many other Hispanic performers. 

Get a taste of authentic Latin foods and watch a variety of cultural dance exhibitions. During the event, the festival will recognize local Hispanic leaders who’ve made an impact in the Tampa area.

3. Oktoberfest Tampa — Oct. 11-13, 2019 

Oktoberfest Tampa is one of the most celebrated fall festivals in Florida. This 3-day festival has been named one of the top five Oktoberfest celebrations in the US. 

Like Tailgate Taste Fest, this festival is also hosted at Curtis Hixon Park. The festival features great beer paired with authentic German foods such as Bratwurst or Schnitzel. 

Learn about German culture as you listen to music and explore the festival. Get competitive by participating in the Stein Hoisting, Carry the Wench, or Keg Stacking games. And don’t forget to make it out for the Beard & Mustache and Mr. & Mrs. Oktoberfest competitions.  

4. Tampa Pig Jig — Oct. 19, 2019

And no list of fall festivals in Tampa is complete without the Tampa Pig Jig. This festival is a fundraiser to benefit the NephCure Foundation. 

What started as a backyard BBQ has grown to a festival full of live music, great food, and fun games. This year, enjoy live performances by Jake Owen, Lanco, and Dr. Dog. 

Enter the Pig Jig BBQ Competition to showcase your BBQ recipe. There’s no better way to fit into a new town than being known as the Pig Jig BBQ Grand Champion. 

Enjoy These Tampa Fall Events with New Friends

These four fall events are a great way to get acquainted with the Tampa area. But even the best events can be intimidating when you’re alone in a new town. 

Branch out and make some new friends in the process. Bake some cookies and head over to your new neighbors. While introducing yourself, mention the fall festival of your choice and invite them along for the fun. 

Or, consider inviting them out to a great meal.

Check out this article to discover four top-rated restaurants in Tampa, Florida.