Things to do in Tampa

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Tampa Bay Area

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay opened on March 31, 1959, and is an Africa-themed park. The park is one of the zoological institutions in the United States, covering 335 acres. The entire park is designed around the natural landscapes and culture of the African continent, from the Moroccan-style entrance district to animal habitats simulating the Serengeti savanna, creating an immersive African experience. See the adorable characters of Sesame Street, ride Air Grover, and coasters such as Falcon's Fury, Cheetah Hunt, SheiKra, and more.

2026 Americas 50 - Family-friendly Attractions

The Florida Aquarium

The Florida Aquarium is located in Tampa, Florida. It opened in 1995 and covers an area of 250,000 square feet. There are more than 20,000 species of marine life and plants from Florida and around the world, holding a total of 1,900,000 liters of water. Demonstrations in the exhibition hall How water flows from Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. The aquarium is very distinctive. Its shape is similar to a shell. The bottom is the exhibition hall of the forest swamp, and the top is a multi-faceted shell glass roof, which makes people feel very novel and innovative.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Tampa Bay Area

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is an award-winning conservation organization committed to the protection of wildlife. ZooTampa is Florida's most attended cultural institution offering unforgettable adventures to guests of all ages. Most notably, the Zoo is a champion for Florida species and home to the largest nonprofit manatee rehabilitation center in the United States treating more than 500 sick, injured, and orphaned manatees with the majority returning to Florida waters. Check out the hit series “Secrets of the Zoo: Tampa”, streaming on Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Tampa

Benchmark International Arena

Benchmark International Arena is an arena located in Tampa, featuring a prime location and well-equipped facilities, where people can watch hockey games and a variety of live performances.

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Tampa

Adventure Island

Located next to Busch Park, Adventure Island is one of Florida's oldest and most popular water parks. There are all kinds of water entertainment projects here. From the wave pool to the various spiral slides on the rafting island. In the "Sunshine State" of Florida, coming to the water park to play with water and enjoy the coolness is an activity you can't miss.

Florida State Fairgrounds

The Florida State Fairgrounds is a multi-purpose exhibition and event venue located in Tampa, Florida, and is one of the state's entertainment and cultural activity centers. It hosts the annual Florida State Fair, attracting thousands of visitors and locals. This expansive venue is not only the home of the state fair but also frequently hosts large exhibitions, concerts, sports events, and cultural celebrations. As the venue's flagship event, the Florida State Fair showcases a wide variety of agricultural products, handicrafts, local cuisine, and entertainment performances. Visitors can sample authentic Florida flavors, explore various exhibits, enjoy thrilling rides, and experience traditional equestrian shows and animal exhibitions. The fair's atmosphere is lively and festive, serving as a microcosm of local culture and community life.

Raymond James Stadium

This is a large stadium with spacious grounds and professional equipment, and it has a large capacity, making it perfect for hosting large concerts and various sports events.

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is situated along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa, Florida. This public green space is adjacent to the Tampa Riverwalk and is surrounded by cultural venues such as the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, the Tampa Museum of Art, and the Glazer Children's Museum, with the landmark buildings of the University of Tampa across the river. The park features large, open lawns that slope gently toward the riverbank. It includes multiple fountains, a children's playground, a dog park, and an amphitheater, as well as outdoor sculptures. The riverside trails provide space for walking and cycling. It is also a venue for various events in Tampa. From music festivals and food festivals to community gatherings, you can often see people picnicking, practicing yoga, or attending markets on the lawn. Whether you are on a family outing, meeting up with friends, or taking a walk alone, this is a great place to enjoy the riverfront and relax.

MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

The MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre is located in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida, United States, within the Florida State Fairgrounds, and is a sizable outdoor performance venue in the Tampa Bay area. It hosts various outdoor performances year-round and is a popular outdoor music destination in west-central Florida. The venue has a total capacity of approx. 20,000 and features a seating layout divided into two main sections. The 10,000 seats near the stage are covered by a large curved tensile membrane canopy, providing shelter from sun and rain. The seating is divided into the orchestra section, mid-level elevated seating, and the rear section, with compliant accessible viewing spots in each section to accommodate guests with limited mobility. The remaining 10,000 spaces are in an open lawn area where guests can bring their own cushions or blankets for a relaxed and casual atmosphere, perfect for enjoying performances with friends. The venue offers low-profile chair rentals, balancing comfort with venue sightline rules. The venue is equipped with a professional sound system and surrounded by sound barriers, ensuring high-quality sound while minimizing noise impact on the surrounding community, balancing the performance experience with neighborhood life.

The Great Escape Room Tampa