Greetings to all you adventurous families out there, and welcome to Tampa Bay, Florida! Here, you’ll find no shortage of outdoor activities that will keep you and your family entertained and invigorated. So, let’s strap on our hiking boots and embark on a wild ride as we explore the top 10 outdoor adventure activities for families in Tampa Bay.
1. Busch Gardens
Are you ready to experience an adrenaline rush like never before? Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay is the perfect place for thrill-seekers, with its intense roller coasters, animal encounters, and breathtaking shows.
2. The Tampa Riverwalk
Explore Tampa’s downtown waterfront that connects our parks, museums, and other attractions. This waterfront gem stretches for 2.4 miles and offers stunning views of the Hillsborough River, parks, and cultural landmarks.
3. Empower Adventures
Experience adventure at Empower with both zip lining and standup paddleboarding that will have you soaring through the tree canopies or paddling along the Hillsborough River at Mobbly Bayou.
4. Florida Aquarium
Get up close and personal with marine life at the Florida Aquarium. Witness live animal encounters, touch pools, and even have a chance to go swimming with the fishes in a diver-controlled experience.
5. Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is the undisputed king of beaches in Tampa Bay. Here you can enjoy the powder-soft sand, sparkling waters, and all kinds of outdoor activities such as parasailing, jet skiing, and dolphin-watching tours.
6. Honeymoon Island State Park
Honeymoon Island is another pristine paradise for beach lovers and a paradise for bird watchers. This state park has four miles of gorgeous beaches and hiking trails—there’s something for all outdoor enthusiasts.
7. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is the epitome of “nature meets adventure.” This former zoo is another nature lover’s dream, with a variety of trails to hike, and plants and animals to view.
8. Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field
Take them out to the ballgame! Our Tampa Bay Rays are consistently one of the most exciting teams in baseball—they’ve reached the playoffs every year since 2019. Tropicana Field is popular for its unique amenities—like the Rays Touch Tank, a 35-foot, 10,000-gallon exhibit featuring touchable (and beautiful) cownose stingrays, and unique concessions that swing from a classic ballpark hot dog to an entire crab-inspired menu at Crabby’s Beachside Bites in centerfield.
9. Caladesi Island State Park
Caladesi Island State Park is a lesser-known gem that is nearly untouched and full of natural beauty. Caladesi Island is only accessible by boat and totally worth the extra adventure.
10. Alafia River State Park
Alafia River State Park is the place to go if you’re looking for more of a challenge. Diverse geography and elevation changes set Alafia River apart with trails for hiking, mountain-biking, and horseback riding.
Book Your Outdoor Adventure Now!
Whether you’re looking for a heart-pumping adventure or a serene escape into nature, we encourage you to explore all that the Tampa Bay area has to offer. And, of course, we’re always here when you’re ready to book your next great adventure Empower.