A little investigation can go a long way when it comes to finding fun, local activities. To keep kids occupied at little or no cost, check out these 5 splashy summer steals that are sure to keep them entertained.
Spend an Afternoon Watching Dolphins, Clearwater
- Head to Clearwater Beach one afternoon with the kids for some of the country’s most active dolphin spotting waters. Chill out on the beach for free viewing or check out Clearwater’s Marine Aquarium for a chance to visit Winter the dolphin, star of the 2011 feature film Dolphin Tale and the upcoming sequel Dolphin Tale 2.
Reading with the Rays, All Tampa Bay area libraries
- By reading books this summer, Charlotte, Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota county elementary school students in grades three through five can circle the bases – first, second, third and home – and collect prizes as they go.

Make it all the way around to home and your ultimate reward is a ticket to see the Rays in action at Tropicana field!
Etsy Craft Party, Safety Harbor
- This free event for all ages will have all the crafts supplies you’ll need to create works of art inspired from the crafting site, Etsy.com. It’s open to the public on Friday, June 27 from 6 – 8 p.m. The craft party will be held at the Safety Harbor Museum of Regional History, 329 S. Bayshore Blvd., Safety Harbor.
Free Ace Golf Sessions, Brandon, Riverview, Tampa, or Tarpon Springs
- Ace Golf is offering a free golf practice program for kids ages 5 to 15. Every day this summer, through the end of August, kids can sign up to receive a free small bucket of range balls.
Tampa Bay History Center July 4th Free Admission, Tampa
- Celebrate Independence Day at the Tampa Bay History Center with free admission for everyone. The museum will be open extended hours, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., on that day. Also included with the free admission offer is ‘Against All Odds: Art of the Highwaymen’, a special exhibit on display through August 17.
