20+ FUN Things to Do in Tampa Bay This Weekend

It's another busy weekend with tons of awesome things to do in Tampa Bay with the kids!

Fall is officially here and plenty of awesome Fall and Halloween events have already kicked off around town! If you need to know where to go, we've put together the best Halloween and Fall Festivals around Tampa Bay, including the best pics for kids of all ages and fright levels!

Before we dive into our list of Weekend Top Picks of Things to Do in Tampa Bay This Weekend, here's how we've set it up to make it easier for you to find an event on a day that works best for your family: Featured Events that make this page possible, More Awesome Things to Do, Save the Date, What's on Exhibit, and more.

Happy weekend exploring!

A few new stories we think you'll LOVE:

• FIRST LOOK: Check out the digital version of our October issue now!
• Your ULTIMATE Guide to Fall Family Fun in Tampa Bay
• Target's Car Seat Trade-In Program is Back!
• Dinner Date with the Kids at EPCOT's International Food & Wine Festival

Featured Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Weekend 

We're giving the following partners' events an extra shout-out since their support helps us provide this amazing weekend guide to you for free!

Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa at Lowry Park – OPENING WEEKEND!

• Dates: Select nights from September 25 to October 31, 2026 on select nights (Member Night is Sept. 25)
• Location: Tampa

Tampa Bay’s number-one family Halloween event returns in September with ALL-NEW experiences! Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa is full of eerie family fun for everyone! Ghouls and goblins of all ages can enjoy howling outdoor experiences, mischievous characters, creepy culinary treats, and much more! NEW this year: Enchanted Circle at the entrance, a NEW spooky trail, and more.  Head on over here to see what it was like at ZooTampa's Creatures of the Night .

Laser Light Show: Rock the Cosmos at MOSI

• Date: Friday, September 25 at 6:30 pm and 8:15 pm
• Location: Tampa

Step inside America’s second-largest planetarium and experience vivid laser visuals, dynamic music, and dazzling special effects. Designed for all ages, MOSI's Laser Light Shows have something for everyone. Each performance pairs stunning visuals with your favorite soundtracks! Inside the 360-degree, you won’t just watch the show, you’ll feel like part of it. Before the lasers hit the dome, their astronomer will guide you through a live star show, taking you on a journey into the night sky. Hear the music of Elton John at 6:30 and Queen and 8:15.

Glazer Children's Museum Birthday Bash

• Date: Saturday, September 26 from 9:30 am-3 pm
• Location: Tampa

It's GCM's birthday! Celebrate 16 years of Glazer Children’s Museum with a free party in the park featuring play, performances, community partners, and tons of family-friendly fun.

Minecraft Mania at MOSI

• Date: Saturday, September 26 from 1 pm-3 pm
• Location: Tampa

Calling all Minecraft fans! Minecraft Mania returns to MOSI! This event is designed specifically for children ages 7–12. Space is limited, and advance registration is required. Take your favorite game beyond the screen as you tackle hands-on challenges, learn basic coding, sharpen your computer skills, and work with teammates to defend your city from an alien invasion! Build incredible creations, learn coding and computer skills, and complete individual and team challenges. Same-day MOSI admission is included with registration.

Afternoon Tea on Craft

• Date: Saturday, September 26, beginning at 3 pm
• Location: 603 Channelside Drive, Tampa

Experience a classic, high-tea service set on the Hillsborough River for a 90-minute cruise on Craft. Enjoy towers loaded with curated tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and sweet pastries, paired with premium teas as you glide under the city’s historic bridges.

Sunshine Sunday at Glazer Children's Museum

• Date: Sunday, September 27 from 8 am-10 am
• Location: Tampa

Sunshine Sunday is a special monthly event for children with special needs and their caregivers. Come explore the Museum with lights and sounds turned down and sensory-adapted tools, special programs, and community resources at your fingertips. During this time, children and their families can experience the Museum and unite with others on a similar journey.

Tampa Bay Bucs Game

• Date: Sunday, September 27 at 4:05 pm
• Location: Tampa

Cheer on the Bucs during their first home game of the season against the Minnesota Vikings! And make sure to sign up for the Jr. Bucs Fan Club for even more team-building fun!

Spooktacular at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay 

• Dates: Every Saturday & Sunday now through November 1, 2026
• Location: Busch Gardens Tampa

Join Kandy, Busch Gardens’ charming witch-in-training, for a brand-new family-friendly Halloween celebration full of fun and enchantment. Every Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m.–4 p.m. on the Festival Pathway, little ghouls and goblins can explore Trick-or-Treating, Spooky Kooky Science, Magical Storytime, Kandy’s Costume Parade, and more! This event is included with park admission.

Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND Florida

• Dates: Weekends now through November 1
• Location: 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven

Don’t miss this Halloween party built just for kids at LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven. Kids can enjoy spooky LEGO building activities (they might even learn some cool LEGO building tricks from the pros!), trick-or-treating, the all-new Brick or Treat Street, and event-exclusive character meet-and-greets. Dance Party, and more! You can even climb aboard The Disco Dragon coaster and Galacticoaster for a Halloween twist. Read all about what to expect at Brick or Treat here.

COMING UP THIS WEEK: Rep the Rays Postseason Rally

• • Dates: Tuesday, Sept. 9 from 5-7 pm at Tropicana Field | Thursday, Oct. 1 at Midtown Tampa from 5-7 pm
  • Locations: St. Pete and Tampa

The Rays clinched their fifth American League East division title in franchise history on Sept. 22 and will host the events in advance of the first American League Division Series game on Oct. 3 at Tropicana Field. This is the Rays 10th trip to the Postseason and first since 2023. On Tuesday, Sept. 29 at Tropicana Field,  fans can choose between an in-ballpark experience or a convenient drive-thru option, both offering free Postseason items, including car flags, yard signs, and other giveaways. And then on Thursday, Oct. 1 from 5-7 p.m. at Midtown Tampa, fans can pick up free car flags, yard signs, and other giveaways as well as shop the Postseason merchandise collection at The Bay Republic Team Store pop-up.  Both event locations require a free ticket for entry: RaysBaseball.com/Postseason.

CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE ALL OF THE FALL FESTIVALS KICKING OFF THIS WEEKEND IN TAMPA BAY!

MORE Awesome Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Weekend

“The Art of Banksy” exhibit at The Straz Center – FINAL WEEKEND

• • • Date: Open Now through Sept. 27, 2026
    • Location: The Straz Center in Tampa

Featuring more than 160 original works, The Art of Banksy is the world’s largest collection of authenticated privately owned Banksy art. This globally acclaimed showcase is the original London exhibition and features original and authenticated works created by the most intriguing and talked-about artist in modern art history. On display are prints, hand-drawn sketches, canvases, screenprints, sculptures, unique works, and limited-edition pieces.

Fall Festival at Ananda Farm – OPENING WEEKEND

• • • Date: OPENS Friday, September 25!
    • Location: Terra Ceia

Our favorite family farm is reopening for the season this Friday with the Ananda Farm Fall Festival! There is something for everyone here, including 15 attractions where kids can play and get their wiggles out, u-pick flowers, and yummy farm-to-table food! The festival runs every Friday through Sunday through November 1.

St. Jude Walk/Run Tampa at Benchmark International Arena

• • • Date: Saturday, September 26 from 6:30 am-11:30 am
    • Location: Tampa

As the community event for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the St. Jude Walk is where we unite supporters across the country to provide hope and healing for families during their toughest times. Regardless of your pace or path, when you join the St. Jude Walk, you're taking steps to cure childhood cancer.

19th Annual Superhero Fun Walk at Vinoy Park

• • • Date: Saturday, September 26 from 9 am-12 pm
    • Location: St. Petersburg

Whether you're a fan of Marvel, DC, or your own original creation, everyone is welcome to participate. Get ready to show off your superpowers and enjoy a day filled with music, food, games, and prizes! Walk registration is FREE! Adults, children, neighbors, coworkers, and friends are all welcome and encouraged to form a team and join the fun. Registration begins at 9am, and the walk itself will start at 10am. There will be fun activities with food, awards, and more!

Girl Scout Fest

• • • Date: Saturday, September 26 from 10 am-2 pm 
    • Location: Wesley Chapel

Get a sneak peek at a year filled with discovery, adventure, and unforgettable experiences at Girl Scout Fest! Get ready for a day of fun and explore all the exciting opportunities awaiting you in the year ahead. This year’s theme, Guardians of the Green, celebrates the power of Girl Scouts to protect our planet, strengthen their communities, and make a difference through leadership and action. You'll enjoy badge activities, outdoor adventures, interactive exhibits, fall product tastings, leadership awards, exclusive merch, and store specials. Plus, free parking and ADA-accessible parking will be available.

Sensory Saturday at FloridaRAMA

• • • Date: Saturday, September 26 from 10 am-12 pm
    • Location: St. Petersburg

This special sensory-friendly event at FloridaRAMA designed to provide a calming, enjoyable experience for individuals with sensory sensitivities. During this time, they’ll adjust the environment to create a more accessible and inclusive atmosphere, with reduced noise levels, dimmed lighting, and quieter interactions. They’ll also have sensory kits available for guests to borrow, as well as designated quiet areas to provide a peaceful retreat when needed.

Cyber Bowling Kids Matinee at Pin Chasers

• • • Date: Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27
    • Location: Tampa, Zephyrhills

Cyber Bowling is the fusion of high-energy entertainment and bowling, where anything is possible! Bowling with kids? Enjoy special family matinees with family-appropriate music so families can enjoy the fun together at an earlier time.

Esports Open Play at Northdale Rec Center

• • • Date: Saturday, September 26, from 1:30 pm-4:30 pm
    • Location: Tampa

Esports lounges are staffed with Esports specialists who inspire and encourage new social skills, help develop gaming fundamentals, and set a safe, inclusive, and positive social environment. Coaches are Esports competitors who have the skills and experience to help any player develop and grow their skills to perform better in competitions. In addition to developing Esports skills, participants socialize with like-minded competitors and make new friends in a high-energy environment.

Beats on the Street at Water Street Tampa

• • • Date: Saturday, September 26 from 3 pm-9 pm
    • Location: Tampa

Beats on the Street is back! This year’s neighborhood-wide celebration will feature Grammy-nominated electronic duo and five-time Coachella performers Chromeo. The event will bring together an unforgettable night of electrifying sounds of talented local musicians and an exciting lineup of performers. Guests can immerse themselves in a lively, music-filled atmosphere as the Water Street Tampa district transforms into a one-of-a-kind outdoor music escape.

Sunday Breakfast Bowl at Pin Chasers

• • • Date: Sunday, September 27, from 9 am-11 am
    • Location: Tampa, Zephyrhills

Bring the whole family to Pin Chasers for unlimited bowling plus breakfast! You get two hours of bowling, two eggs (your way), bacon, and toast.

Art on the Spectrum at Tampa Museum of Art

• • • Date: Sunday, September 27 
    • Location: Tampa

Art on the Spectrum is a special monthly event designed to welcome individuals with sensory sensitivities, developmental differences, and their caregivers. Enjoy exploring the museum in a calm, low-crowd environment with sensory-friendly tools and supportive assistance available. You can borrow noise-canceling headphones or other sensory items from the front desk as well! This event offers children and their families a chance to connect with others who share similar experiences, while enjoying all the museum has to offer.

Dueling Pianos for Kids at Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar and Restaurant

• • • Date: Sunday, September 27 from 4 pm-6 pm
    • Location: Wesley Chapel

Fun for the whole family! Bring the kids out to dance, sing, and request all their favorite tunes! Movie Songs, TV Shows, and pop music are all on the table! Yes, the adults can request songs too! Reserver your seat now for this free event!

Empower Adventures Zip Line Adventures

• • • Date: Friday, September 25-Sunday, September 27
    • Location: Oldsmar

Tour guides will lead you through a 2.5-hour unforgettable experience all while taking in the amazing Florida sunset! Gain a new perspective on fun, beginning with their 60-foot-tall start tower, 5 zip lines varying in length and totaling over 3,000′, a 200-foot suspension bridge, along with an adventure course with log bridges, cable traverses, and poles!

SAVE THE DATE: For these Awesome Events!

Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School Open House

• • • Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026 6:00–8:00 p.m.
    • Location: 13651 Hays Road Spring Hill, FL 34610, Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High

Discover Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School at our Open House on Wednesday, October 21, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tour campus, meet students and faculty, and explore our faith-centered, college-preparatory experience. Learn about scholarships and discover the value and affordability of a Catholic education, along with transportation options available across the region. At Bishop, students are known, supported, challenged, and given opportunities to shine. Applications are now open for 2027–2028 and the Class of 2031.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast

• • • Dates: May 4-16, 2027
    • Location: Straz Center, downtown Tampa

This enchanting and timeless tale is filled with the romance, and grandeur audiences know and love. Be our guest, Tampa!

MORE THINGS TO DO: See What’s on Exhibit in Tampa Bay

NOW OPEN: Lion & Hyena Ridge at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay!

• • • Date: Now Open!
    • Location: Tampa

Get ready to come face to face with two of Africa's most legendary predators at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay! Lion & Hyena Ridge is an extraordinary new addition to the park's award-winning animal care portfolio and one of the most immersive wildlife experiences in North America. Included with general admission.

Play at MOSI's NEW SciLinx Cretaceous Course

• • • Dates: NOW OPEN
    • Location: Tampa

Dinosaurs are taking over the SciLinx mini golf course at MOSI! You can now putt putt your way millions of years back in time alongside five massive dinosaurs! The debut of the Cretaceous Course marks the first step in a larger dinosaur transformation taking place across the museum as MOSI prepares for the arrival of SUE The T. rex Experience in January 2027.

NOW OPEN: Pinniped Pier at Clearwater Marine Aquarium

• • • Date: Now open!
    • Location: Clearwater

Meet CMA's newest residents–Wahoo and Tuna, the sea lions, in their new home at Pinniped Pier! Be among the first to meet these sweet animals in their new habitat, along with more new animals that have recently joined the CMA family! We're sharing more about what's new at Clearwater Marine Aquarium here.

“The Art of Banksy” exhibit at The Straz Center

• • • Date: Open Now through Sept. 27, 2026
    • Location: The Straz Center in Tampa

Featuring more than 160 original works, The Art of Banksy is the world’s largest collection of authenticated privately owned Banksy art. This globally acclaimed showcase is the original London exhibition and features original and authenticated works created by the most intriguing and talked-about artist in modern art history. On display are prints, hand-drawn sketches, canvases, screenprints, sculptures, unique works, and limited-edition pieces.

Mysteries of the Nile: Ancient Egypt at Tampa Museum of Art

• • • Date: Now Open!
    • Location: Downtown Tampa

The Tampa Museum of Art has just unveiled a first-of-its-kind exhibit for the Tampa Bay area featuring art and artifacts of ancient Egypt. The exhibit features pieces on loan from the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto and from private collections of owners, along with works from TMA's collection. The exhibit is an exploration of the everyday life of ancient Egyptian people, the power of the pharaohs and priests, the worship of the gods, and the afterlife. Mysteries of the Nile: Ancient Egypt will be on display for two years.

Go check out the NEW Magic Grasshopper at the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Pete

• • • Date: on display now
    • Location: St. Pete

The MFA just unveiled Magic Grasshopper, a pink-hued fantastical art sculpture by a renowned artist, Yvette Mayorga. It's the first in a series of public art displays the museum will showcase outside of its gallery walls for all to enjoy. No admission is required to experience it!

Galacticoaster at LEGOLAND Florida Resort

• • • NOW OPEN! 
    • Location: LEGOLAND Florida, Winter Haven

Be one of the first to experience LEGOLAND Florida Resort's awesome new indoor family coaster, Galacticoaster! You'll find it in the new LEGO Galaxy, where you can immerse yourself in 40+ years of LEGO space history. The ride is a first of its kind, and we're sharing all of the details about Galacticoaster here!

Above & Beyond exhibit at MOSI 

• • • Dates: Now Open!
    • Location: Tampa

From the earliest dreams of the Wright brothers to the future of space exploration, this immersive exhibit lets you design, test, and experience flight firsthand through cutting-edge, hands-on technology. Step into the action as you build your own aircraft, explore the forces of flight, and push the limits of what’s possible.

Science LIVE! All-New Science Demos at MOSI in Tampa | Daily at 2 p.m.

Watch a MOSI educator bring science to life with exciting, hands-on demos. Each show lasts about 15 minutes and features fun experiments in chemistry, physics, biology, and more. You’ll see colorful reactions, cool demos, and amazing science in action. MOSI makes science easy to understand, and even easier to get excited about!

Wild Oasis at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay 

The Wild Oasis Realm is finally open at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay! There's a new ride, a splash pad, and so many ways to climb and play!

SEA LIFE Florida at LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven

Get ready for this under-the-sea adventure at this all-new indoor attraction! You can expect to see more than 3,000 sea creatures and even walk through a 180-degree underwater tunnel! We'll be there for the official opening on Friday morning!

Forts Exhibit at Glazer Children's Museum in Tampa

The beloved FORTS exhibit returns to Glazer Children's Museum this weekend in its newly expanded and permanent home on the second floor, just in time for spring break! You'll find it on the second floor, where kids can use their imaginations to build an epic fort!

Let's See at Glazer Children's Museum in Tampa

This colorful, bilingual (English and Spanish) exhibit, created in partnership with the Glazer Vision Foundation, invites families to explore the science of vision through hands-on, mind-bending experiences. Discover how your eyes work with playful interactives that bring light, color, and perspective to life. Mix colors on spinning wheels, walk into a giant kaleidoscope, and cast dazzling colored shadows. Peer through a water sphere to see the world flipped upside down – just like your eyes do before your brain flips it back! Try on glasses, test for color blindness, and watch your pupils dilate as you explore how we see the world.

Wonders of Wetlands at Great Explorations Children's Museum in St. Pete

This new permanent exhibit, created in partnership with Tampa Bay Water, was designed to engage young minds and spark environmental curiosity. The immersive experience brings one of Florida’s most vital ecosystems to life inside the museum, and kids can even go face-to-face with some of the creatures that call our wetlands home, like turtles, lizards, and a snake!

See the World’s Largest Triceratops at Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa

Big John, the world’s largest fossil triceratops, is now on display at the Glazer Children’s Museum for a three-year exhibition. For the first time, the museum is waiving its requirement that adults attend the museum with a child, to ensure everyone has a chance to see Big John nose to snout for themselves. While you do not need a reservation to go to the museum, you will need to book a timeslot to see Big John. This will eliminate crowds so you can make the most out of the experience.  Learn more about how to plan your day to see Big John the Triceratops here.

Paws for Literacy at Humane Society of Tampa Bay in Tampa | Tuesdays and Thursdays

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay gives children who love animals a chance to spend time with them while catching up on their reading or improving their reading skills. Children are paired with homeless pets who love to hear the stories and look at the pictures. The program is offered for children ages 5 and up. They’ll provide reading stools, books, and treats (for the animals), but children are welcome to bring their own books if they wish. Books provided include animal tales, stories of the animal-human bond, and books that teach empathy to young readers. Supervised by a Florida state certified teacher.

Ruskin Family Drive-In in Ruskin | Wednesdays-Sundays

The Ruskin Family Drive-In Theatre has over 50 years of continuous service to the Ruskin and South Hillsborough County. It’s been a community gathering place since its first movie, “Singing in the Rain” played in 1952. They offer great movies, good food, and peace and quiet on a continuous basis with a 2000 square foot screen, clean restrooms, snack bar, and clean parking lot. Please note: you must bring a portable radio with you or use the radio in your car to hear the movie. There will be no showings on Monday and Tuesday.