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!
It feels like spring outside, and there are so many amazing things to do! Spring Break starts next week and if you're staying put, we have some ideas to fill in those days off of school from fun outings around town to Spring Break camps!
Though St. Paddy's Day isn't until next Tuesday, there are tons of celebrations going on around town this weekend! So don your best green attire and check out our top picks for the best famliy-friendly St. Patrick's Day events!
But, 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, What's on Exhibit, Save the Date, and more.
Happy weekend exploring!
A few new stories we think you'll LOVE:
- The Straz Center Annouces its 2026-2027 Brodway Season!
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium welcomes three new harbor seals
- U-PICK IS BACK: Where to pick strawberries, citrus, and more in Tampa Bay!
Featured Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Weekend
We're giving the following events an extra shout-out since their support helps us provide this amazing weekend guide to you for free!
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!
Pi Day at MOSI
- Date: Saturday, March 14 from 10 am-3 pm
- Location: Tampa
Celebrate the wonders of circles, numbers, and discovery! Join MOSI for a hands-on event where you can explore engaging activity stations, take part in a collaborative Paint-by-Numbers mural, watch live demos, and enjoy special themed star tours in the Saunders Planetarium. Included in general admission.
River O'Green Cruise at Lost Pearl
- Date: Saturday, March 14 from 10:45 am- 4 pm
- Location: Tampa
This 30-minute cruise will take you on a scenic loop through the heart of the River O’ Green action, where you’ll get a front-row seat to all the festivities – including the Hillsborough River dyed a vibrant shade of green! Guests will get to even shoot green water cannons and a few lucky guests will get to shoot a green t-shirt from the cannon. Tickets with a Purpose: In celebration of this festive day, $1 from every ticket sale will be donated to Friends of the Riverwalk, supporting the vibrant waterfront riverwalk we all love.
MORE Awesome Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Weekend
Bay Area Renaissance Fest
- Date: Weekends through March 29
- Location: Dade City
Join the Villagers of Folkstone as they invite one and all to the magical 16th Century European village featuring 15 stages of exciting entertainment including musicians, magicians, jugglers and jousting. Over 100 artisans will fill the Festival marketplace to display and sell their handcrafted goods for a truly fabulous and endless shopping experience. Patrons will interact with memorable characters and enjoy full-contact live armored jousting, themed weekends, and fabulous food fit for royalty!
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 in Concert
- Date: Friday, March 13-Saturday, March 14
- Location: Straz Center, Tampa
After seven films, it all comes down to this: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 will grace the screen once more, this time in concert! The characters you love are back, battling villains and protecting Hogwarts from Voldemort himself. Hear a live symphony orchestra bring Alexandre Desplat’s music to life and experience all the action as the film is projected onto a giant screen with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
St. Patrick's Double Play Kids Happy Hour at 1983
- Date: Friday, March 13 from 3 pm-6 pm
- Location: Tampa
Get ready for a little extra luck – and a lot of fun – this March! Celebrate St. Patrick’s season with Double Play at 1983, a family-friendly afternoon packed with creativity, color, and good vibes. Enjoy hands-on activities like designing your own clover creations, face painting, and more festive surprises. It’s the perfect way to add a little green to your week and make some memories along the way. Be sure to wear green!
Empower Adventures Sunset Zip Line Adventures and Moonlight Canopy Tours
- Dates: Friday, March 13-Sunday, March 15
- Location: Oldsmar
Friday the 13th Family Glow Skate at Skateworld Tampa
- Date: Friday, March 13 from 6:30 pm-9:30 pm
- Location: Tampa
Get ready to roll! Join their family-friendly monsters for a selfie and roller skating fun and celebrate Friday the 13th. Add on laser tag for $5 per person.
Day out With Thomas at The Florida Railroad Museum
- Date: March 14, 15, 21, 22, and 28
- Location: Parrish
Join Thomas at the Florida Railroad Museum with loads of family games and activities! Say hello to Sir Topham Hatt, enjoy live entertainment, photo ops, an exclusive gift shop, lawn games, and so much more. Take a real train ride with Thomas and spend the day creating memories for the whole family.
East Pasco YMCA Founder's Day 5K
- Date: Saturday, March 14 at 8 am
- Location: Zephyrhills
This 5K Walk/Run will benefit the YMCA of East Pasco and Dade City. There will be a kid's run and a Virtual 5K option. Medal and T-Shirt included with registration!
Weekend Workshop at Bricks 4 Kidz
- Date: Saturday, March 14 from 10 am-1 pm
- Location: Tampa
Take part in this 3 hour LEGO workshop full of LEGO robots, LEGO mosaic art, LEGO 3D art, and much more! Each week is a different theme and at the end of each workshop, every child will get to take home their every own Bricks 4 Kidz minifigure! All children ages 4.5 – 12 years old are welcome! Spots are limited to just 20 builders per workshop! This Saturday, participate in a LEGO St. Paddy's Day Workshop!
9th Annual Family Fun Fest and Summer Camp Expo at the Shops at Wiregrass
- Dates: Saturday, March 14 from 10 am-2 pm
- Location: Wesley Chapel
Get ready for an unforgettable day of family fun, discovery, and summer planning! From STEM to sports to the arts, families will be able to meet top summer camps, explore interactive activity zones, and enjoy nonstop entertainment designed for kids of all ages. Whether you’re planning your child’s summer, looking for new activities, or just want a fun day out, this event delivers something meaningful – and exciting – for every family.
Children's Board Free Family Day: Shape Shenanegans at Tampa Museum of Art
- Date: Saturday, March 14 from 11 am- 4 pm
- Location: Tampa
It’s Pi Day so let's engage in some Shape Shenanigans! Join the Children’s Board for Free Family Day: Shape Shenanigans to have fun with shapes and explore Jun Kaneko: Silence Before Sound. The whole family can create, explore the galleries, and enjoy shapely snacks.
River O’ Green Fest in Tampa
- Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 11 am-4 pm
- Location: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
This is our favorite St. Patrick's Day event in Tampa for families and one of the coolest things about this event is watching Hillsborough River turn green. Don’t worry, it’s eco-friendly! You can also enjoy live entertainment, food trucks, and more family-friendly activities. The Rough Riders St. Patrick’s Day Parade will also coincide with River O’Green Fest. You can catch the parade at 2 pm. We recommend getting there early, as parking will fill up quickly. Bring your friends and kids, as this is an event for everyone. One fun way to view the River O Green is by boat on the Pirate Water Taxi!
Check out our picks for even more St. Paddy's Day Fun!
Cyber Bowling Kids Matinee at Pin Chasers
- Date: Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15
- 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.
Pi Day All Day Skate at SkateWorld Tampa
- Date: Saturday, March 14 from 12 pm-9:30 pm
- Location: Tampa
Lace up and celebrate Pi-Day! Enjoy $3.14 pizza slices all day long, 3 for $14 arcade deal, and online only special – $3.14 skate rental!
Esports Open Play at Northdale Rec Center
- Date: Saturday, March 14 from 1:30 pm-4:30 pm
- Location: Tampa
Esports lounges are staffed with Esports specialist 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.
Daddy Daughter Date Night at Chick-Fil-A Zephyrhills
- Date: Saturday, March 14 from 5 pm-7 pm
- Location: Zephyrhills
Enjoy a magical evening filled with princess appearances, photo opportunities, table-side service, face painting, sparkling hair tinsel, and family fun! There will be two time slots – 5 pm-6 pm and 6:30 pm-7:30 pm. Tickets are required.
Darcy Lynne & Friends: Up Close and Personal Tour
- Date: Saturday, March 14 at 7:30 pm
- Location: Straz Center, Tampa
Ventriloquism may not be the most obvious route to stardom, but the road less traveled was a great choice for Darci Lynne. She triumphed on America’s Got Talent at age 12 and navigated tours while still in middle and then high school. She’s got a cast of crazy characters she brings to life on stage, but she’s also got songs and a massive online presence with 5 million followers on TikTok alone!
Sunday Breakfast Bowl at Pin Chasers
- Date: Sunday, March 15 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.
Upstairs/Downstairs at Henry B. Plant Museum
- Date: Sunday, March 15 from 2 pm-2:30 pm
- Location: Tampa
Step back in time and enjoy the single-character performances that bring turn-of–the-century Tampa Bay Hotel staff members and guests to life. Each character is based wholly or in part on actual hotel staff and guests. Based on original research conducted by the Henry Plant Museum, these characters recreate the attitudes and mores of a bygone time, along with the sorrows and joys of their existence. From the reminiscences of Henry Plant himself on what led him to build such a palace, to the letters home written by a Spanish-American War soldier, you will learn more about the time period through each character’s particular vantage point. Performances are 30 minutes and are included with admission to the Museum. Arrive early as limited seating is available on a first-come first-served basis. This week's character spotlight: Edith Roosevelt.
Dueling Pianos for Kids at Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar and Restaurant
- Date: Sunday, March 15 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! This event is free but reservations are encouraged!
MORE THINGS TO DO: See What’s on Exhibit in Tampa Bay
Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion at MOSI
Step back into time and explore full-scale machines created from da Vinci's drawings. Ultimately, Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion invites you to explore the mind of one of history’s greatest thinkers. Discover his ideas. Experience his creativity. And feel the impact of his genius. On display through May 26.
Lucy Sparrow's Quick Shop at FloridaRAMA
- Dates: Now until the exhibit sells out of the felt art creations
- Location: St. Pete
World-renowned artist Lucy Sparrow is bringing her incredible felt artwork back to Tampa Bay in a 700-square-foot exhibit at FloridaRAMA called Lucy Sparrow's Quick Shop. The whimsical exhibit is filled with thousands of handmade felt art creations inspired by the everyday items you would find at the market, including produce, seafood, laundry detergent, and more. And here's what's really cool–you can purchase the artwork, too. FloridaRAMA is also decorated for the holidays! They also just unveiled Lucy Sparrow's Sugar Rush, featuring favorite candies in felt form!
Feline Files: Fact or Fiction? at FloridaRAMA
Investigate strange occurrences around Mermaid Star Motel and discover a mysterious new feline species!
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.
FloridaRAMA in St. Pete
FloridaRAMA (formerly Fairgrounds St. Pete) is an immersive art experience has made its mark in Tampa Bay! There are more than 70 artists featured. You can go and simply enjoy the whimsical art that celebrates weird, wacky, wonderful Florida or choose a different adventure and try to crack the codes and mysteries you’ll find throughout.
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.
Save the Date for these Awesome Events in Tampa Bay:
Pi Day at MOSI
March 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
4801 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa 33617
Pi Day celebrates the wonders of circles, numbers, and discovery. Head to MOSI for hands-on fun where Pi isn’t just a number – it’s an experience. This family-friendly event is FREE for MOSI members or included in general admission for the day. First, explore engaging activity stations located throughout the museum. Each station highlights patterns, measurement, and problem-solving. Next, take part in a collaborative Paint-by-Numbers mural that grows throughout the day. Meanwhile, live demos bring big ideas to life and keep the energy high.
Telescope Tutoring at MOSI
Thursday, March 19, from 7-9 p.m. (last day to register, Friday, March 12)
4801 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa 33617
Did you get a new telescope for the Holidays and want to learn how to use it? Join us at the MOSI’s Science Park for a two-hour telescope tutoring session. Bring your own telescope and learn how to set it up, align it, and explore the night sky like a pro. Our space experts will guide you through the basics, helping you unlock the wonders of astronomy from your own backyard. $37.50 for members, or $50 for non-members.
Storytime with Slyce at Watermelon Swim
Friday, Mar. 20 from 10 am to 11:30 am
30016 County Line Road, Wesley Chapel 33543
Join Slyce for a splash-tastic morning of stories, smiles, and creativity at Watermelon Swim! Families are invited to our first-ever Storytime with Slyce, featuring a special meet-and-greet with our Melon-tastic mascot, Slyce! We’ll read two beloved tales—Water Safety Adventures and Jellybean and the Unbreakable Egg—then wrap up the fun with a spring-themed craft for your little artist to take home. This kickoff event is the first in our Storytime with Slyce series, with more dates and locations coming soon. This event is free, open to the public, and geared towards children 5 and under. Tickets are limited and first-come, first-served; preregistration and parental supervision is required.
Water Days at MOSI
Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
4801 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa 33617
This family-friendly event shows how natural resources shape daily life and impact the future of our region. Explore a variety of interactive learning stations led by MOSI educators, community partners, and local experts where hands-on learning makes stormwater science, conservation practices, and sustainability easy to understand for all ages. Families can also take a closer look at real challenges facing Tampa Bay including stormwater issues and long-term environmental resilience. Included in general admission.
Gasparilla Music Festival Family Fest
Saturday, April 11 – Sunday, April 12, from 12-3 p.m.
Sparkman Wharf
Kids Fest is FREE for parents and kids at Sparkman Wharf while Gasparilla Music Festival is taking place down the street at Meridian Fields. In addition to live music, there will be plenty of family-friendly activities, including the beloved instrument petting zoo, face painting, a kids rave on Saturday and more.
The Incredible Duck Race
April 18
Curtis Hixon Park
10,000 rubber ducks will race down the Hillsborough River in front of Curtis Hixon Park to compete for amazing prizes. The family event will feature games, food, and entertainment leading up to the big race. Ducks can be purchased in advance for $5 at TampaDuckRace.com, you don’t have to be present to win. Benefiting The Tampa Kiwanis Foundation, which supports many local children’s programs.
Get Your Ticket to Style, Stories, and Hope on the Runway
April 18
The Motor Enclave
Join the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation on April 18 at the stunning Motor Enclave in Tampa for Fashion Funds the Cure, an evening where glamour gives back. Enjoy delicious food and great company as you watch incredible pediatric cancer warriors steal the spotlight on the runway. Every ticket fuels life-saving research for better treatments. Come dressed to impress and ready to be moved.
19th Annual Back to School Fair – NEW LOCATION!
Saturday, August 1, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Citrus Park Town Center
Hillsborough County Public Schools presents: The 19th Annual Back to School Fair is headed back to an ALL-NEW location in 2026! Head to Tampa Bay's ultimate back-to-school bash inside the air-conditioned comfort of Citrus Park Town Center during the Sales Tax Holiday, meaning you won’t have to pay sales tax on your school-related purchases. Take pictures with ThunderBug, sing with Princesses, get your face painted, enjoy performances, games and contests, plus, we’re giving away FREE backpacks for the first 1,000 kids in line!
