Fourth of July is just a few days away and there are some amazing events going on around town this weekend! We’ve rounded up our favorite events to celebrate the stars and stripes. Be sure to check out Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Fourth of July Events in Tampa Bay!
There are tons of other great events happening around the Tampa Bay area this week to take advantage of. We also know it’s HOT out and what better way to cool off than to splash around at a water park? We’ve got you covered with The BEST Water Parks in Tampa Bay: Keep cool and have FUN!
We’ve got our TOP PICKS of fun things to do this weekend in Tampa Bay, but first, here’s what’s trending for the weekend:
- 8 amazing nonstop destinations from Tampa International Airport
- 40+ FREE and Super Cheap Things to Do with the Kids in Tampa Bay
Our Weekend Guide is divided up into multiple sections since there are SO many fun things to do around Tampa Bay like New Events, Ongoing Events, What’s on Exhibit, Parent’s Night Out, and more! So, keep scrolling to find your best day ever.
New FUN Things to Do This Weekend in Tampa Bay
*Florida’s sales tax break on Children’s Books (books for children under 12) is going on now through August 14.
Ruskin Family Drive-In | Wednesday, June 29th – Thursday, July 7th
Ruskin
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. Starting this week, you can catch Lightyear and Bob’s Burgers Movie. 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.
Find Waldo in Safety Harbor | Friday, July 1 – Friday, July 15
Safety Habor
Where’s Waldo? He’s hiding in Safety Harbor! From July 1-15, Waldo will be hiding in 25 local businesses around town. Participate in this one-of-a-kind scavenger hunt to find Waldo and win some great prizes! Sponsored by Portkey Books. Follow their Facebook page for updates on where to look!
The Masked Singer Live | Wednesday, July 29 at 7:30pm
Tampa/Straz Center
Audiences will get the chance to see their favorite characters from the popular FOX TV show. Enjoy amazing new singing and dancing performances and surprise celebrity hosts and guests. A local celebrity will also don a spectacular top-secret costume and perform before being revealed. Starring Masked Singer star Natasha Beddingfield.
Patel Conservatory presents Arf! | Friday, July 1 at 6pm
Tampa/Straz Center
The famous Wurchester Dog Show is searching for new talent and the denziens of Doggie Town are rehearsing for their shot at the big time – all except Rover. Rover’s friends know he has a special talent and they’re determined to help him find out what it is in this delightful doggie treat. This performance will be held in the TECO theatre.
Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella at The Straz Center | Friday, June 24th – Saturday, June 25th
Tampa/Straz Center
Put on your glass slippers, step into your pumpkin and head to The Straz Center for this enchanting musical. The Broadway adaptation of this fairy tale adds new characters and surprising twists to the familiar story. With an iconic score by Rodgers & Hammerstein, this production is presented by the Patel Conservatory.
Keel Farms Watermelon Weekend | Saturday, June 25th – Sunday, June 26th
Plant City
This family-friendly two-day event will feature Keel Farms watermelons, a wine and cider release, watermelon fun, craft and food vendors, water slides by Rockin’ Bouncies, and more! This is also a pet-friendly event. Admission is FREE. Food and drinks available for purchase.
USF Botanical Gardens Summer Plant Festival | Saturday, June 25th-Sunday, June 26th from 10 am-3 pm
Tampa
Freshen up the garden with expertly grown plants! USF Botanical Gardens is hosting its annual Summer Plant Festival this weekend. There will be several plant vendors from across the state who are commercial growers and will be on-site to help answer any questions you may have. There will also be a free children’s craft area. Tickets are $5 for the general public. Kids 12 and under are free.
Fancy Farms in Lakeland: U-pick Sunflowers, Zinnias, and Wildflowers | Final Weekend!
5204 Drane Field Rd, Lakeland
Fancy Farms opened their fields in May for zinnia and wildflower u-pick. Sunflowers will be ready soon, so stand by for those dates. The flower fields should be open through the end of June. Hours are Wednesday-Saturday from 10am-5pm with the last entrance into the field at 4pm. Admission is $5 per person (kids ages 4 and younger are free). To fill a 32 ounce cup, it is $5. Check their Facebook page here for updates-link in event title.
Berry Sweet Acres in Plant City: U-Pick Sunflowers, Zinnias | Open until July 3
5621 W US Hwy 92, Plant City
Berry Sweet Acres is a new farm to the Tampa Bay Area, run by the family of farmers behind the popular Parkesdale Farms. They will have seasonal u-picks and right now, it’s sunflowers and zinnias! The farm is open Wednesdays-Sundays in June. Admission is $2 and then sunflowers are $1. They’re also offering a mason jar special for $15. Stay up-to-date by visiting Berry Sweet Acres’ Facebook page before you go-link in event title.
19th Annual Downtown Dunedin Craft Festival | Saturday, June 25th – Sunday, June 26th
Dunedin
Meet some of the country’s finest crafters along Dunedin’s Main Street. From botanical hotplates to functional pottery to jewelry and art, there is something for every taste and budget.
Jeepfest 2022 at Raprager Farm | Saturday, June 25th – Sunday, June 26th
Enjoy live music, amazing food, photo ops, , corn hole, games, a day on the farm, and of course, lots of Jeeps. You and your jeep can participate in an obstacle course ($25). No jeep? Plenty of spectator seating will be available too! Adults 21+ can purchase an all-day alcohol wristband for $25. A portion of the proceeds go to the Raprager Family Foundation. $20 ages 2 and up.
Mommy and Me Creative Play Dough at Liquid Lounge | Saturday, June 25th from 10am – 1:30pm
Tampa
Liquid Lounge is adding a dash of creativity on June 25th. Moms and their little ones are invited to express their creative abilities with play dough. This event is free.
Dunedin Summer Celebration at the Pool | Saturday, June 25th from 11am – 3pm
Dunedin
Bring the whole family to Highlander Pool for some fun in the sun! Enjoy water games, contests, relay races, DJ music, and raffles. Attendees may bring a non-perishable food item for a chance to win a prize. Kona Ice and Westchase BBQ will be on site with concessions to purchase. $3 per person. Ages 2 and under are free.
Pups & Popsicles | Saturday, June 25th from 12pm – 2pm
Downtown Tampa
Enjoy several local businesses participating, including the Mercy Full Project which will have dogs available for adoption. The pop-up summer lawn event will have doggy yoga, gourmet popsicles from The Hyppo, picnic areas, and merchandise from The Modern Paw. This event is free to the public. Guests are welcome to stop by with their pups to say hello, throw a frisbee around, or play some cornhole.
St. Pete Pride Parade | Saturday, June 25th from 2pm – 10pm
St. Petersburg
To celebrate the 20th anniversary, St. Pete will be hosting the largest pride celebration to date at the St. Pete Waterfront. The parade will run from Vinoy Park to Albert Whittard Park along Bayshore Drive. The Parade Festival will begin at 2pm on both sides of the parade route. Head to North Straub park for a variety of local vendors, food trucks, DJ, and the beer garden. South Straub park will be a 21 and over space with a DJ, food and bars, and vendors. Enjoy live entertainment until 10pm.
Curtis Hixon Park Summer Saturdays | Saturday, June 25th
Downtown Tampa
Beat the heat at the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Summer Saturdays with some summer fun in the shade featuring play, pops, and more! Stay cool under the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ shade structure. The event features enhanced programming on Saturdays, food trucks and community partner activations. Whatever Pops will also be serving up some cold sweet treats, including an exclusive Summer Series popsicle!
Pretend Pet Adoption Party at Playtime Apollo Beach | Sunday, Juen 26 from 9:30am-12pm
Apollo Beach
This special drop-off event for kids ages 2-9 will give them the chance to enjoy some fun pretend pet adoption. Each child will choose a stuffed pet to adopt, name, make a collar and crate, get a vet checkup, grooming, training and pet adoption certificate! Also includes play and a snack. Pre-registration is required. $35 per child ($30 each sibling).
St. Pete Pride in Grand Central Carnival | Sunday, June 26th from 11am – 5pm
St. Petersburg
St Pete Pride’s popular Sunday street festival will be reimagined as a carnival, bringing tens of thousands of all ages to the Grand Central District to enjoy block after block of entertainment, vendors, food, community partners, and interactive carnival games.
Tampa Theatre Summer Movie Classics | Sunday, June 26th at 3pm
On select dates now through August, see a wide variety of classic films in one of the country’s best-preserved movie palaces as part of Tampa Theatre’s Summer Classics Movie Series. This week, they’re showing the 1964 classic, Fail Safe. $7 for members/$10 for non-members.
Paws for Literacy at Humane Society of Tampa Bay | Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:45 – 4pm
Tampa
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 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.
FINAL WEEKEND! Michaelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition at WestShore Plaza in Tampa | Through June 26
Tampa
On exhibit since April, this is the final weekend to check it out! This exhibit is reproduced using state-of-the-art technology and is suitable for all audiences, relying on a spacious area where Michelangelo’s masterpieces stretch floor-to-ceiling and closer than ever. The experience will awaken visitors’ curiosity by presenting a never-before-seen perspective of his timeless masterpieces. Tickets are $19.20 and up.
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Save the Date:
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast on Stage | July 22 – 24 and 29 – 31, Times Vary | Tarpon Arts Community Theater
Directed by David O’Hara, this tale as old as time is a musical production the whole family will enjoy! Disney brings romance and fast-paced action to the story of an enchantress that transforms a cruel and vain prince into a hideous Beast. She leaves him only one way to reverse the curse – to fall in love with another and earn her love in return. Belle, a beautiful book-lover, encounters the Beast when she arrives at his castle to plead for her father’s freedom, ultimately trading her own for his. Tensions over Belle’s imprisonment escalate in the town, spurred on by Gaston, the selfish lover who seeks Belle’s hand in marriage. Meanwhile the relationship between Belle and the Beast grows, leading to an emotional, transformative conflict that finds final resolution in the strength of true love. Children attending the show in costume welcome!
$15-$35, Free Under 5
Ongoing Events
Dolphintopia at Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Beginning this month, guests will be transported to a summer of peace, love, and dolphins. Celebrate the facts, fiction, and fun of these enchanting marine mammals, while exploring the fascinating science of dolphins and their intimate connection with humans throughout history. Dolphintopia will feature unique dolphin art installations, activities, interactive shows, and vibrant Instagrammable photo ops. The elements of this saltwater celebration will change throughout the summer, offering annual members different experiences. The Dolphintopia celebration is included with general admission. Guests can also visit CMA’s resident dolphins in their habitats while visiting, and purchase VIP Dolphin Experiences or Photo Moment Experiences.
Summer Glow at Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Through July 30, guests enjoy extended evening hours, live entertainment, free 30-minute boat tours and unique animal presentations during CMA’s Summer Glow event every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 4-8pm. All activities are included with general admission. Be sure to stop by and wish resident dolphin, Nicholas, a happy 20th birthday on June 24th!
Regal Summer Movie Express
All summer long, bring the family to your nearest Regal theatre for their Summer Movie Express! On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, express tickets are just $2 featuring summer movies (previously released) for the whole family. Availability varies by location so check participating theatres for schedules. Movies include The Lego Movie, The Lorax, Sing, Dispicable Me, Detective Pikachu, and The Secret Life of Pets.
READ MORE: We’re Sharing Even MORE Free and Cheap Movies in Tampa Bay
Zoo Tampa Salutes U.S. Active Military with Free Admission
From June 1 through September 1, all U.S. active-duty military, activated or drilling reservists, and National Guardsmen are eligible to receive one-time complimentary admission to the Zoo for themselves and up to three direct dependents. Offer is available online only for qualified U.S. active-duty military members who must register through ID.me.
Visit a Florida State Park for FREE with Your Library Card
With your public library card, you can check out the Real Florida Reader Day Pass which provides free park admission to Florida’s state parks. This is a pass that you check out from your local library and will need to return, just like you would a library book. Each library location will receive an allotted number of passes for checkout by library patrons. Offer valid through September 12.
Tampa Theatre Summer Movie Classics
Experience classic films in one of the country’s best-preserved movie palaces as part of Tampa Theatre’s Summer Classics Movie Series. Sing-Along West Side Story Sunday, June 5 Star Wars: A New Hope Sunday, June 12 In the Heat of the Night Sunday, June 19 Fail Safe Sunday, June 26 Stand By Me Sunday, July 3 Pulp Fiction Sunday, July 10 The Wizard of Oz Sunday, July 17 Rear Window Sunday, July 24 The Godfather Sunday, July 31 Blazing Saddles Sunday, Aug. 7 All That Jazz Sunday, Aug. 14 Casablanca Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 20-21 The Cameraman & One Week Sunday, Aug. 28
LEGO’s 90 Years Of Play!
LEGO is turning 90 years old and they want to celebrate the awesome creativity of the fans and the power of play! To mark the occasion, LEGOLAND is launching a brand-new exclusive LEGO experience called “Play Your Way” through August 10. Guests will receive an exclusive limited edition pop badge for each challenge they complete while exploring the park. Visitors will be challenged to explore the different activities and find out which suits their play personality best: Are you a designer, a maker, an explorer, a storyteller, or a dreamer? Included in daily admission and annual passes.
Minecraft Mania at MOSI | Saturdays from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
If your kids love Minecraft, they will think Minecraft Mania at MOSI is totally awesome! Your child can play Minecraft while learning new skills to become Minecraft Designer, Adventurer or even Master! While you’re there, stay and play at the beloved science museum! mosi.org You can also arrive early or stay later to check out the Idea Zone.
THINGS TO DO: See What’s on Exhibit in Tampa Bay
NEW Storyland at Glazer Children’s Museum | Saturday, June 11 through September 11
This summer, GCM will turn seven beloved and award-winning picture books into three-dimensional play and bi-lingual learning environments highlighting the six pre-reading skills defined by the Public Library Association and Association for Library Service to Children. Step into the pages of The Tale of Peter Rabbit, The Snowy Day, Where’s Spot, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Abuela, and Tuesday. Designed for children from birth through eight years old, Storyland will engage visitors in storylines and literacy activities.
NEW Dinosaurs Around the World at MOSI | Through September 5th
Travel back in time on a dinosaur adventure! Tour an Earth very different from today, before the continents as we know them existed, when lush landscapes covered Africa, and Antarctica was filled with greenery. Witness the Age of Reptiles come to life with advanced animatronics and immersive design elements. Grab your prehistoric passport to Pangea and discover how plate tectonics, land bridges, and volcanic activity allowed dinosaurs to roam all corners of the globe. The exhibit is included with general admission.
NEW Florida Aquarium Penguin Habitat
The Florida Aquarium has a new African penguin habitat! Located in the outdoor plaza, guests now have the opportunity to engage with penguins any time, included with general admission! African penguin populations are declining rapidly and it is The Florida Aquarium’s goal to help save the species from extinction.
Fairgrounds St. Pete | Open Thursday-Sunday
Fairgrounds St. Pete | Open Thursday-SundayA new immersive art experience has made its mark in Tampa Bay! Fairgrounds St. Pete recently opened its doors with a exhibit like you’ve never seen, heard or even smelled before! More than 60 artists were commissioned during the pandemic to bring it together. 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. Learn more about what it’s like here!
Weekend Farmers Markets
The Market Elaine at Wesley Chapel | First Friday of Every Month
Head to The Grove in Wesley Chapel for a unique evening market featuring tons of local businesses! Enjoy local vendors, live music, food, and more. themarketculture.com
Ybor City Saturday Market | Every Saturday
The Ybor City Saturday Market is the largest continually operating outdoor market in the Tampa Bay Area. Centered in Tampa’s Historic District, the market is one of the most popular shopping destinations for locally produced items unique to the Tampa Bay Area. Features locally made arts, crafts, and gourmet foods representing the area. ybormarket.com
Hyde Park Fresh Market | First Sunday of Every Month
Hyde Park Fresh Market features over 80 local vendors including produce, handcrafted goods, plants, and more. While you shop, enjoy live music by Gasparilla Music in Village Circle. hydeparkvillage.com
Westchase Locale Market | Every Second Saturday from 10am – 3pm
Enjoy live music and over 30 vendors in Westchase Town Center every second Saturday of the month. Visit their Facebook page for more info.
*New* Parents’ Nights Out!
While family time is fun, it’s also important to carve some time out for yourself, whether it’s a night out with your significant other, friends, or some solo time. Several places around the Tampa area are hosting Parents’ Nights Out! For a fee, you can drop your kids off for some fun activities and playtime while you get an evening out!
Playgrounds of Tampa | Second and Fourth Friday of Every Month from 6pm – 10pm
For four hours, your kids will be entertained with games, movies and bounce houses galore (maybe even with some pizza) while you do whatever you want. Participants must be potty trained, ages 4 and up. Cost is $30 per child. Click here to register.
Humane Society of Tampa Bay | Last Friday of Every Month from 6pm – 10pm
Kids ages 5 and up will enjoy playing with the shelter animals, dinner, and watching a movie with furry friends! This program takes place monthly and registration is required. The dogs and cats can’t wait to party! Cost is $50 per child. Includes pizza dinner and drinks. To register, click here.
Jubilee Gymnastics | Second and Fourth Friday of Every Month from 6pm – 9:30pm
Drop off the kids to eat, play, and have fun at Jubilee Gymnastics in Ruskin while you enjoy a night out. Pre-registration is highly encouraged as these will fill up quickly. For kids ages 4 and up. Cost is $30 per child for members/$35 for non-members. Includes pizza and drinks! Click here to sign up.
Cypress Forest Park | Last Friday of Every Month from 6pm – 10:30pm
Take a night off while your children enjoy themed fun at Cypress Forest Park in Oldsmar! Pizza dinner are included. For kids ages 5-12. Cost is $10 for kids with a rec card and $15 for kids without. Click here to learn more.
Celebrate the weekend in Orlando!
Want MORE ideas for fun adventures in Orlando or Walt Disney World? We’ve got more here!
You can also follow our media partners at OrlandoDateNightGuide.com.
Paddle Pals with Get Up and Go Kayaking in St Pete
Get Up and Go Kayaking in St. Pete is offering a new kayaking tour designed just for kids and their families called Paddle Pals. The tour is an educational adventure with tour guide Hannah as you explore the mangroves and Shell Key Preserve. See what the experience is like here!
Upgrade your day at ZooTampa with an animal encounter!
If you’re planning a day at ZooTampa, we love upgrading our experience with the kids with an animal encounter like feeding the giraffes or rhinos. We recently booked a time to feed a Jamie the Indian White Rhino with our 5 year old and he had a great time. Baby rhino Gronk even hung out for snacks! You do have to wear a face mask during the encounter, but you can remove it for a photo. Learn more here.
Snap a mural selfie and help provide a free eye exam and glasses for a local child!
Head over to Armature Works to check out the NEW mural on the north end of the property created to promote the Glazer Vision Foundation’s “Glasses For All Children” campaign. All you have to do is share a photo of the mural, a selfie in front of the mural, or selfie wearing any type of glasses, tag @glazervisionfdn, hashtag #OneShareOnePair and the foundation will give a local child a free eye exam and pair of glasses! Easy peasy! Learn more.
Check out the St. Pete Pier
Check out the St. Pete PierEat, drink, shop and play at the new St. Pete Pier. The new playground area is quickly becoming a family favorite in Tampa Bay, just make sure to bring plenty of hand sanitizer and/or hand sanitizing wipes with you. Stay late and look up to see the Bending Arc light up in a spectacular display. You will need to wear a mask inside the stores, restaurants and Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center. The Glazer Vision Foundation just announced it is contributing $1.5 million to the Glazer Family Playground at the Pier to support the space for years to come! Learn more.
Best Spots to Go Tubing in Tampa Bay:
Best Spots to Go Tubing in Tampa Bay:FREE Resources to Explore!
Children’s Board Family Resource Centers
The program provides parents and caregivers and their children an opportunity to participate in parent/child developmental playgroups, developmental screenings, and health and safety education classes at no cost. In addition, pediatric well-child visits, immunizations and hearing or vision screenings are provided for qualifying families. To sign up for programs and services, and to find your neighborhood Children’s Board Family Resource Center visit familysupporthc.org.
Learn & Play Tampa Bay Playgroups
The program provides quality early learning experiences at no cost at the seven children’s Board Family Resource Centers and other designated Hillsborough County sites. The program also delivers weekly in-person and online virtual developmental classes and provides take home activities that promote early learning and school readiness at no cost. tampabayparenting.com/lets-play-tampa-bay/
Outdoorsy Things to Do in Tampa Bay
- 8 Must Do Outdoor Adventures in Tampa Bay by the Outdoorsy Diva
- Splash Pads and Water Parks NOW OPEN in Tampa Bay
- 10+ Florida Springs Your Family Needs to Explore
- Seven Ways to Explore Tampa’s Riverwalk
- Step Back into Time: A Day on Anna Maria Island
Head to the beach!
Go for a hike!
Lace up the hiking shoes and spend the day in nature with the kids! Many preserves and conservation parks are now open in Tampa Bay. Find a park near you or discover a new one:
