Fun Things to Do in Tampa, FL: Activities in Tampa for Homebuyers

Kayakers on Hillsborough River, one of the fun things to do in Tampa, FL
Kayakers on Hillsborough River, one of the fun things to do in Tampa, FL

Among its stunning outdoor scenery, city life, exciting attractions, and hidden gems, you’ll find an abundance of fun things to do in Tampa, FL. From indoor and outdoor activities to free attractions and places perfect for couples, our guide offers a list of some of the best stuff to do in Tampa, Florida, whether you’re a new homebuyer in the area or considering a move here. 


Summary:

  • Fun Things to Do in Tampa, FL, Overall

  • Indoor Activities Tampa, FL

  • Stuff to Do in Downtown Tampa, FL

  • Couples’ Activities in Tampa, FL

  • Fun Family Things to Do in Tampa, FL

  • Free Stuff to Do in Tampa, FL

  • Conclusion


Fun Things to Do in Tampa, FL, Overall

Tampa’s appeal comes from its proximity to beautiful beaches and coastal waters, outdoor adventures, and fantastic dining and nightlife, and many of our favorite attractions are within a convenient drive from Oakfield Lakes, a Centex® new home community. Here are our top three picks for fun stuff to do in Tampa, Florida, and each has a Google rating of 4.5 stars or higher as of November 2024:

  • Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay: This massive theme park combines thrilling roller coasters and a zoo featuring more than 200 animal species. From the daring SheiKra coaster to friendly animal encounters, Busch Gardens is one of the most fun attractions in Tampa, Florida. 

  • Tampa Riverwalk: Stretching 2.6 miles along the Hillsborough River, the Tampa Riverwalk offers gorgeous views and access to downtown attractions like Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. A favorite among locals and tourists for fun activities in Tampa, FL, the Riverwalk is perfect for a sunset stroll or a weekend bike ride. 

  • The Florida Aquarium: Known for its hands-on exhibits and large collection of sea life, The Florida Aquarium is a fantastic spot for indoor fun in Tampa. Highlights include the coral reef exhibit and the chance to touch stingrays. 


Indoor Activities Tampa, FL

Tampa is home to a variety of indoor attractions ideal for hot or rainy days, from museums to interactive entertainment. These indoor activities offer plenty of fun in Tampa, Florida:

  • Glazer Children’s Museum: A hands-on experience designed just for kids, the Glazer Children’s Museum offers interactive exhibits focused on art, science, and imaginative play. It’s a great place for family fun in Tampa, FL! 

  • The Great Escape Room Tampa: This is one of the fun activities to do in Tampa that’s great for groups of friends, family, or couples looking for a challenge. With multiple themes and difficulty levels, the many escape rooms here offer an exciting way to spend an afternoon finding clues and solving puzzles to beat the clock and win your way out. This spot wins rave reviews from us and has an impressive 4.9-star rating on Google. 

  • Tampa Bay History Center®: Discover Florida’s rich history with exhibits spanning everything from Spanish exploration to Tampa’s cigar industry roots. Located along the Tampa Riverwalk, this center also features a popular Cuban café. Visitors rank this terrific attraction 4.7 stars on Google.

 

Sunset along the Tampa Riverwalk with palm trees, one of the fun places to visit in Tampa, FL
Sunset along the Tampa Riverwalk with palm trees, one of the fun places to visit in Tampa, FL

Stuff to Do in Downtown Tampa, FL

Downtown Tampa is full of lively energy. From historic landmarks to rooftop lounges, there’s no shortage of fun activities in Tampa’s downtown epicenter. Here are a few of our recommendations, plus each one scores a 4.6-star or higher Google rating: 

  • Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park: Among the fun places to visit in Tampa, this urban park is a hub for events, live music, and weekend festivals. It’s the perfect spot to unwind on a sunny afternoon. 

  • Amalie® Arena: Home to the Tampa Bay Lightning, this venue also hosts concerts, sports events, and shows throughout the year. Amalie Arena is a lively spot for fun in Tampa, especially for sports fans.

  • Oxford Exchange: A European-inspired blend of bookstore, café, and restaurant, Oxford Exchange is a downtown spot known for its charming interior and great coffee. Stop by for brunch or browse the curated gift shop for locally made goods.


Couples’ Activities in Tampa, FL

Tampa has many date-night-worthy spots, from outdoorsy spots to sophisticated wine bars. These are our top picks for couples to enjoy: 

  • Tampa Theatre: Known for its stunning architecture and indie films, the Tampa Theatre offers a romantic setting and is one of the fun things to do in Tampa for adults, with a 4.8-star rating on Google. This 1920s movie palace frequently shows classic films and hosts concerts, helping make it a unique spot for a night out.

  • Ulele: Located along the Riverwalk, Ulele offers an upscale dining experience with a menu inspired by native Floridian cuisine. With its scenic outdoor seating and delicious food, Ulele is an ideal spot for an intimate dinner and one of the top things for adults to do in Tampa, with a Google rating of 4.6 stars. 

  • Ybor City: Famous for its historic cigar factories and Latin influence, Ybor City is one of the most fun places in Tampa, Florida, to explore with your significant other. Enjoy a stroll through this historic district, try the local cuisine, or visit one of the many nightclubs for some evening entertainment.


Fun Family Things to Do in Tampa, FL

For family activities, Tampa has endless options for spending time together. From museums to parks, here are our favorite fun things in Tampa, Florida, for families: 

  • ZooTampa at Lowry Park: The zoo features diverse animal habitats and hands-on experiences, as well as special events, summer camps, and “Zoo School,” earning it high marks in our book and a Google rating of 4.6 stars.

  • Dinosaur World: Explore over 200 life-sized dinosaur sculptures at this outdoor museum in Plant City. With interactive exhibits, fossil digs for kids, and plenty of picnic areas, Dinosaur World offers a fun and educational adventure for the whole family.

  • Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI): MOSI is an interactive museum with exhibits on space, science, and technology, making it perfect for curious kids and adults. 

 

Manatees swim near the Manatee Viewing Center, one of the free things to do in Tampa, FL
Manatees swim near the Manatee Viewing Center, one of the free things to do in Tampa, FL

Free Stuff to Do in Tampa, FL

You can find plenty of free fun in Tampa, too. Here are a few fun free things to do in Tampa that will satisfy locals and visitors and don’t require pulling out your wallet: 

  • Lettuce Lake Park: This park is a popular spot for hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking. Take advantage of the boardwalks and nature trails for a relaxing outdoor experience. In addition to being one of our favorite places to visit in Tampa, Google reviewers give it a stellar 4.7-star rating.

  • Bayshore Boulevard: Known as the longest continuous sidewalk in the world at 4.5 miles long, Bayshore Boulevard is perfect for a scenic walk or bike ride with stunning views of the water.

  • Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center: Located about 16 miles south of Tampa in Apollo Beach, the Manatee Viewing Center is a delightful attraction where you can see one of Florida’s most famous underwater mammals gather. In addition to watching and learning about these gentle sea creatures, you’ll find trails, an observation tower, and a tank where you can touch cownose rays. 


Conclusion

With all the fun things to do in Tampa, FL, you can easily find ways to fill up your calendar with incredible activities. From indoor cultural spots and outdoor adventures to historic spaces and popular romantic places, Tampa is full of options for everyone!

Explore new homes in Tampa, FL, today, or browse more Centex blogs. 



Written By: Jordan Thomson, Freelance Writer

Last Updated: 4/28/25