Drop Anchor at Sparkman Wharf: Tampa's Ultimate Family Waterfront Destination
Looking for the perfect Tampa family outing that combines great food, waterfront views, and kid-friendly fun? Sparkman Wharf is Tampa's hottest waterfront destination where shipping containers house amazing food vendors, kids splash in the fountain, and families gather for unforgettable experiences. This complete guide shows you everything you need to know about visiting Sparkman Wharf with kids.
What is Sparkman Wharf?
Tampa's Waterfront Food Hall
Sparkman Wharf transformed a former industrial site into Tampa's premier outdoor dining and entertainment destination. Located at the south end of the Tampa Riverwalk, this innovative space features:
- 26 colorful shipping containers housing food vendors
- Waterfront dining with stunning bay views
- Open lawn for games and activities
- Splash pad for kids (seasonal)
- Live entertainment on weekends
- Dog-friendly atmosphere
- Free admission and parking options
Why Families Love It:
- Something for everyone
- Casual, relaxed vibe
- Kids can run around
- Multiple food options
- Beautiful setting
- Always something happening
Location & Getting There
Address & Parking
Sparkman Wharf
615 Channelside Drive
Tampa, FL 33602
Parking Options:
Sparkman Wharf Lot
- Cost: $5 flat rate (evenings/weekends)
- Validation: Some with purchase
- Spaces: Limited, fills quickly
- Best For: Convenient access
Channelside Parking Garage
- Cost: $10-$15
- Spaces: More available
- Location: Short walk
- Best For: Busy times
Street Parking
- Cost: Metered ($1.50/hour)
- Availability: Limited
- Location: Surrounding streets
- Best For: Short visits
Free Options:
- Park at Curtis Hixon (free after 6 PM)
- Walk/bike the Riverwalk
- Water taxi from other locations
- Ride-share drop-off
Pro Tip: Arrive before 11:30 AM or after 2 PM for easier parking!
Getting There
By Car:
- From I-275: Exit Channelside Drive
- From Downtown: Follow Riverwalk south
- GPS: "Sparkman Wharf Tampa"
By Riverwalk:
- Walk from downtown (1.5 miles)
- Bike the Riverwalk
- Scooter rentals available
- Beautiful waterfront path
By Water Taxi:
- Pirate Water Taxi stops here
- Fun experience for kids!
- Check schedule and rates
- Seasonal service
By Streetcar:
- Channelside stop nearby
- $2.50 per person
- Historic experience
- Limited hours
The Food Scene
Food Vendor Guide
Sparkman Wharf features rotating vendors in colorful shipping containers. Here are family favorites:
Kid-Friendly Vendors
Edison's Swigamajig
- Cuisine: Burgers and hot dogs
- Kid Appeal: Classic American
- Must-Try: Smash burgers
- Price: $8-$15
- Picky Eater Friendly: Very
Taco Dirty
- Cuisine: Tacos and Mexican
- Kid Appeal: Customizable tacos
- Must-Try: Kids' quesadilla
- Price: $4-$12
- Options: Vegetarian available
Noble Rice
- Cuisine: Asian bowls
- Kid Appeal: Rice bowls, dumplings
- Must-Try: Chicken teriyaki bowl
- Price: $10-$15
- Healthy: Good veggie options
Gallito Taqueria
- Cuisine: Authentic Mexican
- Kid Appeal: Tacos, rice, beans
- Must-Try: Street tacos
- Price: $8-$14
- Authentic: Real Mexican flavors
Splitsville Pizzeria
- Cuisine: Pizza
- Kid Appeal: Everyone loves pizza!
- Must-Try: Cheese pizza
- Price: $12-$18
- Shareable: Great for families
Sweet Treats
Hyppo Gourmet Ice Pops
- What: Artisan popsicles
- Kid Appeal: Colorful, fun flavors
- Must-Try: Strawberry lemonade
- Price: $5-$7
- Perfect For: Hot days
Frios Gourmet Pops
- What: Gourmet popsicles
- Kid Appeal: Unique flavors
- Must-Try: Cookies and cream
- Price: $5-$7
- Dairy-Free: Options available
Dough
- What: Cookies and desserts
- Kid Appeal: Warm cookies!
- Must-Try: Chocolate chip
- Price: $4-$8
- Indulgent: Worth the calories
Drinks
Sparkman Wharf Bar
- For Adults: Craft cocktails, beer, wine
- For Kids: Sodas, lemonade, water
- Seating: Bar and tables
- Vibe: Casual, waterfront
Coffee & More:
- Various vendors offer coffee
- Fresh juices available
- Smoothies at some locations
- Water fountains on-site
Activities for Kids
Splash Pad
Seasonal Operation:
- Open: March-October (weather dependent)
- Hours: Typically 10 AM-sunset
- Cost: FREE!
- Best For: Ages 1-10
What to Know:
- Ground-level water features
- No standing water (safe for toddlers)
- Bring towels and change of clothes
- Sunscreen essential
- Gets crowded on hot days
Tips:
- Go early morning or late afternoon
- Weekdays less crowded
- Bring water shoes
- Have dry clothes ready
- Apply waterproof sunscreen
Open Lawn
Activities:
- Cornhole: Boards available
- Giant Jenga: Fun for all ages
- Frisbee: Bring your own
- Running: Open space for energy
- Picnic: Blankets welcome
Perfect For:
- Burning energy
- Waiting for food
- Family games
- Meeting other kids
- Outdoor play
Riverwalk Connection
Nearby Attractions:
- Water Works Park: Playground 0.3 miles north
- Curtis Hixon Park: Large playground 1.5 miles north
- Florida Aquarium: 0.2 miles (walking distance!)
- Glazer Children's Museum: 1.5 miles north
- Amalie Arena: 0.5 miles (Lightning games!)
Riverwalk Activities:
- Bike or scooter
- Walk along water
- Spot boats and wildlife
- Public art viewing
- Exercise and fresh air
Planning Your Visit
Best Times to Visit
Weekday Lunch (11 AM-2 PM)
- Pros: Less crowded, easier parking
- Cons: Hot in summer
- Best For: Toddlers, quick visits
Weekday Dinner (5-7 PM)
- Pros: Beautiful sunset, cooler temps
- Cons: Some vendors may be busy
- Best For: After-work family time
Weekend Brunch (10 AM-12 PM)
- Pros: Perfect weather, fresh start
- Cons: Parking fills up
- Best For: Leisurely family outings
Weekend Evening (6-9 PM)
- Pros: Live music, great atmosphere
- Cons: Very crowded, loud
- Best For: Older kids, special occasions
Avoid:
- Major events (extremely crowded)
- Midday summer (too hot)
- Rainy days (outdoor venue)
How Long to Stay
Quick Visit (1 hour):
- Grab food to go
- Quick splash pad
- Walk the Riverwalk
- Perfect for: Busy schedules
Standard Visit (2-3 hours):
- Leisurely meal
- Splash pad play
- Lawn games
- Walk around
- Perfect for: Most families
Extended Visit (4+ hours):
- Multiple food vendors
- Splash pad
- Riverwalk walk
- Nearby attractions
- Perfect for: Full day out
What to Bring
Essentials:
- Sunscreen (reapply often!)
- Hats and sunglasses
- Water bottles
- Cash and cards
- Hand sanitizer
- Wipes
For Splash Pad:
- Swimsuits or play clothes
- Towels
- Change of clothes
- Water shoes
- Waterproof sunscreen
- Plastic bag for wet items
Optional:
- Blanket for lawn
- Frisbee or ball
- Stroller (very useful)
- Portable fan
- Snacks (though food is everywhere!)
Budget Planning
Cost Breakdown
Minimal Budget:
- Parking: $0-$5
- Food: $30-$50 (family of 4)
- Treats: $10-$15
- Activities: FREE
- Total: $40-$70
Moderate Budget:
- Parking: $5-$10
- Food: $50-$80
- Drinks: $15-$25
- Treats: $15-$20
- Total: $85-$135
Splurge Budget:
- Parking: $10-$15
- Food: $80-$120
- Drinks: $25-$40
- Treats: $20-$30
- Souvenirs: $20-$30
- Total: $155-$235
Money-Saving Tips:
- Free parking options
- Share meals (portions are generous)
- Bring water bottles
- Skip drinks (water fountains available)
- Visit during happy hour specials
- Pack snacks for kids
Seasonal Considerations
Spring (March-May)
- Weather: Perfect!
- Splash Pad: Opens in March
- Crowds: Moderate
- Events: Spring festivals
- Tip: Best time to visit
Summer (June-August)
- Weather: Hot and humid
- Splash Pad: Essential!
- Crowds: Busy weekends
- Events: Summer concerts
- Tip: Go early or evening
Fall (September-November)
- Weather: Still warm, improving
- Splash Pad: Open through October
- Crowds: Picking up
- Events: Fall festivals
- Tip: Beautiful sunsets
Winter (December-February)
- Weather: Mild, pleasant
- Splash Pad: Closed
- Crowds: Tourist season
- Events: Holiday celebrations
- Tip: Perfect for outdoor dining
Special Events
Regular Events
Live Music:
- When: Friday-Sunday evenings
- Time: 6-9 PM typically
- Genre: Varies (check schedule)
- Cost: FREE
- Family-Friendly: Yes
Movie Nights:
- When: Select dates (check calendar)
- Time: After sunset
- Setup: Bring blankets
- Cost: FREE
- Perfect For: Family movie night
Holiday Events:
- Halloween: Trick-or-treating
- Christmas: Holiday lights and Santa
- New Year's: Family-friendly celebration
- Fourth of July: Fireworks viewing
- Special: Themed decorations
Private Events
Birthday Parties:
- Available: Yes, contact for details
- Space: Lawn area or containers
- Catering: From vendors
- Perfect For: Unique celebrations
Group Gatherings:
- Company picnics
- Family reunions
- School groups
- Sports teams
- Community events
Combining with Other Attractions
Make It a Full Day
Morning Option 1: Florida Aquarium
- Time: 9 AM-12 PM
- Walk: 5 minutes from Sparkman
- Lunch: Sparkman Wharf
- Afternoon: Splash pad and Riverwalk
- Total: Full day adventure
Morning Option 2: Glazer Children's Museum
- Time: 10 AM-1 PM
- Travel: 10-minute drive or Riverwalk walk
- Lunch: Sparkman Wharf
- Afternoon: Splash pad
- Total: Educational + fun
Afternoon Option: Riverwalk Exploration
- Morning: Sparkman Wharf
- Lunch: At Sparkman
- Afternoon: Walk Riverwalk to Curtis Hixon
- Play: Curtis Hixon playground
- Total: Active day
Evening Option: Lightning Game
- Afternoon: Sparkman Wharf
- Dinner: At Sparkman
- Evening: Walk to Amalie Arena (0.5 miles)
- Game: Tampa Bay Lightning
- Total: Exciting sports day
Nearby Attractions
Within Walking Distance:
- Florida Aquarium (0.2 miles)
- Amalie Arena (0.5 miles)
- Tampa Convention Center (0.3 miles)
- Channelside (adjacent)
Short Drive:
- Glazer Children's Museum (1.5 miles)
- Curtis Hixon Park (1.5 miles)
- Tampa Museum of Art (1.5 miles)
- Ybor City (2 miles)
Practical Tips
Seating Strategy
Peak Times:
- Arrive early for tables
- Be prepared to wait
- Share tables if needed
- Use lawn as backup
- Bring blanket for grass
Best Seating:
- Waterfront tables: Best views, first to go
- Container seating: Shade, near food
- Lawn: Most space, kid-friendly
- Bar area: Adults, not ideal for kids
Tips:
- Send one adult to save table
- Other adult orders food
- Rotate if waiting
- Be flexible
- Share with other families
Weather Considerations
Hot Days:
- Go early or late
- Seek shade
- Hydrate constantly
- Use splash pad
- Take breaks
Rainy Days:
- Limited covered seating
- Most areas exposed
- Check forecast
- Have backup plan
- Some containers have coverage
Windy Days:
- Secure napkins and plates
- Hold onto hats
- Watch flying debris
- Kids love it!
- Cooler temperatures
Safety Tips
Water Safety:
- Supervise splash pad closely
- Non-slip shoes recommended
- Watch for running kids
- Stay hydrated
- Apply sunscreen
General Safety:
- Stay together in crowds
- Establish meeting point
- Keep kids visible
- Watch for bikes on Riverwalk
- Secure belongings
Sun Protection:
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours
- Seek shade regularly
- Wear hats
- Sunglasses for everyone
- Stay hydrated
Accessibility
Stroller-Friendly
Excellent For Strollers:
- Flat, paved surfaces
- Wide pathways
- Accessible seating
- Ramps available
- Easy navigation
Stroller Parking:
- Near tables
- Designated areas
- Keep out of walkways
- Watch your stroller
- Bring lock if leaving
Wheelchair Accessible
Fully Accessible:
- ADA compliant
- Accessible restrooms
- Ramps throughout
- Accessible seating
- Easy navigation
Restrooms
Facilities:
- Clean, modern restrooms
- Changing tables
- Family restrooms available
- Well-maintained
- Centrally located
Tips:
- Go before you need to
- Lines during peak times
- Bring hand sanitizer
- Wipes helpful
- Check before leaving
Food Allergies & Dietary Restrictions
Accommodations
Common Accommodations:
- Vegetarian options (most vendors)
- Vegan choices (several vendors)
- Gluten-free (ask vendors)
- Dairy-free (some options)
- Nut allergies (ask about ingredients)
Tips:
- Ask vendors about ingredients
- Many customize orders
- Bring safe snacks if needed
- Check menus online first
- Inform staff of allergies
Picky Eaters
Safe Bets:
- Plain pizza
- Cheese quesadilla
- Chicken tenders (if available)
- Rice bowls (plain)
- Popsicles
Strategy:
- Scout vendors first
- Have backup snacks
- Don't force new foods
- Share meals
- Focus on experience
Making Memories
Photo Opportunities
Instagram-Worthy Spots:
- Colorful shipping containers
- Waterfront sunset
- Sparkman Wharf sign
- Kids in splash pad
- Riverwalk views
- Food photos
Photo Tips:
- Golden hour (sunset)
- Use containers as backdrop
- Capture candid moments
- Get low for kid perspective
- Include water views
Creating Traditions
Make It Regular:
- Monthly family dinner
- Birthday tradition
- Seasonal visits
- Special occasion spot
- Track kids' growth
Document It:
- Same photo spot each visit
- Food journal
- Collect memories
- Share with family
- Create photo book
Local Tips from Tampa Parents
Insider Knowledge
Best-Kept Secrets:
- Weekday mornings nearly empty
- Free parking after 6 PM nearby
- Vendors give samples sometimes
- Lawn games free to use
- Water fountains throughout
Parent Hacks:
- Bring change of clothes (splash pad)
- Pack wet bag for swimsuits
- Arrive at 10:45 AM (beat lunch rush)
- Order from multiple vendors
- Share everything
What Locals Know:
- Summer evenings have best breeze
- Winter sunsets are spectacular
- Food truck events occasionally
- Private events sometimes close areas
- Check social media for updates
Related Resources
Explore more Tampa family content:
Conclusion
Sparkman Wharf is Tampa's ultimate family-friendly waterfront destination, combining delicious food, outdoor fun, and stunning bay views in one convenient location. Whether you're splashing in the fountain, trying new cuisines, or simply enjoying the Tampa sunshine, Sparkman Wharf offers something for every family member.
Ready to drop anchor? Pack your sunscreen, bring your appetite, and discover why Tampa families love this waterfront gem!
Pro Tip: Make Sparkman Wharf your "go-to" spot for out-of-town visitors. It showcases Tampa's waterfront, diverse food scene, and family-friendly vibe all in one location. Plus, it's easy to combine with other downtown attractions for a full Tampa experience!
Quick Reference
Location: 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa
Cost: Free entry, pay for food
Parking: $5-$15 (or free options)
Best Time: Weekday lunch or weekend evening
Duration: 2-3 hours typical
Best For: All ages
Bring: Sunscreen, towels (splash pad), water bottles
Don't Miss: Splash pad, waterfront seating, sunset views
Perfect For:
- Family dinners
- Birthday celebrations
- Out-of-town visitors
- Date night with kids
- Weekend adventures
- Special occasions
- Casual dining
- Waterfront fun
Nearby:
- Florida Aquarium (0.2 miles)
- Amalie Arena (0.5 miles)
- Tampa Riverwalk (connected)
- Glazer Children's Museum (1.5 miles)
Remember:
- Arrive early for parking
- Bring splash pad gear
- Try multiple vendors
- Enjoy the waterfront
- Make it a tradition!
