Tampa Bay Murals: A Family Photo Scavenger Hunt Adventure
Looking for a unique Tampa family activity? Tampa Bay's vibrant street art scene offers the perfect blend of culture, creativity, and Instagram-worthy photo ops! This guide turns Tampa murals into an exciting family scavenger hunt that combines art appreciation, neighborhood exploration, and memory-making.
Why Tampa's Mural Scene is Perfect for Families
Tampa Bay has transformed into a street art destination with over 100 murals across the region. Unlike traditional museums, these outdoor galleries are:
- Free to visit - No admission fees
- Always open - Visit anytime
- Interactive - Kids can pose and play
- Educational - Learn about local artists and culture
- Exercise-friendly - Walking between murals
- Photo-perfect - Create lasting memories
The Ultimate Tampa Mural Scavenger Hunt
Downtown Tampa & Riverwalk Route
Distance: 2 miles walking
Time: 2-3 hours with photo stops
Best For: Ages 5+
Parking: Curtis Hixon Park or paid downtown lots
1. Sparkman Wharf Container Murals
- Location: 615 Channelside Dr
- What to See: Colorful shipping containers with rotating art
- Kid Appeal: Bright colors, waterfront views, splash pad nearby
- Photo Tip: Shoot from the Riverwalk for full container view
- Bonus: Grab lunch from food vendors
2. "Tampa" Letter Mural
- Location: Near Amalie Arena
- What to See: Giant TAMPA letters
- Kid Appeal: Kids can stand in the letters
- Photo Tip: Get creative with each letter
- Nearby: Lightning team store
3. Riverwalk Art Installations
- Location: Along Tampa Riverwalk
- What to See: Various sculptures and murals
- Kid Appeal: Interactive art pieces
- Photo Tip: Use the water as backdrop
- Bonus: Playgrounds at Curtis Hixon and Water Works Park
4. "Wings" Mural
- Location: Downtown Tampa (multiple locations)
- What to See: Colorful angel wings
- Kid Appeal: Everyone wants wing photos!
- Photo Tip: Center subject between wings
- Instagram Gold: Most popular Tampa photo spot
Ybor City Historic District Route
Distance: 1.5 miles walking
Time: 2 hours
Best For: Ages 6+
Parking: Public lots on 8th Avenue
5. Ybor City Museum State Park Murals
- Location: 1818 9th Ave
- What to See: Historical Cuban heritage murals
- Kid Appeal: Colorful, tells stories
- Educational: Learn about cigar industry
- Photo Tip: Morning light is best
6. 7th Avenue Storefronts
- Location: Along 7th Avenue (La Septima)
- What to See: Multiple murals on historic buildings
- Kid Appeal: Spot the Ybor chickens!
- Photo Tip: Capture the historic architecture too
- Bonus: Stop for Cuban sandwich
7. "Ybor City" Letter Wall
- Location: Near Centro Ybor
- What to See: Large letter installation
- Kid Appeal: Climb-friendly (supervised)
- Photo Tip: Sunset lighting is magical
- Nearby: Ice cream shops
8. Cigar Worker Tribute Mural
- Location: Historic district
- What to See: Tribute to Ybor's cigar heritage
- Educational: Discuss Tampa history
- Photo Tip: Black and white filter works great
- Kid Activity: Count the cigars in the mural
Seminole Heights Neighborhood Route
Distance: 2 miles (drive between spots)
Time: 1.5 hours
Best For: All ages
Parking: Street parking available
9. "Rooster" Mural
- Location: Florida Avenue
- What to See: Giant colorful rooster
- Kid Appeal: Bright, fun, animal theme
- Photo Tip: Kids can "ride" the rooster
- Nearby: Local coffee shops
10. "Bloom Where You're Planted"
- Location: Seminole Heights
- What to See: Floral inspirational mural
- Kid Appeal: Beautiful flowers
- Photo Tip: Spring/summer clothing pops
- Message: Great teaching moment
11. Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe Mural
- Location: 5119 N Nebraska Ave
- What to See: Whimsical folk art
- Kid Appeal: Colorful, playful designs
- Photo Tip: Cafe patio has great angles
- Bonus: Family-friendly restaurant
12. "Love" Mural
- Location: Various Seminole Heights locations
- What to See: Heart and love-themed art
- Kid Appeal: Simple, sweet message
- Photo Tip: Valentine's Day favorite
- Activity: Discuss what love means
St. Petersburg Mural Route
Distance: 3 miles (drive between)
Time: 2-3 hours
Best For: Ages 4+
Parking: Street and lot parking
13. SHINE Mural Festival Locations
- Location: Throughout downtown St. Pete
- What to See: 50+ murals from international artists
- Kid Appeal: Variety of styles and subjects
- Photo Tip: Pick 5-6 favorites
- Map: Available at Visit St. Pete website
14. "Greetings from St. Petersburg"
- Location: Central Avenue
- What to See: Vintage postcard-style mural
- Kid Appeal: Retro, colorful letters
- Photo Tip: Classic tourist shot
- Instagram: Tag #StPeteMurals
15. Morean Arts Center Area
- Location: Near Beach Drive
- What to See: Multiple art installations
- Kid Appeal: Glass art and murals
- Educational: Visit the glass studio
- Nearby: Waterfront parks
Making It a Scavenger Hunt
Printable Checklist Ideas
Create a custom scavenger hunt card with:
- Find a mural with an animal
- Spot a mural with your favorite color
- Take a photo with wings
- Find a mural with words
- Discover a mural with flowers
- Locate a mural with people
- Find the oldest-looking mural
- Spot a mural with geometric shapes
- Take a silly pose photo
- Find a mural that makes you smile
Age-Appropriate Challenges
Toddlers (2-4 years):
- Point to colors in murals
- Count objects in the art
- Make faces matching mural expressions
- Simple "I spy" games
Elementary (5-10 years):
- Photography practice
- Art style identification
- Story creation about murals
- Sketch favorite murals
Tweens/Teens (11+):
- Instagram-worthy shots
- Art history research
- Create their own mural designs
- Video documentation
Photography Tips for Families
Equipment
- Smartphone: Perfectly adequate
- Camera: Optional but fun for kids to use
- Props: Hats, sunglasses, signs
- Backup battery: For long photo days
Composition Tips
- Rule of thirds: Place subject off-center
- Get low: Shoot from kid's eye level
- Use the whole mural: Show scale
- Candid moments: Capture natural reactions
- Multiple angles: Try different perspectives
Lighting Secrets
- Golden hour: 1 hour after sunrise, before sunset
- Overcast days: Even, flattering light
- Avoid midday: Harsh shadows
- Use shade: When sun is strong
- Flash: Generally not needed outdoors
Posing Ideas for Kids
- Interact with art: Touch, point, react
- Action shots: Jumping, dancing, playing
- Silly faces: Match mural expressions
- Candid: Natural exploration
- Group shots: Siblings together
- Solo portraits: Individual personalities
What to Bring
Essentials
- Water bottles (stay hydrated!)
- Snacks (hangry kids = no fun)
- Sunscreen (reapply every 2 hours)
- Hats and sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hand sanitizer and wipes
Photo Gear
- Charged phone/camera
- Portable charger
- Props for photos
- Notebook for scavenger hunt
Comfort Items
- Stroller for young kids
- Carrier for toddlers
- Diaper bag if needed
- Change of clothes (just in case)
Best Times to Visit
By Season
Spring (March-May)
- Perfect weather
- Flowers blooming
- Less crowded
- Comfortable temperatures
Summer (June-August)
- Go early morning (before 10 AM)
- Bring extra water
- Seek shaded murals
- Plan indoor breaks
Fall (September-November)
- Ideal conditions
- Beautiful light
- Comfortable walking
- Less humidity
Winter (December-February)
- Mild temperatures
- Great for walking
- Holiday-themed photos
- Fewer tourists
By Time of Day
Early Morning (8-10 AM)
- Best light
- Empty streets
- Cooler temperatures
- Easy parking
Midday (11 AM-2 PM)
- Harsh light
- Crowded
- Hot in summer
- Good for shaded murals
Late Afternoon (4-6 PM)
- Golden hour light
- Cooler temperatures
- Beautiful shadows
- Dinner nearby after
Evening (After 6 PM)
- Some murals lit up
- Cooler weather
- Romantic lighting
- Less crowded
Neighborhood Safety Tips
General Safety
- Stay aware of surroundings
- Watch for traffic
- Keep kids close near streets
- Use crosswalks
- Stay in well-lit areas
Parking Safety
- Use official lots when possible
- Lock car doors
- Don't leave valuables visible
- Note parking location
- Check parking signs
Kid Safety
- Establish meeting point if separated
- Teach kids to ask shop owners for help
- Keep phone charged
- Take breaks when tired
- Stay hydrated
Educational Opportunities
Art Appreciation
- Discuss different styles
- Talk about colors and emotions
- Identify techniques
- Compare and contrast murals
- Learn artist names
Local History
- Ybor City's Cuban heritage
- Tampa's growth and development
- Neighborhood transformations
- Cultural influences
- Community pride
Photography Skills
- Composition basics
- Lighting awareness
- Perspective and angles
- Storytelling through images
- Editing basics
Creative Thinking
- What story does the mural tell?
- Why did the artist choose these colors?
- How does the mural make you feel?
- What would you add to the mural?
- Design your own mural
Making Memories Last
Document Your Adventure
- Create a photo album
- Make a scrapbook
- Print favorite photos
- Create a mural map
- Share on social media
Extend the Experience
- Draw your own murals at home
- Research the artists
- Visit art museums
- Take art classes
- Plan return visits
Share Your Finds
- Tag @kidsapprovedtampa
- Use #TampaMurals
- Share with friends
- Write reviews
- Recommend favorites
Related Activities Nearby
After Mural Hunting
Downtown Tampa:
- Tampa Riverwalk walk
- Curtis Hixon Park playground
- Water Works Park splash pad
- Glazer Children's Museum
Ybor City:
- Ybor City Museum
- Cuban sandwich lunch
- Centennial Park
- Historic streetcar ride
Seminole Heights:
- Local coffee shops
- Ella's Americana (family restaurant)
- Neighborhood parks
- Independent bookstores
St. Petersburg:
-
Beach Drive waterfront
-
Sunken Gardens
-
Great Explorations Children's Museum
-
North Straub Park
Conclusion
Tampa Bay's mural scene offers families a unique way to explore neighborhoods, appreciate art, and create lasting memories—all for free! Whether you tackle one route or make it a multi-day adventure, Tampa's street art provides endless opportunities for fun, learning, and Instagram-worthy photos.
Ready to start your mural adventure? Download our printable scavenger hunt checklist, charge your camera, and discover why Tampa families love exploring their city's colorful walls!
Pro Tip: Make it a monthly tradition! Tampa's mural scene constantly evolves with new art appearing regularly. Return to favorite spots to see what's new and watch your kids grow through photos at the same locations over time.
Quick Reference Guide
Best Overall Route: Downtown Tampa & Riverwalk (most variety, kid-friendly amenities)
Most Instagrammable: Wings murals and Sparkman Wharf
Best for History: Ybor City route
Most Walkable: St. Petersburg downtown
Best for Toddlers: Sparkman Wharf area (splash pad, food, short walk)
Best for Tweens: Seminole Heights (hip neighborhood, cool art)
Estimated Costs:
- Mural viewing: FREE
- Parking: $0-$10
- Snacks/drinks: $10-$20
- Lunch: $30-$50 (optional)
- Total: $10-$80 depending on choices
