Tampa Weekend Events for Families (2025)

Tampa Weekend Events for Families: Your Ultimate Weekend Guide

Looking for Tampa weekend events perfect for families? Every weekend in Tampa Bay brings exciting family-friendly festivals, outdoor activities, farmers markets, and special events that kids love. This guide helps you discover the best things to do in Tampa this weekend with children of all ages.

This Weekend's Top Family Events

Jan Wk 1: Quick Picks (Sample)

Always confirm times and details on official event pages before heading out.

• Farmers Markets: Tampa Heights (Sat), Ybor City (Sat), Hyde Park Village (Sun)
• Outdoor: Tampa Riverwalk stroll + Curtis Hixon Park playground
• Indoor: Glazer Children's Museum or MOSI for hands-on fun
• Nature: Lettuce Lake Park boardwalk and observation tower
• Brunch: Armature Works food hall with outdoor seating
• Evening: Movies in the Park (seasonal – check current schedule)
• Backup Plan: Indoor play centers (Sky Zone, Urban Air, Monkey Joe's)

Recurring Weekend Events in Tampa

Saturday Morning Farmers Markets

Tampa Heights Community Market

• When: Every Saturday, 9 AM - 2 PM
• Location: Armature Works, Tampa Heights
• Activities: Local vendors, food trucks, live music
• Kid-Friendly: Face painting, balloon artists, play area
• Parking: Free parking available

Hyde Park Village Farmers Market

• When: Every Sunday, 10 AM - 3 PM
• Location: Hyde Park Village
• Features: Fresh produce, artisan goods, prepared foods
• For Kids: Pet-friendly, outdoor seating, treats

Ybor City Saturday Market

• When: Every Saturday, 9 AM - 3 PM
• Location: Centennial Park, Ybor City
• Highlights: Cuban sandwiches, fresh produce, crafts
• Entertainment: Live music, street performers

Sunday Brunch Spots with Kids Activities

Armature Works

• When: Weekends, 10 AM - 3 PM
• Features: Multiple food vendors, outdoor seating
• Kids Love: Open space to run, waterfront views
• Bonus: Often has live music and special events

Oxford Exchange

• Brunch: Saturday & Sunday
• Kid-Friendly: Children's menu, beautiful atmosphere
• After Brunch: Walk to nearby parks

Monthly Weekend Events

First Saturday Events

Tampa Bay History Center - Free Admission

• When: First Saturday of every month
• Time: 10 AM - 5 PM
• Perfect For: History-loving families
• Exhibits: Florida history, interactive displays

First Saturday Art Walk - Ybor City

• When: First Saturday evening
• Time: 6 PM - 10 PM
• Activities: Gallery openings, street art, performances
• Family-Friendly: Early evening hours best for kids

Third Thursday

Glazer Children's Museum - Free Evening

• When: Third Thursday of each month
• Time: 5 PM - 8 PM
• Age Range: Toddlers through elementary
• Tip: Arrive by 4:45 PM to avoid long lines

Last Friday

Food Truck Rallies

• Various Locations: Rotating throughout Tampa
• Time: 5 PM - 9 PM
• Features: 20+ food trucks, live music, kids activities
• Check: Social media for this month's location

Seasonal Weekend Events

Spring Weekend Events (March - May)

Gasparilla Season

• Children's Gasparilla Parade: Mid-January Saturday
• Music Festival: February weekend
• Distance Classic: February Saturday morning

Strawberry Festival

• When: Late February - Early March (11 days)
• Location: Plant City (30 minutes from Tampa)
• Activities: Rides, concerts, strawberry shortcake
• Best Days: Weekdays less crowded than weekends

Earth Day Celebrations

• When: Late April weekend
• Locations: Multiple Tampa parks
• Activities: Nature walks, eco-crafts, tree planting
• Free: Most Earth Day events

Tampa Bay Margarita Festival

• When: May weekend
• Family Hours: Saturday afternoon (before evening crowds)
• Activities: Food vendors, live music
• Note: Family-friendly during day hours

Summer Weekend Events (June - August)

Movies in the Park

• Locations: Curtis Hixon, various neighborhood parks
• When: Friday and Saturday evenings
• Time: Sunset (around 8 PM)
• Bring: Blankets, snacks, bug spray

Summer Concert Series

• Curtis Hixon Park: Friday evenings
• Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park: Thursday evenings
• Free: All concerts
• Kid-Friendly: Open lawn for dancing and playing

Splash Pad Season

• Peak Season: June - August
• Best Times: Morning (9-11 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM)
• Top Locations: Al Lopez, Rowlett, Copeland Parks
• Cost: Free

Independence Day Celebrations

• When: July 4th weekend
• Fireworks: Multiple locations (Riverwalk, beaches)
• Activities: Parades, concerts, family festivals
• Arrive Early: For best viewing spots

Fall Weekend Events (September - November)

Guavaween

• When: Late October (Saturday before Halloween)
• Location: Ybor City
• Activities: Costume parade, trick-or-treating, entertainment
• Family Hours: Afternoon (before adult evening festivities)

Harvest Festivals

• When: October weekends
• Locations: Local farms and parks
• Activities: Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides
• Popular: Sweetfields Farm, Parkesdale Farm Market

Tampa Bay Margarita Festival

• When: November weekend
• Family-Friendly: Saturday afternoon hours
• Food: Multiple vendors, kid-friendly options

Holiday Light Displays Begin

• When: Late November weekends
• Locations: Busch Gardens, ZooTampa, neighborhoods
• Activities: Light viewing, photos with Santa
• Tip: Weeknights less crowded than weekends

Winter Weekend Events (December - February)

Christmas Stroll of Lights

• When: December weekends
• Location: Lowry Park area
• Activities: Light displays, Santa visits, hot cocoa
• Free: Walking through displays

New Year's Eve Family Celebrations

• When: December 31st (early countdown for kids)
• Locations: Curtis Hixon Park, local community centers
• Activities: Noon Year's Eve celebrations, balloon drops
• Perfect For: Families with young children

Gasparilla Pirate Fest

• When: Late January Saturday
• Events: Pirate invasion, parade, street festival
• Kid-Friendly: Children's parade day before main event
• Tip: Arrive early for parade viewing spots

Chinese New Year Festival

• When: Late January/Early February weekend
• Location: Ybor City or local cultural centers
• Activities: Dragon dances, cultural performances, food
• Educational: Great cultural learning experience

Weekend Activities by Interest

Outdoor Adventure Weekends

Kayaking and Paddleboarding

• Locations: Hillsborough River, Tampa Bay
• Rentals: Available at multiple locations
• Best For: Families with older children
• Tip: Morning sessions cooler in summer

Bike Trail Exploration

• Upper Tampa Bay Trail: 7+ miles, coastal views
• Flatwoods Wilderness Park: 7-mile loop, wildlife viewing
• Courtney Campbell Trail: Waterfront path
• Rent Bikes: Available at trailheads

Beach Days

• Ben T. Davis Beach: Calm waters, playground
• Cypress Point Park: Beach, dog park, playground
• Picnic Island: Beach, fishing, nature trails

Educational Weekends

Museum Weekends

• Tampa Museum of Art: Check for family programs
• MOSI: Science experiments and planetarium
• Tampa Bay History Center: Florida history exhibits
• Glazer Children's Museum: Interactive play and learning

Nature Center Visits

• Lowry Park Nature Center: Free programs
• Weedon Island Preserve: Boardwalks and education center
• Lettuce Lake Park: Observation tower, wildlife viewing

Arts and Culture Weekends

Theater Performances

• Straz Center: Family-friendly shows
• Tampa Theatre: Classic movies, special events
• Local Community Theaters: Children's productions

Art Galleries and Studios

• Tampa Museum of Art: Family days
• Ybor City galleries: First Saturday Art Walk
• Hyde Park Village: Outdoor art displays

Planning Your Tampa Weekend

Friday Evening Activities

Kick Off the Weekend:

• Food truck rallies (5-9 PM)
• Movies in the park (summer)
• Family dinner at kid-friendly restaurants
• Ice cream at local favorites

Saturday Morning Options

Early Birds (8-11 AM):

• Farmers markets
• Beach before crowds
• Bike trails before heat
• Playground time

Late Morning (11 AM - 1 PM):

• Museum visits
• Indoor play centers
• Lunch at family restaurants

Saturday Afternoon Adventures

Outdoor Activities:

• Park exploration
• Splash pad fun
• Nature trails
• Sports at local fields

Indoor Options:

• Library programs
• Shopping with play areas
• Bowling or arcade

Saturday Evening Fun

Family-Friendly:

• Dinner at waterfront restaurants
• Riverwalk stroll
• Sunset viewing at beach
• Ice cream outings

Sunday Funday

Relaxed Pace:

• Brunch at family spots
• Farmers market browsing
• Park picnics
• Pool or beach time

Active Sundays:

• Bike trail adventures
• Kayaking trips
• Sports activities
• Nature center visits

Weekend Event Resources

Where to Find Event Listings

Websites:

• Visit Tampa Bay official site
• Tampa Parks and Recreation calendar
• Kid Approved Tampa event calendar
• Local parenting blogs

Social Media:

• Follow @VisitTampaBay
• Tampa Parks and Recreation Facebook
• Local family Facebook groups
• Instagram hashtags: #TampaKids #TampaFamily

Email Newsletters:

• Visit Tampa Bay weekly events
• Museum newsletters
• Parks and recreation updates
• Kid Approved Tampa weekend guide

Tips for Weekend Event Success

Planning Ahead

1. Check weather forecasts - Florida weather changes quickly
2. Review event websites - Confirm times and any changes
3. Book tickets early - For popular paid events
4. Plan parking - Arrive early for free parking spots
5. Pack essentials - Sunscreen, water, snacks, first aid

Day-Of Tips

1. Arrive early - Beat crowds and heat
2. Bring cash - Some vendors don't accept cards
3. Dress appropriately - Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothes
4. Stay hydrated - Bring refillable water bottles
5. Have backup plans - In case of weather or crowds

Making the Most of Events

1. Set expectations with kids before arriving
2. Take breaks - Don't over-schedule
3. Capture memories - Photos and videos
4. Try new things - Explore different events each weekend
5. Connect with other families - Make new friends

Related Guides

• Free Things to Do in Tampa with Kids
• Best Indoor Play in Tampa
• Rainy Day Activities in Tampa
• Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Tampa

Conclusion

Tampa Bay offers incredible weekend events for families year-round. From farmers markets and festivals to outdoor adventures and cultural celebrations, there's always something exciting happening. The key is staying informed, planning ahead, and being flexible with Florida's weather.

Ready for an amazing weekend? Check our updated event calendar, follow us on social media for last-minute additions, and discover why Tampa families love their weekends in the Sunshine City! Find more family fun in our Tampa activities hub.

Pro Tip: Create a family tradition of trying one new Tampa event each month. You'll discover hidden gems and create lasting memories together!