Looking for things to do in Wesley Chapel FL? This fast-growing community north of Tampa has transformed from quiet suburbs into a family destination with shopping, unique attractions, and plenty of activities for kids.
Whether you live in Wesley Chapel or are visiting from Tampa, this guide covers the best family-friendly activities, attractions, and hidden gems worth exploring.
Why Wesley Chapel?
Wesley Chapel is one of Florida's fastest-growing communities, and for good reason:
- Modern amenities – New construction, updated infrastructure
- Excellent shopping – The Shops at Wiregrass, Tampa Premium Outlets
- Unique attractions – Epperson Lagoon, TopGolf, and more
- Family-focused – Master-planned communities with pools, parks, schools
- Convenient location – 25-30 minutes from downtown Tampa
Top Family Attractions
Epperson Lagoon
Wesley Chapel's most unique attraction is this 7.5-acre crystal-clear lagoon—Florida's largest man-made swimming lagoon.
What to Know:
- Location: Epperson community, Wesley Chapel
- Features: White sand beaches, paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming
- Access: Primarily for Epperson residents and guests
- Day Passes: Sometimes available—check Epperson community website
- Best For: Beach-style swimming without the drive to the coast
Pro Tip: If you have friends in Epperson, ask for a guest visit—it's truly spectacular and feels like a resort.
The Shops at Wiregrass
Wesley Chapel's premier shopping and entertainment destination, featuring open-air shopping, restaurants, and family entertainment.
Details:
- Address: 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel
- Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 12pm-6pm
- Website: theshopsatwiregrass.com
Family Highlights:
- CMX Cinemas – Premium movie theater experience
- Crayola Experience – Creative play for kids (coming 2026)
- Play areas – Outdoor splash pad and playground
- Seasonal events – Holiday celebrations, concerts, community events
- Diverse dining – Family-friendly restaurants for every taste
TopGolf Tampa Bay
High-tech driving range meets entertainment venue. Perfect for families with older kids who want to try golf in a fun, social setting.
Details:
- Address: 5707 Hole in the Wall Drive, Wesley Chapel
- Cost: $25-$50/hour per bay (accommodates 6 players)
- Best For: Ages 8+ (younger kids may struggle with full clubs)
- Website: topgolf.com/tampa
Pro Tip: Go during off-peak hours (weekday afternoons) for shorter waits and better pricing.
The Grove at Wesley Chapel
New mixed-use development bringing even more dining and entertainment to the area.
What's Coming:
- Restaurants and retail
- Entertainment options
- Outdoor gathering spaces
- Continuing development through 2026-2027
Tampa Premium Outlets
Major outlet shopping destination just south of Wesley Chapel proper.
Details:
- Address: 2300 Grand Cypress Dr, Lutz (near Wesley Chapel)
- Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 11am-7pm
- Website: premiumoutlets.com
Family Tips:
- Covered walkways provide shade
- Play area for kids near food court
- Best deals on Nike, Gap, Under Armour for kids
- Pack snacks—food options are limited
Parks & Outdoor Activities
Wesley Chapel has excellent parks for families. Here are the best options:
Wesley Chapel District Park
The community's flagship park with extensive facilities.
Details:
- Address: 7727 Boyette Rd, Wesley Chapel
- Features: Playgrounds, sports fields, walking trails, splash pad
- Cost: Free
- Best For: All ages, sports families, afternoon playdates
Meadow Pointe Community Parks
This master-planned community has multiple parks with playgrounds throughout.
Highlights:
- Multiple playgrounds for different age groups
- Walking trails connecting neighborhoods
- Community pool (residents and guests)
- Tennis courts and sports facilities
Seven Oaks Community Parks
Another excellent master-planned community with family amenities.
Features:
- Resort-style community pool
- Playgrounds throughout community
- Walking and biking trails
- Sports courts and fields
Saddlebrook Resort
While primarily a resort, Saddlebrook offers day-use options including:
- Tennis programs for kids
- Golf instruction
- Pool access (with dining purchase)
- Spa services for parents
Details:
- Address: 5700 Saddlebrook Way, Wesley Chapel
- Website: saddlebrook.com
Family-Friendly Restaurants
Wesley Chapel's dining scene has exploded with options for families:
The Shops at Wiregrass Dining
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Kid-Friendly? |
|---|---|---|
| Miller's Ale House | American | Yes – great kids menu |
| PDQ | Chicken | Yes – fast casual favorite |
| BJ's Restaurant | American/Pizza | Yes – Pizookies! |
| Seasons 52 | American | Upscale but accommodating |
| Bonefish Grill | Seafood | Good for older kids |
| First Watch | Breakfast/Brunch | Excellent for families |
SR 56 Corridor
The main restaurant row features familiar chains and local favorites:
- Outback Steakhouse – Classic family dining
- Chili's – Casual with great kids' menu
- Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen – Solid value for families
- Texas Roadhouse – Fun atmosphere, free peanuts
- Chicken Salad Chick – Quick and healthy option
- Jersey Mike's, Chipotle, Five Guys – Fast casual favorites
Breakfast & Coffee
- First Watch – Best brunch in Wesley Chapel
- Cracker Barrel – Classic American breakfast
- Starbucks, Dunkin' – Multiple locations throughout
Entertainment & Activities
Indoor Fun
Bowlero (Bowling)
- Address: SR 56 area
- Best For: Rainy days, birthday parties, family nights
- Features: Modern bowling, arcade, food
Painting with a Twist
- Best For: Creative kids, parent-child dates
- Features: Guided painting classes, often kids' events
The Library at Wiregrass
- Address: The Shops at Wiregrass area
- Features: Children's programs, story time, free activities
Outdoor Activities
Trailways and Biking
- The Suncoast Trail runs near Wesley Chapel
- Community trails connect major neighborhoods
- Great for family biking and rollerblading
Fishing
- Several community ponds allow fishing
- Nearby lakes offer bass fishing
- Check local parks for fishing access
Nearby Day Trips
Wesley Chapel's central location makes it a great base for Tampa Bay exploration:
Quick Drives (15-30 minutes)
| Destination | Drive Time | What's There |
|---|---|---|
| Busch Gardens | 25 min | Theme park, zoo |
| MOSI | 20 min | Science museum |
| ZooTampa | 30 min | Zoo, animal encounters |
| Adventure Island | 25 min | Water park (summer) |
| Glazer Children's Museum | 30 min | Interactive kids museum |
Longer Trips (45-60 minutes)
| Destination | Drive Time | What's There |
|---|---|---|
| Clearwater Beach | 45 min | Gulf beaches, pier |
| Plant City | 35 min | Dinosaur World, Strawberry Festival |
| Legoland | 60 min | Theme park, water park |
| Tampa Riverwalk | 30 min | Waterfront walking, museums |
Best Wesley Chapel Neighborhoods for Families
If you're considering a move or curious about the community:
Seven Oaks
- A-rated schools
- Resort-style amenities
- Established community (newer homes available)
- Strong sense of community
Meadow Pointe
- Multiple phases with varying home ages
- Great parks and pools
- Excellent schools
- Affordable entry to Wesley Chapel
Epperson
- Newest development
- Famous crystal lagoon
- Modern homes
- Growing amenities
Wiregrass Ranch
- Newer homes
- Growing rapidly
- Close to shopping
- New schools
Asturia
- New homes with modern designs
- Community pool and parks
- Great for families starting out
- Still developing
Seasonal Events in Wesley Chapel
Wesley Chapel hosts community events throughout the year:
Spring/Summer:
- Community pool openings
- Outdoor movie nights at The Shops at Wiregrass
- Food truck events
- Summer concert series
Fall:
- Halloween events at local parks
- Fall festivals
- Trunk-or-treat at community centers
Winter:
- Holiday light displays
- Tree lighting at The Shops at Wiregrass
- Santa visits and holiday events
- New Year's celebrations
Tips for Visiting Wesley Chapel
Getting There
- From Tampa: I-75 North or I-275 to SR 56 (about 25-30 minutes)
- From Orlando: I-4 West to I-75 South (about 1 hour 15 minutes)
- From Clearwater: US 19 North or I-275 to I-75 (about 45 minutes)
Parking
- Free parking at most destinations
- The Shops at Wiregrass has ample parking
- Community parks have free lots
Best Times to Visit
- Weekday mornings – Parks are empty, shopping is calm
- Weekend afternoons – More events and activities
- Evenings – Restaurants are lively, TopGolf has energy
Final Thoughts
Wesley Chapel has transformed from quiet suburbs into a legitimate family destination. Whether you're a resident looking for local activities or a visitor exploring north Tampa Bay, there's plenty to keep families busy.
The combination of modern shopping at The Shops at Wiregrass, unique attractions like Epperson Lagoon (if you can get access!), excellent parks, and growing entertainment options makes Wesley Chapel worth exploring. And with new developments like The Grove continuing to add options, there's more coming every year.
More Tampa Bay Activities:
