Ybor City for Families: Experience Cuba Without a Passport
Want to experience Cuban culture without leaving Tampa? Welcome to Ybor City, Tampa's historic Latin Quarter where the aroma of Cuban coffee fills the air, wild chickens roam the streets, and over a century of immigrant history comes alive. This family guide to Ybor City shows you how to explore Tampa's most colorful neighborhood with kids.
Why Ybor City is Perfect for Families
Ybor City (pronounced "EE-bore") offers families a unique cultural experience that's educational, delicious, and fun. This National Historic Landmark District provides:
- Living history - Walk where cigar workers walked
- Cultural immersion - Cuban, Spanish, and Italian heritage
- Authentic cuisine - Kid-friendly Cuban food
- Free entertainment - The famous Ybor chickens!
- Walkable - Compact area perfect for families
- Educational - History lessons kids actually enjoy
A Brief History (That Kids Will Love)
The Cigar Capital of the World
In the 1880s, Vicente Martinez-Ybor moved his cigar factory from Key West to Tampa, creating what would become the "Cigar Capital of the World." At its peak:
- 200+ cigar factories operated
- 12,000 workers rolled cigars by hand
- 700 million cigars produced annually
- Immigrants from Cuba, Spain, Italy, and Germany built the community
Kid-Friendly Fact: Workers had "readers" who read newspapers and novels aloud while they rolled cigars—like podcasts before technology!
The Famous Ybor Chickens
The wild chickens roaming Ybor City are descendants of birds kept by Cuban immigrants for food and cockfighting. Today they're:
- Protected by law
- Considered good luck
- A symbol of Ybor's heritage
- Kids' favorite part of visiting!
Chicken Spotting Challenge: Can your kids count 10 chickens during your visit?
Family-Friendly Ybor City Itinerary
Morning (9 AM - 12 PM)
9:00 AM - La Segunda Central Bakery
- Location: 2512 N 15th St
- Why Go: Fresh Cuban bread baking since 1915
- Kid Appeal: Watch bread being made through windows
- Order: Cuban toast with butter, café con leche for adults
- Cost: $5-$10 per family
- Tip: Arrive early for warm bread
What to Know:
- Small, casual bakery
- Counter service
- Limited seating
- Cash and cards accepted
- Parking in rear
10:00 AM - Ybor City Museum State Park
- Location: 1818 9th Ave
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9 AM-5 PM
- Admission: $4 adults, kids under 6 free
- Time Needed: 45-60 minutes
What You'll See:
- Restored cigar worker homes
- Original furnishings and artifacts
- Garden with native plants
- Educational exhibits
- Short film about Ybor history
Kid Activities:
- Scavenger hunt worksheet (ask at desk)
- Try on period clothing (photo op!)
- See how families lived 100 years ago
- Explore the garden
Educational Value:
- Immigration history
- Working-class life
- Cultural traditions
- Tampa's growth
11:00 AM - Walk 7th Avenue (La Septima)
- What to Do: Stroll the historic main street
- See: Historic buildings, murals, shops
- Activity: Chicken spotting!
- Duration: 30-45 minutes
Points of Interest:
- Historic streetcar tracks
- Colorful murals
- Unique architecture
- Street performers (weekends)
- Specialty shops
Kid-Friendly Stops:
- Candy stores
- Ice cream shops
- Souvenir shops
- Public art installations
Lunch (12 PM - 1:30 PM)
Option 1: Columbia Restaurant (Best for Special Occasions)
- Location: 2117 E 7th Ave
- Established: 1905 (Florida's oldest restaurant!)
- Atmosphere: Elegant but welcoming to families
- Dress Code: Casual acceptable for lunch
Kid-Friendly Menu Items:
- Chicken fingers (yes, even here!)
- "1905" Salad (made tableside—kids love watching!)
- Arroz con Pollo (chicken and rice)
- Flan for dessert
- Fresh-squeezed lemonade
What Makes It Special:
- Historic tile work and architecture
- Flamenco shows (dinner only, but ask for tour)
- 15 dining rooms to explore
- Family-owned for 5 generations
Cost: $15-$25 per person
Reservations: Recommended for weekends
High Chairs: Available
Changing Table: Yes
Pro Tip: Ask for a tour of the restaurant—the architecture is stunning and kids love exploring the different rooms!
Option 2: Ybor City Brewing Company (Casual Family Vibe)
- Location: 2205 N 20th St
- Atmosphere: Relaxed brewery with family section
- Outdoor Seating: Yes, kid-friendly patio
Menu Highlights:
- Cuban sandwich (of course!)
- Empanadas
- Ropa vieja
- Kids menu available
- Craft sodas for kids
Cost: $10-$15 per person
Family-Friendly: Very
Parking: Easier than Columbia
Option 3: Quick & Easy - Cuban Sandwich Shops
- La Segunda Bakery (where you started!)
- West Tampa Sandwich Shop
- Various cafés along 7th Avenue
Perfect For:
- Picky eaters
- Budget-conscious families
- Quick meals
- Authentic experience
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4 PM)
1:30 PM - Centennial Park
- Location: 1800 E 8th Ave
- Features: Playground, open space, shade
- Perfect For: Burning off energy
- Cost: Free
Activities:
- Playground equipment
- Running around
- Picnic tables
- Chicken spotting
- Rest break for parents!
2:30 PM - Historic Streetcar Ride
- Route: Ybor City to Downtown Tampa
- Cost: $2.50 per person (kids under 5 free)
- Duration: 20-30 minutes one way
- Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes
Why Kids Love It:
- Riding a real trolley
- Seeing the city
- Ding-ding bell
- Historic experience
- Air-conditioned!
Stops to Consider:
- Channelside (Florida Aquarium nearby)
- Convention Center
- Downtown Tampa
- Return to Ybor
Tip: Ride round-trip for the experience, or get off downtown to explore more!
3:30 PM - Ice Cream & Shopping
- Treats: Various ice cream shops on 7th Avenue
- Shopping: Browse family-friendly stores
- Souvenirs: Ybor City t-shirts, Cuban coffee
Kid-Friendly Shops:
- Candy stores
- Toy shops
- Souvenir shops
- Art galleries (some kid-friendly)
The Ultimate Cuban Food Guide for Kids
Must-Try Cuban Foods (Kid-Approved!)
Cuban Sandwich (Cubano)
- What It Is: Ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard on Cuban bread
- Kid Appeal: Pressed and warm, familiar flavors
- Where: Everywhere in Ybor!
- Cost: $8-$12
- Tip: Ask for no pickles if kids are picky
Croquetas (Croquettes)
- What They Are: Fried ham and béchamel rolls
- Kid Appeal: Like fancy chicken nuggets!
- Texture: Crispy outside, creamy inside
- Where: Most Cuban restaurants
- Cost: $6-$10 for appetizer
Tostones (Fried Plantains)
- What They Are: Twice-fried green plantains
- Kid Appeal: Like thick potato chips
- Served With: Garlic sauce for dipping
- Texture: Crispy and salty
- Cost: $5-$8
Arroz con Pollo (Chicken and Rice)
- What It Is: Seasoned chicken with yellow rice
- Kid Appeal: Familiar comfort food
- Mild Flavor: Not spicy
- Where: All Cuban restaurants
- Cost: $12-$18
Flan (Cuban Custard)
- What It Is: Caramel custard dessert
- Kid Appeal: Sweet and creamy
- Texture: Like pudding
- Where: Most restaurants
- Cost: $5-$7
Café con Leche (Cuban Coffee with Milk)
- For Adults: Strong Cuban coffee with steamed milk
- For Kids: Ask for "cortadito" (less coffee) or just steamed milk
- Where: Every café
- Cost: $3-$5
Picky Eater Options
Don't worry if your kids aren't adventurous eaters! Most Ybor restaurants offer:
- Chicken fingers
- Plain rice and beans
- Grilled chicken
- French fries
- Plain pasta
- Cheese quesadillas
Educational Opportunities
History Lessons Kids Will Remember
Immigration Story
- Discuss why people came to America
- Talk about different cultures blending
- Compare to their own family history
- Learn Spanish words
Working Life
- How cigars were made by hand
- What "readers" did for workers
- Family life in the early 1900s
- How neighborhoods formed
Cultural Traditions
- Cuban food and why it's special
- Spanish language basics
- Music and dance (flamenco)
- Community celebrations
Spanish Words to Learn
Teach kids these useful Spanish words:
- Hola (OH-lah) - Hello
- Gracias (GRAH-see-ahs) - Thank you
- Por favor (por fah-VOR) - Please
- Adiós (ah-dee-OHS) - Goodbye
- Sí (see) - Yes
- No (noh) - No
- Pollo (POY-oh) - Chicken
- Pan (pahn) - Bread
Fun Activity: Practice ordering in Spanish at restaurants!
Practical Tips for Visiting Ybor City with Kids
Best Times to Visit
Weekday Mornings (9 AM - 12 PM)
- Least crowded
- Shops and restaurants open
- Cooler temperatures
- Easy parking
- Best For: Toddlers and young children
Weekend Afternoons (12 PM - 4 PM)
- More activity and energy
- Street performers
- All attractions open
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Best For: Elementary age and up
Avoid:
- Friday/Saturday nights (adult nightlife scene)
- Major events (very crowded)
- Summer midday heat (go early or late)
Parking Guide
Free Parking:
- Street parking on side streets
- Some lots on weekdays
- Check signs carefully
Paid Parking:
- Centro Ybor garage ($5-$10)
- Various surface lots ($5-$15)
- Metered street parking
Parking Tips:
- Arrive before 11 AM for best spots
- Park on 8th or 9th Avenue (less crowded)
- Use parking apps to pay meters
- Note your location (take a photo!)
What to Bring
Essentials:
- Sunscreen and hats
- Water bottles
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Cash (some vendors cash-only)
- Stroller for young kids
- Hand sanitizer
Optional:
- Camera for photos
- Notebook for scavenger hunt
- Snacks (though food is everywhere!)
- Light jacket (restaurants are cold)
Safety Tips
Daytime Safety:
- Ybor is very safe during the day
- Stay on main streets (7th, 8th, 9th Avenues)
- Watch for traffic
- Keep kids close near streets
- Use crosswalks
Chicken Safety:
- Don't chase or grab chickens
- Don't feed them
- Observe from a distance
- They may peck if cornered
- Teach kids to respect wildlife
General Tips:
- Keep valuables secure
- Stay aware of surroundings
- Use buddy system with kids
- Establish meeting point if separated
- Keep phone charged
Seasonal Considerations
Spring (March-May)
- Weather: Perfect!
- Crowds: Moderate
- Events: Ybor City Saturday Market
- Tip: Best time to visit
Summer (June-August)
- Weather: Hot and humid
- Crowds: Lighter (locals avoid heat)
- Strategy: Go early morning
- Tip: Seek air-conditioned spots
Fall (September-November)
- Weather: Still warm but improving
- Crowds: Picking up
- Events: Fall festivals
- Tip: Great for outdoor dining
Winter (December-February)
- Weather: Mild and pleasant
- Crowds: Busy (tourist season)
- Events: Holiday celebrations
- Tip: Perfect walking weather
Special Events for Families
Ybor City Saturday Market
- When: 1st Saturday of month (October-May)
- Time: 9 AM - 3 PM
- Location: Centennial Park
- Features: Local vendors, food, crafts, entertainment
- Cost: Free to attend
- Kid Activities: Face painting, bounce houses
Fiesta Day
- When: February (annual)
- What: Celebration of Ybor's heritage
- Features: Parade, food, music, dancing
- Cost: Free
- Family-Friendly: Very
Guavaween
- When: October (Halloween alternative)
- What: Family-friendly Halloween celebration
- Features: Costume contest, trick-or-treating
- Cost: Free
- Perfect For: Kids who love Halloween
Extending Your Visit
Nearby Attractions
Within 10 Minutes:
- Tampa Riverwalk - Waterfront path with playgrounds
- Sparkman Wharf - Food hall and splash pad
- Armature Works - Another food hall option
- Downtown Tampa - Museums and parks
Within 20 Minutes:
- Florida Aquarium - Marine life exhibits
- Glazer Children's Museum - Interactive play
- ZooTampa - Animals and rides
- Busch Gardens - Theme park
Make It a Full Day
Morning: Ybor City exploration
Lunch: Cuban food in Ybor
Afternoon: Tampa Riverwalk or Florida Aquarium
Dinner: Return to Ybor or try downtown
Souvenirs & Shopping
Kid-Friendly Souvenirs
Under $10:
- Ybor City t-shirts
- Cuban coffee (for parents!)
- Postcards
- Stickers
- Small toys
Under $25:
- Books about Tampa history
- Handmade crafts
- Art prints
- Specialty foods
- Ybor chicken plushies
Unique Finds:
- Hand-rolled cigars (for display, not smoking!)
- Cuban music CDs
- Local art
- Vintage photos
- Historical books
Where to Shop
Centro Ybor:
- Multiple shops under one roof
- Air-conditioned
- Variety of options
- Easy with kids
7th Avenue Shops:
- Unique boutiques
- Local artisans
- Specialty stores
- More walking required
Creating Lasting Memories
Photo Opportunities
Must-Have Photos:
- Kids with Ybor chickens
- In front of Columbia Restaurant
- Historic streetcar
- 7th Avenue street sign
- Colorful murals
- Cuban sandwich in hand
Photo Tips:
- Morning light is best
- Use murals as backdrops
- Capture candid moments
- Get low for kid's perspective
- Include architectural details
Making It Educational
Before Your Visit:
- Read books about immigration
- Look at old photos of Ybor City
- Learn basic Spanish words
- Discuss Cuban culture
During Your Visit:
- Point out historical markers
- Read plaques and signs
- Ask kids what they notice
- Compare then and now
- Try new foods together
After Your Visit:
- Create a scrapbook
- Draw pictures of chickens
- Cook Cuban food at home
- Research family heritage
- Plan return visit
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ybor City safe for families during the day?
Absolutely! Daytime Ybor is very family-friendly. The nightlife scene is different, so plan daytime visits.
How long should we spend in Ybor City?
Plan 2-4 hours for a relaxed visit including lunch. You can easily spend a full day if you include nearby attractions.
Are the restaurants expensive?
Not at all! You can find affordable options from $10-$25 per person. La Segunda Bakery is very budget-friendly.
What if my kids don't like Cuban food?
Most restaurants offer familiar options like chicken fingers, rice, and pasta. The Cuban sandwich is usually a hit with kids!
Can we bring a stroller?
Yes! Sidewalks are stroller-friendly. Some historic buildings have steps, but most places are accessible.
Where can we use the restroom?
Restaurants (if you're a customer), Centro Ybor, and the museum all have restrooms.
Related Resources
Explore more Tampa family content:
Conclusion
Ybor City offers Tampa families a unique opportunity to experience Cuban culture, learn about immigration history, and enjoy delicious food—all without leaving Florida! From the famous chickens to authentic Cuban sandwiches, from historic museums to colorful murals, Ybor City provides an educational and entertaining adventure for kids of all ages.
Ready to explore? Pack your sunscreen, bring your appetite, and discover why Ybor City is Tampa's most flavorful neighborhood!
Pro Tip: Make it a tradition! Visit Ybor City quarterly to watch the neighborhood evolve, try different restaurants, and see how your kids' appreciation for culture and history grows over time. Take photos in the same spots to document your family's growth!
Quick Reference
Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings or weekend afternoons
Duration: 2-4 hours
Cost: $30-$80 per family (including lunch)
Best For: Ages 4+
Parking: $0-$15
Must-Try: Cuban sandwich and chicken spotting
Don't Miss: Ybor City Museum and Columbia Restaurant
Bring: Sunscreen, water, camera, comfortable shoes
Perfect For:
- History buffs
- Food lovers
- Cultural experiences
- Photography enthusiasts
- Educational outings
