ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Looking for something to do with the whole family but not wanting to spend much money? Thankfully, here in the Tampa Bay area, there's always something happening, and there are free activities that everyone can enjoy.
Whether you're taking your extended family out during a holiday weekend or just wanting to explore the area, we've got you covered with free activities and attractions.
Here's a look at some free activities you can enjoy across the Tampa Bay area.
Quite possibly one of the most unique things the Tampa Bay area has to offer during the cooler months, visitors can head to the TECO Manatee Viewing Center to see the gentle "sea cows" huddle together for warmth.
Located in Apollo Beach, about 20 minutes outside of Tampa, TECO's Big Bend Power Station is the home of the manatee viewing center. It's free to go and the center is open from Nov. 1 through April 15, with closures on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and Easter.
For more information, click or tap here.
The St. Pete Pier is the cornerstone of the waterfront district, which actually spans 26 acres in St. Petersburg. The Pier itself offers picturesque views of Tampa Bay, including glimpses of downtown Tampa, if the skies are clear.
Surrounding the pier are splash zones for kids to play in to beat the heat, and a dog-friendly beach. Vinoy Park is also a popular place for visitors to enjoy the pier.
There are also plenty of shops, including a marketplace, and dining options.
For more information, click or tap here.
The Tampa Museum of Art, located in downtown Tampa, isn't always free, but regularly offers free family days, funded by the Children's Board of Hillsborough County.
Additionally, on Thursdays, there's "Art on the House," which allows visitors to pay what they want to get into the museum.
For more information, tap or click here.
The Tampa Riverwalk lets visitors take in the beautiful waterfront views of downtown Tampa along its free 2.6-mile stretch. Along the way, the Riverwalk offers easy access to plenty of fun attractions, such as the Heights Market at Armature Works, Curtis Hixon Park and Sparkman Wharf.
Located along the Hillsborough River, and meeting up with the Tampa Riverwalk, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is perfect for a picnic, a quick rest, a splash through the water features or a stop at the dog park.
It's also the place for countless events and activities throughout the year, such as Rock the Park, Oktoberfest and more.
Held on the first Thursday of every month, Rock the Park at Curtis Hixon Park showcases some of Tampa's great musical talent. And, yes, it's free!
For almost 30 years, artisans, street performers and guests gather daily to celebrate Clearwater Beach's spectacular sunsets. It's free to go and happens year-round from two hours before sunset until two hours after sunset.
For more information, click or tap here.
Known to many as Wat Tampa, this Thai Buddhist temple has been in Tampa since 1981. It opened as a cultural center and also serves as a school to teach the Thai language, meditation and Buddhism.
But it is perhaps best known for its free Sunday markets that celebrate community and sells various Thai food.
For more information, click or tap here.
The Heritage Village Park & Museum is keeping the local history of Pinellas County alive and well. The interactive village has more than 20,000 artifacts related to the history of the county as well as archives full of written history and historical photographs.
During the holidays, there are free Saturdays with Santa.
For more information, click or tap here.
The free Florida Botanical Gardens, located in Largo, covers 100 acres in Pinellas County. Showcasing various "flora, fauna and natural resources in motivational surroundings that promote environmentally friendly techniques."
During the holiday season, the gardens sparkle with 1 million lights nightly. There is a suggested donation of $10 per person, but kids 12 and under are free. For more information about "Holiday Lights in the Gardens," click here.
For more information about the gardens, click or tap here.
Described as an "ideal spot to watch natural beauty take flight," the popular butterfly garden at Hammock Park in Dunedin is considered a "local gem" in Tampa Bay. The nonprofit Friends of the Hammock put it together and is home to more than 35 species of butterflies.
Hammock Park itself sits on 90 acres and includes miles of nature trails, picnic pavilions, an observation platform and a treehouse-themed playground area.
For more information about the butterfly garden, click here. For more on Hammock Park, tap here.
Bayshore Boulevard is one of the longest continuous sidewalks in the U.S. spanning 4.5 miles of scenic views along Tampa Bay. Located just minutes from downtown Tampa, the 10-foot-wide sidewalk starts north at Columbus Statue Park on Platt Street and ends at Gandy Boulevard.
Along the sidewalk, there are various public workout stations along with plenty of stops to take in the gorgeous views, including Old Hyde Park.
For more, click or tap here.
Featuring 11 stops throughout downtown Tampa, the Channelside District and Ybor City, the free TECO Streetcar is a quick and unique transportation option for visitors and residents.
Every 4th Friday of the month, the streetcar comes alive with Streetcar Live, a free concert series sponsored by the Gasparilla Music Festival.
For more information, click or tap here.
The Tampa Firefighters Museum is housed in "Old Fire House Station #1," which was built in 1911. The restored two-story building is home to the history and heritage of the Tampa Fire Rescue Department.
The museum also is host to numerous private events throughout the year.
Admission is free, but donations are "greatly appreciated."
Find more information by clicking or tapping here.
The Woodson African American Museum of Florida is located in midtown St. Petersburg and showcases the "historic voice" of the city from the "perspective of local, regional, and national history, culture and community."
The museum offers a variety of exhibits, showcasing Black artists and Black history.
During the holidays, there are various free holiday events for the whole family, including a visit from Santa.
For more information, click or tap here.
Located in Sarasota, the Ringling Museum offers free entry every Monday to its Museum of Art, Bayfront Gardens and Glass Pavilion. Free admission does not apply to the Circus Museum or Ca' d'Zan, so keep that in mind.
On Thursday evenings, you can enjoy the art museum and gardens at a discounted price.
For more information, click or tap here.
For more than 40 years, Robert's Christmas Wonderland has been a staple in the Tampa Bay area. It used to be only open seasonally at its original location in Pinellas.
Now, on Gulf to Bay Boulevard in Clearwater, Robert's Christmas Wonderland is open year-round, bringing Christmas spirit every day.
"Now one of the largest and most beautiful Christmas specialty stores in the southeast United States, Robert's stays open year-round with a selection of ornaments, collectibles and gifts numbering into the thousands," its website said.
For more information, click or tap here.
Located in Lakeland, the 168-acre park opened in 2022 along the I-4 corridor.
Within the park, visitors can go to the Hollis Family Welcome Center, the AgAmerica Heritage Garden, The Florida Children's Museum, the Crewnshaw Canopy Walk, the Kiwanis Cares for Kids Treehouse and more.
For more information, tap or click here.
