Events & Family-Friendly Attractions FAQs

Three children play at the splash pad at St. Pete Pier with palm trees in the background

With its splash pad, Spa Beach and kid-friendly dining options, the St. Pete Pier is popular with families.

What are some of the major events that take place in the St. Pete/Clearwater area?

Some of the annual events that occur in the St. Pete/Clearwater area include The Firestone Grand Prix, Tampa Bay Blues Festival, Dunedin Highland Games, Shine Mural Festival, St. Pete Pride, Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Clearwater Chalk Art Festival and the Annual Sanding Ovations Master’s Cup, among others. Plus, there are many free events hosted in St. Pete/Clearwater’s beaches, parks, activity centers, etc. To learn more, check out this listing of area events

Does the St. Pete/Clearwater area have any cultural events?

Yes. The Greek Epiphany Celebration, Highland Games and Celtic Festival are just a few of the area’s cultural events.

What are fun activities to do with families in St. Pete/Clearwater?

There are many family-friendly activities available in St. Pete/Clearwater. Take the kids for a day at the St. Pete Pier to play in the splash pad, hang out on Spa Beach, get an ice cream, and visit the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center. Play on the beach at Clearwater Beach and Pass-a-Grille, splash in wade pools at Fort De Soto State Park, stroll through Fred Howard Park or Honeymoon Island State Park and enjoy water activities. You can visit museums like the Great Explorations Children's Museum in St. Pete and the Dalí Museum, which has kid-friendly audio tours (also special programming). If you are staying at the TradeWinds Island Resorts, the High Tide Inflatable Water Slide is a cool attraction for kids — resort guests enjoy unlimited rides on the High Tide Slide! Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise is another family favorite. Also, take a trip to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium for unique marine life experience. Read about other fun things to do with families.

Are there free or inexpensive family-friendly attractions in the St. Pete/Clearwater area?

Yes. While our award-winning beaches are fun for people of all ages, we also offer opportunities for fishing and bird-watching, have a pirate-themed playground in Coffee Pot Park and encourage educational fun at Great Explorations Children’s Museum. Peruse this article for other family-friendly things to do on a budget in St. Pete/Clearwater.

Are there children’s museums in the area?

Yes. The Great Explorations Children's Museum in St. Pete is packed with fun and educational exhibits and activities.