Weekends with kids can be chaotic, which is why this matters right from the start: “Things to do with kids this weekend in Tampa, FL.” Tampa families know the drill—being part cruise director, part camp counselor, and part chaos manager. Luckily, Tampa delivers an impressive lineup of events where kids can burn energy, learn something new, and give you a moment to breathe. Below is a creatively curated roundup that keeps the original tone while boosting clarity and engagement. Don’t forget to check the official sites, social media pages, and calendars for each venue for the latest updates.
Kid-Friendly Events This Weekend in Tampa: November 21–23
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens
📅 All Weekend, November 21–23, Various Times
📍 Busch Gardens, 10165 McKinley Dr
Step into “Christmas Town”, where Busch Gardens becomes a glowing world of holiday magic, twinkle lights, and corporate-boosted cheer. Imagine sipping hot cocoa beside a towering nutcracker, watching ice skaters defy physics, and spotting a giraffe wandering past a field of shimmering decorations. With admission already included, you can enjoy roller coasters, meet Rudolph, and revel in a winter wonderland drenched in sparkle and family energy.
Gingerbread Village at Glazer Children’s Museum
📅 All Weekend, November 21–23, 9:30 AM – 5 PM
📍 Glazer Children’s Museum, 110 W Gasparilla Plaza
At “Gingerbread Village”, your child becomes a holiday architect of creativity, imagination, and hands-on learning. Using recycled materials like bottle caps and pipe cleaners, kids build colorful mini houses and whimsical cityscapes. Whether you add your creation to the museum display or take it home to proudly label it “modern art,” this is one of the most joyful, crafty weekend escapes in Tampa.
The Wizard of Oz at Straz Center
📅 All Weekend, November 21–23, Various Times
📍 Straz Center, 1010 N Macinnes Pl
Experience “The Wizard of Oz” live on stage as the Patel Conservatory recreates a classic filled with song, magic, and nostalgia. Join Dorothy, Toto, and her mismatched team on their journey down the Yellow Brick Road. Expect heartfelt performances, iconic tunes, and a sprinkle of theatrical wonder—minus the childhood nightmares of flying monkeys. It’s perfect for young dreamers and grown-ups reliving their favorite musical moment.
Laser Light Show: Rock the Cosmos
📅 Friday, November 21, 6:30 PM & 8:15 PM
📍 Museum of Science & Industry, 4801 E Fowler Ave
MOSI’s “Laser Light Show: Rock the Cosmos” brings high-energy lasers, legendary rock music, and cosmic science together under one electrifying dome. Before the show, a live astronomer guides you through stargazing highlights that will ignite curiosity in kids and adults alike. With food trucks and a bar on-site, it’s the perfect fusion of education and entertainment—just keep the snacks outside the dome for maximum galactic vibes.
Turkey Trails 5K/10K
📅 Saturday, November 23, 9 AM – 12 PM
📍 Lake Seminole Park, 10015 Park Blvd, Largo
Celebrate the season at the festive “Turkey Trails 5K/10K”, where families lace up for fitness, fun, and Thanksgiving spirit. Medals, snacks, and adorable turkey-themed shirts make this event a kid-friendly winner. Children can dash, adults can jog, and everyone can pretend they’re earning that extra slice of holiday pie.
Cars En Coffee – 7th Edition
📅 Saturday, November 22, 10 AM – 1 PM
📍 The Motor Enclave, 6500 Motor Enclave Way
At “Cars En Coffee”, expect a morning packed with supercars, community, and automotive culture. Families can admire exotic rides, enjoy pastries, and watch pros tackle the autocross track. It’s free to attend, making it an ideal outing for kids who love engines, speed, and anything that goes vroom.
K-Pop Demon Hunter Event
📅 Saturday, November 22, 1 PM – 3 PM
📍 Little Princess Spa, 4802 Gunn Hwy, Suite 138
Dive into full K-mode at the “K-Pop Demon Hunter Event”, a whirlwind of crafts, karaoke, and glam makeovers. Kids can enjoy character meet-and-greets, custom creations, and a playlist that brings big idol energy. Expect glitter, excitement, and a perfectly choreographed escape from weekend boredom.
Holiday Tree Lighting at Armature Works
📅 Saturday, November 22, 5 PM – 9 PM
📍 Armature Works, 1910 N Ola Ave
At the magical “Holiday Tree Lighting”, Armature Works transforms into a night of festivity, community, and seasonal joy. With live music, mini markets, s’mores, and Santa sightings, the event builds to an 8 PM lighting of a massive Christmas tree—visible from near and far. Bring your holiday spirit, your phones for photos, and your kids for memories.
Oddities & Curiosities Expo
📅 Saturday & Sunday, November 22–23, Various Times
📍 Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US-301
At the “Oddities & Curiosities Expo”, families can explore a world of art, antiques, and macabre curios. From taxidermy to handmade jewelry, this expo blends creativity with curiosity in an unconventional but unforgettable weekend adventure. It’s quirky, fascinating, and the perfect spot for kids who love the unusual.
If your family fun meter still isn’t full, don’t worry—Tampa’s weekend scene never sleeps. Stay tuned, because the next lineup might be the one your kids talk about all year.
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