The Gasparilla Children’s Parade guide is Tampa Bay’s highlight for family fun. This annual event happens on Saturday, January 18, from noon to 7 p.m. The parade features a 1.5-mile route along Bayshore Boulevard, starting at Bay to Bay Boulevard and ending at Edison Avenue. Families can enjoy 125 decorated floats, marching bands, and treasure giveaways.
Event Details and Attractions
Children’s Parade Highlights
The alcohol-free parade, sponsored by Chick-fil-A Tampa Bay, includes community groups, dance troupes, and pirate krewes. Kids can collect treasures and enjoy the lively displays. The parade’s family-friendly environment makes it ideal for all ages.
Air Shows and Fireworks
The Gasparilla Air Invasion begins at noon and features vintage planes and aerobatic stunts. A nighttime show at 6:15 p.m. includes parachute jumps and illuminated flights. At 7:00 p.m., the Piratechnic Fireworks Finale lights up the sky, reenacting a pirate battle with fireworks.
Extra Activities
- Bicycle Safety Rodeo (12 p.m.–2 p.m.): Kids learn bike safety through obstacle courses and get free helmets.
- Preschooler’s Stroll (2 p.m.–3 p.m.): Children under five join the fun with decorated bikes and wagons.
Parking and Transportation
Parking is available at multiple garages:
- Fort Brooke Garage (107 N Franklin Street): $14 (8 a.m.–4 p.m.), $20 (4 p.m.–9 p.m.).
- Whiting Street Garage (118 S Florida Ave): $15 (8 a.m.–4 p.m.), $20 (4 p.m.–9 p.m.).
- Selmon Expressway Downtown Lots (201 S Ashley Drive): $15 (8 a.m.–3 p.m.), $20 (3 p.m.–9 p.m.).
A free trolley service runs between Platt Street and Bayshore Boulevard. It operates from 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., providing easy access to the parade.
Dining Options Nearby
After the parade, enjoy meals at these nearby locations:
- South Howard:
- Bella’s Italian Cafe, 1413 S Howard Ave
- Sally O’Neal’s Pizza, 1319 S Howard Ave
- Water + Flour, 1015 S Howard Ave
- Ava, 718 S Howard Ave
- Hyde Park:
- Forbici Modern Italian, 1633 W Snow Ave
- Willa’s, 1700 W Fig St
- Downtown:
- The Pearl, 823 Water St C100
- 3 Corners Pizza, 813 Water St
- Cava, 1001 Water St Suite 110
- Big Rays Fish Camp, 333 S Franklin St
- Melting Pot Social, 105 W Tyler St
- Armature Works, 1910 N Ola Ave
- Sparkman Wharf, 615 Channelside Dr
- Columbia Cafe at Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Water St
Join Tampa Bay’s Gasparilla Children’s Parade on January 18. Experience thrilling floats, airshows, and fireworks while creating fun family memories. Book ticket online.
Are you on social media? Check out our profile for more local news! Follow @TampaLatest for up-to-the-minute updates in Tampa, Florida.