Weekends with kids can feel like a high-stakes blend of cruise director, camp counselor, and hostage negotiator—but things, kids, Tampa can actually align this time. If you’re searching for Things to do with kids this weekend in Tampa, FL, you’re in luck. The city is packed with festive, energetic, and sanity-saving events where little ones can burn energy, learn something new, and maybe keep yogurt out of your car for once.
Check back each Wednesday for updates, and be sure to submit your events to our calendar. Looking for more? Explore our full weekend events roundup and keep the fun rolling with family, weekend, events.
Kid-Friendly Events This Weekend in Tampa: December 19–21
Christmas Town
All Weekend, December 19–21, Various Times
Busch Gardens, 10165 McKinley Dr
Busch Gardens transforms into a glowing holiday playground where Christmas, lights, BuschGardens take center stage. Christmas Town features dancing elves, ice skaters defying gravity, towering nutcrackers, and twinkling displays that feel straight out of a snow globe—Florida-style. Admission includes festive shows and classic thrill rides, making it a win for both kids and parents.
Gingerbread Village
All Weekend, December 19–21, 9:30 AM – 5 PM
Glazer Children’s Museum, 110 W Gasparilla Plaza
Creativity rules at Gingerbread Village, where kids, creativity, museum collide in the best way. Children build imaginative gingerbread-style houses using recycled materials, then add them to a growing community display or take their masterpiece home. It’s hands-on, festive, and delightfully messy without wrecking your kitchen.
Putt The Pier
All Weekend, December 19–21, Various Times
St. Pete Pier, 600 2nd Ave NE
This holiday mini-golf experience brings family, holiday, fun to the waterfront. Kids putt through candy cane tunnels and oversized ornaments while parents soak in the lights, music, and unbeatable photo ops. The Pier transforms into a sparkling playground that feels both relaxed and magical.
Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker
All Weekend, December 19–21, Various Times
Straz Center Morsani Hall, 1010 N Macinnes Pl
This high-energy performance blends ballet, Nutcracker, Tampa magic with sword-fighting mice, dancing sweets, and jaw-dropping talent. The production keeps kids wide-eyed while parents quietly admire the artistry and festive drama unfolding on stage.
Tampa Bay Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village
All Weekend, December 19–21, Various Times
Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Rd
A drive-through spectacle where holiday, lights, Santa shine bright, this event features nearly two miles of illuminated displays. Afterward, Santa’s Village offers rides, treats, music, and enough cheer to fuel a whole weekend of excitement.
YuleTides at the Florida Aquarium
All Weekend, December 19–21, Various Times
The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Dr
Holiday cheer goes underwater with aquarium, holiday, family fun at YuleTides. Kids meet Santa, explore scavenger hunts, admire upcycled Christmas trees, and sing along with festive performers while sea life sparkles under twinkling lights.
Laser Light Shows at MOSI
Friday, December 19, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Museum of Science & Industry, 4801 East Fowler Avenue
Inside MOSI’s planetarium, lasers, science, music combine for a sensory-packed experience. Swirling lights and powerful soundtracks transport kids into a galaxy that feels part concert, part space adventure, and fully unforgettable.
Breakfast and Photos with Santa
Saturday, December 20, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Pete’s Gulf Bistro at TradeWinds, 5500 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach
This beachfront celebration blends Santa, breakfast, family fun with pancakes, photos, and holiday cheer. Santa and Mrs. Claus mingle tableside while kids share wish lists and parents savor coffee with an ocean view.
Merry Stitchmas Day
Saturday, December 20, 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., & 4 p.m.
United Skates of America, 5121 N Armenia Ave
A high-energy skating party where Stitch, skating, kids rule the rink. Disney music blasts as little ones glide, wobble, and laugh their way through a day designed to burn off sugar-fueled excitement.
Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Saturday, December 20, 6:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 North Ashley Drive
Tampa’s river glows as boats, lights, holiday spirit float by in this free waterfront tradition. From glowing yachts to tiny twinkling boats, kids will point, cheer, and soak in a uniquely Tampa holiday moment.
Ready for More Family Fun?
This weekend is packed—but Tampa always has more waiting just around the corner. Stick with us for weekly updates, hidden gems, and family-friendly surprises that turn ordinary weekends into unforgettable memories.
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