2025 Free & Cheap Summer Fun for kids
School is out and Summer is in! Whether it is enrolling your child in a Tampa Bay Area Summer Camps or visiting one of the popular Tampa attractions, there is always something to do.
Spend the summer exploring all the free and cheap things to do in the Tampa Bay Area. From free movies, bowling, golf, discounted museum admissions and more. There’s something for everyone to do.
With this comprehensive list you will have no problem planning a family outing that is easy, free, and cheap. Here is a great list that will keep you out and on a budget this summer.
Ready for the best summer around Tampa?
Please Note: This article was accurate the day it was posted. All prices, offerings and dates are subject to change without notice. Please contact each location and attraction for up-to-date rates and information before heading out.
Summer Movie Deals
FREE & Up Summer kids MOVIES
There is a great selection of new-release movies and older ones that you can watch for $5 or less per person. Click on the links below to see the full movie schedule.
1. Xscape Riverview Theatre is one of the only indoor movie theatres that offer free movies! You’ll want to catch the full schedule before heading out.
See the full schedule here.
3. AMC Summer Movie Camp watch some of your favorite movies on the big screen. Get tickets for just $3+tax on Mondays and Wednesdays for their Summer Movie Camp! Revisit your family favorites, only at select locations.
5. The B&B Theatres in Wesley Chapel, FL Summer Kids Series operates during the summer months when school is not in session and is designed to give families an affordable morning option that is great for the whole family.
B&B Kids movies showtimes will be at 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM, and a Sensory Friendly Showtime at 10:15 AM on the below dates. Tickets are $5 OR $3 for Backstage Pass Members! Not a Backstage pass member? It’s FREE to join! Sign up here.
See the full schedule here.
9. Visit Spring Hill 8 for their Summer Kids Movie series for 2025! Enjoy FREE movie tickets, $2 popcorn, and $2 drinks on Wednesdays at 9:45 a.m
See the full Summer Kids Movie Schedule for Spring Hill 8.
10. Switch it up! Watch a movie for cheap at one of Tampa Bay’s Drive-In Theatres. They are affordable and many include two movies for one price.
11. $5 and Up Movies on Tuesdays. Visit our Ultimate Guide to Tuesday movies! Movies start at $5 and go up to $6.99 for any show, all day.
Explore our
Tampa Bay Kids Summer Camps
SUMMER attraction DEALS
Summer is all about deals! With over 70 days of summer break with the kids, doing things together can quickly add up. Make sure to take advantage of these deals before planning your summer adventures.
12. We purchased our Entertainment Book and we love that it has an online app that gives us alerts to help us save money this summer. This deal won’t last long. Take advantage of this amazing price before it goes up to its regular price.
13. If you are visiting the Tampa Bay Area, then you want to take advantage of Tampa Bay CityPASS. The Pass includes one low price to five Tampa Bay attractions, including Busch Gardens, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Florida Aquarium, and more.
14. Not sure what to do? Always check Groupon for amazing deals on food and things to do.
Vbs locations
15. Vacation Bible School is back in session! Over 50 VBS locations in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties.
Check out the updated 2024 VBS Guide list.
FOOD DEALS
16. Kids eat FREE & CHEAP across Tampa Bay. Tuesday is definitely the most popular day, so make sure to check our our Ultimate Guide to Kids Eat Free & Cheap.
Monday Kids Eat Free List
Tuesday Kids Eat Free List
Wednesday Kids Eat Free List
Thursday Kids Eat Free List
Friday Kids Eat Free List
Saturday Kids Eat Free List
Sunday Kids Eat Free List
17. Children 18 years and under can also eat free at designated Summer Breakspot locations throughout the summer. No child should have to worry about eating a healthy meal in the summer.
Educational & Home Fun
Who says summer can’t be fun and educational? There are so many ways to make your summertime with the kids filled with learning. You can even make it something that the entire family can participate in doing.
18. Check out our 2024 Mega List of Tampa Bay area and national summer reading programs that earn kids 18 and under prizes and treats.
19. Kids can earn prizes from Tampa Bay Rays by taking part of the Reading with the Rays program.
20. Check out our Boredom Busters of 100 Things to do at Home with the Kids that are free or really cheap.
Indoor Fun Attraction Deals
Indoor Attraction Deals
Take a break from the Tampa Bay heat with some fun indoor attractions. Many of these activities can be enjoyed by every member of the family and when you take advantage of their discount days and offers, it can also be a very affordable family outing.
21. Visit a Tampa Bay Area museum daily for FREE admission. Monday-Sunday there is an option for families.
Examples include:
- The John & Mable Ringling Museum
- Glazer Children’s Museum
- Tampa Police Museum
- Tampa Museum of Art
See the full list of local museums that offer free admission.
22. Get unlimited visits for two full months. Play up to 250 games every visit, score up to 50% on food and drinks & more for the whole family.Visit as many times as you want and play games every day at Chuck E Cheese starting at $59.99 for a limited time.
Get unlimited visits to Chuck E. Cheese for 2-months with your Summer Fun Pass.
Learn more about this deal by going to their website.
23. Love laser tag? Then your family will love visiting the LaserOps Extreme Gaming Arcade located in Tampa for their Play All 3 Deal.
This amazing deal now comes with a $20 Arcade Game Card. That’s a 1 HOUR Laser Tag Session, Bazooka Ball or Archery Tag, and a $20 Game Card for only $37. That’s a huge saving!
24. All the fun for half the price! Play ½ price games every Wednesday from open to close at Dave & Busters!
25. Stop by Catapult Adventure Park, one of the newest indoor attractions in St. Pete! Your kids will love this spot. There are many fun attractions that you won’t find anywhere else in the Tampa Bay area. Snag the $39.99 all-day pass so your kids can enjoy a fun-filled day without the stress of the time clock.
Also check out their High Five Summer Pass. It’s a one-time group pass for 2 hours
Pay only $150 for 5 jumpers. Access to all Adventure Park attractions!*Socks and Go-Karts not included. Offer valid from May 29 to August 11.
26. Bring the fun to The Main Event in Wesley Chapel, FL! Check out these amazing summer deals:
KIDS BOWL FREE: Sign up below to snag 2 FREE games of bowling every Monday through Friday from open to 5 pm for kids 15 and under, now through 10/31/2024 with the Kidsbowlfree.com offer.
- SUMMER SEASON PASS: Starting at $49.99 enjoy unlimited bowling, free bowling shoe rental, and 10% food and non-alcoholic beverage discount from Monday-Friday. Times vary.
- MONDAY NIGHT MADNESS: Most people wind down on Monday. You wind up. All-you-can-play activities or games are just $12.99 per person after 4 pm on Mondays! Just because the week has started doesn’t mean the party has to stop.
- KIDS EAT FREE TUESDAYS: Savor the savings, and have fun doing it! Kids under 12 eat FREE when you buy a menu item for $11.99 or more, all day long!
27. Bowling: Kids bowl free and cheap at select Tampa Bay area locations. Check out our ultimate guide to free & cheap bowling centers for the summer.
28. Jump for this summer special at Altitude Trampoline Park in Tampa, FL for Summer Daily Specials: Monday-Thursday 3 Hours of Jump for $24.99.
29. Any military families, first responders or families with children with special needs? Flying Squirrel wants to show their appreciation to these special groups with discounted jump time. 50% off jump time for military and first responders’ immediate family (spouses and children). Special needs families are eligible for reduced admission.
30. Kids Skate FREE in Lakeland.
31. Roller Skating: Learn how to skate on Saturdays at United Skates of America in Tampa. Includes 30 minutes of skate lessons, skate rental and you can practice skating at their 10am-noon session for only $12 per person.
32. Tuesday Summer deal at United Seats Tampa until August 11th. It’s their Weekly Summer Pizza Skate!
$12 per person – includes rentals, plus all you can eat delicious cheese pizza (served until 8:00pm) Non-skating adults are $7.
33. During the summer, Skate World of Tampa start the week off With $5 Cyber Mondays! Family Affordable Fun with Lights out ALL DAY LONG!
$5 Admission Includes Regular Skate Rental.
34. Indoor Bounce Amusement Park: .All You Can Jump on Wednesdays for $21.95 at Airosphere in Tampa. Purchase an all-day jump pass for the price of 90 minutes and jump for as long as you like until close every Wednesday. No reentry.
35. Add ice skating to your summer fun list. While you don’t see a lot of discounts with ice skating, it’s a fun family activity. Check out these fun options for ice skating:
Photo Courtesy AdventHealth Center Ice
- Visit the TGH Ice Plex in Brandon, FL for public skating.
- AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel has a beautiful ice skating facility and skating starts at $11 for an hour session.
- Visit the Tampa Bay Skating Academy in Oldsmar and Clearwater for ice skating.
36. Go carting at Tampa Bay Grand Prix for an indoor experience if you’re near Tampa, Clearwater or St. Petersburg. Races start at $16 for those 48 inches and $19 for those 56 inches or taller.
36. Get the Vertical Ventures St. Pete Multi-Visit pass for some rock climbing fun! The best part, the multi-visit passes are 25%-35% off regular admission:
- Shareable with friends & family
- May use multiple passes on the same visit.
- Transferable
- Includes rental gear
- Never Expires
48. Kids Golf for $1 at Ace Golf locations in Hillsborough and Pasco counties. You can switch the bucket of balls to a game of free miniature golf at three of the locations.
See all the details here.
49. It’s half-off game play every Tuesday at Topgolf Tampa. No coupons, no random specials, no discount codes to remember — just a once-a-week deal where all the golf is half-off. It’s that simple. Bring the whole family and rent a bay for an hour or two.
Outdoor Fun Deals
Don’t want to feel cooped up in your home? Take advantage of the summer and explore some fun outdoor attractions and things to do. Here are some ideas for a fun outdoor adventure around Tampa Bay.
50. Go carting and miniature golf is a fun option at Celebration Station in Clearwater, FL has some amazing deals that include miniature golf and other fun indoor and outdoor activities.
51. Take a ride on the Largo Central Railroad’s miniature train on the first full weekend of every month on a 1 mile route through the beautiful Largo Central Park. Free Admission. Donations Accepted.
52. Visit St. Pete Pier – St. Pete Pier is a favorite among tourists and locals because of the variety of activities there that you can do for free and low-cost. You can stroll along the pier, eat at the marketplace, shop, have the kids play on the colorful and magical playground or even get wet at the interactive splash pad. 800 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
Photo Credit: St. Pete Pier Facebook Page
53. While at St. Pete Pier, visit Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center for a pit stop to all things marine life. It’s a very small center but The Discovery Center tells you the story of Tampa Bay’s vast and complex estuary — its history and recovery, and our organization’s pivotal role in that effort.
55. Go For A Bike Ride At Tampa’s Suncoast Trail for FREE. Spanning 42 miles, Tampa’s Suncoast Trail passes through a pleasant mix of suburban, agricultural, and natural areas. Pause for a tranquil moment with the scenic views at the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Preserve. Plan your day here.
56. Explore Tampa Bay’s Best Hiking Trails. Need fresh air and exercise? Set up the alarm and hike on any of the epic trails at Tampa Bay. Whatever your comfort level, there is surely a trail for you. Pack a picnic meal for a nice break in between your hike. Choose from the best hiking trails.
Check out the beautiful trails and boardwalk at the Upper Tampa Bay Trails in Tampa and Weedon Island Preserve and Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Park in Pinellas County.
57. Plan a day at the beach. Tampa is lined with top-rated beaches, so it’s time to catch up on some much-needed sea breeze. Outside of parking at some locations, beaches are a great free family outing for families.
Not sure where to go? Here are some of the best beaches.
58. Going on a walking or drive-by mural tour is free every day. Walking is a great exercise for everyone. It’s fun and relaxing, too. Florida has a lot of interesting and scenic cities that you can appreciate better with a walking tour.
Try the St. Petersburg History Mural Tour.
Immerse yourself with Tampa’s Downtown Murals.
Find even more murals in Tampa.
59. Visit a small zoo or petting farm for fun interaction with animals. Check out these low-cost zoo/petting farm options.
- $12 admission to the petting zoo & playground at Hunsaders Farm in Bradenton. Petting zoo admission includes access to view their zoo animals, the playground, sandbox, pedal carts, game area (basketball toss, football toss, baseball toss, etc..), and their NEW Tiny Town!
- Visit DK Farms & Gardens in Largo for a fun day of petting the zoo animals, games, mini golf and more. Stop by for their Summer Splash event for family fun every Saturday and Sunday in July. Bounce houses are included in admission for this event.
- Visit Old McMicky’s Farm in Odessa, FL (A little higher priced but you get a lot for your buck)
60. Take it outdoors and visit the Heritage Village, a 21-acre open-air living history museum in Largo, FL. Come visit more than 31 historic structures and it’s free admission for everyone to visit and explore. Bring some good walking shoes and sunscreen.
Parks & Nature
There are so many beautiful wildlife, vegetation and trails to see and explore. Stay active and be prepared by bringing lots of water, sunscreen and a snack when out and about. Make it an enjoyable family adventure.
61. While you’re at Indian Rocks Beach, stop by Seaside Seabird Sanctuary for free admission. Children will love seeing the huge variety of birds.
62. Visit the beautiful Hillsborough River State Park, and check out their Class II rapids along your hiking trail.
63. Visit some of our favorite parks:
- Lettuce Lake Park in Tampa, FL.
- Largo Central Park, Full of interactive play features, synthetic turf safety surface and lots of green space.
- New Tampa Nature Park, Features paved & unpaved trails for hiking & cycling, plus a zip line & ropes course.
- Julian B Lane Riverfront Park, Playground, splash pad, and green area to relax.
64. Stop by the beautiful 30-acre Florida Botanical Gardens for free in Largo, FL. While the Florida Botanical Gardens is not technically a museum, you will be amazed at how much you will learn and the many species of plants you will encounter. Pack a picnic lunch and take a stroll through the gardens.
Arts & Crafts Deals
Free Arts & Cheap Crafts
65. On most Saturday and Sundays @ The Morean is a FREE family drop-in art and clay studio hosted by the Morean Center for Clay. Now, it will just require pre-registration, in order to keep group sizes smaller. Art projects take place at 10:30 am, 11:30am, 12:30pm and 1:30pm. Pre-register today
66. Yes, IKEA Tampa is a furniture store. But it’s also a great place to spend an air-conditioned day. The store offers Kids Eat Free on Wednesdays and family game night. Explore the store’s schedule for upcoming craft and free events.
67. Register for a free craft kit at Lowes for their Kid’s DIY workshops. Sign up early as they fill up every month.
68. On the first Saturday of every month, kids can build free projects at Home Depot. Register at your nearest location.
Water Activities
Cool off this summer at one of the many water parks, pools, and splash pads available around Tampa Bay. Help your kids stay active, all while having fun. Slather on the sunscreen and take a refreshing swim or sunbathe on the beach for a few hours.
Springs
698. Visiting local springs can be an affordable option for families. You can visit Weeki Wachee Springs State Park and many others.
See The Full Local Springs Guide
Beaches
70. The biggest and the most visited Tampa Bay area attraction is our beautiful beaches. Some of our favorite beaches include:
- At the top of our list is Honeymoon Island beach, it is a perfect way to spend the summer days.
- Pass-A-Grille Beach is another one of our favorite beaches to visit.
- Swim at the beautiful Treasure Island Beach.
- Sand Key Park has playgrounds, grills, and a dog park for the whole family to enjoy.
- Take a ferry to visit the beautiful Caladesi Island State Park and lounge on the beach. Kids 5 and under ride for free on ferry.
Pools
71. Don’t have your own personal pool? No worries. Many Tampa Bay Metropolitan YMCA & Suncoast YMCA offer free or affordable admission for non-members at their pool or water slide parks during the summer. Make sure to call your local YMCA to see if they are participating and dates and times for admission.
Make it a family pool day at some of these family-friendly locations:
Hillsborough County
- Large tube slides and a zero depth entry into Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Pool. $2 entry fee for kids. See the full list of pools.
- Located on Davis Islands near downtown Tampa, Roy Jenkins Pool is a great family pool that has five lap lanes and a fun children’s activity pool. See the full list of pools.
- South Tampa Family YMCA
- The Campo Family YMCA in Valrico, FL.
- Bob Sierra North Tampa Family YMCA
72. Pasco County
- Visit the Epperson Lagoon near Wesley Chapel for some local fun. It’s a little higher priced than other attractions, but an available option.
- The Lift Adventure Park operates the aquatic attractions, including the wakeboard cable, the Aqua Park, and paddlesport rentals in Sunwest Park in northwest Pasco, just off of Hwy 19 in Hudson.
73. Pinellas County
- Take a dip at the large pool at the City of Dunedin Highlander Pool for $3 admission. The Sprayground is in the same park which doubles the fun.
- Visit the Splash Harbor Water Park at Indian Rocks Beach after 3 p.m. for discounted admission.
The St. Pete Beach Family Aquatic Center has a six-lane Junior Olympic swimming pool with an attached children’s play area for the little ones.
214 foot corkscrew water slide and 3-story speed slide is all the rage at Highland Family Aquatic Center in Largo.
The North Shore Aquatic Complex in St. Pete is another local favorite that includes a 50 meter pool with a diving board.
Splash Pads/ Sprinkler Parks
Admission or Membership Based
74. Splash Pads can be found in all the major Tampa area attractions like
- Busch Gardens, 10165 McKinley Drive, Tampa
- ZooTampa at Lowry Park, 1101 Sligh Ave, Tampa
- Adventure Island Water Park, 10001 McKinley Dr, Tampa
- Florida Aquarium
Free Entrance Splash Parks
75. If you don’t have a membership to a Tampa Attraction, check out these free or low cost splash parks below. These are a few of our favorites:
- Check out the beautiful Julian B Lane Waterfront Park in Tampa on 1001 North Boulevard.
- The Curtis Hixon Park has two spray fountains in between their spacious field.
- The lion themed splash pad at Anderson Park (Kate Jackson Community Center). The beautiful park that has a playground and a Little Free Library where you can get a free book or drop one off.
- Great splash pad at Dell Homes Park in St. Petersburg. Shaded picnic shelters offers a great place for parents to watch the kids. Playground is super interactive and fun.
- The Water Works Park in downtown Tampa has a huge water bucket, scenic view, walking paths and close proximity to downtown attractions.
- Colorful water fixtures at the splash pad at the Ballast Point Park in Tampa. It has an amazing view of the bay and multiple playgrounds makes this a fun family spot.
- The interactive Waterplay Sprayground at Zephyr Park in Zephyrhills has water cannons and dumping buckets to keep the kids cool and entertained.
- All Person’s Rotary Park has a great playground area tucked into the Brandon community, in addition to their splash pad area.
- The Cypress Forest Park Rec Center in Oldsmar has a fun and interactive splash area for the kids. Parking is $5 per day.
See the full guide to 18 + local Splash Parks/Pads
