As a mom always searching for exciting activities to share with my little ones, I’m thrilled to tell you about these amazing family-friendly events happening in Tampa this spring! Each one offers unique opportunities for making precious memories with your family. 

10 Family-Friendly Events in Tampa in Spring 

1. Big Bounce America (January 31 – February 2) 

The world’s biggest bounce house experience is landing at the Florida State Fairgrounds with four different session types to accommodate all ages. Families can enjoy unlimited access to five incredible attractions, including a 900-foot obstacle course full of slides and balls, a space-themed adventure zone with friendly aliens and moon crater ball pits, and the exciting OctoBlast foam party with colorful ocean characters.  

Each session runs for specific time slots, giving everyone plenty of space to bounce and play safely, with tickets starting from $32 for toddlers and ranging up to $45 for adult-only sessions. 

2. Florida State Fair Events (February 6-17) 

The historic Florida State Fairgrounds continues its tradition of bringing the community together through various spring events and activities. Since 1904, this Tampa institution has grown from a small downtown fair to become the largest midway in North America, featuring over 90 rides and attracting more than 500,000 attendees annually.  

The fairgrounds host numerous events throughout spring, combining educational opportunities with entertainment while celebrating Florida’s rich agricultural heritage. 

3. St. Petersburg Science Festival (February 7-8) 

This free STEAM celebration at the USF St. Petersburg campus and Poynner Park brings science to life through hands-on activities and amazing demonstrations. The festival features interactive exhibits focusing on science, technology, engineering, art, and math, with special presentations from research professionals throughout the day.  

Running alongside MarineQuest, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s open house, families can explore both events and learn about marine life and conservation. The public festival on February 8th runs from 10 am to 4 pm and welcomes everyone to participate in experiments, demonstrations, and educational activities. 

4. Kids Weekend at Busch Gardens (February 8) 

This special event brings the magic of Sesame Street to Tampa with appearances by beloved characters like Elmo and Cookie Monster throughout the day. From 10 am to 8 pm, families can enjoy character meet-and-greets, special shows, and all the regular excitement of Busch Gardens’ attractions.  

Children can participate in unique interactive experiences designed just for this event, making it a perfect way to combine educational fun with theme park excitement, all included with regular park admission. 

5. Tampa Renaissance Festival (February 15 – March 30) 

Transport your family back to the 16th century at this magical festival in Dade City, running weekends from 10 am to 6 pm. You can enjoy seven uniquely themed weekends featuring full-contact jousting tournaments, over 100 artisans demonstrating their crafts, and continuous entertainment on multiple stages.  

Special events include the popular Pub Crawl, Marriage En Masse ceremonies, and themed shopping days, with advance tickets offering significant savings and children under 4 entering free. 

6. Florida Strawberry Festival (February 27 – March 9) 

This beloved Plant City tradition celebrates Florida’s strawberry harvest with a perfect blend of agricultural heritage and family entertainment. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, agricultural exhibits, arts and crafts displays, and carnival rides while sampling endless strawberry treats.  

The festival features youth development programs, contests, and daily parades with beautiful floats and marching bands, creating an atmosphere that truly captures the spirit of American festivals. 

7. Cracker Cowboy Day (March 1) 

Step back into Florida’s ranching heritage at the Pioneer Florida Museum in Dade City from 10 am to 4 pm. Families can watch authentic whip-cracking demonstrations, where cowboys showcase the traditional cattle-herding technique that gave Florida cowboys their “cracker” nickname.  

The event includes blacksmith exhibitions, heading and heeling roping demonstrations, children’s roping activities, and a petting zoo, with the first 100 children receiving free cowboy/cowgirl hats. 

8. Dino Safari at Lumino City Festival (February 13 – March 30) 

The Florida Mall transforms into a prehistoric adventure with over 70 life-like dinosaurs that move and roar, reaching heights of up to 46 feet. This immersive experience combines education and entertainment with special theme nights, on-site attractions including the Oviraptor Ride and Jurassic Fossils Hunt, and stunning light displays that bring the dinosaur world to life.  

Families can enjoy various activities, including the Safari Kids Oasis, Dino Spin-a-Saurus, and special photo opportunities throughout the event. 

9. Berry Sweet Acres U-Pick (Spring Season) 

This family-owned strawberry farm in Plant City offers a hands-on agricultural experience Wednesday through Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm. Visitors can pick their own fresh strawberries while learning about farming and where their food comes from.  

The farm features a new “Barntique” with seasonal items and various flower options, making it a perfect spot for both education and family photos. Their fourth-generation farming experience ensures visitors get expert guidance and the freshest berries possible. 

10. The Lion King (April 2-20) 

Disney’s award-winning Broadway spectacular comes to Carol Morsani Hall, bringing the African savanna to vibrant life through innovative puppetry, stunning costumes, and unforgettable music.  

This Tony Award-winning production features beloved songs by Elton John and Tim Rice, presented through groundbreaking staging that has captivated over 100 million people worldwide. With tickets starting at $37, families can experience the magic of live theater while enjoying this timeless story of hope and adventure. 

Planning Tips for Your Spring Adventures 

As a mom who’s managed many family outings, here are my top tips for making the most of these events: 

• Purchase tickets in advance for better rates and guaranteed entry. 

• Check weather forecasts and pack accordingly (sunscreen, hats, or light jackets). 

• Bring cameras to capture these precious family moments. 

• Consider timing around nap schedules for little ones. 

• Look for special family packages or group rates to save money. 

• Pack snacks and water for events that allow outside food. 

These family-friendly events in Tampa offer something special for every family to enjoy this spring. Whether you’re bouncing in the world’s largest bounce house, picking fresh strawberries, or experiencing Broadway magic, each event provides unique opportunities to create lasting memories with your loved ones. 

Remember to verify current information about dates, times, and tickets on each event’s official website, as details may change. Let’s make this spring in Tampa an unforgettable season of family fun and adventure!