Launching a new series of ‘Tampa Mama Says’! This week is best family Sunday Funday ideas in Tampa Bay. These are not ads but curated lists based on what we like to do as a family in Tampa Bay on a glorious Sunday.
Why? Go on the first Sunday of the month to browse the 100+ vendor Fresh Market of local vendors and artisans. Or grab a fabulous cup of Joe at Piquant. Or bring kids (+swimsuits) to the fountains or play at the playground at Kate Jackson park. Take a stroll around the village, shop, and take in the scenery. All with warm sunshine on your face.
With lots of activities to choose from, start at Curtis Hixon Park and venture to the Glazer Children’s Museum, the Tampa Museum of Art or the Tampa Theatre. Play at the playground, run into the fountains, or grab some cold gilato from Sono Cafe. Kawah coffee is always fresh at the base of the “beercan” building. Walk along the River and enjoy the afternoon.
Simple and fun. Easy parking, easy entrance. Nice walk with lots to see and do. Bring swimsuits for the toddlers and preschoolers for the splash pad in Walleroo Station and a change of clothes for the big kids venturing down the water flume ride. Feed the giraffes and take a safari. Or jus walk around and enjoy the weather.
Such a fun afternoon to visit Winter and Hope and see the movie in action. Still a small set up, and getting more expensive as the Aquarium gets more publicity, but bring the movie to life along with a a great life lesson that all kids should receive: Even when the chips are down, you don’t give up and believe in yourself to always do your best. Worth the drive across the bridge for an air-conditioned afternoon.
5. St.Pete Beach via the Don Cesar
Why? Because, for us with four kids in tow, the beach can be somewhat cumbersome with toys, swimsuits, coolers and kids. This is supposed to be a relaxing day, right? We can have brunch or just pay for parking for the day and have lunch poolside at . We pack for the beach, minus the toys (the Don Cesar has THE BEST kids sand play area) and beach chairs because you can rent them once you arrive on the beach. Order lunch and drinks at your chairs on the beach and sit back and relax. Rinse off, change clothes and stop by Uncle Andy’s Ice Cream Shop on the way home and you’ll have had the most amazing day “at the beach.” It’s the next best thing if you don’t have the time to actually stay at the Don Cesar (which I would HIGHLY recommend too!)
Why? It’s just relaxing to be on the water and if you don’t have a boat, that’s not an issue any more. Park at Harbour Island, and head over to the Sail Pavilion. Rent an e-boat for the afternoon and set sail to Ricks on the River. Have lunch and head back. A fun afternoon on the water while taking in the beautiful Tampa Bay sites of downtown.
7. Tampa Bay Rays Family Fundays
When the season is in full swing, this is the place to take your little sports fanatics! Base running, concerts and more!
My favorite place to walk around, talk to friends, eat healthy + local and shop for local produce. Our favorite markets are the Seminole Heights Fresh Market and the Hyde Park Village Market. There is also a clever Tampa Kids Market at each of these so you’ll see little entrepreneurs too! You’ll find so much to do and the sunny Tampa weather makes this the perfect place for a therapeutic and relaxing day to recharge before Monday happens.
Read my list of Top Ten Things To Do For Families in Tampa Bay on Trekaroo if you want even more ideas! So many fun things to do in Tampa Bay with kids!