Tap a date to see that day's events. Only listings with set dates appear here; places you can visit any open day are listed further down.
Halloween and fall events around Tampa, checked on the organizer's page on Oct 23, 2026. Haunted attractions are left out. Look for the Good for little kids (2–4) marker for early, toddler-friendly options.
MOSI Homeschool SEED classes
MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry) · Tampa (North Tampa · City of Tampa)
Science & planetariumPaidNext: Tue, Nov 3Good for little kids (2–4)City of Tampa
Monthly hands-on homeschool science classes for two age groups (5–7 and 8–10). Pick the Tuesday or Thursday session each month. Students only; pre-register at least one week ahead.
Upcoming dates: Tue, Nov 3, 2026; Thu, Nov 5, 2026; Tue, Dec 1, 2026; Thu, Dec 3, 2026; Tue, Jan 5, 2027; Thu, Jan 7, 2027
📅 Add a date to your calendar
- When: Tue Nov 3 or Thu Nov 5; Tue Dec 1 or Thu Dec 3; Tue Jan 5 or Thu Jan 7, 2027
- Time: 1–3 p.m.
- Price: $25 per student ($20 members)
- Ages: Ages 5–7 and 8–10
- Booking: Pre-register at least one week before class on MOSI's Homeschool SEED page.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Cracker Country Homeschool Day: Growing Gardeners
Cracker Country at the Florida State Fairgrounds · Tampa (State Fairgrounds · East & South Hillsborough)
Historic sitePaidNext: Mon, Nov 9Good for little kids (2–4)East & South Hillsborough
Homeschool day at the turn-of-the-century living history village: try old-time toys, make a corn husk doll ($1) and more. Optional $2 lecture on Florida plants and history for ages 12+ at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Free parking (enter on Orient Rd).
Upcoming dates: Mon, Nov 9, 2026
📅 Add to calendar
- When: Mon Nov 9, 2026
- Time: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Price: $14 per person 4 and up; 3 and under free
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Advance online tickets required; limited and very popular.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Teen program: Aquarium Artist (Florida Aquarium)
The Florida Aquarium · Tampa (Channel District · City of Tampa)
Zoo & aquariumPaidNext: Tue, Nov 17City of Tampa
For teens (13+): a three-hour introductory sketching workshop using the aquarium for inspiration; take home your own original illustration. (Open to ages 12–16.)
Upcoming dates: Tue, Nov 17, 2026
📅 Add to calendar
- When: Tue Nov 17, 2026
- Time: Not listed on source
- Price: $30 per child
- Ages: For teens (13+) (program ages 12–16)
- Booking: Register through the Aquarium's homeschool page.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Homeschool Eco Focus at The Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium · Tampa (Channel District · City of Tampa)
Zoo & aquariumPaidNext: Wed, Nov 18City of Tampa
Monthly homeschool classroom programs by age. Nov 18 Eco Focus: Invaders (ages 6–8), Keystone Species (9–11), Plankton (12–14). Dec 9 Species Highlight: Creepy Critters (6–8), Botany (9–11), Snakes and Lizards (12–14).
Upcoming dates: Wed, Nov 18, 2026; Wed, Dec 9, 2026
📅 Add a date to your calendar
- When: Wed Nov 18 and Wed Dec 9, 2026
- Time: Ages 6–8: 1–2 p.m.; ages 9–14: 1–2:30 p.m.
- Price: $22 per child
- Ages: Ages 6–14
- Booking: Register through the Aquarium's homeschool page.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Physics Day at Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay · Tampa (North Tampa · City of Tampa)
Science & planetariumPrice not listedNext: Fri, Dec 4City of Tampa
"Science of Thrills" day: the park opens one hour early just for physics students, with exclusive ride time and interactive physics stations. For school and youth groups.
Upcoming dates: Fri, Dec 4, 2026
📅 Add to calendar
- When: Fri Dec 4, 2026 (also Fri Mar 5, 2027)
- Time: Not listed on source
- Price: Not listed on source
- Ages: Physics students (school and youth groups)
- Booking: Book through Busch Gardens group and youth events.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Camp Imagination: Homeschool Heroes at Glazer Children's Museum
Glazer Children's Museum · Tampa (Downtown · City of Tampa)
MuseumPrice not listedNext: Wed, Feb 3Good for little kids (2–4)City of Tampa
90 minutes of playful, standards-centered homeschool workshops with projects, activities and exhibit exploration. Two sessions: K–2nd grade and 3rd–5th grade.
Upcoming dates: Wed, Feb 3, 2027
📅 Add to calendar
- When: Wed Feb 3, 2027
- Time: K–2nd: 1–2:30 p.m.; 3rd–5th: starts 3 p.m.
- Price: Not listed on source
- Ages: Grades K–5
- Booking: Register on the museum's event page.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Field trips to Hillsborough County conservation parks
Hillsborough County Conservation & Environmental Lands · Hillsborough County (County conservation parks · North & West Hillsborough)
Nature center, garden & parkPaidOngoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)North & West Hillsborough
Groups can plan a field trip to a county conservation park. Apply at least 30 days ahead.
- When: By application
- Time: Not listed on source
- Price: $2 per vehicle (up to 8 people); $1 per extra person
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Apply at least 30 days ahead on the county's Plan a Field Trip page.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Glazer Children's Museum group field trips
Glazer Children's Museum · Tampa (Downtown · City of Tampa)
MuseumPaidOngoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)City of Tampa
School-year field trips for groups of 15 or more children: two hours of play-based exploration in 35,000 sq ft of interactive exhibits. Homeschool groups can book as a group.
- When: Tuesday–Friday during the school year
- Time: 2-hour visits starting at 10, 10:30 or 11 a.m.
- Price: $14 per child (15-child minimum)
- Ages: Children (group visits)
- Booking: Request a date on the museum's School Year Field Trips page.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Guided hikes, night hikes and canoe trips in Hillsborough County parks
Hillsborough County Conservation & Environmental Lands · Hillsborough County (County conservation parks · North & West Hillsborough)
Nature center, garden & parkPrice not listedOngoing / by arrangementNorth & West Hillsborough
Ranger-led interpretive programs including guided hikes, night hikes and canoe trips. Private guided tours are available for groups of 10 or more.
- When: Varies by program
- Time: Not listed on source
- Price: Not listed on source
- Ages: Varies by program
- Booking: See the county's Guided Tours and Interpretive Programs page.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Homeschool PE at Hillsborough County recreation centers
Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation · Hillsborough County (Several recreation centers · East & South Hillsborough)
PE, sports & swimPrice not listedOngoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)East & South Hillsborough
Weekly staff-led PE for homeschoolers, parent-supervised. Sites include Balm (Thu 10–11 a.m.), Bealsville (Fri 10:30–11:30), Brandon (Wed 11–noon), Cross Creek (Tue 11–noon), Emanuel P. Johnson (Tue 10–11), Kenly (Tue 10:30–11:30), Mango (Thu 10–11), Northdale (Mon 10–11) and Roy Haynes (Fri 10:30–11:30).
- When: Weekly during the fall 2026 session
- Time: Morning, varies by site
- Price: Not listed on source
- Ages: Ages 5–12
- Booking: Register through Hillsborough County's park program registration.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
ZooTampa school-year field trips (homeschool groups welcome)
ZooTampa at Lowry Park · Tampa (North Tampa · City of Tampa)
Zoo & aquariumPaidOngoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)City of Tampa
School-year field trips for Pre-K–12 groups of at least 15 paying guests. Homeschool groups can book. Optional standards-aligned Zoo Quest activity packs are $2 per student.
- When: 2026–27 school year
- Time: Not listed on source
- Price: $16 per student; required chaperones and bus drivers free
- Ages: Pre-K–12
- Booking: Book through ZooTampa's field trip page.
⚠️ The zoo's site blocked automated reading. Details are from a search summary of the official field-trip page.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park · Tampa (Downtown / Riverwalk · City of Tampa)
Holiday lightsFree (per source)Opens Fri, Nov 20 · through Sun, Jan 3Good for little kids (2–4)City of Tampa
Downtown holiday village along the Tampa Riverwalk with seasonal sights, sounds and activities. Ice skating is extra: $17 per skater, $15 under 12, including skates and 75 minutes.
📅 Add the date range (Fri, Nov 20 – Sun, Jan 3)
- When: Nov 20, 2026–Jan 3, 2027
- Time: Not listed on source
- Price: Free to visit; skating $15–$17
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Florida State Parks Junior Ranger at Hillsborough River State Park
Hillsborough River State Park · Thonotosassa (Northeast Hillsborough · East & South Hillsborough)
Nature center, garden & parkFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)East & South Hillsborough
Free Junior Ranger program: pick up an activity kit from park staff and complete six core activities to earn a patch. Park entry is $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people), $4 for a single-occupant vehicle; open 8 a.m. to sundown daily.
- When: Daily
- Time: 8 a.m.–sundown
- Price: Program free; park entry $4–$6 per vehicle
- Ages: Kids
- Booking: Not listed on source
⚠️ Florida State Parks pages blocked automated reading. Details are from search summaries of the official pages.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Art on the House: Thursday nights at Tampa Museum of Art
Tampa Museum of Art · Tampa (Downtown / Riverwalk · City of Tampa)
MuseumFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementCity of Tampa
Pay-as-you-will admission every Thursday evening. Children 6 and under are always free.
- When: Thursdays
- Time: 4–8 p.m.
- Price: Pay as you will
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Tampa Riverwalk playgrounds and splash zones
Tampa Riverwalk · Tampa (Downtown / Riverwalk · City of Tampa)
Nature center, garden & parkFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)City of Tampa
Free waterfront path with parks along the way. Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park has two playgrounds and a splash zone; Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is the Riverwalk's main park.
- When: Daily
- Time: Not listed on source
- Price: Free
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Gingerbread Village at Glazer Children's Museum
Glazer Children's Museum · Tampa (Downtown · City of Tampa)
Seasonal & holiday eventPaidOpens Sun, Nov 1 · through Thu, Dec 31Good for little kids (2–4)City of Tampa
Families design and build gingerbread-inspired creations from recycled materials and add them to a growing winter village. Included with admission.
📅 Add the date range (Sun, Nov 1 – Thu, Dec 31)
- When: Nov 1–Dec 31, 2026 (closed Thanksgiving Day)
- Time: Tue–Sun 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Price: Included with admission ($27.95; Florida residents $22.95)
- Ages: Young kids
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Veterans Day Celebration at Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay · Tampa (North Tampa · City of Tampa)
Zoo & aquariumPrice not listedOpens Fri, Nov 6 · through Wed, Nov 11City of Tampa
Busch Gardens' Veterans Day celebration.
📅 Add the date range (Fri, Nov 6 – Wed, Nov 11)
- When: Nov 6–11, 2026
- Time: Not listed on source
- Price: See park page for veteran offers
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Wild Oasis Kids Weekend at Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay · Tampa (North Tampa · City of Tampa)
Zoo & aquariumPaidNext: Sat, Nov 7Good for little kids (2–4)City of Tampa
New kids' weekend at the park.
Upcoming dates: Sat, Nov 7, 2026; Sun, Nov 8, 2026
📅 Add a date to your calendar
- When: Sat Nov 7 and Sun Nov 8, 2026
- Time: Not listed on source
- Price: Included with park admission
- Ages: Kids
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay · Tampa (North Tampa · City of Tampa)
Holiday lightsPaidOpens Fri, Nov 13 · through Mon, Jan 4Good for little kids (2–4)City of Tampa
Holiday lights and Christmas celebration on select nights.
📅 Add the date range (Fri, Nov 13 – Mon, Jan 4)
- When: Select nights Nov 13, 2026–Jan 4, 2027
- Time: Not listed on source
- Price: Included with park admission
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Hyde Park Village Tree Lighting
Hyde Park Village · Tampa (South Tampa · City of Tampa)
Tree lightingPrice not listedNext: Thu, Nov 19Good for little kids (2–4)City of Tampa
Holiday tree lighting at Hyde Park Village (S. Dakota Ave. at Snow Ave.).
Upcoming dates: Thu, Nov 19, 2026
📅 Add to calendar
- When: Thu Nov 19, 2026
- Time: 5:30–8:30 p.m.
- Price: Not listed on source
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
⚠️ Date and time are from the City of Tampa special-event permit memo.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
The Nutcracker with Tampa City Ballet at Glazer Children's Museum
Glazer Children's Museum · Tampa (Downtown · City of Tampa)
Arts & performancePaidNext: Sat, Nov 21Good for little kids (2–4)City of Tampa
A 20-minute performance of scenes from The Nutcracker, then meet the dancers.
Upcoming dates: Sat, Nov 21, 2026
📅 Add to calendar
- When: Sat Nov 21, 2026
- Time: 1–2 p.m.
- Price: With museum admission
- Ages: Young kids
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Tampa YMCA Turkey Gobble
Channelside / Bayshore · Tampa (Downtown / Channelside · City of Tampa)
Run & walkPrice not listedNext: Thu, Nov 26City of Tampa
Thanksgiving morning 5K and 1-mile fun run.
Upcoming dates: Thu, Nov 26, 2026
📅 Add to calendar
- When: Thu Nov 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving)
- Time: 7–10 a.m.
- Price: Not listed on source
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Pre-registration required.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Christmas Lane in Plant City
Christmas Lane · Plant City
Holiday lightsPaidOpens Fri, Nov 27 · through Thu, Dec 24Good for little kids (2–4)East & South Hillsborough
Walk-through holiday lights event. Free parking. Tickets go on sale Nov 1.
📅 Add the date range (Fri, Nov 27 – Thu, Dec 24)
- When: Thu–Sun Nov 27–Dec 13, then nightly Dec 17–24, 2026
- Time: 6–10 p.m. (Christmas Eve 6–8 p.m.)
- Price: $12 ages 13+; $10 ages 4–12 (tax included)
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Santa Meet & Greet at Glazer Children's Museum
Glazer Children's Museum · Tampa (Downtown · City of Tampa)
Seasonal & holiday eventPaidNext: Sat, Nov 28Good for little kids (2–4)City of Tampa
Meet and play with Santa, with storytime in the morning followed by a craft. A sensory-friendly Santa Meet & Greet runs Sun Nov 29, 8–11 a.m., during Sunshine Sunday.
Upcoming dates: Sat, Nov 28, 2026; Sat, Dec 19, 2026; Mon, Dec 21, 2026
📅 Add a date to your calendar
- When: Sat Nov 28, Sat Dec 19, Mon Dec 21, 2026
- Time: Nov 28 and Dec 19: 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.; Dec 21: noon–3 p.m.
- Price: With museum admission
- Ages: Young kids
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa
ZooTampa at Lowry Park · Tampa (North Tampa · City of Tampa)
Holiday lightsPrice not listedOpens Fri, Dec 4 · through Wed, Dec 30Good for little kids (2–4)City of Tampa
Evening holiday lights event at the zoo. Members-only nights Nov 27–28.
📅 Add the date range (Fri, Dec 4 – Wed, Dec 30)
- When: Dec 4–6, 11–13, 18–23 and 26–30, 2026 (members only Nov 27–28)
- Time: 4–10 p.m. (Dec 26–30: 4–9 p.m.)
- Price: Not listed on source
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
⚠️ The zoo's site blocked automated reading. Dates are from a search summary of the official event page.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Santa Fest, Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and downtown · Tampa (Downtown / Riverwalk · City of Tampa)
ParadeFree (per source)Next: Sat, Dec 5Good for little kids (2–4)City of Tampa
The city's holiday festival downtown, with a holiday parade and the evening tree lighting at Curtis Hixon Park.
Upcoming dates: Sat, Dec 5, 2026
📅 Add to calendar
- When: Sat Dec 5, 2026
- Time: Parade 1 p.m.; tree lighting 6 p.m.
- Price: Free
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
⚠️ The date is from the City of Tampa Parks permit memo. Times are from Tampa Live News; the city's event page still showed 2025.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Brandon Parade of Lights
Oakfield Drive, Brandon · Brandon
ParadeFree (per source)Next: Sat, Dec 12Good for little kids (2–4)East & South Hillsborough
Evening lighted holiday parade along Oakfield Dr. from near S. Lakewood Dr. to Vonderburg Dr.
Upcoming dates: Sat, Dec 12, 2026
📅 Add to calendar
- When: Sat Dec 12, 2026
- Time: 5:30 p.m.
- Price: Free
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Holiday Lighted Boat Parade on the Tampa Riverwalk
Tampa Riverwalk · Tampa (Downtown / Riverwalk · City of Tampa)
ParadeFree (per source)Next: Sat, Dec 19Good for little kids (2–4)City of Tampa
Lighted boats parade along the Hillsborough River from near Sparkman Wharf to Armature Works. Watch free from the Riverwalk.
Upcoming dates: Sat, Dec 19, 2026
📅 Add to calendar
- When: Sat Dec 19, 2026
- Time: 6:15 p.m.
- Price: Free to watch
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Lettuce Lake Conservation Park
Lettuce Lake Conservation Park · Tampa (USF area · North & West Hillsborough)
Nature center, garden & parkPaidOngoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)North & West Hillsborough
Popular county park on the Hillsborough River floodplain: hardwood swamp forest, a paved trail and wooded picnic areas. (Kayak launch and rentals closed during reconstruction.)
- When: Daily
- Time: Fall/winter 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Price: $2 per vehicle, cash only (up to 8 people)
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Tampa Bay History Center
Tampa Bay History Center · Tampa (Channel District / Riverwalk · City of Tampa)
History & historic sitePaidOngoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)City of Tampa
Regional history museum on the Riverwalk with 90,000 artifacts and the Touchton Map Library. SNAP/EBT cardholders get free admission for themselves plus three guests.
- When: Daily
- Time: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Price: $18.95 adults; $14.95 ages 7–17; 6 and under free
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
USF Botanical Gardens
USF Botanical Gardens · Tampa (USF area · North & West Hillsborough)
Nature center, garden & parkPaidOngoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)North & West Hillsborough
University botanical garden open to the public. Kids 12 and under free. Card payment only.
- When: Tuesday–Sunday
- Time: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Price: $5; kids 12 and under free
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park and nature center
Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park · Tampa (Oldsmar line · North & West Hillsborough)
Nature center, garden & parkPaidOngoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)North & West Hillsborough
County conservation park with a nature center, trails and bay views.
- When: Daily
- Time: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Price: $2 per vehicle
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.