7 Best Kids Attractions – Clearwater FL
Let’s be real. Family vacations are all about keeping the kids happy. So let’s give them what they want! If you are planning a family vacation, you really should consider the western coast of Florida. The state is internationally known for its famous amusement parks. However, there is so much more going on around the Tampa Bay area.
There are tons of venues, attractions, events, and locations that are much more ideal than the big tourist traps. Save some serious money, teach your
kids a thing or two, and enjoy all of Florida’s natural beauty. Here are just a few of the great family-friendly attractions around Clearwater.
Celebration Station
Celebration Station has it all. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a child’s dream activity that can’t be found here! Some of the highlights include batting cages, bumper boats, go-karts, laser tag, mini-golf, mechanical rides, and arcade games.
24546 US 19N
Clearwater, Florida
(727) 791-1799
Hours:
Sunday – Thursday, 11am – 9pm
Friday, 11am – 11pm
Saturday, 10am – 11pm
Caladesi Island State Park
Florida has a ton of beaches. Some are more popular than others. If you are looking for a family-friendly beach, you’ll probably want to stay away from the spring break hotspots.
Caladesi Island State Park might be the perfect hideaway for your family. It is one of the few completely natural islands in Florida. The white sand beaches helped Caladesi Island earn the ranking of America’s Best Beach in 2008. Your family can engage in some swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, fishing, hiking or kayaking. Plus, there are plenty of picnic tables and shelter houses. Check the website for more information about transportation (the island is only accessible via boat or ferry).
1 Causeway Blvd
Dunedin, FL
(727) 469-5918
Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise
A day with Captain Memo is like a child’s dream come true. Set sail on a pirate cruise and experience all the adventures you’d expect from life as an outlaw – steel band music, dolphin sightings, face painting, water gun games, theatrical shows, treasure hunts, and more. This activity is perfect for the entire family. Food and beverages are even available to all sailors. Check the website for a $2 discount.
25 Causeway Blvd,
Clearwater, FL
(727) 446-2587
Tampa Bay Grand Prix
This European-style indoor Grand Prix go-kart venue is awe-inspiring. Bring the whole family out to Tampa Bay Grand Prix for a few laps around the ¼ mile track. You’ll find both adult and junior karts available.
12350 Automobile Blvd
Clearwater, FL
(727) 527-8464
Hours:
Monday – Thursday, 11am – 10pm
Friday, 11am – 11pm
Saturday, 10am – Midnight
Sunday, 11am – 8pm
Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary
Ready to see some of Florida’s wildlife up close and personal? The Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary is the largest wild bird hospital and sanctuary in the US. Every day, there are more than 600 birds living at the sanctuary that has been rescued, are going through rehabilitation, and hope to be returned to the wild soon.
18328 Gulf Blvd
Indian Rocks Beach, FL
(727) 391-6211
Hours:
365 days a year, 9 am to Sunset
Big Cat Rescue
The wildlife adventure isn’t over yet. In fact, you can stand three feet away from a leopard! Trek over to Tampa for the Big Cat Rescue. Daily walking tours take visitors around the park to meet more than 100 exotic cats from 15 different species.
12802 Easy St.
Tampa, FL
(813) 920-4130
Dunedin Fine Art Center
When you are ready to seek shelter from the sun and sand, check out the Dunedin Fine Art Center. One local called it the artistic equivalent of a village square. The year-round exhibits feature work from national, regional, and local artists.
In conjunction with the Dunedin, Fine Art Center is the Children’s Art Museum. You’ll find 15 studio classrooms, ready to teach children and adults about jewelry making, glass blowing, painting, stone carving, and more.
1143 Michigan Blvd
Dunedin, FL
(727) 298-3322
Hours:
Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm
Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Sunday, 1pm – 4pm
Final Word
Clearwater is a hidden gem along the Tampa Bay coast. If you are seeking the perfect getaway for your family while enjoying the culture, climate, and festivities of the Sunshine State, consider Clearwater, Florida. You (and more importantly – the kids!) won’t be disappointed.