Beach days are a dream, but sometimes it’s fun to mix it up! In addition to our beautiful beaches, the St. Pete and Tampa Bay area has an incredible variety of unique water activities for families to experience. As a parent of two, and creator of Sunshine City with Kids, I have made it our mission to explore all of the fun adventures in and around the Burg. So pack up a lunch, grab your sun protection (we love our quick drying and chemical free sun shirts from ShapeShifter Fish and Friends), and get ready for your next family adventure!
Eco and wildlife boat tours
Explore our local waters with Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center! Hop aboard a USCG-certified eco-vessel alongside expert marine science educators almost any day of the week! Experience marine wildlife up close on an eco boat tour, dolphin tour, sunset tour, or sand bar snorkeling excursion. Enjoy views of Tampa Bay and tell your kids to keep their eyes peeled for dolphins, manatees, stingrays, birds, and more!
Kayak to Shell Key
Rent a kayak or bring your own! We recommend launching near Pinellas Bayway Kayak Launch on Tierra Verde. From this location, you can safely kayak west to Shell Key through the shallow protected preserve waters. This is an easy paddle for beginners or parents with kids in tow! The distance to the South Public Use Area of the island from this launch is about 1.5 miles. You can stop and explore the mangrove islands along the way, or head straight to Shell Key for your island getaway with the family!
Enjoy a day fishing at Fort De Soto
Whether from a boat, a pier, or by land, Fort De Soto State Park is known for its epic fishing. With the opportunity to catch both shallow and deep water species, it is a great spot for beginner fishermen and one of the most family-friendly fishing spots you can find. Fort De Soto requires all fishermen to have a saltwater fishing license. Fishing licenses are available online at myfwc.com/license.
Take a day trip to a Florida Spring
St. Pete is located at the very end of the Florida Springs concentration, but you can still find numerous crystal clear springs within 50 miles of the Burg. Pack up a lunch, sun protection (we love our quick drying and chemical free sun shirts from ShapeShifter Fish and Friends), and take a quick day trip to a nearby spring! Three of the closest springs to St. Pete include Lithia Springs, Chassahowitzka, and Weeki Wachee!
Enjoy a waterfront picnic
My kids will never say no to a picnic and I will never not enjoy spending time by the water. We often combine the two at one of St. Pete’s many beautiful waterfront parks or beaches. One of our favorite spots is the Secret Garden on Upham Beach. With tables, chairs, shade, lush gardens, and water views, it’s a magical way to enjoy a meal with your family.
Spend the day at Pinellas County’s ONLY water park
Did you even know that Pinellas County had a waterpark? Splash Harbour on Indian Rocks Beach is a small but mighty water park with everything you need for a perfect day of family fun. They offer slides, pools, water features, cabanas, 2 restaurants, a bar, ice cream, and my favorite – a lazy river!
Have a Daycation with a Local Resort Pass
Remember – St. Pete is where people vacation! Opportunities for adventure, novelty, and relaxation are all around us. Numerous local hotels and resorts offer day passes that allow you and your family to use all of their amenities, just like you’re on holiday! We enjoy the day pass at the Don Cesar on St. Pete Beach. Enjoy a cocktail by the pool, snack from the on-site restaurant, and soak in quality -EASY- family time.
ADVERTISEMENT
