SCHOOL DAY PLAY

School-Day Play for Toddlers story and photos by Ciarra Johnson

Big kids may be back in school, but littles need activities too! Here are some fun weekday activities to keep your preschooler busy in Tampa Bay:

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TODDLER TIME AT THE LIBRARY

Toddler time at your local public library is a great way to get out and have a good time. Times and days of the week vary by location. Almost every branch in the Tampa Bay area offers some sort of programming for toddlers like story time, baby yoga, and more!

ALTITUDE TRAMPOLINE PARK

Get the wiggles out at Altitude Trampoline Park’s Junior Jumpers program. Kids 6 and under jump for $9.99 Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WE ROCK THE SPECTRUM KID’S GYM

Take your busy tot to open play at We Rock the Spectrum. Make the most of their sensory toys, zip line, trampoline and swings, all inside so they can play no matter the weather. Memberships are available. Kids 1-12 are $12 with a $2 discount for siblings.

AQUATOTS AT FLORIDA AQUARIUM

Make the aquarium your toddler’s classroom with an Aquatots class. Each class is $15, or $12 for members. Classes are designed for kids ages 3 through 5. flaquarium.org

TODDLER TUESDAYS AT ZOO TAMPA

Head to ZooTampa the first Tuesday of each month for Toddler Tuesdays. Each month, explore a new letter and learn how it fits into the animal kingdom. zootampa.org

HUMANE SOCIETY OF TAMPA BAY’S PETS AND TOTS

Enjoy story time and hands-on activities while visiting with furry friends at Pets & Tots. The class is offered once a month and is one hour long. Kids up to 4 years old are welcome and the cost is $20 per family. hstb.givecloud.co/petstots

LEARN AND PLAY TAMPA BAY

Kids up to 5 years old can participate in this engaging and educational program hosted at sites throughout Hillsborough County at no cost. The in-person play sessions are 10:15-11:45 a.m. each weekday at various locations. glazermuseum.org

SESAME STREET SAFARI OF FUN AT BUSCH GARDENS

Use that preschool pass you snagged for your toddler and head to Busch Gardens’ Sesame Street Safari of Fun. Splash, catch a show, ride toddler-friendly rides and experience all the animals Busch Gardens has to offer. buschgardens.com

BABY BUNGALOW

Join a playgroup based on your toddler’s age at Baby Bungalow. Classes are designed to engage your toddler while you learn alongside them and other caregivers. cfctb.org

MINI AND ME NEW TAMPA

Learn, craft, explore and more with your toddler at Mini and Me in New Tampa. Classes vary throughout the week and are broken up by age group. Classes start at $19, with multi-class and sibling discounts available. miniandmenewtampa.com

We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym Florida Aquarium Toddler Tuesdays at ZooTampa