Spring Break STAYcation 2022: We live where the world comes to play, so you don’t have to go too far to find an epic family adventure in Tampa Bay! If you’re sticking around town for spring break, or maybe just looking for something new to do around town this spring, we’re sharing some our favorite things to do in Tampa Bay with the kids.
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OUR FAVORITE BEACHES:
It’s a great time to check out some really cool exhibits, some of which are only here for a limited time.
Some of the world’s top beaches are right here in Tampa Bay. Here are our favorite family-friendly ones where you can soak up the sun—with plenty of sunscreen, of course!
DinoVentures at The Bishop in Bradenton: On exhibit through March 18, 2022
Caladesi Island via Honeymoon Island: You can only access Caladesi Island via a 10-minute ride on the Caladesi Island Ferry from Honeymoon Island, but it’s worth it! The beaches are pristine, and while Caladesi seems remote, there are beach chairs and umbrellas to rent as well as bathroom and shower facilities and a snack bar.
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The Bishop is also offering Spring Break Science Camp March 14-18. “Dino Discovery” is for kids ages 7-11 and will give curious explorers a week of games, crafts, experiments and access to The Bishop’s exhibitions — all focused on dinosaurs! Visit bishopscience.org/science-camp to register.
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For this perfect day trip, head south to beautiful Bradenton for a chance to come face to snout with 27 lifelike animatronic dinosaurs at this outdoor exhibit at The Bishop. Creator Don Lessums dedicated himself to creating the most realistic looking and sounding dinosaurs as possible. DinoVenture is The Bishop’s first fully bilingual exhibit, offering displays in both English and Spanish. Buy a ticket to view just the exhibit or a combo to check out the museum as well! While you’re there, enjoy downtown Bradenton or stop by nearby Anna Maria Public Beach.
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St. Pete Beach: St. Pete Beach was rated #1 in the United States by Trip Advisor in 2021, and it’s easy to see why! It’s not only home to the picturesque Pink Palace, The Don Cesar, but also beautiful white sandy beaches like Pass-a-Grille, which is super family-friendly. If you want something even more rustic and less traveled, consider a ferry ride from the Merry Pier on the Shell Key shuttle to Shell Key.
Fairgrounds St. Pete: Permanent This whimsical wonderland is a collection of artistic works by more than 60 artists. An immersive art exhibit like you’ve never seen, heard or even smelled before, Fairgrounds St. Pete celebrates all that is weird and wacky about Florida. Choose your own adventure experience: You can simply walk through and enjoy the scenery or try to solve the mystery laid out before you.
‘Big League Fun’ at Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa: On exhibit through May 15, 2022
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Let’s play ball! Big League Fun is an interactive, hands-on exhibit where kids (and kids at heart) can put their baseball skills to the test and learn all about the world of baseball while learning some math and science too! The exhibit got a thumbs up from Kevin Kiermaier of the Tampa Bay Rays and his family—see our INSIDE LOOK.
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Venice Beach: Further south of Tampa Bay is Venice Beach—the Shark Tooth Capital of the World! A perfect day trip from Tampa Bay, you can rent shark tooth hunting gear at shops on the beach, like Sharky’s at the Pier. According to the Fossil Guy, the best spots here to find shark teeth are between Casey Key to the north and Manasota Key to the south.
“Picasso and the Allure of the South” features 79 of Picasso’s works along with many pieces that have been on display in the United States. We recommend downloading The Dali’s app to access guided tours. Advance reservations are required. Once you’ve explored The Dali museum and the gardens, head over to the St. Pete Pier to play or explore the St. Pete Museum of History, Museum of Fine Arts or The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art.
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TampaBayParenting.com MARCH 2022
Clearwater Beach: Clearwater Beach is the obvious mention because there are so many things to do while enjoying the beautiful white sand beach! Pier 60 always has something going on and there are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby to explore, like one of our favorites, Frenchy’s Rockaway Grille. Stop by Clearwater Marine Aquarium or explore the area on the Jolley Trolley with multiple stops around Clearwater Beach. Kids 8 and younger ride for free. Check out clearwaterjolleytrolley.com to learn more!
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Picasso at The Dali in St. Pete: On exhibit through May 22, 2022
Fort DeSoto North Beach: If you’re looking for more beach and less touristy stuff, Fort De Soto’s North Beach is your best bet, and has plenty of parking and bathroom facilities. We also love walking the area of the Fort before heading to the beach area of the state park, and we like that we can find plenty of parking and bathroom facilities as well. You can access Egmont Key via ferry ride from the Fishing Pier at Fort De Soto Park and enjoy walking or biking along the seven miles of paved trails.
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Want to explore MORE Florida beaches? We’re sharing some top picks.
