Tampa in 2 Days for Families - The Florida Aquarium — indoor tanks + touch experiences
A gentle, family-paced 2-day itinerary for families with young children. Combines interactive indoor stops (great for naps and changing), shaded outdoor play, short transfers, and flexible meal choices. Planned for March (Spring) with milder weather and plenty of daylight.
Highlights
- The Florida Aquarium — indoor tanks + touch experiences
- Glazer Children's Museum — hands-on exhibits for ages 1–10
- Tampa Riverwalk & Curtis Hixon Park — stroller-friendly play and splash areas
- ZooTampa at Lowry Park — animal encounters and playgrounds
- Lettuce Lake Park — easy boardwalk nature walk
Itinerary
Day 1
Downtown & Channelside: aquarium, kid's museum, Riverwalk and an early evening in historic Ybor City.
The Florida Aquarium — indoor family-friendly marine exhibits
Start the day exploring the aquarium's large indoor galleries, touch pools, and shaded outdoor splash/sea turtle rehab viewing. Good for ages 0–10; stroller-friendly routes and dedicated family restrooms with changing tables.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive at opening to avoid midday school-group crowds and to catch active animal displays; parking is available at nearby public garages if you prefer covered parking.
- Stroller hack: there is elevator access at the main entrance and wide routes through galleries — bring a compact stroller for easier maneuvering around touch tanks.
- Facilities: family restrooms and changing tables are on-site; nurse/quiet-friendly spaces are available near the admissions area if a toddler needs a calm break.
Short transfer: Drive/walk to Sparkman Wharf (Channelside)
Quick 15–30 minute transfer depending on traffic; use this buffer for a diaper change or snack prep.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan for restroom/diaper stop before leaving the aquarium — this reduces a stop during the short transfer and arrival chaos.
- If you have a stroller, fold it for easier seating at Sparkman Wharf vendors; there are ramps and level walkways when you arrive.
- Traffic note: afternoon events can make Channelside busier—this transfer window gives a little extra cushion to avoid stress.
Lunch at Sparkman Wharf — flexible food-hall options (kid-friendly vendors)
Outdoor seating with shade, mix of vendors so picky eaters or allergy needs are easy to accommodate. High-chair availability varies by vendor; many offer kids' plates or shareable sides.
Tips from local experts:
- Allergy-friendly: choose a vendor with made-to-order bowls/pizzas so you can manage restrictions; staff are used to accommodating families.
- Seating tip: pick a shaded table near the playground-like areas so kids can snack and run safely while you eat.
- Stroller parking: keep a compact stroller folded near your seating area; the Wharf has flat, stroller-friendly walkways but limited room at popular vendors.
Short transfer: Walk/drive to Glazer Children's Museum
15-minute transfer to the museum area — built-in buffer for a toddler snack or short rest.
Tips from local experts:
- There are public restrooms near the Riverwalk if anyone needs a last-minute change before the museum (less crowded than inside the museum at peak times).
- If walking, use the Riverwalk path for a flatter stroller-friendly route; bring light layers in March (mornings can be cool).
- Parking: if driving, use nearby garages on a weekday to avoid metered street parking.
Glazer Children's Museum — interactive play for toddlers and young kids
Hands-on galleries designed for ages 0–10 with sensory, art and water-play areas (water exhibits have splash zones; bring a spare outfit for little ones). Museum has family restrooms, nursing/quiet room, and stroller parking.
Tips from local experts:
- Recommended ages: best for toddlers through early elementary (approx. 1–8 years); exhibits are safe for younger children but supervise water-play sections.
- Stroller parking: there is a designated area; bring a lightweight blanket for a quick rest in the nursing/quiet room if a child needs a nap.
- Mid-afternoon tip: the museum quiet room and sensory-friendly hours (check front desk) are helpful if your child needs a low-stimulation break.
Snack & play break at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park — playground & shaded lawns
Short outdoor break beside the Riverwalk with open lawns, a toddler playground, and seasonal splash elements (great mid-afternoon calm before a short stroll).
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a small blanket and water — the shaded lawns are perfect for a calm snack and quick rest or micro-nap for younger kids.
- Restroom note: there are family restrooms nearby; check the park restroom map if you have a stroller to avoid narrow facility entries.
- Quiet time: the lawn and playground are open and not usually crowded in mid-afternoon during March — good time for toddlers who need to run.
Tampa Riverwalk stroller-friendly stroll
Gentle walk along the Riverwalk to enjoy views and public art. Easy, flat surface; pause at shaded benches or playground features.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller route: the Riverwalk is paved and smooth — great for jogger or umbrella strollers; avoid rush-hour times when bike traffic increases.
- Shade & photo spot: stop near the Teco Line streetcar bridge for a shaded bench and a family photo with skyline views.
- Safety: keep water and sunscreen handy in March afternoons as the sun can feel stronger than the temperature suggests.
Transfer to Ybor City (short drive) — historic evening neighborhood
Drive to Ybor for an early family-friendly dinner and a quieter evening stroll through the brick streets.
Tips from local experts:
- Parking tip: park in one of the municipal lots near 7th Avenue for easy access to restaurants with short walks and stroller-friendly sidewalks.
- Timing: an earlier dinner (around 5–5:30 PM) reduces wait times and louder crowds — good for younger children.
- Nap buffer: this transfer is a good window for a calm car-seat nap if your child needs one before dinner.
Dinner at Columbia Restaurant — family-friendly Spanish/Floridian classics
Historic restaurant in Ybor with a children's menu, high chairs, and flexible dining options for common allergies. Early dinner recommended to avoid late-evening crowds.
Tips from local experts:
- Kid-friendly: ask for the children's menu and high chairs; staff are experienced with families and can simplify portions or adjust sides for allergies.
- Seating tip: request a table away from the main bandstand if your child is sensitive to noise; an earlier seating is usually quieter.
- Historic charm: let kids look at the restored tile and photos — a short history talk can be a fun low-key activity while waiting for food.
Evening family stroll in Ybor City (short, stroller-friendly)
A gentle walk to finish the night—brick streets, window-shopping and a calm end to day one before heading back to accommodation.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller note: sidewalks are mostly stroller-friendly but watch for occasional uneven bricks; use the curb ramps where available.
- Ice-cream treat: pick a gelato or ice-cream spot with cups (easier for littles than cones) to cap the evening.
- Safety: Ybor is charming at dusk; stick to well-lit main streets (7th Avenue) and plan a short route to avoid overtiring little legs.
Day 2
Animals and nature: a full morning at ZooTampa, relaxed lunch and nap break, followed by a stroller-friendly boardwalk at Lettuce Lake and an easy dinner at Armature Works.
Transfer to ZooTampa at Lowry Park (morning drive)
Short drive from central Tampa to the zoo area; plan arrival near opening to enjoy cooler temperatures and active animal times.
Tips from local experts:
- Parking: ZooTampa has large parking areas near the entrance; choose a shaded spot if possible and mark it in your phone for easy return.
- Car-seat nap: the transfer is a good quiet window if your younger child prefers car naps — aim to arrive just before animals become most active.
- Bring layers: March mornings can be cool; pack a light jacket that can be tied around a stroller as the sun warms up.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park — animals, playgrounds, and train rides
Large zoo with family facilities, shaded walking paths, interactive feeding/meeting areas and a generous toddler playground. Great for ages 1–12. Plenty of restroom/changing facilities and nursing spaces.
Tips from local experts:
- Best for little ones: the Wallaroo Station and the kids' splash/playscape are perfect for toddlers; bring a spare outfit for water play.
- Stroller route: routes are mostly paved and stroller-accessible; use the map to plan a loop to minimize backtracking and long walks.
- Feeding/event tip: check the daily schedule at the guest services board; aim for the early morning talks which are usually less crowded and more engaging for kids.
Lunch break inside ZooTampa — quick, family-friendly options
Use the zoo's casual cafés for a kid-friendly lunch — quick service and familiar options mean less waiting and faster rest time.
Tips from local experts:
- Kid menus: choose family-oriented counters with kids' plates to keep hangry meltdowns minimal; most vendors have high chairs or bench seating.
- Allergy-aware: ask staff about ingredient lists — zoo cafes are used to accommodating simple substitutions.
- Quiet seating: look for shaded seating areas near the back of dining locales for calmer spaces to feed toddlers or take a short nap in a stroller.
Post-lunch rest / nap buffer (short drive or quiet spot)
A full hour buffer to accommodate a stroller nap, diaper needs, or car-seat rest before the afternoon nature walk.
Tips from local experts:
- If a child naps in the stroller, keep a light blanket and sun-cover handy — the zoo has quiet shaded corners near exits if you prefer to transfer for a calm rest.
- Use this time to reapply sunscreen and hydrate — March sun is mild but can be deceptive during active play.
- Snack prep: pack a small snack for post-nap re-fueling so you can move into Lettuce Lake without additional stops.
Lettuce Lake Park — stroller-friendly boardwalk & wildlife viewing
Quiet, shaded boardwalk over wetlands with easy walking and great bird/otter viewing. Ideal for ages 0–10 who enjoy nature discovery and short hikes.
Tips from local experts:
- Boardwalks are stroller-friendly (wide and level); wear comfortable shoes and bring binoculars for kids to spot birds and turtles.
- Bring insect repellent for late-afternoon visits and a small snack — the park has picnic tables if you want a calm family break.
- Restroom/changing note: there are restroom facilities at the park entry; plan diaper changes before longer boardwalk walks as stops are limited on the trail.
Transfer to Armature Works — easy evening venue by the Riverwalk
Short drive back toward downtown to Armature Works — an indoor/outdoor food hall with family-friendly vendors and comfortable seating.
Tips from local experts:
- Seating choices: many vendors offer family-style seating; look for covered indoor tables if a toddler needs a calm, quiet spot.
- Parking: there is nearby parking and easy stroller access from the Riverwalk — plan a short walk if you parked slightly farther for shade.
- Kid perks: many vendors have simple menu items for picky eaters and staff used to accommodating allergies or requests to replate with separate utensils.
Dinner & low-key play at Armature Works — flexible family dinner
Choose from varied vendors for individual preferences; spacious seating and often a grassy area for a short post-meal run. Good for winding down your last evening.
Tips from local experts:
- Timing tip: early dinner around 5 PM keeps noise and crowd levels low — great for younger children to eat calmly.
- High chairs & allergies: many vendors offer high chairs and can replate items for allergy concerns — ask proactively when ordering.
- Post-dinner: a short walk along the Riverwalk here is stroller-friendly and a nice calm end to the day before heading back to your lodging.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 2 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 5 |
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Total Activities | 12 |
| Total Places | 12 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Transfer, Meal, Break, Outdoor, Restaurant, Neighborhood |
