Family Activities In West-Central Florida
If you’re wondering if West-Central Florida is a good place to bring the family, it is! Whether you’re just coming with a significant other or with a large group, there are lots of activities for everyone in the family to enjoy!
Here, we’ll touch on a few of the best family activities to do in each city and you can also click on each city for more activities and a deeper dive in each location.
Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is a great spot to take the family. If you’re looking for high-rise resorts or theme park rides, Anna Maria Island probably won’t be your cup of tea!
But the island is filled with water adventures, waterfront restaurants, and soft-sand beaches, making this an amazing slice of paradise.
My favorite parts of Anna Maria Island are getting on the water, whether it’s a kayaking trip around the mangroves, or taking a dolphin tour around Longboat Key.
Here are three adventures on the north end of the island, but as you’ll see on the Anna Maria Island family activities page, there are unique adventures in all three cities of the island.
Bean Point
Bayfront Park
Rod & Reel Pier
Clearwater Beach
From fun activities for kids such as Memo’s Pirate Cruise and the Clearwater Aquarium, Clearwater Beach is an awesome choice for family activities in West-Central Florida.
There’s also Pier 60 and the main public beach at the heart of Clearwater Beach. Catch the sunset at the pier and visit many of the parks in the area, from Sand Key Park to Caladesi Island to Honeymoon Island State Park.
Pier 60
Clearwater Aquarium
Captain Memos Pirate Cruise
Sarasota
If you’re looking to get up close with dolphins and other wildlife, head out on a kayaking adventure along mangroves, or see some awesome attractions, Sarasota is the perfect place for activities with the family!
Head over to Siesta Key and relax at Siesta Beach or Turtle Beach, or grab some food around Siesta Village. You can also go shopping at St Armand’s or catch the sunset at Lido Beach.
Circus Sarasota
Ringling Museum of Art
St Pete
Whether it’s watersports, shopping, or waterfront restaurants at John’s Pass, or just spending a day in Pass-A-Grille, St Pete Beach is a great choice for adventures with the family.
Be sure to visit downtown St Petersburg for museums, art galleries, and of course the 3,000-foot-long St Pete Pier, which is filled with kids’ activities, restaurants, and bars.
John’s Pass
Pass-A-Grille
St. Pete Pier
Tampa
Tampa, Florida is a nice place for families with attractions such as Busch Gardens, Zoo Tampa, and The Florida Aquarium!
Visitors also love to spend time at Tampa Riverwalk or Ben T. Davis Beach, and there are activities such as museums and zip line adventures that the family will love.
Tampa Zoo
Busch Gardens
Florida Aquarium