The busy city of Tampa offers a number of activities for adults and kids alike, and toddlers aren't left out of the fun. There are a number of creative and educational toddler activities in this seaside city that you and your tot can try if you are in the Bay area.
Lowry Park Zoo
The Lowry Park Zoo can provide for a fun day for a toddler while introducing them to the many different kinds of wildlife around the world. Head to the zoo for a day trip to observe the animals and bring a swimsuit for your toddler and you because the park boasts a kiddie water park for young ages. There are also educational programs, including ones for children ages 1 to 3 years in which toddlers attend a class five to three times a week and participate in zoo-themed activities such as hiking and animal watching, as well as classroom activities.
Lowry Park Zoo
1101 W. Sligh Avenue
Tampa, FL 33604
813-935-8552
www.lowryparkzoo.com
Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens is a popular attraction in Tampa that offers thrilling rides, wildlife habitats and activities for toddlers, too. The new Sesame Street Safari land boasts a child water park, Sesame Street shows and rides for young children. One idea is to bring along some extra help or go with a group of adults, and each adult can take turns going to enjoy some of the adult-appropriate attractions while the toddlers have a good time enjoying their favorite Sesame Street characters in the Sesame Street Safari land.
Busch Gardens
Post Office Box 9158
Tampa, FL 33674
888-800-5447
buschgardens.com/Bgt
Gymboree
Gymboree is a well-known learning center for early childhood learning that boasts a number of locations in the Tampa area. These centers offer classes for toddlers in areas such as music, arts and sports while allowing kids to learn social skills by interacting with other kids their age. You can sign up for a free class to try out some of the activities or enroll in a membership that will allow a number of classes each month that you and your toddler can enjoy.
Gymboree
14317 N. Dale Mabry Hwy
Tampa,Florida 33618
813-264-1123
www.gymboreeclasses.com
Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium is a place you can take your toddler to give her a glance at life under the sea. The aquarium is equipped with its own Explore the Shore water park geared toward young children that also has a café area where parents can sit a safe distance from the children and keep an eye on them as they play. There are also classes offered to toddlers that take place twice a week during which kids can enjoy crafts and other fun activities.
The Florida Aquarium
701 Channelside Drive
Tampa, Florida 33602
813-273-4000
www.flaquarium.org
The Beach
Take your toddler to one of Tampa's many beaches to show them some sunny fun. Bring along sand castle tools such as shovels and buckets and some water toys. Popular beaches include Reddington Pier and Clearwater beach. Make sure to pack safety precautions such as a life jacket if you plan to take them into the water and sunscreen made specifically for baby skin.
