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There are many fun things, from live music to picnic areas, from theme parks with roller coasters to the historic district, from warm water natural habitats full of local wildlife to water play areas there are a lot of free events to be enjoyed while exploring Tampa on a budget and listed below are some free things and attractions to consider when visiting the city.
Hillsborough River State Park Is A Great Place To Start Your Visit
15402 US-301, Thonotosassa, FL 33592
For a great way to spend the day picnicking in the picnic shelters, hiking, swimming, canoeing, wildlife viewing, or for an overnight camping adventure, Hillsborough State Park is the place to go.
Opened in 1938, this 3,000+ acre park with great scenic views has everything you need to spend the day, or night, enjoying Florida flora and fauna. Also located within the park is Fort Foster where you can observe personnel doing their duties as they might have been done in 1837.
Lowry Park Zoo Is One Of The Favorite Things To Do
1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
Lowry Park Zoo, established in the early 1930s on the banks of the Hillsborough River with only a small contingent of animals, today has more than 1600 residents. Over the years the 41-acre park was taken over and managed by the Zoological society.
Today, Lowry Park is recognized as one of the top three mid-sized zoos in the country. Well known for its Manatee viewing center, rescue, and rehabilitation facility, the natural habitat zoo of marine life is also home to endangered species, great cats, an extensive aviary enclosure, and reptiles. Rides, shops, and restaurants are located within the park.
Adventure Island Is Full Of Unique Attractions
10001 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612
At Adventure Island, plan on spending the day tubing and rafting at this fantastic water park. Take a ride on the Calypso Coaster as you cascade down the flume on an inner tube. At Endless Surf, ride the 5-foot high waves in this 17,000 sq. foot pool. For a little relaxation, grab a tube and meander down the Rambling Bayou for a half-mile trip through the Rain Forest and waterfalls.
Museum of Science and Industry
4801 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33617
The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) offers a full schedule of activities and art galleries. There are ongoing exhibits including the flight simulator and the Gulf Coast Hurricane, interactive rides, a bio-works butterfly garden, hands-on science projects, a planetarium where you use the telescopes to search the sky, and the IMAX theatre.
At the Galaxy Cafe and Shop, you’ll find video games, large screen tv with sci-fi videos, an internet cafe, and great food selections.
Tampa Museum of Art
120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602
Located along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa is the Tampa Museum of Art. The museum’s permanent collection contains 4,500 objects. Featured pieces are Greek and Roman antiquities along with modern contemporary pieces including sculpture, paintings, decorative arts, and photography. Closed Monday.
Housed in the 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel, a National Historic Landmark is the Henry B. Plant Museum. The hotel is now the University of Tampa and is a splendid example of Moorish architecture. The museum has on display numerous antiquities, European furniture, and art treasures from the Gilded Age that were brought in by rail to decorate the hotel.
You will take a step back to Victorian times and see what life was like and the opulence afforded to tourists near the turn of the century.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel And Casino
1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, FL 33314
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is a true adventure for the gambling enthusiast. This 90,000 square feet casino features more than 1,800 gaming machines and 50 tables of live-action poker, Texas Hold’em, and more. Take a break and visit the hotel restaurant and bar. Enjoy live entertainment, revues, and the total nightclub experience at this all-in-one-stop Tampa attraction.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay For The Nature Lovers
10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612
A major attraction in Tampa is Busch Gardens. A full day is needed to experience all the park and nature preserve have to offer. Visit the great apes up close and personal, observe the infamous white lions, and take a ride out on the Serengeti plain to view wildlife in natural surroundings.
Be entertained by the numerous shows, both wildlife, and human, and be prepared to ride the rides! The newest roller coaster, SheiKra, is opening in May and promises to be exhilarating and is touted as the tallest Florida coaster. There are plenty of souvenir shops and twenty restaurants that reside inside the park from fine dining to casual.
Florida Aquarium
For aquatic adventure, a visit to the Florida Aquarium will fill the bill. Located in the Channelside district near downtown Tampa, the aquarium has many interactive things to do including diving with the sharks (must be certified), swimming with the fishes and sea turtles, or taking an eco-tour aboard a 64-foot catamaran, Bay Spirit.
More than 10,000 aquatic plants and animals reside at the aquarium and including species from around the world. Visit the Wetlands and coral reefs and the No Bone Zone designed especially for the younger folks. Cafe Ray offers casual waterside dining.
Ybor City Home Of The Cigar Factory
Famous for its authentic Spanish restaurants and rich history and culture, Ybor City is rich in history. Originally the cigar industry center, today the historic city offers a thriving business venue for nightclubs, restaurants, and businesses.
Historic buildings house many restaurants and museums. Cafes and specialty shops offer everything from handmade cigars to Cuban coffee. The Ybor City Museum covers the history of Ybor and offers a walking tour (90 minutes)of the city at Centro Ybor, you’ll find more restaurants, shopping, and retailers, and is anchored by Movico 20 for the best in movie entertainment.
The Best Things For Kids
Tampa is the second largest metropolitan area in the state of Florida, also known as the Tampa Bay region, a four-county area. It lies on the west coast of the state near the Gulf of Mexico.
There are many interesting and educational places in the city of Tampa and its surrounding communities to take your children. Learning is all part of exploring and viewing, so take advantage of this city whether it’s your home or vacation spot.
Glazer Children’s Museum
110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602
If you are in the south end of the city, visit Glazer Children’s Museum with over 170 interactive activity centers covering 12 themes. Kids and parents can play alike, whether you pretend to be an airline pilot and fly a plane, slide down a fireman’s pole, or doctor a sick pet as a veterinarian.
There is so much to do at this venue with two floors of themed pods. Plan on spending the day, as your kiddo won’t want to leave this fun world of play.
Dinosaur World Is The Perfect Place For Kids
5145 Harvey Tew Rd, Plant City, FL 33565
Heading due east of Tampa you can visit Dinosaur World in Plant City. Most little ones and big kids too will love the gigantic figures of dinosaurs arranged in groups nestled among their native vegetation. They are so realistic that your little paleontologist will be shouting T-Rex all throughout the visit.
Take time to partake in a fossil dig included in your admission. Children ages 3 to 12 can dig for fossils, such as Shark teeth, dinosaur bone fragments, and precious stones, and keep three to take home as a memento of the visit.
Final Thoughts on Exploring Tampa on a Budget
As you can see, Tampa has plenty of exciting things to do that won’t break the bank. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy without spending a fortune.
By taking advantage of free attractions, exploring the city’s beautiful parks and beaches, and trying out affordable local eats, you can have a memorable time all while exploring Tampa on a budget. So go ahead and plan your next adventure in this vibrant city without any financial worries!
