Clearwater Kids Activities: 7 Places to Play, Learn, Explore

Family-friendly Clearwater, Florida, has consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the U.S. by TripAdvisor. And with so many Clearwater kids activities and places to explore, it’s no surprise that families flock from all over to vacation in this award-winning destination. From amusement parks to living history museums, kids will not only have fun but also learn in new ways. Read on for the top Clearwater kids activities.

Add These 7 Clearwater Kids Activities to Your Must List

Let Busch Gardens Thrill You

Located in nearby Tampa, about 25 miles from Clearwater, parents will find Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. This popular theme park features rides, live shows and animals, providing kids an action-packed day of fun and adventure.

Parents and kids alike can ride more than 15 roller coasters, all offering different speeds and thrills. Other Clearwater kids activities at Busch Gardens Tampa include up-close encounters with animals and shows such as Iceploration and Opening Night Critters.

Celebrate at Celebration Station

For a day full of fun, visit Celebration Station Entertainment Complex. This park houses arcade games, batting cages, bumper boats and go-karts, laser tag, mini-golf, and amusement rides for younger children.

Families of four can take advantage of the family deal, which includes pizza, drinks and four all-day play passes. Celebration Station also has daily deals, ranging from half-price game days to Friday and Saturday late-night ride discounts. Additionally, there’s no reason to leave the park for a meal, as the on-site restaurant serves sandwiches, pizza, burgers, tacos and more.

See Stars at Clearwater Marine Aquarium

One of the top attractions in the area, Clearwater Marine Aquarium hosts year-round entertainment for the whole family. The facility works to preserve the environment and help conservation efforts as they rescue, rehabilitate, and release marine life. Kids will find more than 12 exhibits that showcase marine life and conservation practices. Must-sees include otter oasis, turtle bayou, shark pass and sea cavern, to name a few.

In addition to exhibits, Clearwater Marine Aquarium is also home to Winter and Hope, two dolphin movie stars from a Dolphin Tale and Dolphin Tale 2. That’s right, kids can see these real-life marine celebrities and where the movies were filmed. Guests can also get up-close-and-personal with the dolphins and purchase their own movie posters to take home.

Watch a Baseball Game

Join thousands of fans and watch the Clearwater Threshers, a minor league baseball team that plays at Brighthouse Field. This family-friendly ballpark hold 8,500 fans and features a tiki-hut pavilion, group picnic areas, and a children’s play area.

The team has ranked as a top team in the area and helped set the second-highest attendance record at the park. After the game, head over to the Threshers souvenir store and Diamond Outfitters for collectibles and apparel.

Step Back in Time

Heritage Village ranks as one of the top free things to do in Clearwater and is educational fun for all ages. This 21-acre open-air living history museum showcases more than 30 historic structures, including a school, church, firehouse and railroad depot. One main attraction is the Pinellas County Historical Museum, which showcases exhibits on agriculture, community and coastal living, and tourism.

Kids also enjoy seeing people in period dress perform live demonstrations in weaving, gardening, rope making and blacksmithing. Heritage Village also hosts Clearwater kids activities throughout the year, where guests celebrate the best in local arts and crafts, food, and music.

Stroll Pier 60

Families looking for outdoor fun and adventure should visit Pier 60. This 1,080-foot pier ranks as a fishing hot spot, which is a popular activity day and night. Popular catches include Spanish mackrel, spotted and silver trout, and tarpon, depending on the season.

Guests can also shop for souvenirs, browse crafts and enjoy live entertainment in the evenings. Kids love playing at the park, which has one of the largest beach playgrounds on the Gulf. Pier 60 also offers 24/7 restroom access, a bait shop, rentals for water activities and a prime spot to watch Clearwater sunsets. Find more things to do at Pier 60.

Support Seaside Seabird Sanctuary

For more than 40 years, Seaside Seabird Sanctuary (formerly Suncoast) has rescued, rehabilitated and released orphaned birds in the Clearwater area. Visitors will see more than 400 permanently injured birds that reside here, including hawks, owls, pelicans, herons and hundreds more. After learning about the birds and conservation efforts, show your support and buy souvenirs from the gift shop.

Start planning your Clearwater vacation and browse family-friendly rentals.