St. Pete Kids Activities: 9 Places to Play, Laugh and Roam
Consistently ranked one of the best beach destinations in the U.S. by TripAdvisor and Travel + Leisure, St. Pete features dozens of fun things to do. Among them, families find entertaining kids options for different age ranges and interests. Need some inspiration? Read more about the top St. Pete kids activities and get ready to play.
Top 9 St. Pete Kids Activities for Traveling Families
Play at the Beaches and Parks
As the largest park in the county, Fort De Soto Park features more than 1,100 acres for kids to explore. They will love playing on 3 miles of beaches, climbing playground equipment and picnicking with their family. Those who can spend the day should plan outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, wildlife-watching and soaking up the sun. This popular park welcomes nearly 3 million visitors a year, so have a great time with both locals and visitors.
Go Fishing
Gear up and take kids to Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, home to one of the longest fishing piers in the world. This pier once served as a bridge but was replaced by a new one that connects St. Pete to Sarasota. The city took this as an opportunity to create a new fishing spot.
Anglers can park on the pier and set up for fishing day or night. Common catches include snook, tarpon, grouper and red snapper. Families also have easy access to bait, snacks and supplies.
Keep Them Swimming
Open year-round, North Shore Aquatic Complex houses a 50-meter pool with diving board, 25-yard training pool, and a play pool with flume slides. For less than $5 per person, families can swim, splash and play all day.
The center also has a shaded picnic area perfect for taking a break. Parents can join in the fun or simply admire the view, as North Shore is located on St. Pete’s waterfront. For younger tikes, head to the splash pad or book swim classes.
Celebrate the Arts
Perfect for a rainy-day activity, children have two artsy attractions in St. Pete. Morean Arts Center has delighted guests for more than 100 years. Visitors enjoy changing exhibits, classes, and learning about local, regional and international artists. The center offers free family activities on Saturdays and Sundays. Additional class options for kids and teens include metalworking, photography, painting, drawing and mixed media. Don’t forget to ask about one-on-one glassblowing experiences.
One of the top attractions in the area, The Dali Museum celebrates Salvador Dali and his collected works. Families are welcome to tour more than 20,000-square-feet of exhibit space, featuring both permanent and temporary pieces. Younger kids feel right at home during DillyDally with Dali and StoryTime at The Dali. Free DillyDally events welcome young ones to learn about Dali through games, puzzles and hands-on projects. StoryTime activities are also free and include selections from the museum library and store.
Help Them Explore
Families with children 10 and younger should spend the day at Great Explorations Children’s Museum. One of the top St. Pete kids activities, visitors will find 24,000-square-feet of exhibits that encourage creativity and imagination. Children can pretend and play at more than 16 exhibits, including a pizza kitchen, critter cave, my checkup and live on the air. Great Explorations also hosts summer camps, after school programs, parties and other family-friendly events.
Escape!
Kids 15 and older should try The Great Escape Room. Escape games have become a growing trend in the U.S., as guests have 1 hour to solve mysteries and escape danger. Three rooms push players to solve crimes and mysteries. This activity also ranks as a great way to bring the family together. While games cater to ages 16 and older, kids are allowed as long as accompanied by an adult.
Take a Thrill Ride
Adults and teens alike can’t pass up the opportunity to ride professional go-karts as fast as 50 miles per hour. The Pro Karting Experience track includes multiple layouts and options, and oval races rank as one of the most popular activities. Online reviewers also rave about the helpful staff and fast thrills.
Join Local Scallywags
Get ready for adventure and shenanigans with Captain Memos Pirate Adventure in nearby Clearwater. The captain and his crew offer daytime pirate-themed cruises that dock from Clearwater Bay Marina. Guests enjoy two hours packed full of treasure hunts, face painting, water gun games, stories and dancing. The ship, Pirate’s Ransom, resembles a real-life pirate ship with clean facilities and safety features.
After reading about the top St. Pete kids activities, find more fun in Treasure Island! Then find family-friendly St. Petersburg vacation homes and get in some beach time.