29 Exciting Things to Do in Clearwater with Kids in 2024
LOOKING FOR FUN IDEAS FOR THINGS TO DO IN CLEARWATER WITH KIDS?
You’ve come to the right place! We have been traveling with kids since 2015 and have spent months living in Florida. Clearwater is one of our favorite destinations in the state because of all of the fun family activities there are in the area.
Coming up with activities to keep your kids entertained while exploring a new place can be daunting. That’s where we come in! We speak from experience when we say Clearwater, Florida, is the perfect vacation spot for families with kids.
In this article, we will detail all the many fun things to do in Clearwater with kids of all ages!
Things to Do in Clearwater with Kids
Clearwater lies just north of Tampa and St. Petersburg. Travelers flock here for the white sand beaches and crystal blue waters surrounding the city from the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay.
Families will find that everything from the museums to the restaurants is more kid-friendly and family-oriented than surrounding vacation spots. Families can enjoy water sports, nature, museums, restaurants, shops, and new adventures in one spot.
You can easily spend a full week or a long weekend exploring Clearwater, Florida. No matter what, the whole family will enjoy their stay in Clearwater, FL.
1. Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is unique in the fact that it is a non-profit animal rescue and a great place to see marine life. Their main goal is to rescue, help rehab, and then release the animals back into nature.
Our kids loved meeting aquatic animals like dolphins, sea turtles, otters, stingrays, sharks, and so much more. The aquarium even has special educational experiences for kids mesmerized by the sea life. Consider booking a Sea Life Safari or Dolphin and Wildlife Boat Tour for an over-the-top experience!
The Clearwater Aquarium was home to the famous dolphin Winter, whose tail was caught in a crab trap and amputated. The aquarium took her in and created a prosthetic tail for her. She was there for 16 years before her passing.
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is the perfect kid-friendly thing to do in Pinellas County.
2. Dolphin Cruise
A dolphin cruise is a fun thing to do in Clearwater with kids. We went on a dolphin cruise during our last visit to Clearwater and had a great time. My kids got so excited every time we found another pod of dolphins. My youngest even learned how to say dolphin during our time in Clearwater.
It was so much fun to explore the Gulf of Mexico and Intracoastal Waterway while catching glimpses of celebrity homes and playful dolphins. It was an easy and fun experience as the captain kept everyone entertained with a commentary highlighting interesting facts about the area.
Our tour lasted about an hour and forty-five minutes and guaranteed dolphin sightings. A dolphin cruise is a great activity for the whole family in Clearwater, FL.
3. Shell Key Preserve
Shell Key Preserve is a 1,800-acre preserve in Clearwater, Florida, and includes one of the largest undeveloped barrier islands in Pinellas County. We thought the beaches here were beautiful!
When you visit the island, you can birdwatch, camp, picnic, or boat along the public areas. Families should know that there are no restroom facilities on the island. So if you plan to visit be sure to come prepared and only leave your footprints behind.
4. Tampa Bay Grand Prix
When looking for things to do in Clearwater, FL with kids, we stumbled upon the Tampa Bay Grand Prix. This fun indoor go-karting center allows guests to travel up to 50mph on electric karts.
Tampa Bay Grand Prix has two locations and offers two different tracks at each location. One track is for more advanced drivers (teens and adults), and another simpler circuit is for younger kids (at least 48” in height).
Go-karting is a great activity for families to have a bit of friendly, competitive fun. We had a great time racing here and highly recommend having a fun night out at the Tampa Bay Grand Prix.
5. Great Explorations Children’s Museum
You may imagine finding things to do in Clearwater, Florida for little kids, would be a challenge, but you’d be wrong! We’re so glad we discovered Great Explorations Children’s Museum!
My kids always have a great time at the children’s museums during our travels! This museum was built for children ten and younger and encourages make-believe play in the museum’s vet room, grocery store, and fire station.
The 23,000-square-foot museum also has an impressive playground and can keep children entertained for hours. The Great Explorations Children’s Museum is a great indoor kid’s activity in Clearwater, Florida.
6. Busch Gardens (Tampa Bay)
What family doesn’t love amusement parks?! Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay is a great thing to do near Clearwater, Florida. We visited Busch Gardens during our last visit to Clearwater and loved it. The entire theme park is built around an Africa and Asia theme, and it has over 12,000 animals to visit. There are such great animal exhibits there!
This 335-acre amusement park was perfect for us because it is part zoo and part theme park. We loved having the balance of the low-key observation in the zoo and the thrilling adventures in the theme park.
The whole family can enjoy multiple rides, including roller coasters, enjoy award-winning shows, or get up close and personal with animals. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is one of the best amusement parks in the area and the perfect thing to do in Clearwater, FL, with the whole family.
7. Tampa Bay Zoo
Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park has been awarded the Best Kid Attraction in Tampa for a great reason. We absolutely love this zoo. We travel all over the country, and so far, it is our favorite zoo.
Some highlights for us were the giraffes, otters, alligators, bears, and so much more of Florida’s wildlife.
If you want, you can upgrade your tickets to reserve a spot in animal encounters. Encounters allow guests to feed giraffes, take pictures with koalas, learn about the Southern White Rhino, and so much more.
No family should leave Florida without seeing manatees! So be sure to check out the fabulous exhibit at the zoo, where you can see them underwater.
The fun doesn’t end there! The zoo even has a few free rides and a great splash pad area! Zoo Tampa is a perfect outing in Clearwater, Florida, for the whole family, especially families with little kids.
8. Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise
Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise offers both daytime and sunset cruises that are fun and entertaining for the whole family. If you’re looking for an unforgettable family experience with pirates, water games, face painting, dancing, and so much more, this adventure is for you!
Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise is a fantastic thing to do in Clearwater, Florida, with older children.
9. Miniature Golf at Captain Bligh’s
When looking for fun things to do in Clearwater with the family, we don’t have to look any further than Captain Bligh’s! We’ve had some great times playing this large mini-golf course. The caves and challenges to explore and overcome make this spot one of our family’s favorite Clearwater attractions.
After you finish your 18 holes of mini-golf, head over to the arcade for an assortment of games that your kids (and all the grown-ups, too) will love to play. Trust us, Captain Blight’s is a great activity in Clearwater for the entire family.
10. Sunset Cruise
There’s no better way to wrap up an epic day in Clearwater than a relaxing sunset cruise with your whole family. Families can embark on a double-decker catamaran in the late afternoon to witness calm waters and beautiful sunsets.
Clearwater sunset cruises are a perfect activity in Clearwater for the family to reflect on at the end of the day. We’ve done sunset cruises all along the Coasts and always have a great time.
They are a great way to learn more about the area, as captains of these cruises usually share historical facts or tell stories about Clearwater throughout the cruise. Oftentimes, adults can even enjoy a complimentary glass of Champagne.
Overall, we think a sunset cruise is the perfect way to end a long day of exploring Clearwater, Florida, with the whole family.
11. Honeymoon Island State Park
Exploring nature is a great thing to do in Clearwater with kids. Honeymoon Island State Park is a beautiful natural barrier island and one of our favorite places to explore in Clearwater.
The park has four miles of beaches, two and a half miles of hiking trails, and a ton of wildlife. Kids can enjoy the park’s playground, while the whole family will like renting kayaks and bikes. Honeymoon Island State Park is a great, affordable thing to do in Clearwater, FL, for families on a budget.
Considered one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Florida, Honeymoon Island State Park is an amazing place to visit if you’re traveling with a pet. The whole family will have a ball playing with your pooch on the beach.
We love this beach because of the calm water. It is so much fun to swim out in the beautiful and warm water! We love to bring our beach chair with an umbrella here because we can make shade wherever we are! We also love beach chair backpacks for their easy and convenient transport. My kids could have played at Honeymoon Island State Park all day.
You can read more about the water temperatures and what to expect in our Clearwater Beach Water Temperature Guide.
12. Caladesi Island
Caladesi Island State Park is a quick ferry ride from Honeymoon Island State Park. This island is one of the few untouched pieces of land along the Gulf Coast. The only way to arrive on the island is by boat.
Once on the island, you can enjoy beautiful beaches, kayak through the mangrove forest, or camp along the water. It is a peaceful and quiet island perfect for your family to enjoy their day in Clearwater, Florida.
It’s a wonderful place for little ones to toddle around on the beach. You’ll want to limit the baby beach items you bring, though, as you will have to haul them around with you all day.
The island is absolutely stunning. There is hardly anyone there, so you can enjoy this beautiful part of the island nearly alone. The only drawback is the ferry could be a little expensive for some. Adult tickets are $18, and kids’ tickets are $9. Kids five and under are free.
13. Clearwater Threshers Baseball Game at BayCare Ballpark
One of the best things in Clearwater, Florida to do with kids is watch sports. BayCare Ballpark, formerly Spectrum Field, is the spring training facility for the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team. Usually, from late February through March in Clearwater, families can enjoy catching a Phillies baseball game at the state-of-the-art stadium.
During baseball season, we love to root for the Clearwater Threshers Baseball team at the BayCare Ballpark. This stadium, which opened in 2004, has over 8,000 seats, picnic areas, and a fun play area that our kids love. The whole family can enjoy the baseball game in Clearwater, FL.
14. Kayak with the Manatees
Kayaking is a great way to get out on the water and one of the most kid-friendly things to do in Pinellas County. Whether you like to explore on your own or prefer a guided experience, we encourage everyone to try kayaking in Clearwater.
There are many different kayaking tours in Clearwater to choose from. The 2-hour Clear Kayak Tour of the Crystal River is a unique and fun adventure. During this tour, you will get out on the water in clear bottom kayaks to explore the wonders of the Crystal River.
Seeing the manatees in the river was one of our kids’ favorite things to do in Florida. We visited many different springs from Ocala through Fort Myers and saw a bunch of manatees along the way. They still talk about seeing the manatees in Florida.
15. Try Surfing at FlowRider
If you have ever wanted to surf but you are afraid of the open water, then FlowRider is the perfect adventure. Surf Style FlowRider is located on Clearwater Beach and offers thirty-minute sessions with their mechanical wave.
Families surfing at FlowRider will have access to an instructor who is willing to help when needed. There are no age restrictions, but guests must be 42” to ride. Six guests can ride at once, making it the perfect outing in Clearwater for the whole family.
16. Escape Room
When looking for things to do in Clearwater, FL with kids, an escape room is a perfect activity. Pinellas County has many different escape rooms to enjoy.
We love this type of experience because it’s fun to work as a family over the course of an hour to solve puzzles and hidden clues in order to escape whatever type of situation the room has put us in.
Many of the escape rooms are realistic, featuring special lighting and sound effects. The whole family will have fun working together to break free from an escape room in Clearwater.
17. Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival
Each year, some of the best sand artists from around the world travel to Clearwater, Florida, to participate in the Sugar Sand Festival. In 2024, the Sugar Sand Festival will be held from March 29 to April 14.
If you are looking for fun things to do in Clearwater during this time, we highly recommend you head over to Pier 60 for some amazing sand sculptures, entertainment, and fun. This year’s theme is Sands of Time, exploring a decade of memories to celebrate the festival’s 10th anniversary.
Sugar Sand Festival has activities for every age, which makes it the perfect thing to do in Clearwater, FL for the whole family.
Free Things to Do in Clearwater with Kids
Looking for things to do in Clearwater, Florida with kids that are free to enjoy? There are a ton of options! Here are some ideas and activities that are great for all budgets.
18. Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach
Pier 60 in Clearwater, FL offers many things for families to do. The pier is one of the main attractions in the area. Visitors can fish 24 hours a day on the 1,080-foot fishing pier, which includes a bait house and covered pavilions.
Fishers can enjoy catching Spanish mackerel, spotted or silver trout, snappers, flounders, and so much more.
Little kids can enjoy one of the largest beach playgrounds in the area, which will keep them entertained for hours. This is a stop we make every time we visit Clearwater!
Each night, 2 hours before sunset, Pier 60 offers crafts and entertainment for the whole family. It’s so much fun! Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach is a great attraction in Clearwater for everyone in the family.
19. Moccasin Lake Nature Park
Families looking for more nature-themed activities to do in Clearwater, Florida, will enjoy exploring the trails of Moccasin Lake Nature Park. This nature preserve is 51 acres, which include trails under the shade of oaks and along ponds and creeks.
If you visit, you will find an array of wildlife, like raccoons, birds, and turtles. During certain times, kids can even enjoy the park’s classes and camps.
It’s important to note that the park is only open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, with the last entry at 4:15 pm for new visitors.
20. Clearwater Beach
When looking for the best free things to do in Clearwater, FL, a beach day is a perfect day. Clearwater Beach has been named America’s #1 beach in recent years. It’s one of the most fun beaches near Orlando. From the crystal-clear water to the white sand beaches, it is no wonder why it is a favorite.
We love spending time on Clearwater Beach! You can do everything from soaking up rays while lounging near the water to riding the waves on one of the best boogie boards to sipping cocktails at one of the many beachfront restaurants. It’s a beach paradise for the whole family!
So load up your beach bag because Clearwater Beach is sure to be one of the whole family’s favorite things to do in Clearwater, Florida.
21. Coachman Park
Coachman Park is one of the best recreational parks in Clearwater, FL. Located in the heart of downtown Clearwater, we love visiting this lush green park to enjoy community events like concerts.
Each year, the Clearwater Jazz Festival plays under the pavilion, and on many weeks, you’ll be able to catch live music and food truck rallies. There are playgrounds, gardens, an amphitheater, and so much more to explore here.
Coachman Park is one of the best places to visit in Clearwater in 2024.
22. Sand Key Park
If you’re like us, you may enjoy a more remote beach over the crowds and hustle and bustle of the main Clearwater beaches. If so, head over to Sand Key Park.
This park is 95 acres and has white sand beaches, trails, and playgrounds. This is an excellent spot to spend the day, so pack along a beach kite and some sand toys.
If you visit between April and October, your family may even spot some sea turtle nests along the beach. The park also includes a dog park, restrooms, showers, and concessions. Sand Key Park is a great spot in Clearwater, FL for kids and families.
23. St Petersburg Pier
When we need a break from the beach, we love to make a quick visit to St Petersburg. St Petersburg Pier is a great place for kid-friendly things to do in Pinellas County. The pier comprises 26 acres that bring together the Tampa Bay and the downtown St. Petersburg parks.
You’ll be able to walk around the marketplace, which has numerous vendors selling different items, or enjoy time at the Discovery Center learning about the area. Make sure to check out the Bending Arc, a net sculpture created by a Tampa Bay native, Janet Echelman.
St. Petersburg Pier offers playgrounds for kids and lots of entertainment experiences for the whole family. Plus, there are some amazing St. Pete downtown restaurants nearby as well. My kids had a ton of fun playing at the playground while we got to relax on the beautiful pier and enjoy some good food.
We also saw dolphins right off the shore here, which was really fun! This is also a great place to stop on a road trip from Fort Myers to Clearwater.
24. Ream Wilson Clearwater Trail
Nature hikes are one of the best free things to do in Clearwater, FL with kids. They get the whole family moving and are also a great opportunity to appreciate the landscape of this beautiful state.
Ream Wilson Clearwater Trail is one of many trails located in Pinellas County that we enjoy exploring. This 4.4-mile trail connects the Gulf of Mexico at Clearwater Beach with the Tampa Bay at Safety Harbor.
At this time, only the 4.4 miles are complete, but one day, this trail will connect more than 20 national parks.
Ream Wilson Clearwater Trail is a great activity to experience with the whole family in Pinellas County.
25. Pinellas Trail
The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Pinellas County and a great activity to do with kids in Clearwater, FL. The massive trail loop is 75 miles and goes from Tarpon Springs to St. Petersburg. It’s a great biking or walking trail in Clearwater for the whole family.
You can join the trail with your kiddos at many entry points along the way. Entry spots include Clearwater, Safety Harbor, Largo, and a few others. This trail also connects the 250-mile Florida Coast-to-Coast Connector Trail.
The trail is conveniently lined with rest areas, so there’s no need to stress about those inevitable bathroom breaks. There are also some nice picnic areas and fountains, making for great places to stop to rest or enjoy a picnic lunch.
26. Clearwater Main Public Library
The Clearwater Main Public Library is a great place to visit in Clearwater with kids, especially if it is a rainy day. The library has art galleries, a World War I Wall of Honor, a Magazine Archive, Maker Spaces, and much more.
Our family was easily entertained at the Clearwater Library. We could have spent hours there. One of the best parts of the Main public library is the view. If you take the elevators to the top floor and walk down to the large, quiet seating area, you will find floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water.
Clearwater Main Public Library may not sound like much, but it is a great place to visit in Clearwater, Florida.
27. Clearwater Beach Marina
Clearwater Beach Marina is a fantastic place for a family to bring little kids. The marina (which is open year-round) is located on Clearwater Beach and offers everything from fishing excursions, sailing charters, dinner cruises, dolphin tours, parasailing adventures, and so much more.
We also discovered that the marina area is a great part of town to find kid-friendly restaurants. We also came across some of the cutest tourist shops and many entertainment venues while exploring here.
28. Tarpon Springs
If you are looking for fun things to do in Pinellas County with kids, Tarpon Springs is a great city to check out. Tarpon Springs has the largest Greek population of any city in the United States, so it was a really unique and fun opportunity to introduce our kids to Greek culture.
My kids really loved picking out the unique treats from the Greek bakery and seeing all of the nearby boats coming off of the water. There are also lots of fun little shops to walk through.
The Historic District was fun, too. It’s filled with art galleries and antique stores that our family had a wonderful time exploring.
The city has buildings that date back to the 1800s and an array of different entertainment options, including the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center to different concerts and historical exhibits. Tarpon Springs is a great place near Clearwater, FL.
29. Heritage Village
Heritage Village is a unique thing to do in Clearwater, Florida with kids. This living museum is a collection of restored homes that were rebuilt on 21 acres of land. We were able to explore two museum galleries and witness demonstrations of spinning, weaving, and other historical activities.
The museum is closed Monday and Tuesday, but open all other days, and is free to enter. The Heritage Village is right next to the Florida Botanical Garden, which, combined, makes a great day in Clearwater, FL.
Things to Do at Night with Kids in Clearwater
Sunset Festival at Pier 60: Families can head to Pier 60 two hours before sunset for some fun, crafts, street performers, and entertainment.
Clearwater Threshers Baseball Game: Gather the family and head to a baseball game to watch the Clearwater Threshers at BayCare Ballpark.
Miniature Golf at Captain Bligh’s: Enjoy a fun night out with a little competitive game of mini-golf at Captain Bligh’s.
Sunset Cruise: Relax and unwind after a long day of exploring on a sunset cruise.
FlowRider: FlowerRider, Clearwater Beach’s surf stimulator, is open late at night and allows groups of up to six to ride the same way. Sessions are thirty minutes each, and an instructor is on hand to help.
Map of Things to Do in Clearwater with Kids
FAQ: Things to Do in Clearwater with Kids
Yes! Clearwater is one of the best places for a family vacation on the Gulf Coast in Florida. There are so many fun things to do in Clearwater, FL with families. Families can enjoy a game of mini-golf, explore kid-friendly museums and nature trails, or catch a game or two at the Threshers stadium. Families are sure to have fun in Clearwater.
Clearwater Beach is a great, family-friendly Spring Break destination. There are many kid-friendly restaurants (including some amazing places for breakfast in Clearwater Beach), hotels, and attractions in Clearwater, FL.
Yes! Clearwater has some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida. In fact, Clearwater Beach has been named one of America’s best beaches. The water on the Gulf is normally comfortable year-round, making it the perfect place to go for a swim.
Yes, Clearwater Beach does have a half-mile boardwalk. It runs along the beautiful white sand beach and joins south Clearwater Beach to Pier 60 Park.
There are so many things to do in Clearwater Beach with kids. Kids of all ages enjoy the beach, the museums, the nature trails, and the family-friendly festivals.
There are some great indoor activities to do in Clearwater in November and throughout the winter when the weather may be getting cooler.
Families can visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, have a little friendly competition at the Tampa Bay Grand Prix, work together at one of the many escape rooms, or enjoy a relaxing day at the Clearwater Main Library.
Conclusion: Things to Do in Clearwater with Kids
Clearwater, Florida is a great city for a family-friendly vacation. We always have a great time in Clearwater with our family because the beaches are amazing, and there are so many fun things to do.
There are a ton of things to do in Clearwater with kids, from exploring nature, visiting museums, rooting for home games, and having a little family fun in an escape room or playing mini-golf.
If you’re a theme park lover, you can also make the short drive from Clearwater to Orlando.
No matter what your family budget is, Clearwater, Florida, is the perfect vacation spot for everyone.
