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40 Fantastic Things to Do in Pinellas County with Kids! (St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo & More)

by Jenny August 15, 2022
6.2K
Sand Key Beach, Florida - Balcony View

The St. Petersburg/ Clearwater area of Pinellas County, Florida is an absolutely amazing place to visit on a family vacation. And there’s a ton of things to do for locals as well! (This is where I grew up and I’m now raising my own family here in this gorgeous area. I’d love to share with you its secrets!) 

Here, in Pinellas County, you can relax on award-winning beaches, stroll through world-famous art museums, kayak through incredible environments, see amazing wildlife and so much more. There’s truly something for everyone! 

But finding these top sites and activities can sometimes be extremely frustrating, even for me at times and I’ve lived in this area almost my entire life! This is because there are actually 24 different cities on this small peninsula of Pinellas County. Therefore you can’t just simply search, Top Things to Do in Clearwater, because these searches won’t pull up the Top Things to do in Largo, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Belleair Beach, Safety Harbor, etc that all happen to border the city of Clearwater. And each of these smaller cities has some pretty cool things to do as well.

 And, if that’s not confusing enough, each little beach town, lining the coast of Pinellas County, many times is actually its own city as well and so its top things to do will not come up under broader searches of this area.

But don’t let this discourage you. There are a few simple tricks you can use to easily find the Top Things to Do in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Largo and the rest of Pinellas County and I’d love to share them with you.

 

Pinellas County City Map

Pinellas County City Map

First, take a look at this simplified map of the cities in Pinellas County. Then, if you know your vacation destination, for example Clearwater Beach, you can now easily look at the neighboring cities to see if they have an fun things you’d like to do as well. This technique works great for sites like Trip Advisor that are city specific when you search.

Another easy way to find nearby fun things to do is to use the map function on Trip Advisor or Google Maps. That way you don’t miss great things to do that are nearby. This works great for locals too! (I use the map function all the time to find fun activities for my family.)

But this post isn’t just about how to find things to do on your own. Below I’m also going to share with you my family’s favorite things to do in Pinellas County. These sights are perfect for family vacations or for locals looking for a weekend adventure. They are the sights that our family keeps going back to and they are the sights that have given us our best memories.

These are Top Things to Do in Pinellas County and I hope they can help you create an incredible adventure for your family.

 

 

Top Things to Do in Pinellas County (St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo and More):

Click Below to Go to a Specific Topic or Scroll Down to See Them All.

Great Beaches

Amazing Kayaking Adventures

Hang Out with Animals

Incredible Art Museums

Beautiful Gardens

Great Places to Learn

Fantastic Trails to Hike

Family Fun

 
 

VISIT THE BEACH

The St. Petersburg/ Clearwater area in Florida is completely bursting with incredible award-winning beaches! In fact, there are 35 miles of white sand beaches just on the 11 barrier islands that line the coast of this little peninsula. And it is these beaches and their incredible white sand that attracts visitors from around the world. 

Here are a few of my favorite beaches in Pinellas County.

1. Clearwater Beach 

Siesta Key Beach, FL
Gorgeous Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach is a spectacular 2.5 mile long beach with soft, powdery-white sand, gentle waves and set next to a fun little beach town. Here you can easily find numerous resorts, restaurants, and a ton of fun activities to do.

Fun Things to Do at Clearwater Beach:

  • Take a stroll down the Beach Walk or walk out onto Pier 60.
  • Check out the evening events at “Sunsets at Pier 60”
  • For families, don’t miss the large beach playground at Pier 60 Park.

Fun Activities by Clearwater Beach:

  • Captain Nemo’s Pirate Cruise, Little Toot’s Dolphin Adventure or Schooner Clearwater are great family-friendly activities that will give fantastic memories.

Great Restaurants near Clearwater Beach:

  • Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill, Salt Cracker Fish Camp, and Crabby’s Beachwalk Bar and Grill are our favorites.

 Lodging idea for larger groups/ families

  • Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa is a great hotel on the beach that has rooms that can sleep up to 6.

In 2018, Clearwater Beach was voted #1 beach in the U.S. by Trip Advisor and it has been voted the best beach town in Florida!

Read More: 10 Top Beaches in Pinellas County (+Tips for Visiting)

2. Caladesi Island

Palm Tree and Beach view of Gorgeous Caladesi Island, Florida
A Hidden Gem - Caladesi Island

Caladesi Island is a gorgeous, uninhabited “island,” with 3 miles of pristine white sandy beaches, located just north of Clearwater Beach.

To reach Caladesi you can take the Caladesi Ferry, arrive by private boat, kayak here or you can even try the 6.5 mile round trip walk from Clearwater Beach.

Fun Things to Do on Caladesi Island:

  • Enjoy 3 miles of uncrowded white-sand beaches
  • Hike the 3 mile nature trail
  • Paddle the 3 mile kayak trail through mangroves tunnels (kayak rentals are located on the island.)

Caladesi Island was voted a Top 10 Beach in America by Dr. Beach in 2021!

3. Honeymoon Island

Honeymoon Island, Florida - watching a gopher tortoise
Natural Florida - Honeymoon Island

 Honeymoon Island is a wonderful State Park with a great beach that is located just north of Caladesi Island and just west of Dunedin, FL. You can easily drive to Honeymoon Island and there is a small state park fee to enter.

Fun Things to Do on Honeymoon Island:

  • Enjoy more than 4 miles beautiful white sand beaches
  • Visit the Nature Center
  • Explore the 3 mile nature trail, through one of the last remaining virgin slash pine forests, and get the chance to see native Florida wildlife life the gopher tortoise (shown above.)

Read More: 10 Fun Trails to Hike in Pinellas County with Kids

4. Sand Key Beach

Beautiful sunset with pink flowers in the foreground at Sand Key Beach, Florida
A Local Secret - Sand Key Beach

Sand Key Beach (also called Sand Key Park) is a true hidden gem in Pinellas County! This fantastic beach is located directly south of Clearwater Beach, just over the barrier island bridge and on your right.

Fun Things to Do at Sand Key:

  • Play at the Beach!
  • Observe endangered birds nesting and feeding in a rare salt marsh.
  • Bring your dog to the dog park.
  • Or visit the playground with your kids.

Great Restaurants Near Sand Key:

  • The Columbia Restaurant Sand Key (the 1905 Salad, made tableside, is my favorite) or Maggie Mae’s Waterfront (for breakfast)

Great Lodging on Sand Key

  • Sheraton Sand Key Resort (for an incredible beach front stay) 

 

 

5. Madeira Beach

Madeira Beach is located further south down the peninsula, and here you can find a fun touristy area full of shops and restaurants at John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk.

Fun Things to Do at John’s Pass/ Madeira Beach

  • Book a dolphin cruise, pirate cruise, fishing trip, or snorkeling excursion at Hubbard’s Marina.
  • Visit the Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center for hands-on encounters.
  • Grab a meal along the docks for a chance to see dolphins swimming by while you eat. (We’ve seen dolphins here frequently while dining. I hope you can too!)

6. St. Pete Beach/ Pass-A-Grill Beach

Clearwater Beach, FL

In 2021, St. Pete Beach was voted the #1 Beach in the U.S. by Trip Advisor, and the #5 beach in the world!

Over 4 miles of gorgeous white-powder sand with emerald-green water, set next to laid-back beach towns, makes St. Pete Beach and Pass-A-Grill fantastic beach vacation destination.

Fun Things to Do near St. Pete Beach and Pass-A-Grill

  • Check out the Treasure Island Slide Florida for a fun adventure, located 5 minutes north of St. Pete Beach.

Great Restaurants near St. Pete Beach

  • Crabby Bill’s St. Pete Beach

7. Fort De Soto Park

Fort De Soto View of the white sand beach from the Fort - Florida
Fort De Soto Beach View from the Fort

Located at the very southern tip of Pinellas County, Fort De Soto Park is a fantastic site, full of a ton of activities, that would be the perfect addition to any family vacation in the Tampa Bay area.

Fun Things to Do at Fort De Soto Park

  • Wander the 7 miles of incredible Florida waterfront and 3 miles of gorgeous white sand beaches.
  • Paddle the 2.25 mile kayak trail (rentals available).
  • Bike on the 7 mile family-friendly bike path (rentals available).
  • Explore the historic fort.
  • Camp by the water and more!

And if this wasn’t enough, North Beach at Fort De Soto Park, has been voted America’s Top Beach several times over the years by Dr. Beach, Trip Advisor & USA Today! 

Read More: Fort De Soto Park (7 Top Things to Do + Tips for Visiting)

Fort De Soto North Beach - Florida
Fort De Soto North Beach (Fun Tidal Pool on the left/ Gulf of Mexico on the right.)

What to Bring to the Beach?

When visiting the beach, make sure you bring

  • A Packable Sunshade for your Car
  • A Large (but compactly folding) Beach Blanket, 
  • Reef-Safe Sunscreen
  • For Kids: Beach Travel Toys (foldable/compact)

POPULAR TOURS NEAR CLEARWATER BEACH

 

AMAZING KAYAKING

Kayaking is a fantastic activity to try in Pinellas County. There are some really unique and incredibly fun, family-friendly adventures you can take.

Here are our favorites!

 

8. Kayak the Mangrove Tunnels of Weedon Island

Mangrove Kayak Trail at Weedon Island, FL
Kayaking the Mangrove Tunnel of Weedon Island
  • Paddle the 4 mile trail (at mid-high tide) for a fantastic adventure through a series of really cool mangrove tunnels.
  • This trail is considered one of the Best Mangrove Paddles North of the Everglades!
  • On this paddle you may see:
    • Native Florida birds like the Roseate Spoonbill or the white ibis
    • Mangrove crabs scurrying along the mangrove branches in the tunnels. (We’ve seen a ton of little crabs here while paddling!)
    • And on your paddle back, along Tampa Bay, you may be lucky enough to encounter dolphins and manatees swimming by. (For us, this has been hit or miss as to whether or not we see them while paddling here.)

For Families: You’ll want an adult in each kayak to help navigate the narrow mangrove tunnels on this trail.

Read More: Amazing Kayak Adventures in Florida that are Family-Friendly

9. Take a Kayak Tour to Shell Key Nature Preserve

with Get up and Go Kayaking

Shell Key Kayaking, Florida
Our Morning Kayak Adventure!
Shell Key Preserve, Florida Beach
Shell Key Nature Preserve

Voted the #1 Activity in the United States by Trip Advisor’s Travelers Choice Awards in 2022!

    • Kayak to Shell Key Preserve (only reachable by boat) in a completely clear kayak! 
    • Look for manatees, dolphins, pelicans and other local marine life!
    • At Shell Key, you get some time to look for unique shells that have washed ashore. (We found clam shells here that were open but still attached!)
    • Your guide will give you great information about local wildlife, marine life, and plant life. (Our guide was Chris, and he was awesome!)
    • Depending on the tides, you may even get to kayak through natural mangrove tunnels along the way! (On our tour we kayaked through 2 mangrove tunnels and this was definitely a highlight!)

Side Note: We always pay for all of our own tours and our thoughts are our own.

Shell Key Mangrove kayak through Tunnels - Florida
Mangrove Tunnels near Shell Key Preserve

10. Kayak to the Uninhabited, Caladesi Island

with Sail Honeymoon

Powder white sand and turquoise blue water at Caladesi Island, Florida
Caladesi Island
  • Kayak along the 6 miles of shallow and protected inland waterways past multiple unspoiled islands, 2 state parks and some of America’s Top Rated Beaches.
  • Dolphins, Ospreys and many types of shore birds are common to see while kayaking and manatees can be seen on occasion.
  • Caladesi Island is only a 15 minute paddle from this launch point, on the Dunedin Causeway, and this is one of the best ways to reach this Top Rated Beach!
  • If you are up for a longer paddle, head down along the mangroves to Caladesi Island’s 3-mile Mangrove Kayak Trail. (Allow at least 4 hours for this incredible adventure.)

11. Kayak along the Mangroves at Fort De Soto Park

Mangrove Kayak Trail at Weedon Island, FL
Fort De Soto Kayak Trail
    • This is a really fun 2.25 mile family-friendly kayak trail.

    • Keep an eye out for dolphins and manatees swimming by (we’ve seen both here and we have even seen a mama manatee with her baby!)

Read More: Fort De Soto Park (7 Top Things to Do + Tips for Visiting)

POPULAR KAYAKING TOURS IN THE TAMPA BAY AREA

 

HANG OUT WITH ANIMALS

12. Clearwater Marine Aquarium

A sting ray coming up out of the water - Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Talking to a dolphin at the Clearwater Aquarium, Florida - Winter the Dolphin
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Sea Turtle at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Florida

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a wonderful non-profit marine animal hospital. It was the home to “Winter” the famous dolphin with a prosthetic tail, who starred in the movies Dolphin Tale and Dolphin Tale 2 (with Morgan Freeman, Harry Connick Jr and Ashley Judd.) Sadly Winter passed away on November 11, 2021 at the age of 16. 

Fun Things to Do at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium

  • Watch a Dolphin Session, learn their rescue story
  • See Sea Turtles, Otters, Nurse Sharks and more!
  • Hand-Feed Sting Rays
  • Check out the VR experience, at Legends of the Deep, where you can dive in and “virtually” swim with Tiger Sharks.

Address: 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767

13. The Seaside Seabird Sanctuary

Watching White Pelicans at the Seabird Sanctuary, Florida

The Seaside Seabird Sanctuary is a wonderful, small, non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue and treatment of sick and injured wild birds. It’s free to visit, but donations are greatly appreciated.

Fun Things to Do at the Seabird Sanctuary

  • Stroll through the 3-acre sanctuary to view nearly 100 birds on display.
  • Watch the pelican feeding presentation (which occurs between 2 and 2:30pm daily as of June 2022)
  • Check out the Screech Owl or Barn Owl presentations if you can too.
  • Parking Note: The parking lot is extremely small and it can be challenging at times to find a spot.

Address: 18328 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores, Florida 33785

14. George C. McGough Nature Park “Turtle Park”

Lots of turtles on a log at McGough Nature Park "Turtle Park" Florida

George C. McGough Park, also known locally as Turtle Park, is a great family-friendly place to stop and see native Florida landscapes and wildlife. Our family has been visiting this park for years and it’s one of our favorites, especially for families!

Fun Things to Do at Turtle Park

  • Feed the abundant number of turtles in the ponds right outside the nature center. (Turtle food is available for a small fee inside the nature center.)
  • Check out the live animal exhibits in the Nature Center, including 22 rescued (non-releasable) birds.
  • Walk the nature trail to the water to see the beauty of “real” Florida landscapes.
    • (Side Note: We have never seen an alligator here, so if that is what you are looking to see, other parks like Brooker Creek, Sawgrass Lake or John Chestnut Sr. Park might be more what you are looking for.)
  • Visit the playground, complete with a zipline for kids!

Address: 11901 146th St N, Largo, FL 33774

POPULAR ANIMAL TOURS IN THE TAMPA BAY AREA

VISIT AN ART MUSEUM

The St. Petersburg/ Clearwater area of Pinellas County has several amazing art museums that are definitely worth checking out, even with kids! It might surprise you what they like.

 

15. The Dali Museum

Dali Museum, St. Petersburg, Florida

The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of Salvador Dalí’s art outside of Spain!

Fun Things to Do at the Dali Museum

  • Before exploring the museum, check out the video on the 1st floor that talks about Dali’s life. It really helps to explain some of Dali’s bizarre artwork, his innovative techniques and his thought process while creating it.
  • Also, make sure to download the Dali Museum App. This App allows you to experience Dali’s paintings with Augmented Reality, where the paintings literally come to life! This App made our family’s Dali experience amazing and our kids especially loved it!
  • Know that many of Dali’s works need to be viewed at a distance and then again up close (some of his paintings will look completely different!)

Tip: Ticket Discounts are offered Thursdays after 5pm. 

Address: 1 Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Dali Museum, St. Petersburg, Florida

16. The Chihuly Glass Museum

Chihuly Collection, St. Petersburg, FL
Chihuly Glass Museum

I absolutely love Chihuly Glass! It’s so vibrant, colorful and it’s fantastically unique. And although this is not a large museum, the Chihuly Museum in St. Petersburg has a fantastic collection of Chihuly Glass and it is a great place to see it!

Address: 720 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Chihuly Glass sculpture

And as an added bonus: Glassblowing Demonstrations at the Morean Glass Studio are included with your Chihuly Collection tickets. (See below)

17. Morean Arts Center – Glass Studio

Glass Blowing Demonstration at Morean Glass Studio, St. Petersburg, Florida

The Morean Glass Studio is a fantastic place to watch glass artwork being made, and it’s free with your Chihuly Glass Museum ticket! Here, you’ll get to watch the step-by-step process of how glass artwork is made in an intimate setting. This is a great experience!

  • Demonstrations on Wed- Sun at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, & 4pm (as of June 2022, please check website for up to date times.)

Address: 714 1st Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

18. The Imagine Museum

Imagine Museum - Beautiful glass art - Great things to do in St. Petersburg Florida
Beautiful glass art at the Imagine Museum, St. Petersburg, Florida

Our family only just recently discovered the Imagine Museum in downtown St. Petersburg and we were thoroughly impressed! This is a contemporary glass art museum with pieces from all over the world.

Now originally I wasn’t sure if my children would have any interest, but they honestly really liked it. Oh, and don’t miss the room with the video that shows how some of the glass artwork in the museum is made. We found it fascinating!

Family Tip: Ask about the Scavenger Hunt. This was a great way for our kids to get involved with searching for specific pieces of artwork or pieces. Our kids’ favorite was discovering the monkey!

Side Note: This museum may not be the best for younger children since there are delicate glass pieces on stands throughout the museum.

Check their website for discounts like their $5 after 5pm on Thursdays or special discounts for Tampa Bay locals.

Address: 1901 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33713

Unique glass art at the Imagine Museum, St. Petersburg, Florida
Imagine Museum - Unique Glass Art - Great things to do in St. Petersburg, Florida

19. The Museum of Fine Arts

Monet Painting at the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, Florida

The Museum of Fine Arts is a wonderful museum full of gorgeous European Paintings, fantastic African Art and intriguing American Photography. With a collection that covers almost 5,000 years of civilization, there really is a little bit of everything.

Highlights include masterpieces from Monet, O’Keeffe, De Kooning, Wiley, and others, a sculpture garden, and one of Florida’s most respected photography collections.

Address: 255 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

STROLL THROUGH A GARDEN

 

20. Florida Botanical Gardens

Florida Botanical Gardens - Palm Garden
Florida Botanical Gardens

The Florida Botanical Gardens is a wonderful, free, 100-acre garden full of beautiful palms, tropical plants and gorgeous flowers.

See how mangos, avocados or bananas grow in the Tropical Fruit Garden. Wander past over 75 different plants that are used for their medicinal or edible qualities in the Herb Garden. Stroll down the Wetlands Walkway and see a glimpse of a natural Florida wetland habitat. 

 On top of all of this, on the park’s east side, you can take a walk on a natural Florida trail loop and get the chance to see Ospreys, Bald Eagles and other native Florida wildlife.

For Families: Download the Taleblazer App on your phone for a fun way to learn about the gardens or print out a Florida Botanical Gardens Scavenger Hunt to create a fun family adventure.

Address: 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo,  FL  33774

21. Sunken Gardens

Portland Rose Garden

Explore the 100-year-old Sunken Garden and discover some of the oldest tropical plants in Florida. Wander past over 50,000 tropical plants and flowers, and even see a flock of flamingos!

Address: 1825 4th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL 

GREAT PLACES TO LEARN

22. Heritage Village

Heritage Village, Largo, Florida

Heritage Village is a free, 21-acre historical village and museum (located next to the Florida Botanical Gardens) where you can step back in time and learn a little bit about local Florida history.

Walk through structures that date back to the mid-late 19th century. Explore a one-room school house, buy a cold drink at a 19-century grocery store, wander through the train station and check out an original caboose. And on certain days, watch demonstrations at the blacksmith shop, sugar cane mill and wood working areas.

We learn so much every time we visit Heritage Village!

Check out the Heritage Village Self-Guided Audio Files to learn even more about each of the structures you are visiting as you wander through this fascinating village.

Address: 11909 125th St. N., Largo, FL 33774

23. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks

Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, FL

Visit the Sponge Capital of the World at Tarpon Springs! Learn how the sponge industry helped build this Greek community and find out all about how natural sponges grow and are harvested. And while you wander the Sponge Docks check out a few of the trinket shops, don’t forget to grab a bite at one of Tarpon Spring’s famous Greek Restaurants.

24. Great Explorations Hands-on Children’s Museum

Great Explorations, St. Petersburg, Florida

Great Explorations, in St. Petersburg, is a 24,000 square foot museum geared towards children, 10 and under.

Discover 16 different exhibits where kids can learn about science, art, healthcare, animals, math and more. Kid can shop at a play grocery store, pretend they are a restaurant owner or imagine they are a fireman, vet, broadcaster and more. They can build with legos, create original art and climb up a fun tower.

Our kids loved visiting Great Explorations when they were young and we hope yours do too!

Address: 1925 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704

 

HIKE A TRAIL

 SEE THE “REAL” NATURAL FLORIDA

25. Sawgrass Lake Park

Sawgrass Lake Park, FL

Sawgrass Lake Park is one of my favorite small hiking trails in Pinellas County! It’s short, it’s easy and it’s jam packed with diversity.  Here you can…

  • Walk through one of the largest maple swamps on the west coast of Florida.
  • Traverse a picturesque 1 mile boardwalk over wetlands in search of alligators. (We’ve seen an alligator here almost every time we’ve visited!)
  • Climb the treehouse-like observation tower for a beautiful view of Sawgrass Lake
  • Or simply wander the 1/2 mile long dirt path under a shady oak hammock. (while possibly watching armadillos shuffle among the leaves nearby)

Address: 7400 25th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702

Armadillo at Sawgrass Lake Park, FL
An Armadillo at Sawgrass Lake Park
An Alligator in the water, partially obscured, at Sawgrass Lake Park, FL
An Alligator at Sawgrass Lake Park

26. Brooker Creek Nature Preserve

Brooker Creek Nature Preserve, FL

Brooker Creek Preserve has fantastic hiking trails, that really let you get out into nature in Pinellas County! Just pick your trail length or what type of adventure you’re looking for and set off into this beautiful and diverse Florida environment. Here you can…

  • Take a casual 0.7 mile stroll on an elevated boardwalk over Brooker Creek’s bottomland swamps. Then continue on the hard sand trails through a shady oak hammocks on the Ed Center Trail Loop.
    • (We’ve seen alligators, white-tailed deer and the endangered gopher tortoise on this trail.)
  • Walk the fantastic & family-friendly 1.5 mile Flatwoods Trail Loop through a beautiful pine flatwoods habitat with beautiful low growing saw palmettos. 
    • Please know that after it rains, sections of this trail may have standing water. 
  • Explore the short Bird Path that ends at a freshwater marsh and provides impressive bird watching opportunities through a constructed viewing blind.
    • We were fortunate enough to see Bald Eagle Chicks (off in the distance) in their nest being fed by their parents here!
    • This path begins near the parking lot, just off of the Ed Center Trail.

Address: 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL  34688

Deer at Brooker Creek Nature Preserve, FL
Deer at Brooker Creek
the "threatened" gopher tortoise at Brooker Creek Nature Preserve, FL
A Gopher Tortoise at Brooker Creek

27. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, Florida

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, located in the heart of St. Petersburg, is a wonderful and  unique nature experience. 

Explore 5 miles of trails and boardwalks that wander through 5 distinct eco-systems that are the home to over 60 species of amphibians and reptiles, over 50 species of butterflies and over 165 species of birds. The eco-systems here consist of hardwood hammocks, sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods, willow marsh and the Lake Maggiore shoreline.

Be sure to check out the Environmental Education Center and see the exhibit, “The Ripple Effect: Understanding Nature’s Connections.” You can also visit the Bird-Aviary that houses rescued and injured birds.

Address: 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg, FL 33705 

28. Weedon Island Nature Preserve

Weedon Island, Florida

Weedon Island Preserve is an outstanding place to experience Florida’s coastal ecosystem, explore trails on both land & water and discover a little about the cultural & natural history of this area of Florida! Here you can…

  • Learn about Weedon Island’s rich human history that lived here from 1,000 to 1,800 years ago in the three story Educational Center.
    • Explore what’s under the water, through mangrove swamps and back in time through wonderful exhibits that are great for all ages.
    • You can even view a 1,100 year old canoe!
  • Walk almost 2 miles of handicap-accessible boardwalks and paved paths that take you through tidal flats, mangrove forests, saltwater ponds, pinewood flats and to a 45 foot observation tower.
    • Park in (south) parking lot, by the Cultural & Natural History Center for easier access.
  • Hike the 1 mile Boy Scout Trail through pine flatwoods and across several footbridges over wet habitat sections in this area.
    • Park in the north parking lot for easier access to this trail.

(And Don’t Forget the Amazing Mangrove Tunnel Kayaking Experience here at Weedon Island as well that was mentioned above.)

Address: 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33702

FAMILY FUN

29. Kiwanis Sprayground

Dunedin Spray grounds, Florida
Kiwanis Spraygrounds

Younger kids will love this action-packed 3000 square foot sprayground full of tons of fun ways to play with the water. And it’s free! But do try to arrive early because it is first-come, first-serve with a max of 60 kids. (Open seasonally from March – October.)

Address: 1937 Ed Eckert Drive, Dunedin, FL 34698

30. Splash Harbor Waterpark

Tube down a 42 foot waterslide, float down a lazy river or let your kids play in the Splash Zone here at Slash Harbor Waterpark. This is perfect for families looking for a small waterpark out near the beaches or for a hotel with a waterpark onsite.

To stay the night here, the hotel is called, The New Hotel Collection Harborside. Check it out and see how fun this small waterpark looks!

Address: 399 Second Street, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785

31. Highland Family Aquatic Center 

Highland Waterpark, Florida
Highland Family Aquatic Center

Personally, my favorite family-friendly mini-waterpark in Pinellas County is the Highland Family Aquatic Center. Experience a 214 foot corkscrew, a 3 story speed slide, a zero-depth play area with sprays and more! This little waterpark has it all, and it’s not too expensive, just $8 per person if you don’t have a rec card.

The only downside to this fun little park is that you are limited to specific 2 hour time slots. (One slot is in the morning and one in the afternoon. Times vary depending on the day.) Two hours is usually the right amount of time for our family, but if your family is looking for a longer adventure then you may want to look at one of the other options.

Family Note: There are height restrictions for most of the slides (and kids must be able to swim without a life jacket on the big slides.)

Address: 400 Highland Ave, Largo, FL 33770

32. Largo Park – Ride a Small Train with Largo Central Railroad 

Largo Park is a fantastic local park to visit if you are looking for a good children’s playground that has a nice, shaded path to walk. But Largo Park also has a hidden surprise.

On the first weekend of every month, you can ride a small, kid-friendly train around the 70-acre park for free! (a small donation is appreciated)

Address: 101 Central Park Dr, Largo, FL 33771

33. Smuggler’s Cove – Play Put-Put Golf with Gators

Golf With Gators At Smuggler’s Cove! Kids will love the 18-hole adventure style course where they will put through caves, pirate ships, and past waterfalls. You can also feed alligators using long, cane fishing poles.
 
Address: 19463 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores, FL 33785
OR 15395 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach, FL 33708
 
Other Options: Captain Bligh’s Landing on Clearwater Beach
Or Congo River Golf in Clearwater (on the east side of the county) – This is where our family goes the most!

34. The Replay Amusement Museum 

In Tarpon Springs, discover the Replay Amuseument Museum with over 100 pinball games, video games and other old-school amusements that you can play. But don’t worry about bringing coins, one admission fee gives you access to all of the machines for a great family day out. 

The Replay Museum opens Thursdays-Sunday in Tarpon Springs and admission is $8 for children 7-12 years old with a paying adult and $14 for Adults. Children ages 6 and under play for FREE with paying adult. 

Address: 119 E Tarpon Avenue, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

35. Vertical Ventures

Vertical Ventures, St. Petersburg, FL

Climb at St. Petersburg’s only indoor climbing gym. Offering 40 foot tall walls, 10,000 square feet of climbing, 80+ climbing lines, a dedicated training area and more. This is a fun family adventure that will really get your adrenaline pumping as you reach heights you may have never thought possible.

Address: 116 18th Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712

36. Egmont Key

Snorkel the ruins of Fort Dade at Egmont Key! Located on the south-most part of Pinellas County, (south of even Fort De Soto Park) this island has gorgeous water to snorkel, a remote beach to explore and a lighthouse from 1858 to visit.

Just hop aboard the Ferry Service to Egmont Key from Fort De Soto (and sign up for the snorkeling option) or arrive on a private boat for a fantastic day snorkeling out on the water and exploring the beach and island of Egmont Key.

37. Anclote Key

Explore the 4 islands of Anclote Key Preserve State Park!  Enjoy the blue-green waters along these islands remote beaches. View the picturesque lighthouse, built in 1887, on the main island’s southside. Or even primitive camp here out under the stars!

Located just 3 miles off the coast of Tarpon Springs, these remote islands are only accessible by boat, with several companies you can choose from to take you there.

Please note: There are no provisions on the islands, so bring your own water and supplies when visiting. Also, Ferry Services do not drop off visitors for overnight camping. For this fun adventure, you must have your own transportation.

38. Tampa Bay Grand Prix (in Clearwater)

Tampa Bay Grand Prix, FL

Do you have a need for speed? Check out Tampa Bay Grand Prix in Clearwater. This is a really fun, indoor go-kart track that has both adult and junior level electric go-karts that can reach speeds up to 50mph. 

Family Note: Kids must be 48 inches to race the junior level karts or 56 inches to race the adult karts. (Junior karts race only with other junior karts on the track and adult karts only race together.)

Address: 12350 Automobile Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33762

39. Empower Adventures Tampa Bay

Awaken your spirit of adventure on a 2-hour guided zipline experience! You’ll encounter over 3,000′ of zip lines and exhilarating aerial challenges while overlooking the wildlife and waters of Bayou Wilderness and Tampa Bay. 

Traverse the 200’ suspension bridge over water. Challenge yourself on the aerial obstacle course. Finish with a fun rappel.

This is a fantastic adrenaline-filled adventure that is great for families with older children.

Family Note: Children must be 7 or older for this experience.

Address: 423 Lafayette Blvd, Oldsmar, FL 34677

40. Sunset Beach

Florida Beach Sunset
Sunset Beach

Finish your day with watching a beautiful sunset over the water at Sunset Beach in Tarpon Springs. A perfect ending to any day exploring Pinellas County in Florida.

Address: 1800 Gulf Rd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Have a Great Time Exploring Pinellas County with Your Traveling Feet!

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Jenny

Welcome to 10 Traveling Feet! My name is Jenny and we are a family of five that loves to explore & learn about our incredible world! Discover our favorite sites, top hikes, fantastic hidden gems and helpful travel tips for Your Next Adventure! Let's Find Your "Traveling Feet!"

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