Planning a family getaway this fall? Florida’s Gulf Coast is the perfect place to make an escape with the whole crew. The beaches are still beautiful this time of year, with peaceful waters, white sands and warm sun. And there’s no end of great activities that everyone will enjoy everywhere you look. If you’re looking for some suggestions for the best things to do with kids in St. Petersburg, you’ve come to the right place.
Hit the Beach
Thanks to our perfect year-round weather, “beach season” in St. Pete lasts far longer than in other areas of the country. Even better, thanks to our more than 35 miles of coastline, there’s a beach for every type of traveler. From the shops and entertainment of Clearwater Beach, to the laid-back, perfect-for-picnics vibe at Fort De Soto Park, to the all-around perfection of St. Pete Beach — consistently rated as a top beach in the U.S. — you can’t go wrong. Of course, the activity-packed stretch of St. Pete Beach just outside your door when you’re a guest here at TradeWinds is by far our personal favorite.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
There are aquariums, and then there is Clearwater Marine Aquarium. CMA is celebrating its 50th year in 2022, with special commemorative events taking place daily. Here, young marine biologists will not only get to check out countless species of fascinating sea life in nature-like habitats, but also learn amazing facts about these denizens of the deep. Plus, they’ll get to meet genuine movie stars. Winter and Hope — the stars of the family favorite film “Dolphin Tale” — make their homes here.
249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767
Great Explorations Children’s Museum
Great Explorations has been entertaining kids with hands-on “so fun they’ll forget they’re learning” exhibits for more than three decades. With over 24,000 square feet of activities and displays, young visitors are invited to discover and explore everything from nutrition, to safety, to health, economics, science and much more. There’s even a “Critter Cave” featuring reptiles, insects, and other small animals kids love. Creativity comes to life here!
1925 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704
Check Out the Ringling Circus Museum
Sarasota’s Ringling Circus Museum is a part of the large Ringling Museum complex — itself a stop that’s as entertaining as it is educational. The Circus Museum’s particular focus is to preserve the archives, equipment and history of the world’s most famous circus. When you visit, expect fascinating exhibits on the most famous parts of the circus, including its performers, animals, acts and even the newly restored Wisconsin luxury train car — the conveyance John and Mable Ringling traveled in all over the country.
5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
Experience The Sunken Gardens
Equal parts garden and living museum, The Sunken Gardens are a botanical haven that will fascinate the whole family. Located in the heart of St. Petersburg, the gardens have been home to some of Florida’s most fascinating native plant species for more than a century. Visitors will navigate winding footpaths through lush beds of more than 50,000 tropical flowers, trees and other plants, as well as a waterfall, flamingoes and more.
1825 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704
Take a Pirate Cruise
Avast, ye mateys! Many kids of all ages have long harbored dreams of boarding a real pirate ship, and heading off in search of high seas adventure. Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruises can make those dreams a reality! Captain Memo and his first mate Panama Pam have been welcoming budding buccaneers and salty scallywags on deck for more than 40 years to enjoy games, treasure hunting, dolphin-spotting, stories, dancing, refreshments and more. There’s no better way for families to get out and enjoy the water.
Explore John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk
The tumultuous history of John’s Pass is a rich stew of stormy weather, secret shipping routes, and pirates. After the nearby waterway was created by a hurricane in 1848, a privateer named John Levique made use of the soon-to-be-eponymous passage on a smuggling mission. Today, the area is an entertainment, dining and shopping hub featuring more than 100 businesses, as well as a port for cruises and leisure tours.
Discover Horseback Riding
There’s just something special about seeing nature from the back of a noble steed. Cypress Breeze Farms has been taking families on expert equestrian-guided tours of the area’s beaches and trails for years. Their experience, warmth and expertise are unparalleled in the region. The horses at Cypress Breeze are also famously happy, healthy, and well-cared for. The farm also offers non-ride interactive encounters with horses for those who’d just like to learn, and spend time connecting with the animals.
Explore Beachfront Activities at TradeWinds
As our guest, you and your family have access to no end of amazing ways to enjoy your Florida vacation! We specialize in all-in-one, “just let go” getaways featuring a deep range of adventures just steps from your room. From our famous floating water park, to guided Jet Ski tours, to our regular “dive-in” movie nights where you can watch your favorite films while bobbing in a heated pool, we’ve truly got something for everyone! Want to learn more? Visit our Resort Recreation page to see everything that’s in store for you. Then Check out our Special Offers page to see our selection of St. Petersburg travel deals, and start planning your family’s next great escape!!
