Holiday Break in Tampa: Outdoor Fun & Christmas Activities for Kids
If you’re staring down holiday break wondering how to keep your kids busy without living at Target or handing them another screen, you’re in the right place.
The good news: Tampa offers plenty of easy, low-pressure ways to get kids outside and moving, along with festive Christmas experiences.
Everything on this list is local to Tampa or nearby.
Easy Outdoor Activities
Bayshore Boulevard
Perfect for bike rides, scooters, stroller walks, or letting kids move freely with water views.
Lettuce Lake Park
Boardwalk trails over water, wildlife spotting, and plenty to explore.
Upper Tampa Bay Trail
Flat, paved, and ideal for bikes, balance bikes, scooters, or walking with snacks in tow.
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park + Tampa Riverwalk
Run, walk, people-watch, and reset everyone’s mood.
Flatwoods Wilderness Park
Shaded trails, quiet nature, and longer bike paths for kids who want to go farther.
Christmas & Holiday-Themed Activities
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Millions of lights, holiday shows, festive food, and lots of walking.
Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa
Holiday lights + animals + walking = win.
Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular
Festive lights and floating displays along the Hillsborough River.
Tampa Bay Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village (Fairgrounds)
Drive-thru lights ending with walk-through Santa’s Village - attractions, treats, and photos with Santa.
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
Outdoor ice skating, holiday market, and downtown views.
Berry Sweet Acres U-Pick Farm (Plant City)
Seasonal strawberry picking, outdoor walking, and holiday pop-ups.
Christmas Lane at the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds (Plant City)
Classic lights, live nativity, and walk-through holiday displays.
Old McMicky’s Farm (Odessa)
Farm animals and seasonal events.
HorsePower for Kids
Animal encounters and farm-style outdoor fun.
Important note:
Holiday hours, ticketing, and special event dates vary. Always check each website directly for the most up-to-date hours and details before heading out.
Save this post, share it with another Tampa mom, and give yourself permission to keep holiday break simple.
– Mailoha
