Family events in Tampa Bay, FL

This is a chance to squeeze in a camp session before summer ends. The one day program welcomes girls and boys ages 5 to 16 and allows participants to choose from a variety of projects that ran throughout the summer. Snacks are provided, and registration closes 24 hours in advance.

Amazing Athletes introduces kids to the basics of ten different sports in a playful, non-competitive setting. The program builds physical literacy, teaches healthy nutrition concepts and how major muscles work, and strengthens six core motor skills. Designed for children ages 2½ to 6, this year-round fitness curriculum supports key developmental milestones while allowing each child to progress at a comfortable pace. Weekly sessions last 45 minutes and highlight patience, teamwork, and confidence in a supportive, education-focused environment. Lessons balance variety with purposeful repetition, using age-appropriate equipment to develop skills and celebrate individual growth.

Keep the summer fun going at MacDill Lanes, where kids can bowl two free games every day. This family friendly activity offers easy, everyday fun and a chance to stay active while enjoying time indoors. Beat the heat and make the most of the season on the lanes.

CatVideoFest returns to Tampa Theatre with a 1 hour and 10 minute, not rated program comparable to G that assembles a comedy compilation of the newest and most beloved cat videos drawn from original submissions, animation, music videos, and classic internet favorites. This cinema-only annual showcase has appeared in more than 200 theaters across the United States and Canada, as well as over 100 in Europe, and offers a family-friendly communal experience that supports cats in need through partnerships with local charities, animal welfare organizations, and shelters. Since 2019 it has generated over $1 million in contributions that have helped drive adoptions, fostering, and volunteer involvement around the world. This screening takes place in the Taylor Screening Room, where seating is limited, so purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. A portion of proceeds from Tampa Theatre shows benefits the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, and donations of cat food, cat or kitten toys, and powdered kitten formula such as KMR or Breeder’s Edge will be collected onsite to assist animals and families in the community.

Brick Fan Event is back for the Tampa LEGO fan expo, bringing huge custom LEGO displays plus interactive build areas, games and contests, and a vendor marketplace with rare sets and minifigures. It’s a great weekend for collectors, AFOLs, and families looking for hands-on building and fun special guest appearances.

An affordable pet vaccine clinic will be set up at Adorable Pets by Dena, offering immediate heartworm test results along with on-site flea, tick, and heartworm preventives. No appointment is needed, and both cash and cards are accepted. For questions, call or text 813-388-8308.

This event supports families with students in kindergarten through 12th grade, and students must attend in person to participate. Free backpacks stocked with school supplies will be available, and tennis shoes will be offered when the right size is on hand. Vision and hearing screenings will be provided. A resource room will offer information for families. Advance registration is strongly encouraged.

A back to school celebration at Westshore features a cosplay belly dance performance by Lady Darjuxena, presented by Touch of Magic Events. A variety of back to school goodies will be available, and admission is free.

Nutcracker auditions welcome dancers in several age groups, with short sessions organized for ages 4 to 6, 7 to 9, 10 to 12, and 13 and up, along with a partnering audition for dancers at ballet level 3 or higher. The fee is $60 for group roles or $80 for lead roles, and it includes costume rental and all rehearsals. A separate ballet class is required in addition to the audition. Audition tickets can be purchased through the portal.

All summer, kids can bowl two free games each day at MacDill Lanes. It is family friendly and simple, a fun way to stay active while cooling off indoors. Sign-up is available for this offer.

Gear up for a fun day of bowling before the school year begins. Families can bring the kids to roll a few games and take part in raffle prize drawings. Bundle bowlers to save $20 on a lane, with pricing at $80 per lane or $20 per person, five bowlers to a lane.

Celebrate the back to school season at the Brandon Sunday Market with a family friendly day of shopping, food, music, and refreshing treats. Zesty Bubbles is participating with dirty sodas, fresh lemonades, and a variety of fun flavors, and there will be dirty popcorn to enjoy. Browse local vendors, discover handmade items, and savor delicious bites while spending time with family and friends. It offers an easy way to support small businesses and welcome the new school year.

Armature Works hosts a cheerful back to school celebration that blends end of summer fun with a marketplace led by young entrepreneurs. Browse handmade goods, unique finds, and school-ready accessories created and sold by kids. Children can jump and play in a large inflatable area, and families can refuel with favorites from local kitchens. Creative stations on the lawn, including crafts and face painting, add to the festive atmosphere. Admission is free, while food and certain activities may have separate costs. It is a lively way to wrap up summer and welcome the new school year in Tampa.

CatVideoFest returns to Tampa Theatre with a family friendly comedy compilation dedicated to all things feline. This 1 hour 10 minute program is not rated and is a curated mix of fresh submissions, imaginative animations, music videos, and iconic viral favorites. Presented exclusively in cinemas, this annual tradition has played in more than 200 theaters across the United States and Canada, as well as over 100 in Europe. The screening takes place in the Taylor Screening Room, seating is limited and advance ticket purchase is recommended. Beyond the laughs, the program supports cats in need through partnerships with local cat charities, animal welfare organizations, and shelters. Since 2019 it has generated over $1 million in contributions, helping drive adoptions, fostering, volunteer sign ups, and more around the world. For the Tampa Theatre shows, a portion of proceeds benefits the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. Donations of cat food, cat and kitten toys, and powdered kitten formula such as KMR or Breeder’s Edge will be collected onsite to assist animals and families in the community.

Keep the fun going throughout the summer as kids enjoy two complimentary games of bowling each day at MacDill Lanes. It is family friendly, easy to plan, and a great way to stay active while cooling off indoors. This simple, everyday activity offers plenty of chances for children to aim for strikes and have nonstop fun without the heat.

Children can enjoy two complimentary games of bowling every day all summer at MacDill Bowling Alley. This family-friendly offer keeps kids moving, makes for simple everyday fun, and provides a cool indoor break from the heat throughout the season.

Art on the House at the Tampa Museum of Art offers pay-what-you-wish admission, allowing each visitor to choose the price of entry. Check in at the Welcome Desk to share your selected amount with the Visitor Experience and Engagement team, then explore exhibitions that highlight ancient, modern, and contemporary art. Celebrate 100 years of art in Tampa while enjoying the museum at a price that feels right for you. Donations of any amount are accepted.

Enjoy free, live weekly general knowledge trivia at Beef 'O' Brady's Summerfield, run by Trivia Nation. The game is played in teams, so bring friends or connect with other players on site. Questions cover a wide mix of topics in a format reminiscent of Jeopardy and Trivial Pursuit, welcoming a broad range of participants. Each week features $100 in prizes for top teams. For a small head start, the host shares a free answer of the week on its website.