Local Activities for Littles

Riverview, FL

Need an idea for a sunny afternoon or a rainy day? We’ve rounded up playgrounds, splash pads, indoor play spots, and more around Riverview.

Outdoor Activities

Parks & Playgrounds

Water Fun

Indoor/Rainy Day Fun

Pop-Up Events

Seasonal Events

Outdoor Activities

ZooTampa

URL: https://zootampa.org

- Animal encounters

- Kiddie rides

- Renovated splash pad area

- Playground area

- Multiple food/beverage options or bring in your own

- Free parking

Hogan’s Place - Petting Zoo

URL: https://hogansplacepettingfarm.com/petting-zoo/

- Petting zoo with hands on animal encounters

- Picnic area, restrooms, and hand washing stations

- Shaded area with kids activities

- Host Birthday parties/field trips

- Offers Goat Yoga and other Seasonal events

- Free parking

- $5 entry (kids under 2 are free)

- $5 food for animals

HorsePower for Kids

URL: https://www.horsepowerforkids.com

- Outdoor animal sanctuary and family fun farm

- Animal Petting Area and Pony Rides

- Playgrounds

- Western Town and Tree house

- Corn Pit, Maze and more.

- Free parking

Lums Farmers Market - reopening 9/12/25

URL: https://www.facebook.com/TheMarketatSt.MartinsFarm

- Farmers market and petting zoo

- Strawberry U-pick

- Picnic area, restrooms, and hand washing stations

- Local seasonal food and beverages (strawberry shortcakes, milkshakes, etc)

- Free parking

DK Farms and Garden

URL: https://www.dkfarmsandgardens.com

- Up close animal exhibits

- Pedal carts, mini golf and more

R & R Ranch

URL: https://rrranchlithia.com/

- Petting zoo with hands on animal encounters

- Pony rides

- Host Birthday parties with pony and hayrides, pony painting, disco party

- Field trips, summer camps

- Free parking

Sports/Recreational Activities

Toddler PE

URL: https://flhillsboroughweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?display=detail&module=AR&Type=2202%2C2801&fbclid=PAZnRzaAMVnpVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp9wuR9y9xw2AS5BMSp_7dxfvic51063PB5Ny0XjMFuZoBR3fI6K1DRYbj1Rw_aem_McfwCukNjebLCWcSCukh3g


Parent-supervised program, toddlers get to try out different games that help them improve their hand-eye coordination, fine and gross motor skills, and most importantly, have a ton of fun! Through Hillsboro county

Ages: 2-5 years

Location: Multiple locations

Cost: $25 for 8 week sessions

When: Dates and times vary by location

Amazing Athletes

URL: https://amazingathletes.com

Multi-sport programs use sport, fitness, and fun to develop key motor skills, promote teamwork, and inspire active futures. We introduce the fundamentals of 10 different sports in a nurturing and non-competitive environment

Ages: 18 moths - 5 years

Location: Amature Works & Prep of South Tampa

When: Weekday and weekend options

Cost: Varies

i9 Sports

URL: https://www.i9sports.com/venues/riverview-riverview-high-school-youth-sports-programs/5546

Multiple programs, single sport focused or introduction to multiple sports

Ages: 3-14

Location: Riverview High School

When: Saturday

Cost: Varies

Gymnastics

URL: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063589568398

Classes designed to teach motor skills, coordination and basic gymnastics. From beginners, advanced and competitive. They also offer a Mom n Me class for littles.

Ages: Start as early as

Location: 9305 Balm Riverview Rd

Cost: Varies

Happy Feet - Soccer

URL: https://www.tampabayhappyfeet.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=16494997324&gbraid=0AAAAAoUCpI-4KiosVg5QAn6At4MCRK8Z-&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqqDFBhDhARIsAIHTlktH-

A youth soccer organization, with a goal for kids to not only learn the wonderful game of soccer but to have fun, build social skills, improve self-confidence, and instill a brave, creative go-for-it mentality

Ages: 18 Months - 8 years

Location: Multiple locations

Cost: Varies

When: Varies, multiple options

Dancing for Joy - Dance Classes

URL: https://www.dancingforjoy1.com

Dance studio offering multiple classes for a wide range of skill sets. Goal to teach our students the fundamentals of dance as well as the importance of life skills.

Ages: starting at 0-2 years old

Location: 11691 Boyette Rd.

Cost: Varies

Theater Arts and Dance Alliance (TADA)

URL: https://www.tadance.com/#:~:text=TADA%20offers%20lessons%20for%20children,appreciation%20for%20dance%20and%20movement

Offer a variety of dance classes. Over 90 classes a week and welcome students who want to have fun as well as those with their sights on a career.

Ages: 18moth to 18 years, plus adult classes

Location: 16711 Fishhawk Blvd, Lithia, FL 33547

Cost: Varies

Little shark swim school - Swim Lessons

URL: https://www.littlesharkswimschool.com

Survival-focused, one-on-one, teaches children critical skills like self-rescue by floating on their back to rest and breathe, or the swim-float-swim technique for older toddlers. The lessons aim to build competence and confidence in the water.

Schedule: Typically 4 days a week (Monday - Thursday), for 15 minutes, private lessons

Cost: Varies but around $100 a week for 6 weeks

Location: 8606 Valrie Ln Riverview

Contact: Mrs. Angela Phone: 813.486.8059 Email: [email protected]

YMCA - Swim Lessons

URL: https://www.tampaymca.org/programs/swim-programs/swim-lessons

Traditional lessons in a group setting.Vouchers may be available for families who qualify.

Schedule: Varies based on swim level and class style.

Cost: See website for details

Location: 9650 Old Big Bend Road, Riverview

Contact: Phone: (813) 228-9622

Watermelon Swim- Swim Lessons

URL: https://watermelonswim.com/locations/swim-lessons-in-riverview/

More traditional lessons in a small group size. Caters to all skill levels – from nervous beginners to those with prior experience, both positive and negative. Offered indoors, year-round. Free water babies class 0-6months.

Schedule: Varies based on swim level and class style.

Cost: See website for more information

Location: 10459 Gibsonton Drive Riverview

Contact: Phone: 813-379-2645 Email: [email protected]

Parks & Playgrounds

Riverview Area

Panther Trace - multiple parks for a wide range of ages.

No restrooms

Hawkstone- multiple parks for a wide range of ages.

No restrooms

Pradera Reserve- 3 story playground, with picnic areas, large open field, and a looped paved walk. No restrooms without key fob.

Brandon Area

All Persons Park

Paul Saunders- shaded, wide range of ages

Tampa Area

Anderson Park (Hyde Park)

Julian B Lane Riverfront Park

Hyde Park Village

All People’s Life Center

Lakeland Area

Common Grounds Park

Bonnet Springs Park

Other Notable Parks

Parrish Community Park

Alderman’s Ford Park – $2 entry

Lithia Springs Park – $2 entry

Ananda Farms – Better for cooler weather (currently closed)

Water Fun

Waterparks

Adventure Island at Busch Gardens

SouthShore Bay Lagoon

Splash Pads

Apollo Beach Rec Center – Fenced, usually uncrowded

Anderson Park (Tampa) – Quiet spot near Hyde Park

Lesley "Les" Miller Park (Tampa) – Fenced, shaded, parking, changing rooms

Julian B Lane Riverfront Park (Tampa) - Splash pad, Shaded benches, Playground

Water Works Park (Tampa) – Near Armature Works, restrooms, picnic tables, dog-friendly

ZooTampa – Updated splash pad area for all ages

Parrish Community Park- splash pad, fenced in playgrounds, shaded picnic areas, restrooms

Springs

Lithia Springs

-Restrooms

-Park nearby

-Food truck on weekends

Weeki Wachee Springs

Beaches

Davis Island Beach – Near Tampa airport

Caddy’s on Treasure Island

- Restrooms

- Chair and umbrella rentals

- Restaurant on site for food and beverage purchase

Anna Maria Island

Indoor/Rainy Day Fun

Riverview Library

- Specific kids area with a dedicated playroom

- Check the website for different events and story times for a broad range of ages.

Currently:
- Bi-lingual Story time: 1015 am Wednesdays
- Story Time: 1015 am Fridays

Lakeland Airplane Museum

Story time events

Movie Series (Summertime)

AMC Summer Movie Series (Kids' Movies for $3)

Xscape Theatres Riverview 14 Summer Movie Series (Kids’ Movies for $2)

Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 9:30 am

Pop-Up Events

Bok Tower Gardens – Wawa Summer Fun Days

Dates: 8/28 & 8/29

Details: Free admission for up to 4 guests per registration

Location: 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL

Register: https://boktowergardens.org/wawa-summer-fun-days-2025/

Florida Railroad Museum

Train rides and special events like the North Pole Express and Pumpkin Patch Experience

https://www.frrm.org/

Seasonal Events

Florida Strawberry Festival (Plant City)

A vibrant, family-friendly 11‑day spring festival celebrating the strawberry harvest with kiddie rides, strawberry treats, livestock exhibits, and carnival fun.

Usual Dates: Late February through early March—February 26 to March 8, 2026

Website: flstrawberryfestival.com

Children’s Gasparilla Parade (Downtown Tampa)

A festive, pirate‑themed, alcohol‑free parade and family event featuring floats, the Preschooler’s Stroll, safety rodeo, airshow, and fireworks—all designed with little ones in mind.

Usual Date: Mid‑January—January 18, 2025 (Most recent); typically held on the Saturday before the main Gasparilla Parade each year

Website: gasparillapiratefest.com/childrens‑parade

ZooTampa Kids Fun Run (ZooTampa at Lowry Park)

A playful, kid‑friendly run featuring 2K and 1K races, a Diaper Dash, and Toddler Trot—held right on zoo grounds for a fun, active outing.

Usual Date: Early September—Saturday, September 6, 2025

Christmas Lane – Plant City

A walkable winter wonderland featuring over 1.5 million lights, a Great Light Maze, KidZone (face painting, letters to Santa, LEGO station), rides, and nightly live entertainment.

Usual Dates: From late November through December 24; open Thursdays–Sundays, and daily from mid‑December onward.

Winter Beach at the St. Pete Pier – St. Petersburg

A beachfront holiday celebration featuring Florida’s only real-ice skating rink on the Pier, plus a festive holiday market, Santa sightings, themed events, and stunning bay views.

Usual Dates: Mid‑November through mid‑January

Holiday Spectacular (Tampa Riverwalk)

A festive 2.6-mile walk adorned with dazzling lights, floating holiday displays, and merry decorations throughout the season.

Usual Dates: Late November through early January—typically from around Thanksgiving into the New Year.

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Riverview, Florida