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
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
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
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