Best Zoos & Aquariums in Tampa for Kids & Families

5 family-friendly zoos & aquariums with age ratings and parent tips.

Highest rated: HorsePower for Kids & Animal Sanctuary, Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center, Tarpon Springs Aquarium & Sanctuary. 1 listing is indoor. 2 listings are outdoor. Qualified listings include age fit, stroller notes, cost signals, and practical planning tips.

By Kit, KidPaths editor

Reviews family planning details across KidPaths city guides.

This Tampa page currently has 5 qualified listings in zoos & aquariums that passed KidPaths' listing and photo checks. Start your comparison with ZooTampa at Lowry Park, The Florida Aquarium, Tarpon Springs Aquarium & Sanctuary, then use the age, cost and visit-length notes to narrow the list.

3 options work indoors or in mixed weather. 3 options have confirmed stroller access. 5 picks fit toddlers and 5 picks fit big kids.

Start near opening, choose the animals your kids care about most and keep an indoor or seated break in reserve. Large campuses can turn one exciting stop into too much walking.

Top Picks

HorsePower for Kids & Animal Sanctuary

4.8 stars

HorsePower for Kids is a rare gem, a working horse facility and animal sanctuary that lets children get hands-on with horses, ponies, goats, and other

Best for ages 2-12Outdoor$50-$80 for a family of 4 depending on activities

Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center

4.8 stars

Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center is a small, mission-driven marine science center on St. Pete's waterfront focused on Tampa Bay's ecosystems, kids can

Best for ages 2-12Indoor & Outdoor$30-$50 for a family of 4

Tarpon Springs Aquarium & Sanctuary

4.6 stars

Children can pet rays, see sharks and large fish, meet reptiles, visit farm animals, and may hold a python or small alligator after scheduled programs

Best for ages 3-12, especially children who want to touch, hold, or feed animals under staff guidance.Indoor & OutdoorAbout $109

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

4.6 stars

The day can include manatees, otters, tigers, rhinos and macaws, plus a carousel, playground, splash pad and rides with posted age or height rules.

Best for ages 2-12, especially children who want animals, a playground, water play and small rides in one visit.OutdoorAdvance admission for two adults and two children ages 3-11 is $167

The Florida Aquarium

4.5 stars

Children can move among Florida wetlands, coral reef habitats, stingrays, tide-pool life, jellies, lemurs, and other animals, with optional feedings a

Ages 2-12, with enough animal variety and optional experiences for older childrenIndoorAdmission varies by visit date under plan-ahead pricing

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