Birthday parties in Tampa are one of the big three days of the year for kids, along with Christmas and the last day of school before summer vacation. A birthday stands out even in this elite company because the child has a much bigger say in how and where it’s celebrated.
Fortunately, you have plenty of activity centers and laser tag/video game arcades that are popular destinations for birthday parties in Tampa. The area also offers unique attractions you won’t find anywhere else.
If you want to stick closer to home, make sure to check out the party rentals you can get for a unique and memorable birthday party in your own backyard.
Seven Tampa Sites for a Birthday Celebration
Here is a list of potential spots for a birthday party in Tampa. Many are outdoors, taking advantage of Tampa’s almost year-round warm weather.
Outdoor Party Planning, Florida Style
BUSCH GARDENS
African wildlife-themed amusement park is home to more than 200 species of animals. Busch Gardens also is renowned for its high-speed, gravity-defying roller coasters such as Scorpion, Sheikra and Cheetah Hunt. 10165 McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612; (813) 884-4386.
ADVENTURE ISLAND
Aquatic theme park features water slides, a 17,000 square-foot wave pool and a relaxing lazy river. Open March-November. 10001 N McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612; (813) 884-4386.
THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM
Located near downtown in Tampa’s Channelside district, the Aquarium explores the state’s many aquatic ecosystems with exhibits such as a simulated wetlands environment, bays and beaches, and a coral reef. 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602; (813) 273-4000.
THE BEACH
You’ll have to leave Tampa for its coastal neighbors in Pinellas County, but it’s a short drive to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. In addition to the usual beach fun, the Pinellas coast also is dotted with campgrounds, boat ramps and nature preserves.
Adult Birthday Party Checklist
ZOOTAMPA AT LOWRY PARK
This 56-acre, family-friendly facility features naturalistic wildlife habitats and is home to many endangered, threatened and vulnerable species from climates similar to West Central Florida’s, with sections devoted to Asia, Africa and Australia as well as the Sunshine State. 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa, FL 33604; (813) 935-8552.
MOSI
Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) refers to itself as a “scientific playground” and features more than 100 hands-on activities including the Saunders Planetarium, Dinovations Lab, a virtual reality simulator and more. 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33617; (813) 987-6000.
GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
This downtown Tampa facility takes play very seriously, stressing on its website that play teaches children “resilience, problem-solving, risk-taking, and empathy.” Exhibits let children create, learn and explore fields such as medicine, art and engineering. Plus, the Tampa Bay Times named Glazer the “Best Place to Have a Birthday Party” in 2019. 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa FL 33602; (813) 443-3861.
These rank among some of the best places for a birthday party in Tampa. Take advantage of what the area offers and the beautiful weather. There’s no other place quite like it.
