Located to the west of Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, is a family-friendly area that draws visitors from around the country. From the beach to the ball field, there are plenty of things to do in St. Petersburg, FL, that the entire family will enjoy. As you plan your next vacation, consider these popular spots, and look for vacation rentals that are close by so you’re never too far from the action.
1. RumFish Grill
RumFish Grill is one of the newest St. Petersburg restaurants, a spot where diners also get to enjoy a natural show with their meal. A massive aquarium filled with fish native to Tampa Bay makes up one wall of the dining room. After dinner, you can stop by the underwater viewing area to get a better look and learn more about the sea creatures.
2. Fort De Soto Park
The entire family can find something to enjoy at Fort De Soto Park just south of St. Petersburg. Covering more than 1,000 acres, the park has seven miles of waterfront property with fishing piers and playgrounds. The gentle water of the Gulf of Mexico is perfect for swimming, and the gradual slope of the shoreline makes it easy for even the little ones to play in the water. When you need a break from the sand, you can explore the historic fort that’s on the grounds.
3. Great Explorations Children’s Museum
Open since 1986, the Great Explorations Children’s Museum is more than a play lab. It’s also a preschool where children of all ages learn while having fun. The hands-on exhibits include an obstacle course where children climb and crawl over various inclines and textures and an interactive garden. Kids also get to learn about fire safety, navigate a grocery store and practice veterinary skills on stuffed animals. The museum features a TV studio, building room and model doctor’s office.
4. Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Clearwater Marine Aquarium just north of St. Petersburg is the home of Winter and Hope, dolphins featured in the Dolphin Tale movies. At this rehabilitation facility, you can see an assortment of animals, including otters, turtles, birds and sharks. Some of the animals live at the aquarium permanently because they cannot live in the wild. Others stay until they complete rehabilitation.
5. Dali Museum
St. Petersburg is home to an impressive collection of works by the surrealist artist Salvador Dali. The Dali museum is a fun way to beat the heat in the summer months. Dali’s surrealist works appeal to children and adults alike, but that’s not the only reason to visit. Children have an opportunity to participate in craft sessions and take part in treasure hunts around the facility. It’s a great introduction to the world of fine art and one of the top things to do in St. Petersburg.
6. Tropicana Field
If you’re in town during baseball season, you can take the whole family to a professional baseball game. The Tampa Bay Rays play in St. Petersburg at Tropicana Field, and you can see them take on other American League teams from around the country. For an insider view of the field, sign up for a public or private tour of the facilities.