Fun and Free Family Activities in St. Pete-Clearwater

With the UK school summer holidays on the horizon, St. Pete-Clearwater, Florida, is the perfect destination for families looking to make the most of their holiday without breaking the bank. From 35 miles of award-winning beaches and wild barrier islands to hands-on museums, water sports and a free digital savings passport, there’s no shortage of family-friendly fun to be had.

The FunShine Savings Passport

Budget conscious travellers can sign up for the FunShine Savings Passport, a free digital pass offering discounts at more than 50 experiences across the destination. Savings include 30% off adult admission at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, plus deals at the Dalí Museum, the Great Explorations Children’s Museum, immersive art experience FloridaRAMA, and a host of tours, excursions, restaurants, and more.

Free beaches, wild islands and nature trails

St. Pete-Clearwater’s greatest family attraction costs nothing at all. With 35 miles of white sugar sand beaches lining the Gulf Coast, families can spend entire days swimming and building sandcastles without spending a penny. Clearwater Beach – ranked the top Florida beach in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travellers’ Choice Awards Best Beaches in the US – offers a free nightly sunset celebration at Pier 60, complete with street performers, artisans, and entertainers. Meanwhile, Fort De Soto Park features a pirate ship-themed playground and a historic Spanish-American War-era fort for children to explore.

For a wilder adventure, families can explore Weedon Island Preserve in St. Pete. A network of boardwalks and trails winds through 3,190 acres of protected mangrove forests and salt marshes, with a 45-foot observation tower offering panoramic views over Tampa Bay. The Cultural and Natural History Center tells the story of the area’s indigenous Weedon Island people, making it as educational as it is scenic. Birdwatchers can spot ospreys, roseate spoonbills, and great blue herons, while the calm waters and mangrove tunnels are ideal for families to paddle.

Additionally, the Florida Botanical Gardens offers over 100 acres of flora and fauna to explore completely free of charge, while the 75-mile Pinellas Trail – running from Tarpon Springs to St. Pete – is ideal for family cycling and walks through charming coastal towns.

Hands-on fun and marine encounters

For families with curious young minds, the Great Explorations Children’s Museum in St. Pete is an interactive playground designed for children aged 10 and under, located right next door to the lush Sunken Gardens. Admission is $15 for children aged 1-17, $12 for adults, and free for babies under 12 months, with discounts available through the FunShine Savings Passport.

A hit with families of all ages, FloridaRAMA in St. Pete is an immersive gallery showcasing work from local and international artists, with a built-in scavenger hunt that keeps younger visitors engaged while older kids and teens enjoy the interactive instillations. Children aged 3 and under go free, making it easy for toddlers to join in the fun.

Summer holiday doesn’t mean learning has to stop. At the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, families can visit a working marine hospital dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of dolphins, sea turtles, otters and more. The aquarium’s Research Institute leads nationally recognised conservation programmes, giving older children a chance to learn about real-world marine science, from sea turtle nesting patrols along Pinellas County beaches to the protection of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. Teacher’s receive discounted entry, and with the FunShine savings passport families can secure additional savings.

The perfect family stay

Choosing the right base is half the holiday, and St. Pete-Clearwater offers options geared specifically towards families. TradeWinds Resorts on St. Pete Beach grants guests access to sister properties, Island Grand and RumFish Beach Resort. With nine pools, a sunset game zone, miniature golf, beach games, and a drop-off kids’ camp all included with each stay, kids will never be bored, and parents will enjoy much needed R&R.

Whether looking for an adventure under the Florida sun or a relaxing holiday on America’s Best Beaches, St. Pete-Clearwater has something to offer the entire family.

To learn more about family-friendly activities and accommodations in the destination, visit www.visitstpeteclearwater.com

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For further press information please contact:
Annie Hopson | Caitlin Lesko | Cesar Arnold
Rooster.
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About Visit St. Pete-Clearwater:
Soaking up the sun on the sugar white sand, enjoying the interactive art and museums, taking in a waterfront concert, dining at Michelin-rated restaurants and capping the experience with a picturesque sunset – all in a single day – is what makes St. Pete-Clearwater America’s Best Beaches. Beyond the 35-mile stretch of award-winning coastline, the destination is a harmonious blend of natural beauty, history, creativity, and adventure, nestled between the emerald Gulf waters on Florida’s west coast and Tampa Bay. A premier destination for solo adventurers, friends, sports enthusiasts, film producers, business professionals and families, this sun-soaked peninsula seamlessly transitions world-class cultural experiences and a sophisticated urban pulse with endless sun and fun.

Tampa International Airport is the gateway to St. Pete-Clearwater, conveniently located just 30 minutes away from America’s Best Beaches and offers daily flights from London through Virgin Atlantic and British Airways. Discover the adventures that await at VisitSPC.com.