Tampa, Florida · Theme Parks

Theme Parks Near Tampa, From Busch Gardens to Orlando

Tampa is the thrilling heart of Florida's theme park scene. From world-class roller coasters to wildlife safaris and water park adventures, these top-ranked attractions deliver unforgettable family memories. Bookmark this guide to experience the best theme parks Tampa and the surrounding region have to offer!

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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612 (813) 884-4386

Tampa's crown jewel of theme park entertainment combines heart-pounding roller coasters with authentic African wildlife in one unforgettable destination. Ride the legendary Iron Gwazi, a towering hybrid coaster that climbs 206 feet, or experience SheiKra's bone-chilling 200-foot dive. The sprawling 65-acre Serengeti Plain showcases giraffes, zebras, and elephants roaming freely while you explore via skyride or open-air tram. With Sesame Street Safari of Fun for younger guests and countless dining and rest areas, a full day flies by. Don't miss the rotating lineup of thrill rides that make this park a world-class destination.

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Colorful water slides and pools at Adventure Island Tampa water park

Adventure Island Water Park

10001 Malcolm McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612 (813) 884-4386

Located right next to Busch Gardens, Adventure Island is Tampa's premier outdoor water park, 30 acres of thrilling slides, wave pools, and splash zones perfect for beating the Florida heat. The iconic Wahoo Run twists and turns through the sky, while the massive wave pool generates four-foot swells that rival beach days. Little ones enjoy Fabian's Funport with kid-sized slides and splash pads, while brave swimmers tackle the Typhoon Tower speed slides. The lazy river winds through palm trees, offering a relaxing respite between adrenaline rushes. Bundle your admission with Busch Gardens for incredible value and maximum theme park thrills.

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Where You'll Sleep

Two Big Homes Minutes From All of It

Sixteen real beds, a heated pool steaming at sunrise and a pickleball court out back, 12 minutes from TPA.

Twilight from above: court, pool, hot tub and fire pit inside one fenced yard

Tampa Bae at twilight from above: the pickleball court, heated pool, hot tub and the 16-chair fire pit, all inside one fenced backyard

Twilight at Tampa Bae: the pool glowing, umbrellas up, the mural lit, and the whole house waiting for your crew

The whole backyard from above: private pickleball and basketball court, pool deck with umbrellas, hot tub, play set and fire pit

Loved by Big Families

Tampa, FL92 reviews

Tampa Bae

Everyone under one roof, everyone happy, and you finally get to relax

16 guests · 6 bedrooms · 10 beds · 3 baths

Heated Pool
Sleeps 16
Pickleball Court
Movie Theater

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The backyard: pool, hot tub, pickleball court, swings and games in every corner

Twilight with string lights, the fire pit and the glowing pool

Airbnb Guest Favorite · Top 10%

Tampa, FL173 reviews

Rustic Retreat

The one where nobody wanted to leave the house

16 guests · 5 bedrooms · 13 beds · 3 baths

Guest Favorite
Heated Pool
Pickleball Court
Sleeps 16

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Halloween Week and Thanksgiving, Sorted

Happening Near Tampa Right Now

Happening NowSelect nights through October 31, from 7pm

Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay · About 25 minutes from both Tampa homes · Teens and adults

Haunted houses, scare zones and the coasters running in the dark. This one is for the teens and the grown-ups, so plan a movie night at the house for the little ones.

Details

Happening NowFriday to Sunday nights through October 31, 4pm to 10pm

Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa

ZooTampa at Lowry Park · About 20 minutes from Tampa Bae · All ages

The zoo after dark with trick-or-treat trails, glowing lanterns and a family-friendly haunted neighborhood. Costumes welcome, strollers fine, nobody jumps out at the kids on the family trail.

Details

From Oct 30October 30 to November 1 (moved from early October because of weather)

Oktoberfest Tampa

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, downtown · About 20 minutes from both Tampa homes · All ages by day

Steins, bratwurst, oompah bands and the river right there. Saturday runs all day, so the kids can come for the pretzels and the games before the evening crowd arrives.

Details

See everything on around Tampa this season

Legoland Florida

1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884 (877) 350-5346

Just 45 minutes south of Tampa in Winter Haven, Legoland Florida is a 150-acre wonderland designed specifically for families with kids ages 2-12. More than 50 rides, shows, and attractions showcase the magic of LEGO bricks come to life, from ride-along adventures to thrilling roller coasters. The park features original Cypress Gardens botanical areas mixed with LEGO-themed attractions, creating a unique blend of natural beauty and imagination. Visit the Legoland Water Park on-site or explore the LEGO Factory to watch artisans create custom builds. Two themed hotels let you extend the magic overnight with immersive LEGO-themed rooms that kids absolutely love.

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Universal Studios Florida

6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819 (407) 363-8000

About an hour from Tampa, Universal Studios Florida is a legendary destination where movie magic comes to life through cutting-edge attractions and immersive themed lands. Experience the wizardry of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, featuring the iconic Hogwarts Castle and three groundbreaking attractions that transport you into J.K. Rowling's beloved universe. From King Kong's thrilling rampage to the Minion Mayhem comedy rides, Universal delivers blockbuster entertainment on every corner. Island of Adventure, located next door, offers additional attractions accessible with a multi-day pass. Universal's Resort hotels offer early park access and premium experiences that theme park enthusiasts rave about.

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SeaWorld Orlando

6100 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando, FL 32821 (407) 545-5550

Located about one hour from Tampa, SeaWorld Orlando is a marine-focused theme park that combines exhilarating rides with wildlife education and conservation efforts. The Manta roller coaster thrills adrenaline seekers as it soars above the water in breathtaking loops and twists. Iconic orca, dolphin, and sea lion shows educate and inspire visitors about marine life while delivering world-class entertainment. The park's marine rescue and rehabilitation programs offer behind-the-scenes experiences where you learn how injured marine animals return to the wild. With numerous splash-zone rides, animal encounters, and dining options, SeaWorld offers a unique blend of thrills and meaningful education for the whole family.

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