Tampa and the surrounding areas offer a variety of family friendly attractions, outdoor spaces, and interactive museums that make it easy to plan a fun trip with kids. During our visit we explored several destinations that kept my son engaged while also giving us the flexibility that many families with autistic children appreciate when traveling.

Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa

We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa and had a wonderful experience. The hotel was very accommodating for our family and the location was perfect. It sits directly on Clearwater Beach which makes it easy to walk straight from the hotel to the sand.

Of course we spent time at the beach. Clearwater Beach is known for its soft white sand and calm water which made it a relaxing place for my son to explore. Having the beach steps away from the hotel allowed us to take breaks whenever we needed and return later without much planning.

Dinosaur World

My son is a dinosaur connoisseur. He loves all things dinosaur, so visiting Dinosaur World was an easy decision for our itinerary.

One thing that caught us off guard right away was that when you enter the attraction you walk directly into the gift shop. I am used to seeing gift shops at the end of attractions. My son quickly noticed the souvenirs and made it very clear that he planned to leave with something. Parents will probably understand how that conversation usually goes.

Once you move past the gift shop area, the park opens up into outdoor walking trails surrounded by life size dinosaur statues placed throughout wooded areas. Kids can walk along the paths and discover different dinosaurs along the way. The layout allows families to explore at their own pace which works well for children who prefer less crowded environments.

This attraction is also known for being autism friendly. The wide paths and open outdoor setting provide plenty of space for families to move around comfortably.

Glazer Children’s Museum

The Glazer Children’s Museum is located in downtown Tampa and is designed to encourage learning through hands on play.

The museum features a kid sized city where children can explore different roles such as working in a grocery store, visiting a doctor’s office, or operating a fire station. These interactive exhibits allow kids to use their imagination while learning how communities function.

There are also exhibits focused on science, engineering, and water play. Children can build structures, experiment with movement and energy, and explore how water flows through different systems.

The environment encourages movement and creativity. Kids are able to touch, climb, build, and interact with most of the exhibits which makes it an engaging place to spend several hours.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Another highlight of our visit was ZooTampa at Lowry Park. This zoo offers a combination of animal exhibits and family friendly rides that make the experience especially fun for children.

Visitors can see animals such as elephants, rhinos, tigers, and manatees. The manatee care center is particularly interesting since Florida is known for these gentle animals.

One feature that stands out at this zoo is the rides available throughout the park. Families can ride a small train through parts of the zoo, enjoy a carousel, and explore a children’s area with additional kid friendly rides.

There are also shaded walking areas which help make the experience more comfortable during warmer days.

Additional Sensory and Autism Friendly Things to Do in the Tampa Area

Families traveling with autistic children will find many options throughout the Tampa area that offer open space, interactive experiences, or quieter environments.

• Clearwater Marine Aquarium where visitors can learn about rescued marine animals and see dolphins, sea turtles, and other ocean life.

• Tampa Riverwalk which offers a scenic path along the water where families can walk, relax, and take breaks while enjoying views of the city.

• Florida Aquarium which features marine exhibits, touch tanks, and opportunities to learn about ocean ecosystems.

• Lettuce Lake Park which offers quiet nature trails, boardwalks, and opportunities to observe wildlife.

• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay which offers family areas, animal exhibits, and designated quiet spaces for guests who may need a break from stimulation.

For my travel adventures follow my Instagram page @autismspectrumadventures.