Attractions to take a 3 year old Tampa or Orlando

Question

I will be travelling over from the U.K. to watch my son race at Daytona but I’m only in Florida for 6 days total, so only 3 days of seeing the sights after the race. There will be 4 adults and a 3year old. We had hoped to take her to Disney but it’s just too expensive for all of us just for 3 days and perhaps she is still a bit young. I have been to Busch Gardens in Tampa and loved it but it was many years ago, now they seem to get terrible reviews. Does anyone have any other suggestions that we all can enjoy? I think we will leave Universal Studios and Disney for when we can stay longer. We are going in 2 weeks time 😬Thank you in anticipation!

Answer

With only three days for sightseeing in Tampa and Orlando, and traveling with a 3-year-old, it makes sense to focus on attractions that are engaging for young children without being overwhelming. Since Disney and Universal are skipped this time, there are plenty of other family-friendly options that can be enjoyable for adults as well.

In the Tampa area:

Glazer Children’s Museum: Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, this interactive museum encourages hands-on play and exploration. Exhibits are designed for young children and are very safe and engaging.
Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo: A well-loved zoo with a variety of animals, splash areas for kids, and plenty of shaded spots. It’s a great half-day or full-day activity for a 3-year-old.
Florida Aquarium: Very interactive and exciting for young children. Touch tanks, colorful fish, and engaging exhibits make it fun for all ages.
Busch Gardens (if reconsidered): While some reviews note aging rides, the park still has kid-friendly areas like Sesame Street Safari, which is ideal for toddlers.

For Orlando:

Crayola Experience: A colorful, hands-on attraction that is ideal for young children. Lots of creative activities, interactive exhibits, and play areas that a 3-year-old can enjoy.
Orlando Science Center: Features areas specifically designed for preschoolers, including sensory activities and kid-safe exhibits. Fun for adults too.
ICON Park: The observation wheel offers a gentle ride with great views. There are also kid-friendly attractions and play areas in the complex.
Leu Gardens: A peaceful botanical garden perfect for a leisurely stroll. Toddlers can enjoy open space, and adults can appreciate the beauty.

Additional tips:

Plan for short half-day activities with plenty of breaks to avoid overtiring the little one.
Consider outdoor attractions in the morning to avoid midday heat.
Pack snacks, water, and sun protection, as young children get restless quickly.

Overall, focusing on interactive museums, small zoos, and gentle rides will give your family a fun and memorable experience without the cost and stress of the big theme parks. This also allows flexibility for the 3-year-old and the adults to enjoy the trip comfortably.

Attractions to take a 3 year old Tampa or Orlando

More Tampa Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions