Top 10 Things to Do in Clearwater for Families

Photo Cred: A Boat DayIt’s that wonderful time of year when you and your family have finally chosen your next vacation spot. Lucky for you, if you’re reading this, you’re planning on beautiful Clearwater, Florida, where there are endless things to do in Clearwater for families. Not only will you soak up the sun together, but you’ll also explore top beachside restaurants, enjoy popular Clearwater attractions, and check off must-see destinations in the area.There are so many things to do in Clearwater for families. Whether you wish to take a private boat tour with A Boat Day, check out the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, or wear the kids out at the Skyzone Trampoline Park, we have the perfect list to ensure you have the most unforgettable Clearwater family vacation!Below, you will find Clearwater attractions for families that will cater to everyone in your brood so you can enjoy your much-needed Florida vacation.

Things to Do in Clearwater for Families

1. Catch some waves on Clearwater Beach

Ready for a little beachside fun catching some rays, building sandcastles, and splashing around in the ocean?  Then Clearwater Beach is the perfect first stop on your family vacation list.It has been listed in Tripadvisor’s “Top 25 Beaches in the United States” for multiple years and has even taken the #1 spot in 2016, 2018, and 2019.  Not only has it been a trusted destination for travelers and families in the past 10 years, but it was also ranked #6 on Tripadvisor’s “Top Trending Destinations in the United States” for 2022.If you’re looking for beautiful, pristine white sands that lead you to a stunning view of glistening waters, then you’ve come to the right place.  Clearwater Beach is a great family-friendly place to relax and unwind for you and your loved ones.  Beach activities range from building sandcastles by the water, relaxing under a private cabana, or even boogie boarding in the water.Pro Tip – Check out the Hilton where the Boucher Brothers will set up your perfect beach oasis of plush lounge chairs, a luxury beach bed, an umbrella, and/or cabana.

2. Hire a Private Boat and Captain from A Boat Day

A Boat Day is Florida’s premiere boat tour experience serving the Clearwater, Dunedin, and Indian Rocks beach areas and was voted TripAdvisor’s #1 Tour in Clearwater and Indian Rocks Beach.  They also received the prestigious Traveler’s Choice Award, making them one of the top Clearwater attractions for families.Plus, with various boats to choose from, they can tailor your boat tour based on your desired Clearwater experience and needs.  A Boat Day caters to all ages, from babies to seniors.Who doesn’t love waterslides?  Well, how about a waterslide on a boat?! A Boat Day offers just that with its fleet of Funship slide boats.  These pontoon Funships are 2-stories with a waterslide attached so you can slide right into the cooling waters. If you prefer a boating adventure, they also offer several sporty Deck Boats, cozy and fast.You can even join one of our shelling tours where you can go snorkeling and scoop up the plentiful shells from the sandbars. All of your snorkeling equipment and shelling bags are included in the tour!Oh, and don’t forget to bring your camera to capture amazing dolphin interactions.  These Clearwater rental boats can seat anywhere from 1-10 family members and come with a captain of your choice for your own safety and relaxation.  Get away from the beach crowds with a 4, 6, or 8-hour private boat tour – your family is guaranteed to love it!Pro Tip: Book your A Boat Day excursion on a weekday if you can, the islands and sandbars may be all yours to explore on these less busy days!

3. Easy Beachfront Dining at Palm Pavillion

This original beachfront establishment first started back in 1926 and has been a local favorite since.  Its rich history is what makes it so special and is often overlooked by many. Palm Pavillion was recently voted the “2021 Best Beach Bar” by Visit St Pete Clearwater, making it a top choice for a quick bite while you’re in between beach activities.Not only is it laid back and casual, but it is fun for families and large groups.  Whether you are walking up from the beach to grab lunch on the patio or catching the sunset and enjoying some live entertainment, it is a great spot for delicious food and cold drinks.  Choose from one of their famous beach burgers or try the delicious local seafood like the shrimp and crab chowder.  While you’re there, why not talk the whole family into trying some gator bites!  The kids will love telling their friends they tried gator during their vacation to Florida.Check out their live entertainment schedule here.

4. Visit the Interactive Exhibits at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium

The famous Clearwater Marine Aquarium is one of the most popular Clearwater attractions for families. Kids of all ages will enjoy meeting rescued animals like dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, and more.  Plus, you and your family can interact and participate in various exhibits like the Build a Salad for a Sea Turtle, VIP Bottlenose Dolphin, or the Shark Care Experience. You can even feed a Stingray!These interactive activities will provide lots of excitement for your kids and it’s a great opportunity for them to learn about the different marine life and their habitats. Plus, it’ll give you plenty of great photo ops which can sometimes be challenging to get as a parent.In 2022, this amazing establishment celebrated 50 years of dedicating its organization to saving marine life.Be on the lookout for upcoming events and shows as you prep for your family’s Clearwater vacation.  You can plan your interactive day here. General admission for adults costs $36, children ages 3-12 cost $27, and those 3 and under are free.

5. Plan a Fun Sunset at Pier 60

Catch a Clearwater Beach 27-year-old tradition every night by exploring the Sunsets at Pier 60.  Weather permitting and depending on the time of year, you can catch nightly sunset celebrations from two hours before, up to two hours after sunset.  On the Pier, you will find local vendors, artists, and musicians providing amazing entertainment for the perfect backdrop to your sunset experience.For only $1, you can explore the remaining 1,080 feet of the pier used for recreational fishing which boasts beautiful views of the surrounding beach, making it the perfect place for all your family sunset photos. In front of the pier, back on land, there is also a snack bar, souvenir shop, restroom, more entertainment, and a large playground to wear those kids out!Plan in advance and find the nightly sunset time here.

6. Enjoy Fresh Caught Seafood at Island Way Grill

If you’re looking for a memorable family dinner that everyone will enjoy, then Island Way Grill is the place to be.  You will enjoy a stunning sunset dinner at this beautiful dockside restaurant while savoring freshly caught fish, hand-cut steaks, some of the world’s finest oysters, and an assortment of daily specials.Kids can even eat like kings with an amazing kids menu filled with sirloin steak, chicken fingers, noodles, and even a surf and turf option that has both steak and shrimp!Whether you sit outside under the beautiful lights or inside their expansive dining room, you will not be disappointed with their outstanding selection of fresh entrees, specials, sushi, steaks, and delectable desserts.  Island Way is a little more formal but is a great place for a warm family friendly atmosphere, celebrations, and other special occasions and events.Book your reservation in advance with Opentable.

7. Get Active at Sky Zone Trampoline Park

This first-ever original Sky Zone Trampoline Park is a top indoor Clearwater attraction for families looking for fun and fitness.  Voted the #1 “Out of the Box” workout and “Best Party Ever”, it is a great place to beat the heat or pass the time on a rainy afternoon in Clearwater.They offer everything from freestyle jump, ultimate dodgeball, foam zone, zipline, and more.  Twist and turn your way through different activities and obstacles while exploring new heights with your little ones.  These new ways to play are great for challenging one another, practicing skills, and allowing everyone to be themselves and have fun.  Trust us when we say, that everyone will sleep well after a fun day at Sky Zone!Check out their events calendar and pick the perfect thing to do in Clearwater as a family!

8. Play a Round of Mini Golf at Congo River Golf

This award-winning miniature golf course is one of the most fun things to do in Clearwater for families.  In fact, Congo River Golf was voted the Best Miniature Golf in Clearwater, Florida. It is the perfect place to challenge your crew for a little family fun day or night.  They have lots of family fun activities that will allow kids and adults to interact on and off the putting course.What sets this course apart from others is you will putt your way through waterfalls, caves, and other tropical settings.  Plus, you can search for artifacts and gemstones, play a game or two in the arcade, and even feed live alligators.  With so much to offer, Congo River Golf is great for all ages and provides adventure around every corner.Book in advance and save up to 18% off of your tickets!

9. Explore Sand Key Park

Sand Key Park offers the best of both worlds, a beach and a park.  The park offers an array of amenities including picnic shelters to enjoy a nice lunch, a playground for kids to have a little fun, a dog park, and more.  It is a nice spot and an easy thing to do in Clearwater for families. The park also provides wheelchair access, restrooms, and water fountains.Not only does the pristine beach provide a beautiful backdrop for your family gathering, but it is the perfect place to enjoy multiple family friendly activities. It is also a great place to bird-watch and see other wildlife in the rare salt marsh.Pro Tip: If visiting between May – October, you may witness endangered sea turtles laying their eggs on the beach at Sand Key.

10. Catch a Game at BayCare Ballpark

BayCare Ballpark opened in 2004 and is the spring training facility for the Philadelphia Phillies and home to the Single-A Clearwater Threshers. What makes it one of the best Clearwater activities for families is that it has group picnic areas and party suites for large groups, a tiki hut pavilion, and even a kid’s play area.If visiting March you can plan ahead to see your favorite MLB teams go head to head or from April – September you can see some of our local Florida baseball teams take the mound.  Grab the whole family for some peanuts, cracker jacks, and a hot dog or two for a day or evening of family fun.Pro Tip: Check their event schedule for a weekly list of promotions including 50-cent hotdogs, Kid’s Night, and post-game Fireworks!

Anchors Aweigh to Clearwater!

After reading this guide you should now have a great idea of the best things to do in Clearwater for families!So no matter if you choose to keep things low-key by visiting the beautiful beaches, parks, and oceanfront restaurants or decide to plan a fun adventure by booking a boat day charter, going mini golfing, or having an interactive experience at the aquarium, you’re sure to have an awesome time visiting the different Clearwater attractions with your family!Check out some of our other related Clearwater guides below:

How to go shelling in Clearwater

Why to hire a boat captain

Fascinating facts about dolphins