Family Activities atClearwater Beach
Create unforgettable memories with activities and attractions perfect for families with children of all ages.
Family-Friendly Highlights
Top Attraction
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Best Free Activity
Pier 60 Sunset Celebration
Most Popular
Beach playground & swimming
Must-Visit Family Attractions
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Ages: All ages
Duration: 2-3 hours
Cost: $35 adults, $25 kids
Home of Winter the Dolphin from the movie. Interactive exhibits, marine animal encounters, and educational programs.
Highlights
- •Meet Winter and Hope dolphins
- •Touch tank experiences
- •Behind-the-scenes tours available
- •Sea turtle rehabilitation center
Insider Tips
Book online for discounts. Arrive early for feeding times.
Pier 60 & Sunset Celebration
Ages: All ages
Duration: 2-4 hours
Cost: Free (parking $3/hr)
Daily sunset celebration with street performers, vendors, and beautiful Gulf Coast sunsets.
Highlights
- •Buskers and street performers
- •Arts and crafts vendors
- •Fishing from the pier
- •Playground nearby
Insider Tips
Arrive 1 hour before sunset for best experience. Bring cash for vendors.
Pirate Adventure Cruises
Ages: 3-12 years
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: $28 adults, $18 kids
Interactive pirate-themed boat cruise with treasure hunts, games, and dolphin watching.
Highlights
- •Kids get pirate costumes
- •Treasure hunt activities
- •Dolphin spotting opportunities
- •Face painting included
Insider Tips
Book in advance during peak season. Bring sunscreen and water.
Activities by Age Group
Toddlers (1-3 years)
Beach Playground at Pier 60
Toddler-safe playground equipment right on the beach
Free
Early morning or late afternoon for shade
Sand Castle Building
Gentle waves and soft sand perfect for little builders
Free
Bring buckets and molds from home
Shallow Water Play
Warm, shallow waters ideal for supervised water play
Free
Stay close to shore in designated swimming areas
Duck Feeding at Mirror Lake
10-minute drive to downtown for duck and bird watching
Free
Bring approved duck food or seeds
Kids (4-8 years)
Clearwater Beach Recreation Center
Pool, sports courts, and organized activities
$5 day pass
Check schedule for kids programs
Mini Golf at Smugglers Cove
Pirate-themed mini golf adventure
$12 adults, $8 kids
Play during cooler evening hours
Jet Ski Dolphin Tours (with parent)
Guided jet ski tours to see dolphins in the wild
$75+ per jet ski
Kids must ride with adult driver
Beach Volleyball
Organized games and courts available on the beach
Free
Mornings have more organized activities
Tweens/Teens (9-17 years)
Parasailing Adventures
Soar 400+ feet above the Gulf Coast (age 6+ with adult)
$85+ per person
Book early morning for calmest conditions
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Rentals and lessons available on calm bay waters
$45+ per hour
Bay side is better for beginners
Deep Sea Fishing
Half-day and full-day fishing charters
$60+ per person
Take motion sickness medicine if prone
Escape Rooms
Indoor entertainment perfect for rainy days
$25+ per person
Book ahead, especially on weekends
Rainy Day Activities
Indoor fun for when the weather doesn't cooperate
Clearwater Aquarium Research Institute
Educational programs and behind-the-scenes experiences
Ages: 6+
Cost: $15+ add-on to aquarium admission
Capitol Theatre
Family-friendly shows and performances year-round
Ages: Varies by show
Cost: $25+ per person
Tropicana Field Tours
Behind-the-scenes baseball stadium tours (20 min drive)
Ages: All ages
Cost: $8 adults, $6 kids
Great Explorations
Hands-on children's museum in nearby St. Petersburg
Ages: 1-12
Cost: $15 per person
Movie Theaters
Multiple theaters with latest family films
Ages: All ages
Cost: $12+ per ticket
Seasonal Family Fun
Spring (Mar-May)
- •Spring Training Baseball games nearby
- •Perfect weather for all outdoor activities
- •Sea turtle nesting season begins
- •Kite flying in consistent breezes
Summer (Jun-Aug)
- •Sea turtle nest guided tours
- •Early morning beach activities
- •Swimming and water sports peak season
- •Summer camp programs at rec center
Fall (Sep-Nov)
- •Hurricane awareness educational programs
- •Migratory bird watching
- •Comfortable weather returns for hiking
- •Festival season begins
Winter (Dec-Feb)
- •Perfect weather for all outdoor activities
- •Holiday light displays
- •Cooler water still swimmable
- •Peak season for all attractions
Family Safety Tips
Always supervise children near water
Apply sunscreen every 2 hours (SPF 30+)
Stay hydrated with plenty of water
Swim only in designated areas with lifeguards
Check weather conditions before water activities
Keep emergency contacts readily available
Know your children's swimming abilities
Watch for jellyfish and follow beach safety flags
Family Budget Tips
Free Beach Activities
Sand castle building, shell collecting, and people watching cost nothing
Save $50+ per day
Pack Snacks and Drinks
Beach concessions are expensive - bring your own
Save $30+ per family per day
Visit During Off-Season
Many activities offer discounts May-September
Save 20-40% on attractions
Group Discounts
Many attractions offer family packages and group rates
Save 10-25% on admission
Family Vacation Planning Tips
Document Everything
Bring waterproof camera cases and create a family photo album of your beach adventures.
Plan Rest Time
Schedule downtime between activities. Tired kids mean cranky kids and less fun for everyone.
Be Flexible
Weather and crowds can change plans. Have backup indoor activities ready to go.
Ready for Family Fun?
Explore more family-friendly destinations and plan the perfect Clearwater Beach vacation for your family.