Soak up the creativity at the Dali Museum.

Top Attractions in St. Petersburg, Florida

1. Dali Museum

Step inside the surreal world of artist Salvador Dali at this museum located on the St. Pete waterfront. Known for his dreamy images of melting clocks, Dali had a funny side too, which comes out in pieces like the lobster telephone (my daughters' favorite thing on display). There's a family room where kids can color and read, and an excellent on-site restaurant serving up Spanish tapas, salads, and sandwiches. The building itself is an architectural work of art, and the Dali Alive 360 experience is a light and sound show inside a giant dome.

2. St. Pete Pier

There's so much to do at the St. Petersburg Pier, from its small beach to its splash pad to its variety of shops and restaurants. There's even an indoor nature center with interactive exhibits and a touch tank. Our favorite pier attraction is the Glazer Family Playground, an expansive, nautical-themed park with giant slides, swings, and climbers. Bring or borrow a piece of cardboard so the kids can ride it down the park's big blue hill, a must-do for little thrill seekers!

3. St. Pete Beach and More Beaches

White sands and warm, clear water.... what could be more enticing than a beach day? St. Pete Beach (with access on Gulf Boulevard) has been crowned one of the most beautiful beaches in the world for several years running. One glance at the clean, emerald-hued water and it's easy to see why. Locals love wading in the ocean and spotting dolphins at Upham Beach, where amenities include restrooms, showers, and a concession stand. Laid-back Madeira Beach is a favorite with families and seashell collectors.

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At Sunken Gardens, you'll see small waterfalls, beautiful demonstration gardens, and exotic birds.

4. Sunken Gardens

More than 50,000 tropical plants and birds are on display at this botanical garden that started as a swampy sinkhole attraction. Fast forward about 100 years and the Sunken Gardens are a lush paradise, with ponds, waterfalls, gorgeous native flowers, and exotic birds. Count on taking at least an hour and a half to walk the grounds and snap photos. Highlights include the rainbow eucalyptus tree and the flock of pink flamingos.

5. Great Explorations Children's Museum

Next to the Sunken Gardens is this museum with hands-on exhibits designed just for kids. There's a pretend-play doctor's office and dental chair, a green screen where kids can deliver the news, a mini fire truck, and a pizza delivery van. Science and art demonstrations happen inside the STEAM Station, and visitors can see live animals like geckos and snakes in the Critter Corner. Plus, kids can get their wiggles out on the museum's giant climbing structure.

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The Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement is the first to focus on the story of arts and crafts in America.

More Must-See Museums in St. Pete, Florida

6. Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement

This building is just about as beautiful as the artwork it houses, with a grand atrium, five stories, and a spiral staircase (don't worry if you have a stroller, there is an elevator). "Crafts" refers to craftsmen, and there are many one-of-a-kind pieces on display from the early 19th century, including unique furniture and light fixtures. A highlight for families is the Children's Gallery on the top floor, which features charming pieces straight out of a vintage nursery.

7. James Museum

View the largest collection of western art in Florida at this lofty downtown museum. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, and other artifacts by 20th- and 21st-century artists. My daughters especially loved the gallery of wildlife and animal art, as well as the aptly titled Jewel Box, a room of stunning Native American jewelry. FYI: Admission to the museum is half-price on Tuesdays, and children 6 and under are always free.

8. Imagine Museum

I don't often think of glass as an art medium, but it absolutely is, and that's what's on display at this museum. Needless to say, everything here is extremely fragile, so this may be a visit better suited for older kids. Yet, the 2,500 pieces in the collection are colorful and provocative, and will likely stir your child's imagination. My girls loved the miniature house made entirely of glass, as well as the room of ethereal alien artwork. Tours for kids, with an accompanying art project, are offered on Saturday mornings.

9. Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg

More than 20,000 pieces from around the world and across several centuries are on display at the MFA, including those by well-known artists like Georgia O'Keefe and Claude Monet. Visitors usually spend two to three hours taking in all the paintings, sculptures, and photographs, though you can easily spend the whole day here. There is an on-site cafe and a killer gift shop. The MFA is in a beautiful spot, too, just across from the downtown waterfront.

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Walk the trails of the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve to see diverse habitats.

Other Family-Friendly Attractions in St. Petersburg, Florida

10. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

Explore the great outdoors at this 400-acre nature preserve that connects to Lake Maggiore. Boyd Hill has several walking trails; an aviary with hawks, owls, and other birds of prey; a few playgrounds; and an indoor education center with exhibits tailored for kids. The preserve is also home to the Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, a living history museum featuring homes from the 1890s, a blacksmith shop, and a sugar cane shed, among other attractions.

11. Fort De Soto Park

This scenic spot about 20 minutes south of St. Pete in Tierra Verde gets a shout-out because of its unique ecology; it's actually a park made up of five offshore islands, accessible via a toll road from the mainland. Fort De Soto boasts three miles of white sandy beaches, picnic areas, piers, campsites, and nature trails. A museum also explores the fort's history, which includes roles in World War II and the Civil War. Bike, kayak, and beach umbrella rentals are available on site.

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Grab a map of St. Pete's colorful murals and explore the city.

12. Downtown Murals

It's no surprise that this art-loving town is filled with colorful murals on nearly every public wall. There are more than 600 of them! You can view them for free, snapping pics along the way or just appreciating their vibrancy. If guided tours are more your thing, the city offers them on Saturday mornings. Check out a map of St. Pete's mural highlights here.

13. Boat Tours

Set sail off the Pinellas Peninsula on a local boat tour. Whether you're looking to see wildlife like dolphins or take in a sunset cruise, there are many kid-friendly options to chose from. Families especially love the Royal Conquest Pirate Cruise, which promises to entertain visitors with water gun battles, face painting, and a treasure hunt. The 90-minute pirate tour leaves from John's Pass Village and Boardwalk in Madeira Beach.

14. Zubrick Magic Theater

Kids who are fascinated by the sleight of hand will love taking in a show at this theater. Performances are just over an hour long, and combine illusions and comedy in a way that is family-friendly. (Levitating people? Card tricks? Disappearing scarves? Yes, yes, and yes!) The venue is intimate, too, so there really aren't any bad seats. FYI: Weekend shows are popular and often sell out, so get your tickets early.

15. Catapult Adventure Park

This inflatable indoor playground is the perfect place to take your crew on a rare rainy day. There are bouncy slides, bouncy climbing structures, and a bouncy jousting beam. Add in an aerial ropes course and a zip line and you've got yourself a super-sized center that will entertain visitors of all ages for hours. Day passes are a bit steep, but my daughters insist that it's money well spent.

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With towering climbing walls and diverse bouldering terrain, Vertical Ventures offers something for everyone.

16. Vertical Ventures

Take the kids to burn steam and build muscle at this 20,000-square-foot climbing center that has more than 150 bouldering walls for athletes of all abilities. Though generally recommended for kids ages 5 and older, Vertical Ventures allows younger children to get harnessed up and climb. They even offer a class for toddlers! Board books and games are available for those sitting on the sidelines.

17. Astro Skate of Pinellas Park

With colorful wall murals, a disco ball, an arcade, and a hot soundtrack, this roller rink hits all the right nostalgia notes. Rent skates and blades or bring your own, and be sure to check the Astro Skate calendar ahead of time. The rink hosts fun weekly events like home school skate and hip hop night, as well as specials for holidays.

Great Family-Friendly Restaurants in St. Pete, Florida

18. Pete's Bagels

Start your day off right with delicious bagels made from scratch every morning (honestly, my mouth is watering just thinking about them). Choose from a variety of breakfast sandwiches, or go simple and just spread some butter or cream cheese on your bagel. The coffee is great, too, and the cafe has cute manatee decor and plenty of space for seating.

19. Hawkers

Do your kids enjoy Asian dishes like bao, egg rolls, and lo mein? If so, I recommend checking out Hawkers, located on busy Central Avenue. Everything we ate was fresh and flavorful, and the casual ambiance is welcoming to kids. The only drawback is its popularity; go early to dinner to avoid a long wait.

20. Mio's Grill & Cafe

One taste of the hummus at this downtown eatery and it's easy to see why Mio's consistently wins local and national awards for its Mediterranean cuisine. We loved the Greek salad, falafel, and gyro. Kids with less advanced palates may enjoy the chicken tenders and fries, as well as the pita.

21. Red Mesa Mercado

Get your fill of Mexican street food at this walk-up stand with ample patio seating. Favorites like burritos, tacos, and quesadillas are all on the menu, and everything is moderately priced. The best part is that no one will look at you sideways if you show up in board shorts.

22. The Library Restaurant

If you're seeking an eatery with a bit more polish, the Library is a cool spot. Inspired by the George Peabody Library in Baltimore, the restaurant is adorned with bookshelves and heavy books, making you feel as though you really are eating inside a scholarly study. The Library is open all day and has a kids menu with offerings like grilled cheese and pasta.

Top St. Petersburg Hotels for Families

23. RumFish Beach at TradeWinds

Located right on St. Pete Beach, this resort boasts 12 acres of waterfront access, a calendar full of events like crafts and karaoke, water sport rentals, and a 33,500-gallon aquarium that was even featured on Animal Planet. Guests can meet some of the sea life during a touch tank experience offered on weekends.

24. Crystal Bay Hotel

Looking for a place with character and charm? This boutique hotel once hosted celebrities like Babe Ruth and Marilyn Monroe, and it really leans into that history. Guests can even reserve Marilyn- and Babe-themed suites. Breakfast is complimentary, and visitors note the cleanliness of the property and the friendliness of the staff.

25. Holiday Inn & Suites Harbourside

Combine play with your hotel stay at this Holiday Inn located between St. Petersburg and Clearwater, home to Splash Harbour Water Park. Features include tube slides, a tower slide, a kids splash zone, and a lazy river. Day passes are available for non-hotel guests.

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