Fun, Cheap Things to do in Tampa Bay for Under $20

The Sunken Gardens

As one of the oldest roadside attractions in the country, the Sunken Gardens in downtown St. Pete is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. For only $12 (adult admission), you can explore 4.5 acres of lush gardens with over 50,000 tropical plants and flowers, flamingos, and cascading waterfalls. This makes the perfect date or fun day with the family!

Minor League Baseball Games

Take yourself out to the ball games! Our Minor League Baseball teams are coming in full swing with games all around Tampa Bay. From Dunedin to Bradenton, catch an upcoming game and be sure to take a look at all of the promotional deals included! Check out our guide for locations, tickets, and the best things to do!

Replay Amusement Museum

Embrace your inner kid and get your game on at Replay Amusement Museum! Located in Tarpon Springs, this unique arcade is free play which means for only $14 (adult day pass), you receive a wristband that allows you to play for as long as you want. After purchasing a wristband, you have unlimited entry to the arcade all day. So grab a bite to eat and head back for some more games. With over 120 games, you’ll find yourself with endless options!

Straub Park

📸 Straub Park – Instagram

Grab a blanket and head to Straub Park for a picnic! Find the perfect spot while strolling through 7.3 acres right in the heart of downtown St. Pete. The waterfront views of Straub Park are unmatched. If you get hungry, grab a bite from one of the vendors at the St. Pete Pier which is just a short walk.

Clearwater Ferry

📸 Clearwater Ferry – Facebook

Avoid the traffic and hit the seas with the Clearwater Ferry! For only $4 (adult, one way), you can explore downtown Clearwater, Clearwater Beach Marina, and North Beach by request. The Clearwater Ferry is a great way to visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium or Clearwater Beach. Who knew a day on the water could make our list of cheap stuff to do in Tampa Bay!

Drive-In Movie Theatres

Just like bell bottom jeans, drive-in movies are back in style! Enjoy a fun night at one of the four drive-in movie theaters in Tampa Bay. Tickets are under $10 and include classic and first-run films. This is such a fun sport on our list cheap things to do in Tampa Bay, plus it makes for the perfect movie date night!

Ybor City Museum State Park

Located in the 1923-era Ferlita Bakery, the Ybor City Museum State Park is representative of a typical cigar-worker’s family home. For only $4, you can experience the rich cultural heritage of Ybor City and learn about the role it played in Tampa’s development. Ever wondered about Tampa’s reputation as the “Cigar Capital of the World”? Head to Ybor City Museum State Park to learn all about it!

Straz Center

You’ve probably been to a movie theatre, but have you ever been to the Tampa Theatre? This unique movie palace is an experience like no other.

Located in Downtown Tampa, the Tampa Theatre was built in 1926 when tickets were only 25 cents! Today the theatre offers a full schedule of first-run films, classic films, and live events. Adult tickets start at only $11.50 and can be purchased online.

Jolly Trolley

📸 Jolley Trolley – Instagram

All aboard the Jolley Trolley! For only $5, you can enjoy the views all across Pinellas County from a vintage-style trolley. The Jolley Trolley offers two routes, the Beach Route and Coastal Route. Whether you’re wanting to brewery hop in North Pinellas or avoid traffic at the beach, the Jolley Trolley is a great way to do it!

U-Pick Farm

Depending on the season, a great way to spend an afternoon is at a u-pick farm! From strawberries, sunflowers, and blueberries, Tampa Bay has it all. Not only is this a fun activity, but you will leave with fresh and, often times, cheaper produce. What a win win

Rent a Coast Bike

St. Pete Shuffleboard Club

Shuffle on into a good time at the St. Pete Shuffleboard Club, the largest shuffleboard club in world! For non-members, it’s only $10 to play and you’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks. Did we mention it’s also dog-friendly? What could be better!

Dunedin History Museum

📸 Dunedin Museum – Instagram

Located along Main Street and the Pinellas Trail, the Dunedin History Museum is all about sharing Dunedin’s legacy and heritage. While exploring Downtown Dunedin, hop into the museum for only $5 to learn all about the city’s unique history.

Pro-tip: grab a sweet treat from Lane’s Lemonade, located outside of the museum in an old box car!

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

📸 Boyd Hill Nature Preserve – Instagram

Located in the heart of St. Pete is Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. From campgrounds and beautiful trails, to kayak and canoe rentals. There is something for everyone! This hidden gem offers a nature experience like no other for only $3 (adult admission)! A one-in-a-life-time opportunity: attend Raptor Fest. The natural scavengers, see hawks, owls, falcons, and more up close. Keep in mind that from March 1 to October 31, it’s open until 7:00PM; also, the preserve is closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day!

Henry B. Plant Museum

Ever noticed the minarets in Downtown Tampa and wondered what they were? It’s the Henry B. Museum! The museum is housed in the icon 1891 Victorian railroad resort, the Tampa Bay Hotel, and now the University of Tampa.

Unlike many museums of its kind, the Henry B. Plant Museum contains the actual furnishings enjoyed by the first guests. After enjoying the museum, a walk through the waterfront Plant Park is must!

Weedon Island Preserve

📸 Weedon Island Preserve – Instagram

Grab your walking shoes and head to Weedon Island Preserve! Located in St. Petersburg, you can explore over 3,000 acres of coastal aquatic and upland ecosystems. It’s one of the most magical places in Florida and one of our favorite cheap stuff to do in Tampa Bay! Weedon Island Preserve includes a fishing pier, numerous trails, and an education center. Admission is free, but donations are welcomed.

Pro-Tip: Curious to explore? Plan ahead and join one of their monthly guided tours and nature hikes of the preserve!

Florida Botanical Gardens

📸 Florida Botanical Gardens – Instagram

Enjoy 150 acres of pristine formal gardens, scenic landscapes and native habitats located in Largo. The Florida Botanical Gardens showcases some of the most rare natural habitats.

Whether you’re a plant enthusiast or just looking to get some fresh air, you’re sure to love it here. Oh and did we mention that your four-legged friends are welcomed too? As long as they are leashed! Plus, admission is free.

Heritage Village

📸 Heritage Village – Instagram

Heritage Village, located in Largo, is the ultimate history experience! Step back in time and explore dozens of historical homes and demonstrations. From a smoke house, sugar cane mill and boiling shed, even blacksmith and woodworking areas. This unique experience is fun for the whole family, even your leashed furry friend!

VR Galaxy Lounge 👾

Virtual reality that not only takes you to different worlds, but lets you explore them freely. Check out the only spot in Tampa Bay that lets you roam freely in the arena. If you’re an escape room lover, this is the place to be for a brand new challenge. Enter the VR booth and try to escape the world that is born around you. Wish you could fight a zombie without a remote? Now you can! If you’re looking to incorporate some fun during the week and splurge it up a bit, it’s only $25 for 30 min of games! This is the perfect family plan, if your kids are into video games, they’ll most likely go crazy for virtual reality.