Cartoon family car on a winding road, pumpkin-patch road trip scene
Next 6 weekends · Oct 23–25 to Nov 27–29

Weekend getaways from Tampa with kids

The best trip within about five hours of Tampa for each of the next 6 weekends, chosen for kids under 6. Every event links to the official page we checked it on.

6 weekends2 citiesClosest: 1h 45m

Last checked against official pages. How we choose

Departures

From Tampa
Oct 23–25OrlandoEolaween · 1h 45mLake Eola ParkFree dayOct 30–Nov 1Stay in TampaCreatures of the NightStaycation is your best optionStay homeNov 6–8Nothing worth the driveSee this week in TampaNov 13–15OrlandoICE! at Gaylord Palms · 1h 45mGaylord Palms Resort, KissimmeeEasy driveNov 20–22OrlandoICE! at Gaylord Palms · 1h 45mDazzling NightsEasy driveNov 27–29Stay in TampaChristmas in the WildStaycation is your best optionStay home
How far is fun?

Everything within 5 hours

Each ring is one hour of driving from Tampa. Under two hours is an easy day trip; past three, pack the pajamas.

1h2h3h4h5hOrlandoJacksonvilleTampa
Orlando1h 45m
Jacksonville4h

Orange dots are picks on this page. Drive times are normal driving times without traffic.

WEEKEND 3
Nov 6–8

No pick this weekendWeekend of Nov 6–8: Nothing worth the drive

We couldn't verify anything within a few hours of Tampa that's worth the trip this weekend. This week in Tampa has the local list.

WEEKEND 5
Nov 20–22
1h 45m
Easy drive: under 2 hoursDay trip: home by bedtime

Destination · 2 picksWeekend of Nov 20–22: Orlando

about 1 hr 45 min from Tampa

Dazzling Nights opens at Leu Gardens, plus ICE! at Gaylord Palms.

ICE! at Gaylord Palms

Giant ice sculptures, Nov. 13–Jan. 3.

Fri Nov 20, Sat Nov 21, Sun Nov 22 · See the resort’s site
Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee
Separately ticketed
Official page

Dazzling Nights

Opens Friday, Nov. 20; select nights through Jan. 3.

Fri Nov 20 · Timed entry from 5:30 p.m.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
Children $33–$53; adults $35–$56
Official page
Orlando city guideVisiting with little kidsThis week in Orlando
WEEKEND 6
Nov 27–29
0 min
Stay home: staycation is your best optionFriday fun: day-after pick

Stay close to homeWeekend of Nov 27–29: Tampa

Nothing within a few hours beats what's already on in Tampa this weekend.

Christmas in the Wild

One of Tampa Bay’s largest light displays, select nights Nov. 27–Dec. 30.

Fri Nov 27, Sat Nov 28, Sun Nov 29 · From 4 p.m.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Included with a Zoo Fun ticket
Official page
Tampa city guideVisiting with little kidsThis week in Tampa
Little-traveler checklist

Pack it before you go

Car snacksMore than you think. Then a few more.
StrollerZoo paths and light trails are long for little legs.
Time the napLeave right before nap so the drive does double duty.
Overnight bagPast three hours, pajamas beat a 9pm drive home.
Parking cashFree admission days often still charge for parking.
Rain planPick one indoor backup, like a museum, before you leave.
More trips

Every region, every weekend

Georgia coast and Florida weekendsAll regionsThis week in Tampa
Good questions

Weekend trips from Tampa: the FAQ

Where can we go for a weekend from Tampa with little kids?

Over the next 6 weekends our picks from Tampa are Orlando. Each one is chosen for what's on that weekend, with the dates, times and prices checked on the official pages.

Which cities are within an easy drive of Tampa?

Orlando (about 1 hr 45 min), Jacksonville (about 4 hr). Times are normal driving times without traffic.

Why is the same city picked more than once?

Sometimes one city really does have the most going on two weekends in a row, like a holiday lights opening followed by a show. We don't rotate cities just for variety.

Are the times and prices current?

They're what each official page showed on Oct 18, 2026. Tap through to the official page before you go.