Clearwater is one of our favorite family vacation spots on Florida’s Gulf Coast. With its white sand beaches, fun marine life experiences, and nearby day trip options, it’s the kind of place where memories are made. While most people think of the beach first (and yes, it really is that beautiful), there are so many other great things to do in Clearwater with kids — from visiting the famous dolphins at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to exploring nearby Tarpon Springs.
Over the years, our family has made some amazing memories here — watching the sunset from Pier 60, learning about sea turtle rehab, and even stumbling upon a Greek festival in Tarpon Springs. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer Clearwater family vacation, here are some of our favorite kid-friendly things to do, plus tips on where to stay and how to make the most of your trip.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is one of the top things to do in Clearwater with kids — and for good reason. It’s home to Winter and Hope, the dolphins made famous in the Dolphin Tale movies. Our kids were starstruck the first time they saw them in person!
But this aquarium is more than just famous dolphins. It’s also a real working marine life rescue and rehabilitation center. That means your family can learn about the care and recovery of sea turtles, otters, stingrays, and pelicans while actually seeing it in action. On our visit, we got to see a turtle being treated in the hospital area, and it was such a meaningful experience for the kids.
What I love most is how focused the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is on conservation and education. It’s not a flashy tourist attraction — it’s a place with heart. If you’re teaching your kids about the environment or want them to understand the importance of protecting wildlife, this stop is a must.
Tip: Book your tickets ahead of time online, especially during busy seasons like spring break or summer. And plan to spend 2–3 hours there if your kids like taking their time with exhibits.
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is everything you imagine when you think of a perfect Florida beach — soft white sand, calm turquoise waters, and a super family-friendly vibe. It’s one of our favorite beaches to visit as a family, and it holds some really special memories for us. One year, we came for a weekend and ended up staying almost a week — the kids just didn’t want to leave!
With three miles of beach, there’s plenty of room to spread out. You’ll find chairs and umbrellas available to rent, which makes it so much easier when you’re planning to stay for the day. We usually bring a cooler packed with snacks, grab an umbrella, and settle in for hours of sandcastle building and splashing in the waves. It’s the kind of place where time slows down — in the best way.
What I love most is how easy everything is here. Public restrooms, playgrounds, restaurants, and ice cream shops are all within walking distance. You can take a break from the beach without having to get in the car. Clearwater Beach is consistently ranked one of the best family-friendly beaches in Florida, and honestly, it lives up to the hype.
Tarpon Springs
Just a quick 20-minute drive from Clearwater, Tarpon Springs is one of those hidden gems that surprised us in the best way. It’s like stepping into a different world — one filled with Greek music, the smell of fresh-baked baklava, and sponge boats bobbing in the harbor.
Tarpon Springs has the largest Greek community in the U.S., and you can really feel it as you stroll along Tarpon Avenue. We love grabbing lunch at one of the many authentic Greek restaurants — my kids are picky eaters, but even they were happy with warm pita and grilled chicken souvlaki.
The Sponge Docks are a must-visit. My family enjoyed watching the boats come in and learning about the town’s quirky history and its connection to sponge diving. One of our favorite stops is the Sponge Exchange, a fun little area filled with shops where we always pick up some souvenirs and local soaps.
This side trip is perfect for a more cultural, slower-paced experience — and it’s a great way to balance out the beach time with a bit of exploration and learning.
Pier 60 and Clearwater Marina
One of our favorite spots in Clearwater is Pier 60 — especially at sunset. Every evening, there’s a free Sunset Festival with street performers, local artists, live music, and vendors. It’s a fun, family-friendly vibe that runs from two hours before sunset to two hours after. We always make time for it when we visit. Watching the sun dip below the Gulf while street performers juggle or dance in the background is such a cool, only-in-Florida moment.
Even if you don’t catch the sunset festival, Pier 60 and the Clearwater Marina have plenty to offer during the day too. The marina is the starting point for dolphin cruises, fishing charters, and pirate ship tours — all of which are great if you’re traveling with kids or teens. On one of our visits, we booked a dolphin-watching tour, and it ended up being a highlight of the trip!
It’s a great area to walk around, grab a snack, do some souvenir shopping, or just take in the views. There’s usually something going on, and the energy is always lively but laid-back — just the way we like it when we travel as a family.
Sand Key Park
If you’re looking for a more peaceful beach day away from the crowds, Sand Key Park is the perfect escape. Just a short drive from Clearwater Beach, this quiet stretch of coastline feels like a hidden gem. When we want a slower pace and more nature, this is where we go.
The beach itself is beautiful — calm, clean, and ideal for shell collecting. We’ve spent hours here just walking along the waterline, spotting seabirds and searching for shells. One thing I love about Sand Key is how family-friendly it is. There’s a playground for younger kids and picnic areas where you can relax and enjoy a simple lunch.
There’s also a short trail through the salt marsh, which is a great opportunity to see some Florida wildlife up close. On one of our walks, we even spotted a pair of nesting sea turtles from a distance, which was magical. If your family enjoys nature and quieter spots, this beach is a must.
Where to Stay
When we travel as a family, where we stay makes a big difference — especially on longer trips. If you’re looking for something unique and historic, the Belleview Inn is a great option. Originally built in 1897, this beautifully restored hotel feels like a hidden gem. It’s tucked away from the busy beach crowds but still close to all the action in Clearwater and Tampa. We loved how peaceful it was, and it’s perfect for winding down after a full day of exploring.
If you’re planning to extend your trip beyond Clearwater or just want a quieter beach town vibe, we’ve also fallen in love with Siesta Key. It has such a relaxed pace and some of the softest sand we’ve ever felt. Siesta Key Dreams offers charming vacation rentals right near the beach — it’s one of our go-to spots when we want something comfortable, convenient, and family-friendly. Whether you’re traveling with kids or sneaking in a couple’s weekend, it’s a great way to enjoy Florida’s Gulf Coast at a slower pace.
Making the Most of Clearwater with Your Family
Clearwater has truly become one of our favorite Florida destinations. It’s not just about the gorgeous beaches (though those are definitely a highlight!) — it’s the mix of hands-on learning, fun local culture, and laid-back family time that keeps us coming back.
From meeting rescued dolphins at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to exploring the charming streets of Tarpon Springs, there’s no shortage of things to do. And when we need to slow down and take it all in, we know we can count on peaceful spots like Sand Key Park or escape to somewhere like Siesta Key for a different kind of beach vibe.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a full family vacation, Clearwater offers a little bit of everything — and a lot of sunshine and smiles along the way.
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