Things to Do in Clearwater Beach with Kids
The best things to do in Clearwater Beach with kids are the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise, the Pier 60 Sunset Celebration and the Little Toot dolphin cruise. The aquarium is the one for every age, a rescue center where kids see rescued dolphins and sea turtles up close, and it is air-conditioned for the hottest part of the day. The pirate cruise is pure fun for school-age kids, the sunset celebration is a free evening with street performers on the pier, and Little Toot is a small, tugboat-style dolphin cruise.
| Activity Name | Best For | Key Highlight | Recommended Age | Booking Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clearwater Marine Aquarium | Educational Fun | Marine Conservation | All ages | View Details → |
| Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise | Interactive Play | Pirate Adventure | School-aged | View Details → |
| Pier 60 Sunset Celebration | Free Entertainment | Sunset Views | All ages | View Details → |
| Little Toot Dolphin Cruise | Nature Watching | Dolphin Sightings | All ages | View Details → |
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
The aquarium rescues and cares for marine animals, and it is an easy, interesting outing without the theme park chaos.
- The Fun: Kids get to see rescued dolphins and sea turtles up close.
- Best Age Group: All ages, as the visuals are captivating for even the youngest travelers.
- Tip: Buy tickets online ahead to skip the entry line.
- Good to know: It is indoors and air-conditioned, the best escape when the beach gets too hot.
Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise
If you want to feel like a cool parent without putting in much effort, this pirate cruise is the answer. The crew does all the entertaining while you sit back and enjoy the Gulf breeze.
- The Fun: Children participate in treasure hunts, face painting, and water gun battles.
- Best Age Group: School-aged kids who love high-energy interactive play.
- Tip: Arrive just in time to board instead of waiting on the hot dock.
- Good to know: The music and pirate games are loud, so bring headphones for a noise-sensitive child.
Pier 60 Sunset Celebration
The sunset celebration is an easy evening out. Walk onto the pier, find a spot, and let the street performers and artisans do the rest.
- The Fun: Enjoying a festive atmosphere with street performers as the sun dips below the horizon.
- Best Age Group: All ages, especially families who want a late-day stroll.
- Tip: Get dinner from a food truck nearby and eat it on the sand.
- Good to know: Parking nearby is tricky, so arrive an hour before sunset.
Little Toot Dolphin Cruise
Little Toot is a small tugboat-style boat, so dolphin sightings feel close and personal, and the ride is relaxed.
- The Fun: Watching dolphins play in their natural habitat from a tugboat-style vessel.
- Best Age Group: All ages, as the boat ride is gentle and exciting.
- Tip: A morning cruise has the least glare and the coolest air.
- Good to know: The boat is open-air, so pack hats and sunscreen.
Traveling with a toddler? Our lazy parent’s guide to Clearwater Beach with toddlers covers nap-friendly pacing, stroller-easy picks, and the stops that are actually worth it at that age.
Where to Stay in Clearwater Beach
How lazy a Clearwater Beach trip actually feels comes down to how far you are from the things above. Both searches cover Clearwater Beach itself, so you can see what still has rooms on your dates.
FAQs About Things to Do in Clearwater Beach with Kids
Do I need to book these activities weeks in advance?
You can often walk up, but booking online a few days ahead gets you a time that fits around naps.
Are these activities stroller-friendly?
Most areas, including the aquarium and Pier 60, are very accessible for strollers. However, be prepared to park your stroller at the dock before boarding the cruise boats.
What is the best time of day for these activities?
Morning for the dolphin cruises and late afternoon for the sunset celebration, to stay out of the midday heat.
Before you go, these official Clearwater Beach, FL sites are worth a bookmark. They have current hours, beach conditions, and event calendars straight from the people who know the area best. More Family Travel Guides for Clearwater Beach:Helpful Local Resources