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5 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Clearwater Beach with Kids

One of the top family resorts in Clearwater Beach, Sandpearl Resort gives you easy access to a frenzy of family-friendly to-dos on property – and off.

Beachfront fire-pits, a climate-controlled zero-entry pool, and easy access to what has been deemed time and time again as America’s number-one beach. These are just some of the favorite family attractions you access when you stay at Sandpearl Resort, which is regularly ranked one of the top family resorts in Clearwater Beach by US News. And not only does the resort make for the perfect family getaway to be had on-site, but the launching point into the many family-friendly activities that make up this Gulf Coast oasis. Here are a few of our favorites.

 

CHECK OUT CAMP RIDLEY

Two young boys wearing swim trunks and sunglasses sit by a pool, laughing and eating popsicles. Water droplets splash in front of them. Palm trees and lounge chairs are visible in the background.

Camp Ridley is Sandpearl’s Resorts on-site kids camp, where kids, ages 5 through 10, have their pick of activities: nature walks, scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, sandcastle building competitions, and snorkel sessions in the resort’s climate-controlled, zero-entry pool. The activities all come accompanied with regular appearances made by Ridley, the camp’s sea turtle mascot.

 

VISIT CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM

A large dolphin leaps through the air above an indoor pool, with sunlight streaming through the windows. Four people watch from the side, silhouetted against the bright windows overlooking a scenic waterfront.

Ever seen the Dolphin Tale movies? It’s a true story about a rescued dolphin that received a first-of-its-kind prosthetic tail to make up for the loss of its flipper. And that true story happened right here at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Meet the other aquatic animals that call the CMA home, like Opie and Boomer, a pair of rescued otters who have developed a strong bond, and Hope, the Atlantic Bottlenose dolphin who made her own silver screen debut in Dolphin Tale 2!

 

SEE SUNSETS AT PIER 60

A performer in an orange outfit balances on a pogo stick, mid-jump, delighting a crowd gathered at a sunny outdoor event. Spectators, including families and children, watch near colorful umbrellas and a sign celebrating 25 years.

For over 25 years, Sunset Celebrations at Pier 60 have provided a playground for the arts and busking community to showcase their talents to visitors and tourists during this nightly sunset festival. Watch the pier transform into an evolving expression of arts & culture while experiencing the magic on the ground and in the sky. Enjoy this year-round, weather permitting event, operating 2 hours before and 2 hours after sunset every evening.

 

CHOOSE YOUR CLEARWATER BEACH BOAT ADVENTURE

A bright red pirate-themed cruise ship docked, with a wooden sign reading PIRATE CRUISE featuring a skull and crossed swords. The ship has striped sails and decorative rigging against a blue sky.

Clearwater Beach offers plenty of family-friendly ways to get out on the Gulf. Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruises turns a two-hour sail into a swashbuckling adventure with pirate-themed activities and entertainment for kids. Little Toot cruises in search of wild dolphins, while Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Sea Life Safari adds an educational spin with a 90-minute eco-cruise. And you can’t miss Mega Bite: a 50-foot, shark-shaped boat that takes families sightseeing and dolphin spotting along Clearwater’s waterways.

 

PLAY MINI GOLF AT CAPTAIN BLIGH’S LANDING

Captain Bligh’s Landing is one of the most popular 18-hole mini-golf courses in Clearwater Beach. That could be because of the talking parrot who guards the entrance. Perhaps it’s the caves, waterfalls, and big wooden pirate ship that line the course. Or just maybe it’s the on-site game room home to all sorts of arcade games. You’ll just have to decide for yourself once you take on this labyrinthine of pirate-themed, contoured turf holes.

 

CLEARWATER BEACH FAMILY VACATION FAQS

A family of five walks hand in hand on a sunny beach. The parents, dressed in casual summer attire, stroll behind their three young children. Yellow umbrellas and lounge chairs line the background against a clear blue sky.

Is Clearwater Beach good for families?

Yes. Clearwater Beach is particularly easy for families because you can pair classic beach time with kid-friendly attractions without spending much of the day in the car. Families can visit rescued marine animals at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, look for dolphins on a boat tour, play mini golf at Captain Bligh’s Landing, or head to Pier 60 for its playground and nightly sunset celebration. Staying near the beach also puts many restaurants, shops, and activities within walking distance.

 

What are the best things to do in Clearwater Beach with toddlers?

For younger children, keep the itinerary simple: sand, animals, playgrounds, and short excursions. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a good choice for seeing dolphins, sea turtles, otters, and other rescued animals, while the playground at Pier 60 gives little ones room to burn off energy. A beach morning followed by an early evening visit to Pier 60 also makes an easy toddler-friendly day without overpacking the schedule.

 

What can families do in Clearwater Beach when it rains?

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is one of the best places to start on a rainy day, although portions of the facility are outdoors, so bring rain gear if showers are in the forecast. Families can also use a rainy stretch for a leisurely lunch, shopping, or downtime at their resort. If the forecast looks unsettled, save weather-dependent activities like dolphin cruises, mini golf, and Pier 60 for clearer windows.

 

Are there free things to do in Clearwater Beach with kids?

Yes. A beach day is the obvious place to start, but families can also visit Pier 60 and its playground or stroll the Beach Walk promenade. Sunsets at Pier 60 brings performers, artisans, and evening activity to the pier around sunset, making it an easy way to extend a beach day without buying another attraction ticket. Keep in mind that parking and some activities or concessions may still carry a fee.

 

Do you need a car for a family vacation in Clearwater Beach?

Not necessarily. Families staying in the heart of Clearwater Beach can walk to the sand, Pier 60, restaurants, shops, and many boat tours departing from the marina. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is also nearby, although families with small children may prefer a ride rather than walking everywhere. A car becomes more useful if you plan to explore beyond the immediate beach area, including places like Sand Key Park or other parts of the St. Pete-Clearwater region.

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