Activities for Children in in Ybor City, Florida

Ybor City is the historic Latin Quarter located in Tampa, Florida 1. You will not only find yummy food in Ybor; there is also a rich culture and historical flair, as well as the eccentric boutique street of 7th Avenue. While Ybor is renowned for its thriving nightlife and raucous night festivals, it also offers a variety of activities for children to enjoy while visiting.

History

Take your child on a tour of the historical importance of Ybor City 1. Ybor was once a thriving cigar town -- at one time surpassing Cuba as the Cigar Capitol of the World -- founded in 1886 by immigrants looking to escape the unrest in Cuba. Many of the old cigar factories and original homes are still standing today. You can take a tour of the rich history at the Ybor City Museum 1. The museum features a garden and recreated cigar home as well as artifacts from the original settlers.

Festivals

Ybor City knows how to throw a party. There are frequent festivals throughout the year, including Guavaween, Festa Italiana, Flan Fest and Fiesta Day. During the day, these festivals offer kid-friendly activities, parades, live music and more food than your children can stomach.

Fun and Games

Inside Ybor City’s shopping district, you can take in a movie at the 20-screen Centro Ybor Muvico Theater or play some games at Game Time 1. Game Time offers arcade games and food. Challenge your child to a competitive game of skee-ball or play a game of pool while your child beats the latest racing game.

A Short Drive

While Ybor City has plenty to offer both adults and kids, there are some other activities just a short drive away in the Channelside and Downtown Tampa districts 1. Channelside offers the Florida Aquarium, where you can pet sharks, take in a show, view the aquatic life native to Florida or cool off in the Explore a Shore water fun zone. Downtown Tampa offers the Glazer Children’s Museum, where your child can be a firefighter, a bank teller or doctor while exploring the interactive activity centers 2.