21 Fun Things to Do on Clearwater Beach with Kids
Clearwater Beach is known for its white sand and calm waters, making it the perfect beach to vacation with kids.
Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Clearwater Beach has much calmer waters than the ocean beaches. Clearwater Beach often ranks as one of the best beaches in the US.
Getting around Clearwater Beach is easy, which is another reason it is a good place to visit with kids. There are many hotels, shops, restaurants, and activities for kids to do on Clearwater Beach.
I grew up in Clearwater, about 10 minutes away from Clearwater Beach. I have seen the beach grow immensely, and taking my own kids to Clearwater Beach has a lot of similarities and differences from when I visited as a kid. Some restaurants are still there and just as delicious, and the sand is just as smooth and pretty.
Keep reading to find out the best things to do on Clearwater Beach with kids.
Things to do on Land with Kids on Clearwater Beach
Play in the Sand
Clearwater Beach is known for its soft sugar-white sand.
While it is sometimes hard to walk through the sand, it is perfect for playing and building sandcastles.
Sit close to the Gulf and use the water to help hold the shape of the castle.
Play on the Playground without Leaving the Beach
Pier 60 playground is shaded, and there is a snack bar and ice cream right there.
Pier 60 is central to Clearwater Beach and close to most hotels, shops, and restaurants.
Slide Down a Giant Inflatable Slide
Located on the beach by the Pier 60 Playground, it is easy to see the Big Blue slide and other inflatables.
Individual tickets can be purchased, or all-day passes. More info can be found here.
Celebrate the Sunset
Sunsets are gorgeous on Clearwater Beach, and almost every night (weather dependent) there is a market and entertainment at Pier 60.
The fun begins 2 hours before sunset and lasts until 2 hours after the sun has gone down. For a countdown to sunset, check Sunsets at Pier 60.
Find more things to do at night on Clearwater Beach.
Admire Giant Sand Sculptures
The Sugar Sand Festival is held near Pier 60 each year in April. Artists from around the world carve themed sculptures using sand, and they are displayed under a large tent.
In addition to looking at the sculptures, there is a kids’ play area, live music, rides, and sand-sculpting classes.
Visit Rescued Marine Life
Best known as the home of Winter the dolphin from A Dolphin’s Tale, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium rescues marine animals, works to rehabilitate them, and then hopefully releases them back into the wild.
While Winter passed away in 2021, there are still many reasons to check out the aquarium.
Dolphins, turtles, otters, and pelicans are just some of the animals you may see at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Informational talks and stingray feeding take place throughout the day.
For those who want to get up close with the animals, VIP experiences are available. Boat rides are available both during the day and at night.
Programs for kids as young as 3 are available at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Read about how to spend a day at Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Ride the Jolley Trolley
Looking for a fun way to travel along the beach? Climb aboard the Jolley Trolley.
$5 (exact change, payable onboard) gets you an unlimited amount of rides for the day, and children under 5 ride for free.
The Jolley Trolley goes as far north as Tarpon Springs, passing through Dunedin and Palm Harbor. The Jolley Trolley goes south to Sand Key Beach.
Play Mini-Golf
Head to the south edge of Clearwater Beach for a round of mini-golf at Captain Bligh’s Landing.
Their 18-hole course has waterfalls, caves, and a pirate ship.
Looking for a kid-friendly restaurant on Clearwater Beach? Check out our list of Kid-Friendly Restaurants in and Around Clearwater.
Go Surfing Inside
Surf Style is a large souvenir and snack shop, and they also have a Flow Rider, which is an indoor surfing.
Try it yourself, or just watch others attempt to surf.
Free 10-minute sessions are offered Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM-9:30 AM, first come first serve. No reservations can be made for these sessions.
While there aren’t any age restrictions, surfers must be at least 42 inches tall.
Ride Down the Streets and Sidewalks in Style
Scoot Coups, Surreys, and Golf Carts are just some of the things you can rent with Fun Ride Rentals or Clearwater Beach Rentals.
Walk to Caladesi Island State Park
While it isn’t easy or recommended with small kids, it is possible to walk to Caladesi Island State Park from Clearwater Beach.
Read more about the walk and what to do on Caladesi Island here.
If you prefer to take the ferry, you can take it from Honeymoon Island.
Relax with a Book
Clearwater Library has a small beach branch for those who do not want to head back over the causeway to go to the Main Library in Clearwater.
The Main Library, located in downtown Clearwater, has a large children’s area with lots of puzzles, toys, books, art supplies, and a ship for kids to play on. They even have a room for teens only.
For those who do not want to drive or don’t have a car, there is a ferry that will take you from the marina on Clearwater Beach to Coachman Park, which is a very short walk from the Main Library.
Find more things to do when it is raining in Clearwater.
Ride a Segway
Kids 10+ can take a Segway tour with Clearwater Segway.
Tours run daily and last 2 hours, covering 7.5 miles.
Go Fishing
For those with their own equipment, there is a small charge to fish on Pier 60. Bait and rod rentals are available at the Pier 60 Bait House.
Clearwater does not lack fishing charters, which can be found at the Clearwater Beach Marina.
Things to do with Kids in the Water at Clearwater Beach
Take the Ferry to the Beach
One way to get to Clearwater Beach is by ferry.
The ferry leaves from downtown Clearwater and has 3 drop-off points on Clearwater Beach. The marina is a guaranteed stop, and the other 2 stops, North Beach and Island Estates, are by request.
Cars can park for free at the downtown ferry stop and avoid parking fees on the beach.
Ride on a Pirate Ship
Hop on board Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise for an adventure.
The 2-hour boat ride includes a pirate program for the kids that includes stories, games, face painting, and a treasure hunt.
While the kids are entertained, the adults can enjoy complimentary beer and wine.
Read about our experience on board Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise.
Spot Dolphins
There is always a chance of seeing dolphins in the water while you are at Clearwater Beach, but there is a boat ride that knows how to help you spot them.
The Tropics Boat Tours guarantees that dolphins will be seen during their 1-hour and 45-minute boat ride, or they will give everyone on the boat tickets to another one of their boat tours.
Little Toot is a 47-foot tug boat and since it is so small, they are able to go into the shallow water in Clearwater Bay as well as the Gulf of Mexico. They also guarantee dolphin sightings or the next trip is free.
Mega Bite offers one-hour dolphin spotting tours on their boat shaped like a shark.
There are many choices for lunch and dinner cruises, including the family-friendly Calypso Queen. Find more Clearwater Beach Boat Tours.
Race the Waves on a Speed Boat
Ride on the world’s largest speed boat, the Sea Screamer, on an hour-long tour.
The Sea Screamer goes up to 35 miles per hour, and there is always a chance of getting wet. Spotting dolphins is also likely.
Participate in Water Sports, Both in the Water and from Above
Jetskiing, kayaking, parasailing, SUP, and riding on banana boats are popular at Clearwater Beach.
There are tours available, or you can rent by the hour.
Jump in the Pool
The hotels on Clearwater Beach are likely to have pools, but for those who are not staying at the beach or at a hotel with a pool but would still like to swim somewhere other than the Gulf of Mexico, there is a public pool on Clearwater Beach.
The Clearwater Beach Pool at the Clearwater Beach Rec Center has a water slide and a splash pad.
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How to Get to Clearwater Beach
There are 2 airports near Clearwater Beach. Tampa International (TPA) is the largest airport and is about 30 minutes from Clearwater Beach. St. Pete/Clearwater Airport (PIE) is about 25 minutes away from Clearwater Beach.
Rental cars are available at both airports, as are taxis and shuttle services.
Clearwater Beach is only accessible from 2 roads. The largest road, State Road 60, becomes a Causeway that connects Clearwater to the beach. There is 1 light on the causeway, where there is an entrance to Island Estates, which is where the Clearwater Aquarium is. The only other way to get to Clearwater Beach by land is to go over a bridge from the southern beaches.
The road to Clearwater Beach can have a lot of traffic, especially during the spring.
For those who do not want to deal with causeway traffic or parking when on the beach, there is a ferry that will take you from Coachman Park to the Clearwater Beach Marina (see #16).
There is a large roundabout at the end of the causeway. Straight ahead is Pier 60. The right goes towards North Beach and the left goes towards South Beach. There are parking lots and parking garages in both directions. Paid street parking is available as well.
How to Get Around Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is walkable. There are shops and restaurants located throughout the main areas of the beach. The entire beach is about 3 miles long and 3 blocks wide, though that includes the private houses on the north end of the beach.
The Jolley Trolley is a bus service that goes up and down the beach. See #7 for more information.
Bikes are available for rent, and part of the beach has a large pathway.
Where to Stay on Clearwater Beach with Kids
There are plenty of hotels to choose from on Clearwater Beach. Here are just some of the hotels on Clearwater Beach that are family-friendly.
Clearwater Beach Hotels with Kids’ Clubs
Hotels Right on Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach Hotels for Larger Families
- The Sand Pearl, up to 8 people in a 2-bedroom suite with a kitchen and laundry
- Hyatt Regency-up to 6 people
- Wyndham Grand, up to 16 people
- Holiday Inn and Suites, up to 8 people
Clearwater Beach Hotels with Kitchens
Hotels where Kids Eat Free with Adult Meal Purchase
Clearwater Beach Hotel with Airport Shuttle
Clearwater Beach with Kids FAQ
Yes, Clearwater is good for kids, especially Clearwater Beach.
Clearwater Beach has beautiful, soft sand and gentle water. There are lifeguards posted throughout the beach.
There are plenty of restaurants and shops near the beach as well as public toilets and showers.
Pier 60 has entertainment for kids each day and there is a playground located by Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach
Yes, Clearwater Beach is located on the Gulf of Mexico which has calm water that is good for swimming.
The water is warm enough for some people to swim year-round.
No, cars are not necessary on Clearwater Beach.
Restaurants and shops line the beach and hotels are nearby as well.
The Jolley Trolley is a public bus that goes up and down Clearwater Beach.
If you want to leave Clearwater Beach, a car is needed unless you take a taxi or uber. A ferry also runs to and from the mainland in Clearwater.
Yes, Clearwater Beach is absolutely worth visiting.
From beautiful white sand to calm water to delicious seafood restaurants and sunset boat rides, there is a lot to do and see on Clearwater Beach. For those who wish to relax, Clearwater Beach has plenty of space to lay out on the sand.
You May Also Like
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- Kid-Friendly Restaurants in and Around Clearwater
- Kids Eat Free in and Around Clearwater
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Things to do When it’s Raining in Clearwater
- Things to Do on Clearwater Beach at Night
- Unique Things to Do in Clearwater
- Clearwater Beach Boat Tours
- Captain Memo’s Pirate Ship
- Safety Harbor with Kids
- Honeymoon Island State Park
- Crystal River
- Westgate River Ranch
- Kennedy Space Center
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