Cool Things to Do in Florida: St Petersburg Amusement Parks

by Pablo Koch-Schick April 14, 2022

St. Petersburg, Florida, sits between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. It’s famous for holding the title of “most consecutive days with sunshine” for 768 days! You know what could be better than a perfectly sunny day? A sunny day spent at an amusement park!

St. Petersburg, Florida is a beautiful city with plenty to offer tourists and locals alike. From fishing areas that are among the best in the country to world-class amusement parks, there's something for everyone in and around St. Pete.

In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at some of the amusement parks near St. Petersburg, Florida. So pack your sunscreen, bathing suits, comfy clothes, and get ready for some fun!

Amusement Parks near St. Petersburg, Florida

Busch Gardens

A smiling family enjoying a ride at an amusement park, highlighting fun activities and cool things to do in Florida.

First on our list is Busch Gardens in Tampa, a family-oriented 335-acre theme park featuring up-close encounters with exotic animals, and incredible thrill rides. This amusement park is home to some of the most thrilling rides and attractions in the area. There's something for everyone at Busch Gardens, from roller coasters to water slides.

The park's zoological collection, which includes nearly 12,000 animals from more than 300 species, is a must-see for families. Its world-class roller coasters appeal to children and thrill-seekers of all ages. The amusement park offers beautiful gardens and lush landscapes to explore. In addition, the park offers a variety of shows and concerts throughout the year, so you can always find something new to do.

Walt Disney World Resort

The iconic Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World in Florida, under a twilight sky with a crescent moon, showcasing a must-visit attraction.

Another worldwide known amusement park is Disney Park, located in Orlando less than two hours drive from St Petersburg. From thrilling roller coasters to gentle kiddie rides, there's something for everyone at Disney World.

In addition to the amazing amusement rides, Disney World also features incredible shows and parades with world-famous characters that will make your children's dreams come true. There are also plenty of shopping and dining options available, so you can easily spend an entire day enjoying everything this amusement park offers. There are 4 parks where you can explore and feel the magic.

Disney's Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom is a land of enchantment located in Bay Lake, less than an hour and a half from St Petersburg. You can explore incredible themed lands and immerse yourself in classic Disney stories that come to life. This iconic theme park is a must-see for any visitor to Florida. With its classic rides and characters, Magic Kingdom never gets old.

This theme park has something for everyone, from meeting iconic characters like Mickey Mouse and Cinderella to experiencing exhilarating rides and attractions like Splash Mountain and Space Mountain. And with new additions like the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and the upcoming Frozen Ever After the ride, there's always something new to discover. So come on in and make some magical memories!

Disney's Hollywood Studios

If you're a fan of Disney movies and characters, then you'll definitely want to check out Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Step into the enchanting world of Disney's Hollywood Studios and let your adventure begin. This amusement park is dedicated to movies and TV shows from the Disney empire. It offers plenty of attractions for visitors of all ages.

You can ride the Tower of Terror, watch live shows like "Frozen Sing-Along" and "The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!", The Little Mermaid, and much more. As speedsters zoom by on race cars and jets fly overhead, you can get thrilled. Scream in terror at towering villains, then laugh along with beloved cartoon characters. Hollywood Studios is truly a place where dreams come true with rides, shows, and attractions for everyone in your family.

With attractions based on your favorite films and characters, this pack is perfect for anyone who loves to be entertained. Step into the world of show business and see why Disney's Hollywood Studios is one of our most popular destinations.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Entrance sign to Rainforest Cafe surrounded by lush greenery, highlighting a unique dining experience and cool things to do in Florida.

Come explore the magic of nature at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. This one-of-a-kind park is perfect for family fun, featuring animal adventures and entertainment. With delightful attractions like Kilimanjaro Safaris and Expedition Everest, you can experience the excitement of encountering exotic animals in their natural habitats.

And don't forget to check out the fantastic shows like Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo, The Musical. It's an unforgettable adventure that your family will love!

EPCOT

Epcot is a place of exploration and wonder, where the power of human imagination meets the magic of Disney. There is one EPCOT park in Orlando, and another one in Lake Buena Vista in Florida. It's home to some of the world's most popular attractions, including Spaceship Earth, Test Track, and Soarin'. But there's also so much more than that.

Here you can learn about the world around you and discover the beauty of other cultures. You can be inspired by the stories of people who have changed the world and make lasting memories with your family and friends!

Universal Studios

Universal Studios is another world-famous amusement park located in Orlando. When you visit this theme park, you become the star of your favorite movies and TV shows. The amusement park offers thrill-seekers some of the most exciting and adrenaline-pumping rides around.

Universal Studios is home to some of the most thrilling rides and attractions, including the Incredible Hulk Coaster and Revenge of the Mummy. In addition to its exciting rides, Universal Studios also offers a variety of shows and entertainment for visitors of all ages.

This is a unique experience you won't want to miss, with thrilling rides and attractions based on your favorite characters and stories!

Universal's Islands of Adventure

If you're currently looking for something a little more adventurous, Islands of Adventure may be just the right place. This amusement park located in Orlando is themed after popular adventure stories and movies, so you can feel like you're right in the middle of your favorite adventure.

With roller coasters and water slides galore, Islands of Adventure is sure to please thrill-seekers, young and old.

Universal's Volcano Bay Water Theme Park

Universal’s volcano bay water theme park is the place to come and cool off with a splash. There is a whole host of water slides, pools, and other attractions.

The star attraction is, of course, the volcano in the middle of the park. This towering inferno is the perfect place to get your adrenaline pumping with some of the most exciting water slides around.

If you're feeling brave, why not try the Krakatau Aqua Coaster? This thrilling ride will send you hurtling through the volcano at high speed - it's not for the faint-hearted!

SeaWorld Orlando

If marine life is more your thing, SeaWorld Orlando may be the amusement park for you. This world-famous amusement park offers visitors a chance to get up close and personal with marine animals worldwide.You can immerse yourself in the fantastic world of the ocean at SeaWorld Orlando.

With up-close encounters with some of the most amazing creatures on earth, you'll be able to appreciate the beautiful diversity of marine life. Feel the power of the killer whale, the grace of the shark, and the majesty of the turtles and dolphins as you journey into the deep at this one-of-a-kind theme park.

SeaWorld Orlando is perfect for a fun-filled day out with family and friends with exciting shows, thrilling rides, and educational opportunities. In addition to its animal exhibits, SeaWorld also offers a variety of rides and attractions for visitors of all ages.

Aquatica Orlando

If you're looking for a wet and wild amusement park experience, Aquatica Orlando is your place. This amusement park is home to some of the most thrilling water slides and roller coasters. Take a fantastic and thrilling ride down the rapids of a flooded forest and into a colorful fish world, where you must race through rolling rapids. Take advantage of two fast tube slides to zip across a lively lagoon full of amiable dolphins. Surf in the enormous wave pool or lie in the shade on the sandy beach while absorbing rays from the sun.

Aquatica is perfect for a day spent with family and friends, with rides and attractions for visitors of all ages. So come on down to Aquatica and enjoy some of the best amusement parks in the world!

Adventure Island Water Park

Adventure Island Water Park is a fun water park paradise for all ages! Located in Tampa, the state-of-the-art rides and slides are perfect for anyone looking for an exciting water adventure. From serene to extreme, they offer something special for everyone. And if you're looking to relax, the pools and lazy river are the perfect spots to kick back and take in the sun. Don't forget to stop by the sand beach area for some fun in the sun!

Whether you're young or young at heart, Adventure Island Water Park is the perfect place to make lasting memories with family and friends. So visit this adventurous place and let the good times flow!

Have Some Fun and Visit an Amusement Park Today!

There are many amusement parks near St. Petersburg, Florida, that are perfect for a day full of fun-filled excitement. Whether you're looking for a thrill-seeking adventure or just want to relax and enjoy some family time together, these amusement parks have something for everyone.

Visitors enjoying a thrilling swing ride against a clear blue sky at an amusement park, showcasing fun and cool things to do in Florida.

Another great thing to do while in St Petersburg is deep fishing! Check out those tricks on how to avoid seasickness onboard!