Probably the most obvious attraction is the beautiful beaches in the area. Kids can spend whole days playing in the sand. The beaches are also good for shelling. This year we limited our time on the beach due to red tide. The Seascreamer is a good trip. The giant speedboat takes you out along the coast to see dolphins. Unfortunately we were unlucky and did not see them. You do get a ticket to come back another time but we did not have the time. We enjoyed the trip and the soaking nevertheless. A good way to cool down. There are fishing boats that will take you out if you fancy catching your own evening meal. There is a playground and pier next to the Hilton for smaller kids.
We were staying at Sand Key when we found a very good child friendly restaurant at Belleair Bluffs called Cody’s Roadhouse. There were a lot of locals there as well as some tourists. They give the kids crayons and they can draw on the table covers. Very generous helpings and great prices. It is not the type of place you would go for a romantic supper but great for family outings. The peanut shells on the floor and the laid back staff give it the relaxed and fun atmosphere. Good plain wholesome food. They have nine locations in the area. http://www.codysoriginalroadhouse.com/. We did try a few others but none of them could beat Cody’s in our view.
A great breakfast stop is Maggie Mae’s in the Shoppes at Sand Key next to Marriott Suites.
Rainy Day Activities for Kids
It can't always be sunny, even in the Sunshine State. Don't worry though. If rain keeps the kids off the beach, there are alternatives. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a great indoor stop that is inexpensive and very kid friendy, not to mention educational without being boring. CMA is a not for profit "rescue" aquarium that takes in injured marine wildlife and rehabilitates them for eventual release (when possible). Here you can see dolphins up close and personal and the aquarium even has special programs for dolphins helping with children with special needs. This is not a big place so people wanting a goliath aquarium would do better to drive on in to Tampa for the Tampa Aquarium (which is also a good nearby rainy day activity). Clearwater Marine Aquarium is on Kennedy (Route 60) on the Clearwater side of the Courtney Campbell bridge. (It is easily missed so stay alert and look for a light blue two story building). Keep in mind that the aquarium closes at 4 pm.