Spring Break in Florida: Weather, Crowds, and Fun Activities for Students
Spring break is just around the corner, and Florida is gearing up for an influx of tourists looking to enjoy the sunshine and warm weather. With nearly half a million students from Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, as well as colleges like the University of South Florida, Florida State, and the University of Florida all on break from March 11-15, the state is expecting a busy week ahead.
Tampa International Airport is anticipating between 40,000 to 60,000 passengers daily during the spring break period, with some peak days seeing as many as 65,000 passengers. Florida remains a top destination for travelers looking to escape the winter blues.
For those looking to explore the Tampa Bay area, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. The Cross-Bay Ferry, which runs between downtown Tampa and downtown St. Petersburg, is offering free rides for kids during March and April. The ferry runs Wednesday-Sunday with special late-night departures on Friday and Saturday.
Pi Day, celebrated on March 14, will be marked with a giant pie fight at the Glazer Children’s Museum in Curtis Hixon Park, along with math games and an appearance by Albert Einstein himself. The event is free and starts at 3:14 p.m.
Other attractions in the area include the Rockin’ Roller Rink at the St. Pete Pier, which will be open with extended hours for spring break. Theme nights during the break include tributes to Pitbull, Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, and Usher.
For those looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, the River O’ Green Festival in Tampa will feature live music, traditional Irish dance, a pet costume contest, and a Lucky Charms eating contest. The Rough Riders parade will be held in downtown Tampa for the first time, with Wade Boggs serving as grand marshal.
Theme parks like Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, Legoland, ZooTampa, and MOSI are also offering special events and attractions for spring break visitors. From new exhibits to special concerts and activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy during the break.
Whether you’re a local looking for some fun or a visitor looking to experience all that Florida has to offer, spring break in the Sunshine State is sure to be a memorable experience.