Activities for Seniors in Tampa and St. Petersburg

Known for its growing population of retirees, the cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg in Hillsborough and Pinellas County have beautiful parks, nature preserves, and white sand beaches for seniors to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

These counties are desirable for seniors because they are cost-effective, safe, and friendly.

Since the founding of the nonprofit Senior Connection Center in Tampa over 30 years ago, seniors are more aware of how to live a healthy lifestyle and be independent. Their classes promote outdoor activities for seniors and give them more confidence as they age.

If you're interested in working with seniors and older adults in the Orlando area, consider becoming a Papa Pal companion caregiver. The role of a Papa Pal varies from day to day. Some Papa Pals lend a hand around the house and help with errands, housekeeping and gardening. Others offer company on a walk around the neighborhood or provide transportation to help seniors and older adults enjoy everything this beautiful part of the country has to offer.

Between Hillsborough and Pinellas County, there are over 40 breath-taking parks and preserves for seniors to walk, bike, stretch, and meditate.

Be adventurous and take a ferry ride to Egmont Key National Wildlife Preserve at the mouth of Tampa Bay. Enjoy a walk through Brooker Creek Preserve, which is the largest natural area in Pinellas County, and study the native flora and fauna.

Stay current with Pinellas Park’s monthly Senior Center Newsletter located on their website for discounts and events in the area.

Don’t forget to relax on the Clearwater beaches any day of the week and read a book.

Make sure you visit the fishing town, Madeira Beach in Pinellas County to window shop their waterfront galleries and view their handmade Native American crafts.

On the weekends you can take a five-dollar guided nature trail at Lettuce Lake in Hillsborough County and learn about the extensive variety of wildlife and native plants.

No matter what county you’re in, both focus on preserving their nature and wildlife. You will never be disappointed with their well-kept parks.

Whether you’re in Hillsborough or Pinellas County, you will find a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities that will keep you busy for months!

If you’re in Hillsborough County, especially during the summer months and you want to escape the heat, make sure you visit the Florida Aquarium in Tampa. Seniors who are 60 years and older will receive an admission discount and have the opportunity to see some of the most famous sea creatures up close and personal.

Take a trip to the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa and flash your senior citizen badge for a discount as well.

Bet your money on the fastest horse at Tampa Bay Downs and pocket some money if you win.

Bloomingdale West Recreation Center, Plant City Adult Day Care, Phyliss Busanky Senior Center, and Northlakes Community Center and play brain challenging games with people your age.

Bring a friend to Pinellas County and play at the Shuffleboard Club in St. Petersburg where 65 courts are conveniently located.

Enjoy a leisure walk through the oldest living museum, the Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg.

Get out your paintbrushes and take an art class at the Dunedin Fine Arts Center.

Based on your hobbies and passions, you can find anything you desire in both counties.

Because of the temperate weather, there’s been a growing popularity for farmers markets and food trucks. Make sure to visit Tampa Bay Markets on the third Thursday of the month and dance to live music while enjoying decadent cocktails.

If you’re in Pinellas Park, visit the family-owned business Wagon Wheel Flea Market; you can shop there for local finds while having a bite to eat.

You’ll never go wrong choosing a restaurant in Channel Side by the water. Drive over to Clearwater and visit Nature’s Food Patch and Market Café. Seniors receive discounts on “Senior Day” which is hosted on the first Wednesday of the month.

Tampa’s Riverwalk is a great place for a leisure stroll because once you get hungry there’s a ton of restaurant options to soothe your cravings.

The sister counties connect to all walks of life through their art, museums, and venues.

When you’re visiting both counties you can find many aspects of Floridian history and raw talent.

Get your creative juices flowing by visiting these places listed below:

Having collections that age as far as 5,000 years ago to the present day, the Museum of Fine Arts in downtown St. Petersburg gives a new inspiration to art and diversity.

Dedicated to the works of Salvador Dali, this museum in St. Petersburg has the largest amount of Dali’s artwork outside of Europe.

Learn the history of Dunedin and see how it has changed over the years through the antiques and old photos of that era.

Located in St. Petersburg, this is one of the largest Holocaust Museums in the country. Seniors will receive a discount on their ticketed prices too.

From Broadway plays to talented musicians, buy your tickets to see famous performers at this venue located in Clearwater.

Located on the University of Tampa’s campus, this museum is known as a National Historic Landmark.

Learn more about America’s Gilded Age and the life of Henry Plant.

Along the RiverWalk in Tampa, this museum gives an insight of who inhabited our land in the 1500s. It has regularly changing exhibitions so you can keep coming back.

This hands-on museum lets you interact with over 100 science activities and learn about space with its planetarium. If you want to feel like a kid again, go here!

This venue has consistent Broadway shows, Opera’s, and orchestra bands playing every day of the week.

If you’re in Tampa and love the arts, you must purchase tickets and watch the best-of-the-best perform.

If you think giving back as a profession can only look a certain way, and that it must be full-time work, you’ll love the flexibility and opportunity that being a Papa Pal offers. Ready to share your time and talents with your community? Click here to learn more.