HorsePower for Kids & Animal Sanctuary

HorsePower for Kids and Animal Sanctuary is one of those Tampa hidden gems that parents share with hushed reverence in neighborhood Facebook groups — a working horse and animal sanctuary on Racetrack Road where children get genuine, hands-on time with horses, ponies, goats, and other rescue animals in a setting that feels nothing like a zoo.

The 4.8 Google rating from over 1,600 reviews is striking for any attraction, let alone one that's been operating in the same format for years. Parents consistently note in reviews that their children reference the visit for weeks or months afterward — there's something about the up-close animal interaction that lodges in memory differently than a glass-behind-the-exhibit zoo experience.

What makes HorsePower different is the access. Kids don't look at horses from a distance — they get close, they can pet them, they see how large these animals actually are when you're standing next to one. For city kids whose animal contact is limited to dogs and cats, this scale of encounter creates genuine wonder.

Pony rides (available on select days — check the website for current programming) add a layer of active participation that makes children feel like participants rather than spectators.

The rescue animal sanctuary aspect brings in goats and other farm animals that are approachable and friendly. Feeding them directly from your hand is the kind of tactile, slightly chaotic experience that produces some of the best family photos you'll ever take.

Practical notes: closed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday — the limited operating schedule catches families off guard, so confirm hours before making the trip. The facility is outdoor with limited shade, so morning visits (before Florida's afternoon heat peaks) are strongly recommended in summer. Wear closed-toe shoes around the horses and clothes you're comfortable getting dirty.