Kids Empire Tampa Citrus Park
Rating
Family of 4
$60-$80 for 2 kids + 2 adults (adults typically free or reduced admission; check current pricing).
Duration
2-3 hours
Best Ages
Best for ages 1-10
About
Kids Empire at Citrus Park is hands-down one of the top indoor play facilities in the Tampa area — and with a 4.9 Google rating from over 2,000 reviewers, the parents who visit agree. This is a fully climate-controlled indoor playground park that solves Tampa's most persistent family problem: Florida summer heat that makes outdoor activities genuinely miserable from May through September.
The play area is large and multi-leveled. At the center are towering climbing structures with slides — the kind that make kids gasp when they see them for the first time. Multiple levels of climbing ladders, tunnels, and rope bridges connect the slides, giving athletic kids 30+ minutes of continuous exploration before they've hit every element.
For less adventurous kids, there's plenty at lower levels too.
The toddler zone is meaningfully separated from the main area, which matters enormously for parents of mixed-age children. Your 18-month-old doesn't need to compete with a charging 8-year-old, and the dedicated soft play space for little ones gives them their own domain with age-appropriate features.
Trampolines round out the offerings, giving big-energy kids another outlet once they've exhausted the climbing structures. The overall effect is a facility that can genuinely hold a child's attention for 2-3 hours without running out of things to do.
The Citrus Park Mall location is practical — free parking, food court right there for a post-play meal, and easy highway access from across northwest Tampa. Socks are required for all participants, so don't forget to pack them or budget a few dollars for pairs at the entrance.
Memberships are available and worth looking at if you'll be in Tampa for more than a week or live locally — the per-visit rate makes a second visit essentially free.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
Available
Setting
Indoor
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings; weekends get crowded after 11am
Wait Times
Minimal on weekdays; 15-20 min entry wait on busy weekends
Nearby Food
Citrus Park Town Center Mall food court is directly accessible. Multiple fast food and sit-down options in the mall and surrounding plaza including Chick-fil-A, Panera, and various chain restaurants.
Why Kids Love It
Kids Empire is a massive indoor play park with multi-level climbing structures, slides that would be the main attraction at any other playground, a toddler area with age-appropriate soft play, trampolines, and a dedicated infant zone — it's essentially a fully climate-controlled indoor playground village. The 4. 9 Google rating from over 2,000 reviews puts it at the top of Tampa's family entertainment options, and the air conditioning alone makes it a hot-weather hero in Florida's relentless summer heat.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Arrive right at opening (10am) on weekends to beat the crowds and get first pick of the good spots.
- The toddler zone is separated from the bigger kids area — genuinely useful for mixed-age families.
- Socks are required for all participants — bring your own or buy a pair at the entrance.
- Check the website for birthday party packages and membership options.
- The mall location means easy parking and a food court nearby for a post-play meal.
What to Bring
- Socks for everyone (required)
- Change of clothes (kids will sweat)
- Water bottles
- Snacks (or plan to buy on-site)
Cost Info
Admission Prices
- Adult
- $5
- Child
- free
Tips to Save
- Check the Kids Empire website for membership options if you plan to visit more than once — memberships pay off quickly.
- Adults are often free or at reduced rates.
- Weekday morning visits are less crowded and the same price.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 10AM-10PM
- Monday
- 10AM-8PM
- Sunday
- 10AM-10PM
- Tuesday
- 10AM-8PM
- Saturday
- 10AM-10PM
- Thursday
- 10AM-8PM
- Wednesday
- 10AM-8PM