How long is the Tampa Riverwalk?

2.6 miles from Armature Works (north) to the Florida Aquarium / Sparkman Wharf (south). Walking the full length takes about 45-60 minutes without stops. With stops at parks, splash pads, and restaurants, plan 2-3 hours.

Is the Tampa Riverwalk free?

Yes, completely free to walk, run, or bike. Splash pads and parks along the route are free. Rentals (bikes, scooters, water bikes) and the Pirate Water Taxi are paid options but not required.

What attractions are on the Tampa Riverwalk?

From north to south: Armature Works (food hall), Water Works Park (playground), Curtis Hixon Park (splash pad), Glazer Children's Museum, Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa Bay History Center, Sparkman Wharf, and The Florida Aquarium.

Is the Tampa Riverwalk stroller-friendly?

Yes. The entire 2.6-mile path is paved, flat, and wide enough for strollers. Restrooms and water fountains are available at multiple points. The Pirate Water Taxi accommodates strollers.

Tampa Riverwalk

Name: Tampa Riverwalk
Address: Tampa Riverwalk, Tampa, FL, 33602, US
Telephone: (813) 226-0380
Rating: 4.7

Rating

4.7(10,000)

Price

Free

Duration

1-3 hours

Best Ages

Best for all ages

About

The Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.6-mile paved waterfront path along the Hillsborough River that connects nearly every major downtown Tampa attraction, park, and restaurant into a single walkable corridor. It has been named the #1 riverwalk in the United States and is the connective tissue of Tampa's family-friendly downtown.

The route runs from Armature Works and Water Works Park in the north, through Curtis Hixon Park and the cultural district (Tampa Museum of Art, Glazer Children's Museum), past the convention center and Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park, to Sparkman Wharf and the Florida Aquarium at the southern end. Each segment has its own character and attractions.

For families, the Riverwalk works as both a destination and a transportation corridor. Walk it end to end as a family outing, hitting splash pads, playgrounds, and food halls along the way. Or use it to connect attractions -- walk from the Glazer Children's Museum to the Florida Aquarium instead of driving.

Bike and scooter rentals are available at stations along the route for families who want to cover more ground.

Curtis Hixon Park is the natural midpoint and family hub. A seasonal splash pad provides cooling relief. Open lawns accommodate picnics, frisbee, and running. The Glazer Children's Museum and Tampa Museum of Art flank the park. Water Works Park (north of Curtis Hixon) has an adventure playground and is adjacent to the Ulele restaurant.

The Pirate Water Taxi adds a unique transportation option. These boats run the length of the Riverwalk with hop-on, hop-off stops at key points. All-day passes ($15-25/person) allow families to ride as much as they want. Water bikes and swan pedal boats are available for rental at several locations along the river.

The Riverwalk is completely free to walk and enjoy. It's paved, flat, stroller-friendly, and well-maintained. Lighting makes it pleasant for evening walks when the downtown skyline reflects off the river. Public restrooms are available at several points along the route. Free parking is available at various lots near the endpoints; the most convenient paid parking is in downtown garages.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Yes

Nursing / Changing

Available

Kid Meals

Available

Setting

Outdoor

Rainy Day

Not ideal

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Early morning for exercise and thin crowds. Late afternoon/evening for the best light, cooler temps, and restaurant patio dining. The Riverwalk is beautiful at sunset. Spring and fall have the most comfortable weather.

Wait Times

No waits for walking or biking. Bike/scooter rentals: available at stations along the route. Water bike/swan boat rentals: occasional short waits on weekends.

Nearby Food

The Riverwalk connects to: Armature Works (food hall, north end), Ulele (Florida-inspired, mid-route), Sparkman Wharf (food hall/beer garden, south end), Columbia Cafe (at Tampa Bay History Center), and multiple downtown restaurants. Food is never far on the Riverwalk.

Why Kids Love It

The Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.6-mile paved path along the Hillsborough River connecting nearly every major downtown Tampa attraction. For kids, it's a continuous adventure strip -- splash pads, playgrounds, museums, restaurants, bike lanes, and waterfront views linked by a single walkable path.

Starting from Armature Works in the north, families can walk south past Water Works Park (playground), through Curtis Hixon Park (splash pad, open lawn), past the Tampa Museum of Art and Glazer Children's Museum, through Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park, and all the way to the Florida Aquarium and Sparkman Wharf. Each stop offers something different, and kids love the sense of exploration as each new section reveals a different activity.

The Pirate Water Taxi is a kid favorite -- a boat taxi service that runs along the river with hop-on, hop-off stops at key points along the Riverwalk. Water bikes and swan pedal boats are available for rental at several points. Bike and scooter rentals make the Riverwalk accessible for families who don't want to walk the full 2.6 miles.

Pro Tips from Parents

Walk from Armature Works south to Sparkman Wharf for the full experience -- stop at Curtis Hixon Park for the splash pad along the way
The Pirate Water Taxi ($15-25/person) is a fun way to see the river -- hop on at one end and ride to the other, then walk back
Rent bikes or scooters from stations along the Riverwalk if the 2.6-mile walk is too far for young kids
Curtis Hixon Park (mid-route) has a seasonal splash pad, open lawn, and is adjacent to the Glazer Children's Museum -- the natural midpoint break
Evening walks are beautiful -- the Riverwalk is lit at night and the downtown skyline reflects off the river

What to Bring

comfortable walking shoes
sunscreen
water bottles
swimsuit for splash pad
camera
stroller for young kids

Cost Info

Free Admission

Estimated Cost (Family of 4)

Free to walk and enjoy.

Bike rental: $5-15/hour.

Water bike/swan boat: $25-35/30 min.

Pirate Water Taxi: $15-25/person for all-day hop-on, hop-off.

Dining along the Riverwalk: $10-30/person.

A free walk + pirate taxi + dinner: ~$100-150.

Tips to Save

Walking the Riverwalk is completely free.
Curtis Hixon Park splash pad (seasonal) is free.
Multiple free parks along the route.
Bring your own bikes instead of renting.
The Pirate Water Taxi ($15-25/person) is fun but optional -- you can walk the entire route.
Pack snacks and water for a free afternoon.