Nestled just 14 miles (22 kilometers) north of the bustling city of Tampa, Lutz, Florida offers plenty of family friendly activities. Whether you are seeking thrills or relaxing recreation, Lutz has you covered. This list narrows down the top-rated attractions Lutz has to offer.
1. Tampa Premium Outlets
With a wide range of stores from Disney to Nike, Tampa Premium Outlets is a go-to center for shopping. From fast fashion to luxury brands, the mall boasts over 100 stores to choose from, with many offering exclusive outlet prices you can’t find in regular retail. Designed around a modern beach theme, the mall is complete with several sitting areas, palm trees, and peaceful fountains placed throughout the complex. After a day of shopping, visitors can choose from a selection of quick-service restaurants, such as McDonalds and Johnny Rockets, or sit down for a nice meal at BJ’s Restaurant Brewery or Longhorn Steakhouse. The mall is located just off of I-75 and is 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of downtown Tampa.
Tampa Premium Outlets
Address: 2300 Grand Cypress Dr, Lutz, FL 33559
Website: Tampa Premium Outlets
2. American Balloons
If you are looking for a bird’s eye view of Florida, visit American Balloons for an exhilarating ride. Operating since 1998, the one-hour rides allow guests to experience a breathtaking view of the sunrise. The balloons travel over Wesley Chapel, New Tampa, Lutz, and Land O’ Lakes. Following the ride, guests can enjoy a brunch and a champagne toast on site. The site’s fleet consists of four balloons. The largest, named Captain American, can accommodate 10 guests and comes equipped with a side door for easy access.
The smaller balloons can carry up to 5 passengers and are best suited for families, small groups, and couples. Reservations are recommended at least two weeks in advance and flights may be rescheduled depending on the weather. Prices are 189 USD for adults and 125 USD for children ages 5 to 15. Couples who are looking for a private flight can purchase a package for 525 USD. All tickets include a champagne toast and breakfast, with couples flights including a souvenir champagne glass.
American Balloons
Address: 4241 Birdsong Blvd, Lutz, FL 33559
Website: American Balloons
3. TPC Tampa Bay
One of the top-rated golf courses in Florida, this 18-hole course was designed by the PGA Tour in 1991. Throughout the course, guests can experience natural Florida with lagoons, cypresses, and natural wetlands populating the area, and possibly see some natural wildlife. Besides being an excellent course for golfers of all skill levels, the site is certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for its abundance of wildlife around the course, which includes storks, cranes, alligators, deer, fox, and plenty of others.
A practice facility and golf classes are also offered. The course is open seven days a week and prices range depending on the time of day. Guests can enjoy seasonal meals and a selection of drinks throughout the day from the on-site restaurant CUATRO Restaurant and Bar. Prices for the golf course are between 69 USD to 89 USD on Monday through Thursday. Friday through Sunday prices are 79 USD to 109 USD. Children 17 and under are 20 USD regardless of the day. Guests can also rent golf clubs and balls for 60 USD and shoes for 20 USD.
TPC Tampa Bay
Address: 5300 W Lutz Lake Fern Rd, Lutz, FL 33558
Website: TPC Tampa Bay
4. Xtreme Adventures Family Fun Center
If you are looking for something fun for the whole family, Xtreme Adventures Family Fun Center offers a range of activities perfect for kids and parents. The multilevel, 6,000 sq. foot (1,828 m2) site offers a massive indoor laser tag area, bumper cars, obstacle course, and arcade. Guests can test their strength on the Ninja Warrior Course and the Face Off Rock Wall, compete in the Crazy Car and Laser Tag arena, and win prizes at the arcade.
If you need to recharge, a selection of soft drinks, pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, and salads are offered at the onsite café with prices ranging between 5.50 USD to 17.75 USD. Adults can also enjoy a selection of beer and wine. Free WiFi and large TVs are also provided. The site is open Wednesday and Thursday from 5pm to 9pm, Friday from 5pm to 11pm, and Saturday from 11am to 11pm. Attractions are priced separately and range between 4 USD to 20 USD.
Xtreme Adventures Family Fun Center
Address: 24810 FL-54, Lutz, FL 33559
Website: Xtreme Adventures Family Fun Center
5. Brooker Creek Preserve
Located about 15 miles (24 kilometers) outside of Lutz, Brooker Creek Preserve provides visitors a chance to experience the beauty of natural Florida wildlife. Encompassing 8,700 acres (3,521 hectares), the preserve is composed of wetlands, flat woods, and various local plant life. Several hiking and equestrian trails offer guests with alternative options of exploring the area.
The Educational Center provides guests with the history of the Preserve and offers several exhibits on the plants and wildlife in the area. Admission to the Preserve and Educational Center is free. The Preserve is open seven days a week from 7am until one hour before sunset. The Educational Center is open Thursday through Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm.
Brooker Creek Preserve
Address: 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL 34688
Website: Brooker Creek Preserve
6. Busch Gardens
Located about 7 miles (11 kilometers) outside of Lutz, Busch Gardens is the top-rated theme park in the area and provides guests with several thrill rides and up-close encounters with exotic animals. Thrill seekers can plunge from 200 feet (60 meters) in the air at 70 mph (112 kmph) on SheiKra or race through the 4,400 foot (1,341 meter) long coaster Cheetah Hunt. Smaller guests can soar 50 feet (15 meters) above the Jungala exhibits on Jungle Flyers for a bird’s eye view of gibbons and flying foxes. Families can cool off on Congo River Rapids for an exciting water raft ride through thundering waterfalls and mysterious caves.
Several animal exhibits provide guests with an opportunity to view a variety of animals, such as gorillas, tigers, and elephants. Private tours and safaris are also available at an additional charge. Several onsite restaurants provide a range of cuisine, including Italian, American, Asian, and more. Guests can also pick up souvenirs from their many gift shops. Tickets for guests ages 3 and up start at 89 USD. For residents of the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico, a Fun Card with unlimited admission is also available starting at 99 USD, with Adventure Island and Seaworld add-ons for an extra charge. The park is open all year from 10 am to 6 pm.
Busch Gardens
Address: 10165 N McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612
Website:
7. Adventure Island
Guests looking to cool off from the Florida heat can visit Adventure Island water park. Located near Busch Gardens, the park offers a variety of rides guaranteed to leave guests drenched. Perfect for families, guests can experience weightlessness on the new Colossal Curl or plunge through the many twists and turns on Aruba Tuba. After the thrills, guests can unwind in Paradise Lagoon surrounded by waterfalls or take a dip in the expansive 17,000 foot (5,181 meter) wave pool, Endless Surf.
Tickets for guests ages 3 and up start at 54 USD. Residents of the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico can also purchase a Weekday Card starting at 54 USD, which provides unlimited access Mondays through Fridays. The park is open from 10 am to 5 pm, however, it is closed throughout most of the winter months.
Adventure Island
Address: 10001 N Malcolm McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612
Website: Adventure Island
8. Lowry Park Zoo
Located about 11 miles (17 kilometers) outside of Lutz is the top-rated, family friendly Lowry Park Zoo. Since the 1930s, Lowry Park has been delighting guests with its animal encounters and family attractions. Divided into Africa, Asia, Australia, and Florida themed areas, each section consists of exhibits of endangered, threatened, and vulnerable species, such as tigers, orangutans, and manatees. Guests can feed giraffes and rhinos, pet stingrays, and go on a behind-the-scenes safari on Expedition Africa. Families can ride the Tasmanian Tiger Coaster or climb aboard the classic Jungle Carousel.
The zoo offers several dining options serving American cuisine and a variety of drinks and snacks throughout the park, with the largest being the 10,000 sq. foot (3,048 meters) Safari Lodge. Ticket for guests ages 12 and up is 30.95 USD, and 22.95 USD for younger guests. Certain animal encounters are priced separately and range between 5 USD and 20 USD. Guests planning to explore the Greater Tampa Area can also purchase a CityPASS for 106 USD (adults) and 96 USD (children) to see the top attractions in the area. The CityPASS offers admission to Lowry Park, Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium, The Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and either Museum of Science and Industry or Chihuly Collection
Lowry Park Zoo
Address: 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
Website: Lowry Park Zoo
Come see what Lutz has to offer
From exhilarating roller coasters to animal encounters, Lutz offers plenty of attractions for all ages. Experience Lutz this upcoming travel season.