10 Things to Do With Kids in St. Pete Beach, Florida

1. Visit Fort de Soto Park

St. Pete Beach is the closest town to Fort de Soto Park -- home to miles of lifeguard-patrolled white-sand beaches along with nature trails, fishing piers, a fort, and playgrounds, as well as kayak and bike rentals. "The North Beach area is like nature's wading pool," says Jim Wilson, park supervisor. "The gentle gulf water and gradual slope makes it perfect for little kids." St. Pete Beach itself also has 6 miles of beaches but no lifeguards on duty.

• Find out more about what to do at Fort de Soto park.

2. Check out an Art Museum

The Dali Museum's treasure hunts, stories, and craft projects occupy the kids so you can appreciate the nearly 100 paintings by the famed artist. The outdoor waterfront garden adds to the kid appeal ($21 for adults, $7 for kids 6 to 12, children 5 and under are free; thedali.org).

• Check out the museum's online calendar to see if there are any special events during your visit.

3. See Winter, the Dolphin

Drive ten minutes to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium ($20 for adults, $15 for kids 3 to 12, children 2 and under are free), home to Winter, who was featured in the movie Dolphin Tale.

• In addition to visiting Winter, be sure to see the otters, sea turtles, and stingrays that also call the aquarium home.

4. Visit the Children's Museum

For a sure hit with preschoolers, go to the Great Explorations Houghton-Wagman Children's Museum ($10 admission, babies under 1 are free).

• Children will love feeling their way through the museum's Touch Tunnel.

5. Dine Al Fresco

Eat at Snapper's Sea Grill, which has outdoor seating, free baked pita chips and hummus, and a kids' menu.

• Preview the menu here.

6. Pretend You're A Pirate

Take your family on Captain Memo's Original Pirate Cruise setting sail along the Gulf of Mexico.

• Book your family fun pirates adventure here.

7. Have Amazing Animal Encounters

Only a 30 minute drive from St. Pete Beach is the Tampa's Lowry Zoo ($24.95 for adults, $19.95 for kids 3 to 11, children 2 and under are free) aka the number one zoo in the country, where you can feed giraffes, rhinos, and Australian parrots.

• Plan your visit here.

8. Stay in a Palace

Book a room at the Loews Don CeSar Hotel -- aka the "pink palace." It has a new oceanfront pool area with a splash pad; chic, child-proofed guest rooms (just request a kit); and loads of loaner baby and toddler equipment. (Rooms with two queen beds start at $249 per night; loewshotels.com.)

• Start planning your getaway and book your room here.

9. Go Retro

Right on the beach, the budget-friendly Postcard Inn offers a kiddie pool, free loaner sand buckets, and rooms decorated in surf-style retro. (Rooms with two queen beds start at $99 per night; postcardinn.com.)

• Start planning your getaway and book your room here.

10. Make A Splash

TradeWinds Island Resort will keep the kids entertained with offerings like Splash Island Water Park, paddle boats, and dive-in movies. (Rooms with two queen beds start at $167 per night; tradewindsresort.com)

Copyright &copy 2013 Meredith Corporation.

This piece was accurate at publication time, but all prices, offerings and availabilities are subject to change. Please contact each hotel and attraction for up-to-date rates and information before taking your trip.

• Start planning your getaway here.