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The Clearwater Beach Family Bucket List

One of the top family resorts in Clearwater Beach, Sandpearl Resort gives you easy access to a frenzy of family-friendly to-dos on property – and off.


Beachfront fire-pits, a climate-controlled zero-entry pool, and easy access to what has been deemed time and time again as America’s number-one beach. These are just some of the favorite family attractions you access when you stay at Sandpearl Resort, which has been ranked as one of the top family resorts in Clearwater Beach by US News. And not only does the resort make for the perfect family getaway to be had on-site, but the launching point into the many family-friendly activities that make up this Gulf Coast oasis. Here are a few of our favorites.

Snag a Photo with Ridley the Sea Turtle (Among Other Things)

Camp Ridley is Sandpearl’s Resorts on-site kids camp, where kids, ages 5 through 10, have their pick of activities: nature walks, scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, sandcastle building competitions, and snorkel sessions in the resort’s climate-controlled, zero-entry pool. The activities all come accompanied with regular appearances made by Ridley, the camp’s sea turtle mascot.

Visit Aquatic Creatures

Clearwater-Marine-Aquarium

Ever seen the Dolphin Tale movies? It’s a true story about a rescued dolphin that received a first-of-its-kind prosthetic tail to make up for the loss of its flipper. And that true story happened right here at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Meet the other aquatic animals that call the CMA home, like Walle and Boomer, a pair of rescued otters who have developed a strong bond, and Hope, the Atlantic Bottlenose dolphin who made her own silver screen debut in Dolphin Tale 2!

Pretend to Pilot a Plane

Unlike most simulation centers, SimCenter Tampa Bay, located in Clearwater, is open to not just racers, pilots, and other professionals, but the public. That means families can try the venue’s seven real-size simulators, which include a Boeing 737 jetliner, an F-16, and an F-35 fighter jet, plus two full-motion Formula 1 race car simulators, no experience needed!

Celebrate Sunset by the Sands

For over 25 years, Sunset Celebrations at Pier 60 have provided a playground for the arts and busking community to showcase their talents to visitors and tourists during this nightly sunset festival. Watch the pier transform into an evolving expression of arts & culture while experiencing the magic on the ground and in the sky. Enjoy this year-round, weather permitting event, operating 2 hours before and 2 hours after sunset every evening.

Take a Ride inside the Belly of the Beast

While there are family-friendly boat tours galore – including Little Toot Dolphin Tours, Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruises, and Sea Life Safari Nature Cruises – one of the most unique may just be Mega Bite Tours. That’s because of the one-of-a-kind 40-foot boat is designed to resemble that of a shark with big nasty teeth. You’ll feel like you’re stalking Clearwater’s calm waterways as you search for frolicking dolphins.

Play a Round of Mini-Golf

Captain Bligh’s Landing is one of the most popular 18-hole mini-golf courses in Clearwater Beach. That could be because of the talking parrot who guards the entrance. Perhaps it’s the caves, waterfalls, and big wooden pirate ship that line the course. Or just maybe it’s the on-site game room home to all sorts of arcade games. You’ll just have to decide for yourself once you take on this labyrinthine of pirate-themed, contoured turf holes.

Where to Stay Opal Sands Resort | Sandpearl Resort

 

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