Shiver Me Timbers! Brace yerselves young scallywags for a rollickin’ good time as the Children’s Gasparilla brings fun for swashbucklers of all ages to Tampa.
Bring your krewe to the Gasparilla Children’s Parade in Tampa on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
This alcohol-free event is perfect for your little buccaneers to revel in the pirate spirit by shouting for treasures from over 125 parade floats. Make sure your krewe stays to witness the battle of the Ye Mystic Krewe and Tampa “piratechnic” explosions. The pirates win every year, arghhh!
Mateys of all ages jump and shout for beads as over 125 parade units make their way down Tampa Bay’s Bayshore Boulevard.
Since 1947, families, friends and neighbors bring their own krewes out to take in Gasparilla’s Children’s Parade.
The parade kicks off at 4 pm, and takes place on Bayshore Blvd, beginning on Bay to Bay Blvd and ends at Edison Ave. Parking is available at the Fort Brooke Garage in downtown. A free trolley will run from the Publix on Bayshore and Platt throughout the day.
Shortly after the parade at 6:15pm, a fireworks display and airshow will start towards the center of Bayshore Boulevard where the Gasparilla Pirate Boat is stationed in the bay.
Guide to the 2025 Children’s Gasparilla
Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Rodeo - 12 pm - 2 pm
Located along Bayshore, between Rome and Dakota Avenue, the Bicycle Rodeo is free to anyone interested in learning how to bicycle safely with traffic. Volunteers will fit the tiny pirates in attendance with a new, free bicycle helmet that they can keep (while supplies last). The little mates can then use one of the provided bicycles to journey through a fun course that teaches skills that could one day save their life.
Preschooler’s Stroll - 2 - 3 pm
The Gasparilla Preschooler’s Stroll presented by Primrose Schools features Tampa Bay’s youngest pirates. In this Gasparilla tradition, children five and under strut their stuff along beautiful Bayshore Boulevard in decorated wagons, bicycles, strollers, and their best little pirate attire. The stroll begins at Howard Avenue and ends at Rome Avenue.
Children’s Parade - 4 pm - 6.15 pm
A true family-friendly atmosphere, the Ashley Children’s Gasparilla presented by Chick-fil-A Tampa Bay, is an alcohol-free event, creating a fun and memorable experience for all ye little mates. The adventure steps off from Bay to Bay Boulevard & Bayshore Boulevard and continues north along Bayshore for 1.5 miles before ending at Edison Avenue.
Gasparilla Air Invasion - 6.15 pm - 7 pm
The twilight skies light up with an amazing display of aerobatic skywriters, formation flights, and a precision parachute jump, landing at DeSoto and Bayshore Boulevard (one block North of Howard and Bayshore).
Piratechnic Fireworks Extravaganza 7 pm - 7.30 pm
Watch in amazement as the Jose Gasparilla II sets the night sky ablaze with the Children’s Gasparilla “Piratechnic” Finale. Daredevil stunt planes lead the show with a thrilling fireworks flight, followed by a mesmerizing display of firework shells choreographed by the Captain of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind spectacle!
Parade Route Map
X marks the spot! Be sure to check the map for all road closures, street crossings and more.
Parking
Parking is available in various garages and lots throughout downtown Tampa. These city-run garages have a special event parking rate paid upon entry. Many local organizations and companies also offer parking on their properties. Please check with local businesses to purchase a parking pass for their private lots in advance.
Please Note
Parking in the neighborhoods bordering the parade route is not permitted, and the Tampa Police Department will strictly enforce the event parking policies. When parking in these areas, you do so at your own risk. Communities strictly enforce towing along the parade route, and the event is not responsible for vehicles towed.
Trolley
Complimentary trolley service is available on the day of Children’s Gasparilla, picking up at Platt and Bayshore Boulevard (near Publix) and dropping off at Bay to Bay and Bayshore Boulevards. The trolley will loop continuously throughout the day before and after the parade, from 11:30 am to 8 pm.
For more info: https://gasparillapiratefest.com/childrens/
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