5 Labor Day Experiences & Adventures (2025 Guide)
Labor Day weekend is right around the corner, and if you’re searching for unique ways to entertain the family, or celebrate in style, you’ve come to the right place. From animal encounters and outdoor adventures to dining experiences with a festive twist, here are five Tampa Bay area getaways and activities to make the long weekend memorable.
#1: Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Step back in time at Sarasota Jungle Gardens, a family-owned and operated attraction that has welcomed visitors since 1939, making it one of the oldest continuously running attractions in Florida.
Spread across 10 lush acres, Sarasota Jungle Gardens is home to more than 200 native and exotic animals, from parrots and macaws to primates, lizards, alligators, and crocodiles. But the stars of the show are the flamingos! Kids (and adults!) love hand-feeding them as they nibble right from the palm of your hand.
This Labor Day weekend, families can take advantage of a special deal: half off all kids’ admissions when tickets are purchased online.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
#2: Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales
If you’re starting the holiday weekend a little early, make time for the final Wawa Summer Fun Days at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales.
On Thursday, August 28, and Friday, August 29, admission is free for up to four visitors per registration. This seasonal initiative runs from May through August, and these are the last days to take advantage of it. (Advance registration is required.)
If you can’t make it for the complimentary days, Bok Tower Gardens remains a must-see. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last admission at 5 p.m.), the gardens have welcomed more than 23 million visitors since 1929 and continue to enchant guests with its beauty.
Plan to spend at least three to four hours wandering the grounds. Families love Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden, while all ages are drawn to the Singing Tower carillon concerts, performed daily at 1 and 3 p.m. with shorter selections on the hour and half-hour. For those traveling with pets, portions of the gardens are also dog-friendly with a small additional fee.
The Pelican St. Pete
#3: The Pelican St. Pete Boat Tours
From gardens to the Gulf, Labor Day is also a perfect time to get out on the water. The Pelican St. Pete, departing from the St. Pete Pier, offers two standout ways to cruise into the holiday weekend.
For an adults-only evening, the Sunset Skyway Bridge Light Show Cruise (21+) gives guests views of the sunset and dazzling Sunshine Skyway lights, which will be lit up in red, white, and blue. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks for the two-hour ride. Tours run nightly, including on Labor Day.
For families, the St. Pete Pier to Egmont Key Tour is a four-hour excursion that includes two hours of island time. With The Pelican staying docked at Egmont Key, guests have access to restrooms, shade, and water, which is a huge perk considering the island itself has no facilities.
Tours run daily, including on Labor Day, with the Egmont Key trip departing at 10 a.m.
Credit: Nikolas Koenig
#4: Labor Day Rooftop Cookout at The Tampa EDITION
Grilling is a Labor Day tradition, and this year, The Tampa EDITION is taking it to the next level. On Sunday, August 31st, you can store a ticket to the Labor Day rooftop cookout with Grillmaster Jack Arnold at Azure, the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant.
Guests can enjoy unlimited made-to-order steaks, wagyu burgers, and artisanal sausages, paired with summer-inspired sides. The event also includes exclusive access to the rooftop pool, a complimentary welcome beverage, and a live DJ.
The grilling action unfolds outdoors, while service is presented indoors at Azure, with the option to dine outside overlooking the city. Running from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine, this intimate holiday experience has limited reservations available through OpenTable.
Downtown Dine Out in New Port Richey
you can sample the culinary talent in Downtown New Port Richey during Downtown Dine Out, running August 24–30. The event leads right into Labor Day weekend, making it a perfect excuse to try somewhere new before the holiday wraps up.
Five standout restaurants are participating, each offering multi-course menus at a fixed price. it’s a chance to explore the creativity of the city’s growing dining scene while enjoying great value.
Participating restaurants include:
