Build-A-Bear Workshop

Build-A-Bear Workshop is now at the Tampa Leadership Center Girl Scout Store!

Girl Scouts big and small can now build a bear or furry friend as unique as they are, right here in Tampa at the GSWCF Leadership Center.

You’ll choose a furry friend, stuff it with the help of our staff, and then bring it to life with the iconic Build-A-Bear’s Heart Ceremony tailored specially to Girl Scouts! Then, have some fun dressing your friend up with vests and tunics with matching troop numbers, outfits, cookie merchandise, accessories, sounds and more!

Enjoy this activity on your own, with your troop, or even have it be part of a special celebration, like a birthday party or bridging ceremony!

Hours

Come visit us during our walk-in store hours and create your furry friend. No appointment required for individuals or groups of 5 or less. Groups of 6 or more should call ahead for the best experience.

Tuesday - Friday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Saturday (during the summer): 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday (during school year): by appointment only, for parties and troop workshops

*We recommend calling ahead as resources may be limited due to a high volume of in-store customers during peak seasons like Back to Troop, Cookie time and Award Season.

Build a Bear Parties: Make Us Your CeleBEARation Destination!

Ready to build-a-bear with your friends? Let us be a part of your Girl Scout’s special day. A Build-A-Bear workshop is fun for everyone!

Our party packages are fun for birthdays, Bridging, Investitures and Recognition Ceremonies or any other special occasion!

Ready to build-a bear with your friends? Let us be part of your Girl Scout’s special day. Whether it’s a birthday party or a bridging ceremony, the Build-A-Bear Workshop is fun for everyone! Schedule your Build-A-Bear event at the Tampa Girl Scout Leadership Center by following the steps below.

Reserve Your Time Slot

Explore Product/Prices

Explore available products and view the pricing sheet.

FAQs

Who can build a bear? toggle arrow

Anyone! You don’t have to be a Girl Scout to make a new friend! Please see our walk-in hours.

Is the Tampa Leadership Center a full-sized Build-A-Bear Workshop? toggle arrow

The Tampa Leadership Center is not a full-size Build-A-Bear Workshop. We are a smaller, specialized location featuring Girl Scout-themed bears and accessories, along with a selection of everyday animals and adornments. Our Beary Fun Build a Bear space is separate from the Girl Scout Shop at the Leadership—it is located in the Girl Zone in a newly remodeled area.

Can I reserve a time for my troop, group or my Girl Scout and her friends? toggle arrow

Yes! Reservations form must be completed and $100 deposit made. Once received, GSWCF Store staff will send a confirmation within 2 (two) business days

How do I pay for the GSWCF Build-A-Bear Workshop for my troop or group? toggle arrow

Payment is due no later than 48 hours in advance of your scheduled event. Any additions made to your workshop or for additional purchases will be charged at the end of your event. If payment is not received prior to your event, you may have to forfeit your timeslot. We can reschedule your event. No-shows will lose their deposit.

Do you have an event room available for additional space? toggle arrow

Yes! We have a meeting room to accommodate a limited number of guests. This room would be available for the duration of your event. An additional rental fee will apply. Please contact us for details at gsstore@gswcf.org.

Can I bring food, cake, or party supplies/decorations? toggle arrow

Yes, you may bring cake, food, party supplies and decorations if you have reserved the additional room we have available. Some restrictions will apply, please contact us at gsstore@gswcf.org with any questions.

*GSWCF does not provide any decorations, food, or party supplies (plates, utensils, cups, etc.).

Can Girl Scouts use Council Dough towards their Build-A-Bear purchase? toggle arrow

Absolutely. We encourage it!

Can we use Build-A-Bear gift cards? toggle arrow

Unfortunately, we are not authorized to accept Build-A-Bear gift cards. However, we do sell council-issued gift cards available for use. (They make great gifts, too!)

Can I build a bear/furry friend without an appointment? toggle arrow

Yes, during our walk-in store hours.

*We recommend calling ahead as resources may be limited due to a high volume of in-store customers during peak seasons like Back to Troop and Cookie time.

Can I order a Build-A-Bear online and pick it up in store or at another location? toggle arrow

Currently, we are unable to offer our guests this service.

Can GSWCF accept returns from other Build-A-Bear location? toggle arrow

We cannot accept returns from other Build-a-Bear locations.

Can I bring in a bear or furry friend for a repair to GSWCF? toggle arrow

Our associates can make minor repairs at our Tampa Shop. However, we are not able to accept bears requiring extensive repairs.

We will always do our best to take care of your furry friend and will provide as much assistance as possible.

Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Build-A-Bear Workshop Return Policy

We want to make sure each of our guests is “beary” happy with their purchases. If for some reason you would like to return an item, we will be happy to assist you according to the terms of our Satisfaction Bearantee.*

A refund is available with the original proof of purchase from GSWCF. If you do not have an original receipt, we will exchange or for any returned product at our discretion. A refund or exchange will be issued for the purchase price, current list price, or prorated price, depending on the item(s) returned.

Please reach out to us with any questions you may have about our Build-A-Bear Workshop at gsstore@gswcf.org or 813-262-1793. We will be happy to help!

**We are unable to match or offer discounts that you may find on the official Build-A-Bear website or in a full Build-A-Bear Workshop. Our merchandise selection is subject to change based on availability or season.