Tips for Traveling with Kids in Tampa, Florida, United States

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Tips for Traveling with Kids in Tampa, Florida, United States

1. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Amusement park with thrilling rides and animal encounters for the whole family.
  • Kid-Friendly Attractions: Features kid-friendly roller coasters, water rides, and interactive play areas.
  • Animal Encounters: Allows up-close views of exotic animals like giraffes, rhinos, and gorillas.
  • Special Events: Hosts special events throughout the year, such as Halloween Haunt and Christmas Town.

2. Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo

Zoo with a variety of animals, interactive exhibits, and fun-filled activities for kids.
  • Animal Encounters: Offers hands-on experiences like feeding giraffes and stingrays.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Includes a carousel, splash pad, and primate keeper for Close Encounters of the Ape Kind.
  • Conservation Efforts: Dedicated to wildlife conservation and offers education programs about endangered species.

3. Glazer Children's Museum

Interactive museum filled with hands-on exhibits designed for kids of all ages.
  • Hands-On Learning: Encourages learning through play with interactive exhibits like a bank, grocery store, and newsroom.
  • Temporary Exhibits: Regularly updates temporary exhibits to keep things fresh and exciting.
  • Birthday Parties: Allows for fun and educational birthday parties with unique themes.

4. Tampa's Riverwalk

Scenic waterfront pathway offering restaurants, shops, and boat tours.
  • Restaurants: Features family-friendly dining options with river views.
  • Boat Tours: Offers guided boat tours along the Hillsborough River.
  • Festivals and Events: Hosts festivals and events throughout the year, such as Gasparilla Pirate Fest and Riverfest.

5. Adventure Island

Water park with thrilling slides, wave pools, and kid-friendly areas.
  • Thrilling Slides: Features high-speed water slides for the older kids and families.
  • Kid-Friendly Areas: Has dedicated areas for younger children, like Tippy's Lagoon and Tot Spot.
  • Events and Parties: Hosts events and parties throughout the year, such as Twilight Thursdays.

6. The Florida Aquarium

Aquarium showcasing local marine life and unique exhibits.
  • Marine Life: Offers up-close views of sharks, sea turtles, and manatees.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Includes interactive exhibits like the Wetlands Trail and the Great Barrier Reef exhibit.
  • Education Programs: Offers education programs about marine conservation and endangered species.

7. Tampa Bay History Center

Museum showcasing Tampa's rich history and culture.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Features interactive exhibits like a pirate ship exhibit and a Native American village.
  • Education Programs: Offers education programs about Tampa's history and culture.
  • Special Events: Hosts special events like Pirate Day and Family Fun Days.

8. Big Cat Rescue

Sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating big cats.
  • Rescued Cats: Provides a home for rescued lions, tigers, leopards, and other big cats.
  • Education Tours: Offers educational tours to learn about the rescue and conservation efforts.
  • Volunteer Opportunities: Allows for volunteer opportunities, such as building enclosures or helping with enrichment activities.

9. Tampa's Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI)

Science museum with interactive exhibits focused on physics, space, and human innovation.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Features interactive exhibits like a hurricane simulator and a body slide.
  • Planetarium Shows: Offers planetarium shows to learn about the night sky and space exploration.
  • Education Programs: Provides education programs about science, technology, engineering, and math.

10. The Dali Museum

Art museum dedicated to the works of Salvador Dalí.
  • Permanent Collection: Features a large permanent collection of Dalí's paintings, sculptures, and mixed media works.
  • Temporary Exhibits: Regularly updates temporary exhibits to showcase the work of other artists.
  • Education Programs: Offers education programs about Dalí's life and art, as well as art appreciation classes.

11. The Tampa Theatre

Historic theater showcasing classic films and live performances.
  • Classic Films: Screens classic films, as well as new releases and independent films.
  • Live Performances: Hosts live performances, such as concerts, plays, and comedians.
  • Architecture Tour: Offers tours showcasing the theater's Art Deco architecture.

12. Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center

Observation center to watch wild manatees in their natural habitat.
  • Manatee Viewing: Offers views of wild manatees from underwater cameras and observation areas.
  • Education Center: Features an education center with exhibits about manatees and their conservation.
  • Guided Tours: Offers guided tours led by park rangers.

13. Weedon Island Preserve

Nature preserve with hiking trails, canoe rentals, and a museum.
  • Hiking Trails: Features several hiking trails through the mangroves and wetlands.
  • Canoe Rentals: Offers canoe rentals for exploring the preserve's waterways.
  • Museum: Features a museum showcasing artifacts from the Calusa and Tocobaga tribes who once lived in the area.

14. Tampa Bay Cruises

Boat tours offering scenic views of Tampa Bay and nearby attractions.
  • Scenic Views: Offers beautiful views of Tampa Bay, including the city skyline and surrounding islands.
  • Tour Options: Provides several tour options, such as sunset cruises and dolphin-watching tours.
  • Private Charters: Allows for private charters for special events or family gatherings.

15. Sunken Gardens

Tropical garden filled with flowers, birds, and a waterfall.
  • Floral Displays: Features a variety of tropical flowers, including orchids, birds of paradise, and bromeliads.
  • Wildlife: Is home to a variety of wildlife, such as flamingos, parrots, and peacocks.
  • Waterfall: Features a beautiful waterfall flowing into a koi pond.