Lowry Park Zoo
The opportunity to watch 3,000-pound manatees, Komodo dragons, Persian leopards, and rare red pandas makes this a worthwhile, albeit not entirely necessary, excursion after the kids have seen the plains of Africa at Busch Gardens. With lots of greenery, bubbling brooks, and cascading waterfalls, this 24-acre zoo displays animals in settings similar to their natural habitats. Other major exhibits include the Florida wildlife display, Asian Domain, Primate World, Aquatic Center, free-flight aviary with a birds-of-prey show, hands-on Discovery Center, and endangered-species carousel ride. The Wallaroo Station has kids' rides, a small water park, a kangaroo walk-about, and a petting zoo. Lowry Park has one of Florida's three manatee hospital and rehabilitation centers. The Eco Tour is very popular, featuring a cruise on the Hillsborough River, where you'll see turtles, herons, and manatees. The cost is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, and $7 for children 3 to 11. The zoo is also a sanctuary for Florida panthers and red wolves.

Tampa Museum of Art
Located on the east bank of the Hillsborough River, next to the round NationsBank building (locals facetiously call it the "Beer Can"), this fine-arts complex offers eight galleries with changing exhibits ranging from classical antiquities to contemporary Floridian art. There's also a 7-acre riverfront park and sculpture garden. Call or check the website for the schedule of temporary exhibits. However, if you have time for only one art museum on your trip, skip this one and head to St. Petersburg for the more innovative Salvador Dalí Museum.

MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry)
A great place to take the kids, MOSI is the largest science center in the Southeast, with more than 450 interactive exhibits. Step into the Gulf Hurricane to experience 74 mph winds, explore the human body in The Amazing You and, if your heart is up to it, ride a bicycle across a 98-foot-long cable suspended 30 feet above the lobby (don't worry: you'll be harnessed to the bike). You can also watch stunning movies in Florida's first IMAX dome theater and take a 5-minute ride in a flight simulator ($3.50 additional charge). Outside, trails wind through a 47-acre nature preserve with a butterfly garden.

Days Inn Tampa State Fairgrounds Brandon
Easy access to all major Highways, downtown area, beaches and Orlando attractions - Minutes from local shopping, restaurants, state fairgrounds, Seminole, Casino and Tampa ...

Red Roof Inn Tampa Busch
Located next to Busch Gardens, the Tampa Busch Red Roof Inn is near shopping, downtown, the University of South Florida, Raymond James Stadium, the Convention Center and the Ice Palace. This Inn features T-Mobile wireless internet access (daily fee may apply), an outdoor pool and spa, and a picnic area This location offers On Command Video with a selection of free TV channels, pay-to-view premium channels, movies, music and games. It also offers internet access via TV for email and web ...

Motel 6 Tampa East - Fairgrounds
Conveniently located off of I-4, the Tampa East - Fairgrounds Motel 6 is near the Seminole Casino, Busch Gardens, Historic Ybor City and the Florida State Fairgrounds. This location features an outdoor swimming pool, a guest laundry facility and plenty of truck, RV and coach ...