|
During your Tampa vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Adventure Island
If the summer heat gets to you before one of Tampa's famous thunderstorms brings late-afternoon relief, you can take a waterlogged break at this 25-acre outdoor water theme park near Busch Gardens Tampa Bay . You can also frolic here during the cooler days of spring and fall, when the water is heated. The Key West Rapids, Tampa Typhoon, Gulf Scream, and other exciting water rides will drench the teens, while other, calmer rides are geared toward younger kids. Wahoo Run plunges up to five riders more than 15 feet per second as the half-enclosed tunnel corkscrews more than 600 feet to a waiting splash pool. There are also places to picnic and sunbathe, an arcade, a volleyball complex, and an outdoor cafe. Although some people tend to go barefoot here, I suggest you wear shoes at all times -- it gets kind of nasty after a while.
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.
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.
Super 8 Motel - Tampa U.S.F. Near Busch Gardens Downtown
Conveniently located at Interstate I-275 Exit 52 or I-75 Exit 266 We are the perfect home base for exploring the Tampa Bay area Minutes from Busch Gardens, University of South Florida, downtown, and the Tampa International Airport Numerous restaurants nearby Exterior corridor property, with convenient drive up access Standard single or double rooms available, as well as 2 room suites. Pets welcome in designated rooms only - $10 per night Please Call 1-800-800-8000 to Reserve ...
Howard Johnson Express Inn & Suites-Near Port of Tampa
The Howard Johnson Inn of East Tampa Welcomes You! Located at exit 3 off of I-4, this property in East Tampa features a lovely pool with landscaped courtyard and sundeck. Free continental breakfast daily plus on-property lounge, open 4 pm. Entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays. Easy access to all area attractions, near Florida Fairgrounds and outdoor amphitheatre and minutes from Hard Rock Seminole Indian Casino. NEW: FREE HIGH SPEED WIRELESS INTERNET IN ALL ROOMS AND PUBLIC ...
|
|
