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The Gulf Coast- Tampa/The Attractions |
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Where to Play in Tampa Bay
There’s certainly plenty to do downtown, but the focus is far more on the shopping and dining experiences, most of which caters to an upscale adult crowd. But there are a few perfectly wonderful places for families that really shouldn’t be missed.
Kid City
Fun
Best for kids ages 2 to 6
Location: 7550 North Boulevard, Tampa
Phone: 813-935-8441
Web site: www.flachildrensmuseum.com
Hours: Closed Mondays; Tuesday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sunday noon to 5:00 p.m.
Admission: $5 per person (infants under a year old are free).
By the name alone you know this one’s sure to be a hit. Meant for younger children, this museum is a miniature city, full of streets, sidewalks, park benches, and picnic tables. Shade trees are scattered throughout the city and among the buildings. You will find a bank, a grocery store, a fast-food restaurant, and a fire house, a hospital, a library, a post office, and a city hall. Kids can explore each and every building, having tons of fun as they go. New preschool exhibits, especially designed for kids 4 and under, include “Under the Sea” and “By the Sea Shore.” Little ones can climb, crawl, and explore in an area that’s just for them. While not a particularly large exhibit, it’s definitely a fun diversion, especially for younger kids.
Florida Aquarium
Fantastic
Appropriate for families with kids of all ages
Location: 701 Channelside Dr., Tampa
Phone: 813-273-4000
Web site: www.flaquarium.net
Admission: Adult $17.95, kids 3-12 $12.95 (you may even want to consider a membership as the price is only slightly higher – the perks include free parking, discounts on eco tours, dining, unlimited admission to the aquarium for 1 year, and discounts on admission to numerous other area attractions)
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily
Housed in an impressive 3-story glass-domed building along Tampa’s waterfront is a rather unique aquarium. Featuring exhibits that focus on Florida’s waterways, from underground to open sea, the aquarium replicates Florida’s natural environs by bringing the outdoor in. Filled with over 10,000 aquatic plants and animals, free-flying birds can be seen overhead while the alligators can be seen lurking just below. Kids will appreciate the up-close encounters, touch tanks, and exploration areas throughout.
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Not to Be Missed
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The No Bone Zone--just beyond Bays and Beaches--is an area that features the invertebrates of the ocean. With 2 touch tanks, kids can reach right in and feel the sea urchins, starfish, anemone, and other invertebrate inhabitants.
Explore A Shore is a 2-acre outdoor aquatic playground that’s home to a 2-story pirate ship, complete with water cannons for squirting and cargo nets for climbing. There are slides, tunnels, and rocks for climbing. Parents can relax nearby watching as their explorers run around and have fun.
Dive with the Sharks allows kids at least 15 years old with scuba certification to come face-to-face with the wobbegong, nurse, zebra, sand, tiger, and black-tip reef sharks that inhabit the Shark Bay exhibit. This program lasts approximately 90 minutes, with the actual dive lasting about 30. The program includes admission to the aquarium, a behindthe- scenes tour, a souvenir t-shirt, and a photograph. The cost is $150 per person. Diving equipment is provided, but you must bring along your own towel, face mask, and your own bathing suit. For additional information, call 813-367-4005, or visit their Web site (listed above).
Swim with the Fishes allows younger kids and those not scuba certified a similar experience. Kids must be at least 6 and be comfortable in water. Kids 6-9 must have a paying adult participate with them. For 30 minutes, kids can swim with the hundreds of fish in the Coral Reefs Tank, floating on the surface as the fish swim below. The cost is $75 per person and includes admission to the aquarium for both the child and parent. Just bring a bathing suit and towel and you’ll be ready to go. The Eco Tour takes you out on the bay aboard a 64-foot catamaran (adult $19.95; kids 3- 12 $14.95).
The Dolphin Encounter, an optional add-on to the Eco Tour, gives you an opportunity to spot the dolphins. The combined Aquarium and Dolphin Encounter Eco Tour ticket costs adults $32.95 and kids 3-12 $22.95 .
Additional behind-the-scenes tours are available. If you’re interested, check the Web site for the most up-to-date information.
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So You Know
Stroller rentals are available.
There is a cafe on-site.
The time it takes to tour the museum generally runs from 2 1/2 to 4 hours. If you opt for any of the extras, you’ll have to allot some additional time.
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