Share |
Print Article
Family Travel Files Ezine Family Vacations Resource
Florida: Tampa, Family Vacation Ideas - Waterslides, Living History and Disasterville. Imagine a family vacation full of discoveries. Days filled with thinking, doing and having fun. Tampa has brainpower spots for families that directly engage all ages and provide a fun factor at the same time. The Tampa Bay area has enough for three maybe four complete vacations. The area has plenty of choices and interesting options no matter the time of year or family interests.
 
We have gathered the high points for your reference so it will be easier to make plans. 

Explore the sea, slide down a waterslide. The Florida Aquarium is one of the best in the country, and is even ranked in the top 5 “Kid-Friendly Aquariums” by Parents Magazine. At the Florida Aquarium you’ll find Explore A Shore, 2.2 acre aquatic discovery zone for kids.  In the zone kids can climb on aquatic animal models, climb aboard a two-story pirate ship, slide down a waterslide, play in water jet sprays and watch live animal programs while socializing with family and friends. Join the crew aboard the two-story, 24-foot pirate ship and shoot water cannons, then climb across the cargo net to the ships main deck and look through the telescope for a manatee, dolphin, shark and a shipwreck.  Discover coral caves while playing on ladders, cargo nets and slide through tunnels while misters spray around a giant eel’s head. Crawl through an eight-foot by four-foot wave in the Surf’s Up Wave Tunnel. Slide down the waterslide or ride the dolphin model or surfboard. It’s all pure fun. (The Florida Aquarium, Inc, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa 33602. 1(813) 273-4000 or www.flaquarium.org)

Count the fishes, talk with divers. The impressive glass domed facility provides a comfortable way to learn about the diverse ecosystem and aquatic habitats of Florida. Stroller friendly pathways provide hundreds of viewing points including kneecap level water views for the tiniest of visitors. Native ducks and turtles and terrapins are within a few feet of the pathways that weave through the wetlands area. In the transition areas there are touch tanks with enthusiastic, knowledgeable guides available to answer questions and encourage discoveries. Bonus points: Throughout the day in the largest of tanks divers provide audio lessons through a unique sound system that allows the diver to speak into a mask and be heard dry side. This unique two-way communication also allows audience members to ask questions about the sea aquarium habitat and get answers immediately. Our favorite gallery was the one with pigmy ponies and leafy dragons. Species adaptation at its best, many of the creatures looked more like seaweed. Need to know: Each year this family friendly brainpower place has a holiday festival that runs from the day after Christmas usually until school resumes. They have musical performers Shana Banana, Singing Jack Frost to delight youngsters. While the sea life residents don’t relate to the season they do put on a spectacular show of nature. The bonus, there will be dive shows and animal encounters daily. 1(813) 273-4000. (The Florida Aquarium, Inc, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa 33602. 1(813) 273-4000 or www.flaquarium.org)

Discover the “Outback for tykes”. Hidden within one of Tampa’s north side neighborhoods is the Lowry Park Zoo a top-notch facility, ranked the #1 Zoo for Families by Parents magazine. Within ten minutes of our arrival we felt like we had discovered a secret. Compact in reality it seems unending and provides a natural place for wandering. Stroller friendly elevated boardwalks provided easy movement and ideal shaded viewing spots. Best of all this is another happy place filled with volunteers and staff that like the zoo and want to share it with others. Wallaroo Station is a special enclave created for the youngest of guests. With a distinctly Australian theme it includes Billabong, pony treks, a tree house, petting area and a chance for kids to curry a goat, no experience necessary. Like the main entrance there is a delightful fountain designed for carefree encounters with water. A bonus for weary adults, rocking chairs are provided with ever-changing kid views. Discovery: Unique to this zoo is a Florida manatee hospital and aquatic center. There is above water viewing area and an incredible set of underground viewing rooms. Bonus points: A Tampa secret this wonderful facility embraces the holidays. Each year families celebrate with the Wild Wonderland Winter Festival. Twinkling lights, mood music and goats pretending to be reindeer make the holiday fun and carefree.  (1101 West Sligh Avenue, Tampa, 33604-5958. 1(813) 935-8552 or www.lowryparkzoo.com)

We love MOSI. We found our science fix at The Museum of Science and Industry. In the entrance hall two diplodocus dinosaur skeletons hang suspended and invite discovery of more. As with any large museum geared to brain trips a plan is necessary. Less is always more. From riding a trapeze bicycle above the gallery entrance to operating robot arms within a display case there are many learning points. The themed areas are well organized and the interactive stations abundant. One of our favorite spots, the inside of an operating room with a patient, had a video camera showing open-heart surgery in progress. We also discovered an awesome translucent body on a bike - weird but memorable. Bonus points: During each holiday season the skilled staff explores both the real North Pole and the magical world of Santa's workshop in the holiday exhibit, "The North Pole," from November - January. A ride-aboard train transports kids around the scene.

>
Unique to this museum is the Disasterville experience that provides visitors with a safe way to experience hurricane force winds without the real threat of deadly flying objects or rising water. Within sight of the hurricane encounter is a tranquil enclosed butterfly garden. We saw all stages of development including the wiggling of a cocoon as its owner began evacuation. Discovery: This facility is the location of the first IMAX Dome Theatre in the state of Florida and it has an ever-changing list of IMAX films. The museum also is the home of The Saunders Planetarium with ongoing programs providing unique ways to visually make sky/earth connections. A bonus to stargazers MOSI has a roof top sky watch program complete with qualified star guides and telescopes.  (4801 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa 33617. 1(813) 987-6000 or www.mosi.org)

Time travel in Tampa. Over the bridge and next door to the convention center is the Tampa Bay History Center. Bright and friendly the museum displays artifacts that have shaped the region, dating from prehistoric Gulf Coast Florida to the present. The collection covers all spheres of life, both public and domestic. For history buffs or anyone doing a report on Florida the items on display are both unique and interesting.  We found the colorful Seminole clothing to be very interesting because it reminded us of similar garments from Panama. The Website offers interesting timelines useful for kids doing reports or for families learning together. Discovery: Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes at a museum? Ever wonder what Florida pioneers did for fun, or how archeologists uncover long-lost artifacts? Find the answers to these questions and more at the Tampa Bay History Center’s History Adventure Summer Camp for kids entering grades 3-6. (Tampa Bay History Center.  801 Old Water Street, Tampa, FL 33602. 1(813) 228-0097‎ or tampabayhistorycenter.org)

Like “Upstairs/Downstairs”. Described by my teen companions as a serious place, we meandered the halls waiting for the time travel vignette, Upstairs/Downstairs at the Tampa Bay Hotel. We were not disappointed. The museum conducts a series of single-character dramas that bring to life the rooms and life at the Tampa Bay Hotel. Through the first person anecdotes provided by Pauli, the telegraph operator, we learned that Clara Barton spent time at the hotel and that Thomas Edison stayed for a time. Without this clever soliloquy it is difficult to relate to the exquisite furniture and art but with this living history connection the museum is a treasure to be discovered. The vignettes happen each Sunday from September through May with time off during December. Sometimes it is fun to be serious. (Henry B. Plant Museum, 401 W. Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa 33606. 1(813) 254-1891 or www.plantmuseum.com)

Art - Not Just for Adults. Just across the Hillsborough River from Henry’s place is the Tampa Museum of Art. This facility is not overwhelming so it is ideal as a learning place for kids. There is a nice balance between contemporary art and Greek and Roman antiquities. Described by my young travel mates as a quiet place, it was not so on the afternoon we spent there. Bonus Points: We had the good fortune to enjoy the museum during one of their Family Time Sunday afternoons. The galleries were alive with participatory art projects and a strolling musician. During this unique time the fine art intimidation factor was successfully erased and I heard kids and their older companions viewing, discussing and creating art. Luckily we learned that this spirit is available throughout the year because they have created an engaging program called SmART Kids Saturday that provides a hands-on art activity, drawn from a current exhibition.(120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa 33602. 1(813) 274-8130 or www.tampamuseum.org)
 
The bottom line: Tampa is a brain trip for all ages, a city full of discoveries to be made. Our weekend was filled with thinking, doing and having fun. We ran out of time before we ran out of things to do. For more details go to www.visittampabay.com  

Content researched and created by FTF. Images provided by the Florida Aquarium and the Lowry Park Zoo, video courtesy of MOSI. Copyright 2010.
Share |
RELATED ARTICLES
Florida: Anna Maria Island, A Florida Secret for Families.
There is a place in Florida that does not have the very best in beaches, the most Caribbean-like climate, the most up-scale or hottest resorts or nightlife in the State. So, why is an island peninsula community of 15,000 residents on the Gulf Coast considered by many to be a “best kept secret”? For those in the know, it is affordable subtropical nirvana.
Florida: Anna Maria Island, A Gulf Coast Secret Family Vacation Spot.
Why is an island peninsula community of 15,000 residents on the Gulf Coast considered by many to be a “best kept secret”? For those in the know, it is affordable subtropical nirvana with Florida Keys charm of 30 years ago, spectacular sunsets, solitude without remoteness, secluded beaches with sea turtle egg nests, wildlife, easy bike riding, friendly people, exemplary dining opportunities, and a free local trolley.
Florida: Tampa, Museum of Science & Industry - Activate, Investigate and Create.
MOSI is the largest science center in the southeastern United States and home of the only IMAX® Dome Theatre in the state of Florida. It is a place to "learn by doing" in a scientific playground of special exhibitions and more than 450 hands-on activities.

Read More Articles

FAMILY VACATION IDEAS
Days Inn Fairgrounds

Bring the kids, stay with us, you won’t break the budget. [Read More]

Related Article Related Article

Marriott Springhill Suites

Centrally located to family vacation fun. [Read More]

Related Article Related Article

Indian Rocks Tommy's on the Beach

Create your own family beach party. Escape to the quiet side of Florida and enjoy an easy island style holiday. [Read More]

Related Article Related Article

Days Inn Fairgrounds

Bring the kids, stay with us, you won’t break the budget. [Read More]
Spring Hill Suites Tampa

Centrally located to family vacation fun. [Read More]
Holiday Inn Lakewood Ranch

A posh family vacation spot on the Gulf Coast. [Read More]
Beso Del Sol Resort

The perfect beach destination for all ages close to the energy of Clearwater and Tampa. [Read More]
Island House Beach Resort

Family beach tome on Siesta Kay. [Read More]
Clearwater Beach Holiday Inn

A perfect family vacation is waiting. [Read More]

Clearwater Beach Holiday Inn

See More Family Vacation Ideas


Use of Travel Communications, Inc., websites constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use.
Site designed and hosted by Tempest Technologies, LLC