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Published June 2000
By CYN LoPINTO
Editor-in-chief, gerontologist
It's summer vacation time again, so millions of people will be flocking to Florida for a little tropical sun. If you live in Florida, friends and family will likely be calling looking for a place to stay.
We can’t help you with the cleaning and menu planning, but if you are having trouble coming up with some fresh and entertaining ideas to keep your guests occupied, we’ve already done the work for you. The following suggestions are just some of the many assets the Tampa Bay area has to offer. We made sure to include a lot of places that children would enjoy thus earning you the deserving title of the “fun” grandma or grandpa.
Area Attractions
Lowry Park Zoo
7530 N. Boulevard
Tampa
(813) 932-0245
This Tampa zoo is considered one of the top midsize zoos in the country. Exhibits include the Florida Aquatic Center, Primate World, Native Wildlife Center, Asian Domain and a children’s petting zoo. Admission prices are $7.50 for seniors, $8.50 for adults and $4.95 for children ages 3 to 11. The zoo is open seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Florida Aquarium701 Channelside Drive
Tampa
(813) 273-4000
This 152,000-square-foot facility is located in downtown Tampa. You can explore Florida’s natural habitats through four different areas (Wetlands, Oceans and Beaches, Coral Reefs, and Offshore). Visit such exhibits as Awes and Jaws, Frights of the Forest and Dragons Down Under. They also have an outdoor child area and “petting” tank. Admission prices are $11.95 for seniors, $12.95 for adults, and $7.95 for children ages 3 and older. The aquarium is open 7 days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Museum of Science and Industry
4801 E. Fowler Ave.
Tampa
(813) 987-6300
MOSI has recently grown to become the biggest science museum in the southeastern United States. Ongoing exhibits include The Amazing You (tour of the human body), The Back Woods (an outdoor interactive attraction), Bioworks Butterfly Garden (contains five hands-on components), Gulf Coast Hurricane (a chamber reenacting a 74 mph hurricane), GTE Challenger Learning Center (a tribute to the crew of the Challenger space shuttle) and Our Place on the Planet (a 5000-square-foot space exhibit). Also visit the IMAX Dome theater located within the museum. IMAX shows scheduled for the summer are “Dolphins: At Play in the Wild,” “Alaska: Spirit of the Wild” and “Mysteries of Egypt.” Admission to the museum and one IMAX film costs $11 for seniors (50 and older), $13 for adults (ages 14 to 49) and $9 for children (ages 3 to 13). MOSI is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Busch Gardens3000 E. Busch Blvd.
Tampa
(813) 987-5082
If you want to experience a Florida attraction but don’t feel like driving to Orlando, plan a day at Busch Gardens. This 300-acre theme park is located in North Tampa, just around the corner from USF. Whether you want to see a show, look at some exotic animals, or brave a ride on one of the park’s amazing roller coasters, Busch Gardens will keep you busy. Admission prices are $36.74 for kids ages 3 to 9, $45.68 for adults. Seniors can take an additional $3 off the adult price. The park opens at 9 a.m. Closing hours vary.
Adventure Island
10001 McKinley Drive
Tampa
(813) 987-5600
Busch Gardens’ sister attraction is a water-theme park that sits on 36 acres. Adventure Island has 17 different areas for all ages and there’s even a special area for small children. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week, with extended hours during the summer months. Prices for admission are $26.63 for adults and $24.49 for children ages 3 to 9.
Dinosaur World
5145 Harvey Tew Road
Plant City
(813) 717-9865
Located in Plant City, this attraction displays 100 life-size models of various dinosaurs scattered throughout a tropical outdoor area. You will feel like you are back in the Flintstone era. There is also a museum, an outdoor classroom, a gift shop and a picnic area. Admission prices are $8.95 for seniors, $9.75 for adults and $7.75 for children ages 3 to 12. Daily hours are 9 a.m. to dusk.
Beaches
Whether it is fishing, swimming, boating, building a sand castle or just relaxing, Florida beaches are the best around. Whether you are looking for a day trip or extended vacation at a Gulf beach, there is one for you and your company. From Clearwater to St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island to Tarpon Springs, there are numerous activities to join. Call the local chamber of commerce or AAA office for details. You can also log on to www.flausa .com on the Internet.
Summer sports
Tampa Bay Devil Rays: Visit St. Petersburg’s Tropicana Field and root, root, root for the home team. Our American League baseball team plays through September, and it’s a great way to beat the summer heat by enjoying America’s favorite pastime in an air-conditioned dome. Tickets are as low as $8, but discounted day-of-game seats (available 2 hours before game time) are $1.50 for seniors and kids and $3.00 for adults. The field is located at 16th Street and First Avenue South in St. Petersburg. Call (727) 825-3250 for game schedule and information.
Tampa Bay Mutiny: Support Tampa Bay’s major league soccer team at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Games are played through September, with tickets ranging from $12 to $15 for seniors and kids and $12 to $21 for adults. The stadium is located on Dale Mabry Highway and Tampa Bay Boulevard. Call (813) 289-6811 for more information.
Tampa Bay Extreme: Support female athletes in the Tampa Bay area by attending a W-League national soccer game. Games are played through July at Countryside High School in Clearwater (3000 State Road 580). Prices are $3 for kids and $5 for adults. Call (727) 823-8407 for information and schedule.
Tampa Bay Storm: If you’re in a football mood and can’t wait for the Bucs’ season to start, how about attending an arena football game? The Tampa Bay Storm, whose season runs through July, play at the air-conditioned Ice Palace in downtown Tampa. Tickets start at $8 for children ages 3 and older. The Ice Palace is located at 401 Channelside Drive. Call (813) 301-6600 for details and schedule.
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You are not alone | Come and get it | Then and now
Small blessings | Fun pages | Advertising | Helpful links | About Us
© Copyright 2002 Home Front Magazine. All rights reserved.
Hosting by FN Publishing