The Florida Aquarium offers an educational and fun experience for kids of all ages. "Parent" magazine rates the aquarium among the top five kid-friendly aquariums. It is located in downtown Tampa and features an outdoor water zone for children called Explore a Shore. The aquarium is a two-acre expanse with pirate ships for climbing, geysers and water canons. Children six years and older are invited to swim with the fishes in a coral reef tank. There are restaurants on-site, and the aquarium is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For fun in the great outdoors, visit one of Florida's first state parks, the Hillsborough River State Park, located just 12 miles north of Tampa. There are more than seven miles of hiking trails and opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, fishing and swimming. Tours of Fort Foster, a Seminole War fort, are available. The park is open every day from 8 a.m. to sunset and it offers full camping facilities.
The Museum of Science and Industry, or MOSI, in downtown Tampa is the largest center for science in the southeastern United States. It also houses the only IMAX dome theater in Florida. There are interactive exhibits where kids can learn about the science of natural disasters, and one-of-a-kind gifts are available at the Science Shop. The MOSI Cafe is available for lunch and features daily specials. The museum is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Busch Gardens is a kid-magnet that has African wildlife, shows, more than 20 restaurants and plenty of rides. One of the featured roller coasters, for passengers 54 inches tall and taller, is Sheikra, where passengers drop 200 feet at 90 degrees. Kids can explore the jungle in a three-story playground with mazes, crawl tubes and ropes. There's also a zip line where kids can soar above the park. Busch Gardens opens at 9 a.m. and closes at various times.
