Tampa and Clearwater, Florida, provide a variety of entertainment activities in addition to their white, sandy beaches. Between them, these cities boast aquariums, a zoo, theme parks and a casino. Nestled within the area are Pier 60 and Ybor City. Pier 60 is located on the coast in Clearwater, and provides a view of the sunset. Ybor City sits along Interstate 4. Its businesses and museums provide entertainment and culture.
The Florida Aquarium hosts an exhibit of wetland and marine animals native to the Tampa Bay area. It features a penguin parade and petting pool and its seahorse exhibit displays unusual creatures from around the world. . The outdoor Tiki restaurant provides a place for parents to relax while their children play in the splash area.
The Florida Aquarium - Tampa Bay
701 Channelside Dr.
Tampa, FL 33602
813-273-4000 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 813-273-4000 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
flaquarium.org
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is temporarily closed for the making of the major 3D movie "Dolphin Tale." Its most famous resident, Winter, stars in the movie. The aquarium will reopen in early November and features dolphin shows, as well as turtle, otter and stingray exhibits.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
727-441-1790 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 727-441-1790 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
seewinter.com
The Lowry Park Zoo was rated the best zoo in the U.S. by Parent's Magazine. The zoo boasts a large collection of primates, and African Safari and Australian Outback exhibits. It also features a large collection of animals native to the state, including a Florida panther, manatees, alligators and otters. The park offers rides for children and a petting zoo.
Lowry Park Zoo
1101 West Sligh Ave
Tampa, FL 33604
813-935-9486 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 813-935-9486 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
lowryparkzoo.com
The daily festival, Sunsets at Pier 60, is a free family activity, where all can enjoy music, street performers and crafts, in addition to an incredible sunset.
Pier 60 also offers fishing opportunities. Its Bait House has fishing equipment for sale and rent, and sells bait, souvenirs, drinks and snacks.
Sunsets at Pier 60
10 Pier 60 Dr.
Clearwater, FL 33767
727-461-7732 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 727-461-7732 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
sunsetsatpier60.com
pier60fishing.com
Busch Gardens Tampa provides for a full day of entertaining activities. The theme park offers animal adventures, rides and shows. If you like roller coasters, this is the place for you. The Jungala exhibit features four acres animal exhibits that guests can roam via a network of rope bridges, providing a unique opportunity to experience the animals.
Busch Gardens
P.O. Box 9158
Tampa, FL 33674
888-800-5447
buschgardens.com
Adventure Island water park is part of Busch Garden theme parks. It offers a dozen water slides. Tickets can be purchased individually or in combination with Busch Gardens. The water park's hours vary depending on season and weather.
Adventure Island
10001 N. McKinley Dr.
Tampa, FL 33612
888-800-5447 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 888-800-5447 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
adventureisland.com
Tampa also provides gambling at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The Casino offers a full line of card games and slot machines. The complex includes dining, entertainment and hotel accommodations.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
5223 North Orient Rd
Tampa, FL 33610
866-502-7529 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 866-502-7529 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
seminolehardrocktampa.com
Ybor City celebrates the cultural history of the Tampa Bay area, and offers shopping, dining and evening entertainment. The Ybor City State Museum features exhibits on the cigar making industry the role of immigrant labor in the forming of our country.
Ybor City State Museum
1818 9th Ave.
Tampa, FL 33605
813-247-6323 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 813-247-6323 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
