Sure, Orlando has Disney World and SeaWorld, but if you and the family want to enjoy a fabulous Florida vacation with a few less waiting lines and more down-to-earth activities, check out the top five family attractions in Tampa.
Busch Gardens
For more than 50 years, Busch Gardens has reigned as one of Tampa’s top family attractions. Encompassing more than 300 acres and sheltering more exotic animals than any other place outside of Africa, this theme park features a variety of different environments such the Congo, Morocco, and Timbuktu where you can experience the animals and plant life that are native to each habitat. You can walk through the jungle or ride on a safari through the plains and see the likes of lions, giraffes, gorillas, zebras and much more. Additionally, each section of the park offers exciting attractions like adventure tours, thrilling rides, roller coasters, waterparks, learning programs, food concessions and much more.
Tampa Bay Times Forum
Located downtown Tampa, the Tampa Bay Times Forum is a great place to enjoy some live sports action. Home to the Arena Football League’s Tampa Bay Storm and the National Hockey League’s Tampa Bay Lightning, this 20,000 seat arena always has something exciting going on whether it be football, ice hockey, basketball, wrestling or concerts.
Lettuce Lake Park
Spanning 240 acres, Lettuce Lake Park is a great place for families to spend the whole day. Here, you can walk along boardwalks that meander through different Florida habitats such as the cypress, wetlands and hardwood forest and encounter plants and animals that are native to each of these habitats. Many outdoor activities are available as well such as cycling, canoeing and kayaking. The park also offers nature trails, a playground and an observation tower where visitors can climb to see fantastic views of the area.
Tampa Bay History Center
At the Tampa Bay History Center, you can learn all about Tampa’s colorful history dating back to Native Americans and the Spanish conquistadors. This wonderful museum offers many exhibits and fun hands-on activities where adults and children alike can experience Tampa history. You can also view a wide collection of artifacts like weapons, maps and furniture as well as replicas of cigar stores and old ships.
Hillsborough River State Park
Families who want to enjoy outdoor fun should head over to the Hillsborough River State Park. This popular park features more than 3,000 acres of forests, swampland and rivers where you can enjoy numerous activities like fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, birding, picnicking, camping and more. Additionally, the park offers various nature trails, a concession stand, restrooms, playground and more than 100 campsites.
