United States
Day 1: Thrills and Animal Encounters
Your first day in Tampa Bay should be filled with excitement and adventure. Start at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, an Africa-inspired theme park that offers a wide variety of roller coasters for all ages, from the gentle Air Grover for younger children to the thrilling SheiKra, the first dive coaster in the country. The park is also home to over 2,000 animals, including giraffes, kangaroos, and wallabies that can be hand-fed. After a morning of roller coasters, head over to Adventure Island Water Park, located just across the street from Busch Gardens. Here, you can enjoy water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and toddler-friendly splash fountains. This is an ideal way to cool off and have some family fun in the sun.
Day 2: Education and Aquatic Adventures
The second day is all about combining fun with education. Begin at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), where your grandkids can engage in hands-on science exhibits, a planetarium, and even a ropes course. The museum features a variety of interactive exhibits, including space science, weather, engineering, and physics, as well as a Virtual Reality Simulator ride and a 30-foot tall Diplodocus in the Dinovations Lab. Next, visit the Florida Aquarium, home to over 20,000 aquatic plants and animals from around the world. Here, you can skip the lines and enjoy access to the Splash Pad, 4-D Theater, and get up close and personal with rays. The aquarium is a great place to learn about marine life and conservation. End your day with a visit to ZooTampa at Lowry Park, a 63-acre nonprofit zoo where you can feed a rhino, pet a penguin, or take selfies with a koala. The zoo offers a variety of interactive experiences that make learning about animals fun and engaging.
Day 3: Water Activities and City Exploration
On your final day, embrace the beauty of Tampa Bay’s waterways. Start with a 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise where you can watch dolphins leap in and out of the bay waters. This is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area and create lasting memories. If you’re not ready to leave the water, consider a ride on an eBoats Tampa electric boat. These quiet and easy-to-maneuver boats allow you to cruise the river while enjoying your favorite beverages and snacks. Alternatively, you can hop on the Pirate Water Taxi for a narrated tour of downtown Tampa, stopping at popular attractions like Sparkman Wharf and Armature Works.
Exploring the Tampa Riverwalk
The Tampa Riverwalk is a must-visit, offering a variety of family-friendly activities. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is a central hub with a high-tech children’s playground, splash zones, a dog park, and food and drink vendors. The park also integrates with the Glazer Children’s Museum and the Tampa Museum of Art, providing a rich cultural and educational experience. Another highlight is Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park, which features two children’s playgrounds, a splash zone, and a Native American cenotaph. This park is steeped in history and offers a unique blend of education and fun.
Additional Activities and Attractions
If you have extra time or want to explore more, there are several other attractions worth considering. The Straz Center for the Performing Arts hosts a wide variety of world-class events, including concerts, special events, and educational programs. For a unique experience, take a ride on the Lost Pearl interactive pirate ship, which offers swashbuckling activities and water cannon fun. For those interested in history, the Tampa Bay History Center at Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park features exhibits on Tampa Bay’s native inhabitants, Spanish conquistadores, and the people who shaped the area’s history. The center also includes a reproduction of a 1920s cigar store. Finally, if you’re looking for something spooky but not scary, consider a Ghost Tour of Tampa Bay. These candlelight walking tours are suitable for ages 4 and up and offer a fun and educational look at the haunted history of the area.