Busch Gardens Tampa Bay 3000 E. Busch Blvd (at McKinley Dr./N. 40th St) Phone: (813) 987-5283 Some 2,700 animals roam the habitats of Busch Gardens. Special exhibit areas feature a distinct venue of animals. So, come and enjoy exhibits such as the gorillas and Edge of Africa safari experience. For the adventurous spirit, Busch Gardens offers an array of fast-wheeling roller coasters twist, and turns.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium 249 Windward Passage Clearwater, FL 33767 Phone: (727) 441-1790 The Clear Water Marine Aquarium allows visitors to explore a tank of stingrays and starfish or dive in the water with scientists. The aquarium provides visitors with an in-depth look at loggerhead sea turtles, sharks, and river otters.

Canoe Escape 9335 E Fowler Avenue Thonotosassa, FL 33592 Phone: (813) 986-2067 Grab hold of a paddle and a canoe, and escape into one of Central Florida's wildest nature preserves. The water current is home to many gators, turtles, and great blue herons. Find peace and discover natural Florida in this 16,000-acre oasis.

Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise 25 Causeway Boulevard Slip #3 Tampa, FL 33767 Phone: (727) 446-2587 Fax: (727) 447-3033 Stowaway on the Pirate's Ransom and become part of a pirate adventure. The pirate ship cruises the waterfront with a pirate crew in full costume. Almost anything goes with this boisterous crowd, even water gun fights.

Dinosaur World 5145 Harvey Tew Rd. Plant City, FL Phone: (813) 717-9865 Dinosaur World is known as one of the largest dinosaur attraction in the world. Kids,as well as adults will enjoy an adventure walk through the parks grounds. Replicas of the dinosaurs are nestled along the path. The museum exhibits an extensive fossil display and dogs are welcome, as long as they're kept on a leash.

Gasparilla Pirate Fest 400 N. Tampa Street Suite 1010 Tampa, FL 33602 Phone: (813) 223-1111 ext. 44 The Gasparilla Pirate Fest begins when Jose Gasparilla and his pirate crew dock in downtown Tampa. They are known for throwing a daylong party. The crewmen are in full costume; displaying scars, mock bullet wounds, and outlandish wigs.

Great Explorations--The Hands-On Museum 800 Second Avenue NE St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: (727) 821-8885 Fax: (727) 823-7287 This museum is great for hands on activities, where kids can immerse themselves in the displays and exhibits. The museum features a 90-foot-long Touch Tunnel winding through the Pier's Great Explorations Museum. Hands-on exhibits focus on the mind and body and feature tasks such as artistically altering light, manipulating sound.

Museum of Science & Industry 4801 Fowler Avenue 50th Street Tampa, FL 33617 Phone: (813) 987-6100 Fax: (813) 987-6310 This museum features numerous exhibits on natural phenomena. It also contains a one of a kind IMAX Dome Theatre. This theatre displays its images on a 82-foot high screen. With over 450 interactive exhibits, visitors should be prepared to experience the unexpected, even hurricane winds at the Museum of Science & Industry.

Tarpon Springs Aquarium 850 Dodecanese Boulevard Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Phone: (727) 938-5378 Fax: (727) 942-5708 Tarpon Springs Aquarium features the colorful creatures and tropical plants. Come and experience the local marine life. Visitors can touch the animals in the tidal touch-pool