Tampa residents/frequent visitors

[IloveJack]

We're going to be in Tampa next July for a convention. We will have our days mostly free, and then have to be back in our rooms around 5pm to get ready for the evening activities. We'll be there Sunday-Wednesday (most likely). What should we do? I'd like to spend at least one day at the beach, but what else should we do. As of right now, it'll be me, DH, DD4, and DD2. My mother is hoping to go as well, and we're hoping to have an addition to our family by then, as well. My girls love zoos, and themeparks (although, we're hoping to add a few days at WDW). My mother just doesn't want to walk a lot, but we'll probably get her a scooter if we go somewhere she'd need to. It's been years and years since I was in Tampa, so any ideas are appreciated (activities, food, etc.). Thanks!

[AgentC]

I may think of more later but off the top of my head . . .

Busch Gardens- You get a theme park and a zoo. They have a really nice Sesame Street themed area for younger children complete with kiddie rides and two water play areas. They also have a lunch with Elmo & Friends. When we last went it included a photo but it has been awhile

Florida Aquarium - This is a really nice aquarium on the waterfront. It walks you through the different areas of the Florida ecosystem. It also has a nice water play area for kids.

Lowry Park Zoo - We went here in the spring with my son's kindergarten class. It is a nice zoo with a few carnival type rides as well as pony rides and a camel ride. My son (6) and daughter (4) both enjoyed it.

Glazer Children's Museum- It is in downtown Tampa. Great spot for younger kids. Lots of creative play areas.

[NJGIRL]

Another vote for Busch Gardens.

[Melanie]

I vote for Busch Gardens as well. Worth it!

Where are you staying? Ybor is an area of town that is fun to check out. If you do go there, eat at the Columbia. Very historic and Yummy!

If you are staying out near the airport, I highly recommend eating at Leroy Selmon's. Our favorite restaurant when we lived there.

[DVC2004]

We visited last month but stayed in Orlando. I can vouch for Busch Gardens Tampa. It really is a nice park. A really nice merge of zoo/attractions. I don't think we've ever been that close to a lion or seen a hippo from an underwater perspective. Definitely a great place.

Avoid the waterpark though at all costs.

[kcrc]

Water country usa in VA was so good. What happened in Tampa?

[Awesome_guy]

More Busch Gardens praise from me! We did more of a roller coaster trip there than a family with a 4 year-old and 2 year-old might do, but there really did seem to be something for everyone there! It was a great find! Enjoy! =)

[DVC2004]

Water country usa in VA was so good. What happened in Tampa?

I don't know! I posted about it under my question in this forum asking about Tampa recently if you are interested in reading more.

[IloveJack]

Busch Gardens- You get a theme park and a zoo. They have a really nice Sesame Street themed area for younger children complete with kiddie rides and two water play areas. They also have a lunch with Elmo & Friends. When we last went it included a photo but it has been awhile

Florida Aquarium - This is a really nice aquarium on the waterfront. It walks you through the different areas of the Florida ecosystem. It also has a nice water play area for kids.

Lowry Park Zoo - We went here in the spring with my son's kindergarten class. It is a nice zoo with a few carnival type rides as well as pony rides and a camel ride. My son (6) and daughter (4) both enjoyed it.

Thanks! I Googled all of these and they look amazing. I think we'll have to do all three! Much appreciated!