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Tampa: A terrific trip A family-friendly mix of history, nature and thrills await you across the state By Janet Groene South Florida Parenting
Since the earliest Spanish explorers swashbuckled ashore in the 1500s, Tampa Bay has been a landmark for visitors. Busch Gardens is one of the state's most exciting theme parks, the city's aquarium ranks with the nation's best, and the New York Yankees come to Legends Field for spring training. Vacationing in Tampa can mean splurging at Busch Gardens (about $50 daily per person over age 3, depending on the package) or just going to Channelside, a vibrant shopping and dining complex downtown, to watch ships come and go. The Florida Aquarium at Channelside has a hilarious Penguin Parade daily at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Give the aquarium at least half a day. Kids can watch the shark tank, touch all kinds of sea stuff and see rare ocean creatures from all over the world. Shop for educational marine toys and games, and have lunch in the family-friendly Cafe Ray. Also at Channelside is the American Victory Museum, a restored, 60-year-old cargo ship that served in three wars. When she's at the dock, take a self-guided tour. Through March 11, day cruises can be booked for $100 per person. If you need a grownups' night out, Channelside is also known for nightlife. The Velvet Room is a swank, 1940s-style supper club; Sling Shots is a country saloon. Dining is informal at Margarita Mama's, known for Cuban roasted pork with black beans and yellow rice. Other eateries include familiar chains (Hooter's, Bennigan's); coming in February is a Gallagher's Steak House. The city's old quarter, frozen in time, is Ybor City. Hundreds of workers hand-rolled 700 million Tampa cigars a year and, in the late 1890s, Teddy Roosevelt rallied Rough Riders here for the Spanish-American War. La Segunda Central still bakes Cuban bread the old way, marked with palmetto leaves. Mature children enjoy walking tours, held Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., and the whole family will love dinner with thundering flamenco at the original Columbia Restaurant. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a 300-acre theme park where some of the world's tallest, fastest, scariest roller coasters will be a hit with your teens and tweens. One day isn't enough for all the rides and strolls through exquisitely landscaped gardens where you'll also see a world-class zoo, first-rate shows, and plenty of shops and restaurants. Ask about sleepovers for grades 3 and up and zoo day camp for parents and children pre-K through grade 8. The Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa is a must for all ages. Kids ages 10 to 17 were put in charge of the Children's Science Center at MOSI and they provided feedback throughout the planning, programming and even fundraising. The Kids In Charge! section, with a total area of 40,000 square feet, claims to be the largest children's science center in the country. See an IMAX film (Aliens of the Deep opens in February ), a planetarium show and more than 450 exhibits, many of them hands-on. New exhibits include Monsters of the Deep, an extreme weather program called Disasterville, and Demystifying India with colorful displays about this ancient culture. Hyde Park is a charming, upscale, shopping and dining neighborhood on leafy, residential streets. It's best suited for families with teens who enjoy shopping or with little ones who sleep happily in the stroller while Mom and Dad shop, browse galleries and relax over coffee at a chichi sidewalk cafe. New at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is the Asian Domain with walk-through gardens, an aviary and Asian animals including bearded pigs and tapirs. Child magazine named it the most family-friendly zoo in the nation, and it's also the home of the region's only dedicated zoological garden. You'll see more than 1,800 animals from Florida and similar habitats plus a manatee hospital, Primate World, an aviary, an Australian-themed children's zoo and Safari Africa. Through February, free Full Moon sailing races are held the Thursday before the full moon at the Davis Island Yacht Club. Feb. 24 is Fiesta Day all day in Ybor City with a parade, food and family fun. Just outside Tampa, Plant City hosts the annual Florida Strawberry Festival, March 1–11. Eat your fill of strawberry shortcake and hear big-name music stars in concert. Janet Groene's newest book is Personal Paradise: Florida (Open Road). Visit CampAndRVCook.blogspot.com to see her recipes for family camping, boating and picnics. |
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