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You are here> Tourist4Life > Tampa Family Vacation in Tampa, FL
The greater Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater area is a great place for a family vacation. There are many attractions, activities, and entertainment options for adults and kids alike. Tampa Area
Beaches
Other area beaches include Honeymoon Island Park just west of the Dunedin Causeway. The beach here is narrow but runs the length of the island and offers different sections for families, pets, and even a boat launch marina where the ferry to Caladesi Island departs from. Caladesi Island State Park is a jewel located just north of Clearwater Beach. There are no roads leading to Caladesi, the only approach is by water - by boat or kayak. If you venture this way, you more than likely will have most of the beach to yourself - it is spread out and there is plenty of powdery-white sand for everyone. Also, you will find probably the largest assortment of gigantic sea shells on this island - great for the beachcomber in the family. Another "neighborhood beach" is Howard Park, Dunedin, located just north of Honeymoon Island. This is one of our favorite beaches in the area. Although a smaller sized island beach, the austere beauty is remarkable.
Even further south are the wonderful beaches of Pass-A-Grille Beach (view map) and St. Pete Beach. Finally, at the southern end of Pinellas County just prior to Sarasota is Fort de Soto Park (view map). Here you will find pristine beaches (pet friendly, too) with huge areas to explore as well as a preserved old fort, waterways to kayak, and a large camp ground right on the beach! Museums, Aquariums,
and Zoos
The Tampa Aquarium is a must-see place. This aquarium is conveniently located downtown at Channelside, adjacent the pier where the cruise ships dock and a short trolley ride from Ybor City. The Tampa Aquarium offers a ton of exhibits, interactive displays and a wonderful outdoor mini-water park for kids complete with pirate ship and water canons! Another gem that many visitors will miss is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (official website). Not your typical aquarium, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a rescue facility - a place where rescued marine animals are brought for rehabilitation and medical care. While at this facility, they are taught tricks and perform in regularly scheduled shows for visitors. One of our favorites is the dolphin show that is performed several times daily. Also on display are several different species of sea turtles, sting rays, and sharks. The Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa is a famous attraction (official website). This zoo offers tons of unique opportunities such as a chance to feed the giraffes, a kids petting zoo area, and many interactive areas that get you and your kids up close to the animals. Another wonderful attraction, lesser known, is the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary in North Pinellas County. Located in Palm Harbor, this sanctuary gives you the opportunity to watch numerous primates and even help feed them! Shopping Spring Training Baseball ©2009 Tourist4Life All Rights Reserved |
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