One of the fun things about Tampa is that everything is so close to one another, you can easily fit several fun activities for kids in one day without overtiring them or driving them around too much.
A good, easy day with kids would be to start at the Glazer Children’s Museum. Have lunch either at Ulele Restaurant or Columbia Restaurant (two of the most iconic restaurants in Tampa). And top off the day by visiting The Florida Aquarium.
The Florida Aquarium Review
The aquarium is just the right size. I know that sounds odd, but it seems to pack in a lot for the size that it is. And, judging by the way my kids are at aquariums, after one hour or so they start to get restless. In this case, you can see the majority of the place by then and even get a quick show and feeding in as well.
What I loved most about this place as they have a full outdoor park. After visiting the actual aquarium, your kids can go nuts on playgrounds of all sizes.
Petting Areas
The Horseshoe Crab – the oldest living creature on our planet. Over 450 million years old.
Nemo’s home – Anemone
A Bit Different
Lemurs – yes, that’s right lemurs. Totally out of place, but so cute you overlook that you’re at an aquarium and not a zoo
Environmental Programs
Florida’s reef, as in the rest of the world, is dying fast. The aquarium has a great Coral Farm program going on.
The Tank
Every aquarium has a huge tank for the big fish. This one is no different
Catch a Show
This was one of the most unique show’s I’d attended at an aquarium. The divers were pointing to different fish and talking to us from under the water. They even heard all the kid’s questions.
Video Fun
Information for Visiting The Florida Aquarium in Tampa
Address: 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 273-4000
Hours 9:30am to 5pm
Prices
Adults $23.95
Seniors (60+) $20.95
Children (ages 3-11) $18.95
Children 2 & Under Free
Exhibits
- Wetlands Trail – A journey through swamps where you will see and learn about alligators, otters, two 14-foot Burmese Pythons.
- Journey to Madagascar – This exhibits has Lemurs and Hissing Cockroaches colorful chameleons and much more
- Bays and Beaches – More than 20,000 aquatic plants and animals both native to Florida and from the shores around the world.
- Coral Reef – The gallery simulates a 60-foot dive starting in shallow-water reefs and descending to deeper waters. Each viewing window presents a micro habitat which changes as the depth increases.
- Ocean Commotion – This is their newest gallery. It gives you a close encounter with some of the most amazing animals found in our oceans.
Shows and Schedule
- 10:00 – River Tales: Animal Talk
- 10:30 – Live Animal Presentation
- 11:00 – Predators Of The Reef
- 12:00 – Fish School – Safety In Numbers
- 1:30 – River Tales: Animal Talk
- 2:00 – Live Animal Presentation
- 2:45 – Penguin Promenade
- 3:15 – Predators Of The Reef
- 4:15 – Fish School – Safety In Numbers
Programs
- Dive with the Sharks – Certified SCUBA divers, age 15 and older, get to come face-to-face with live sharks by diving into the Aquarium’s Coral Reef Exhibit.
- Shark Swim – Swim amongst 1600 fish including stingrays, barracudas, sea turtles and Sharks. You don’t need to be a certified SCUBA diver for this one.
- Swim with the Fishes – It is an in-water reef experience, gives guests 6 and older an adventure on a replica of one of the Florida Keys.
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By: Marina 'Travel Experta'
Title: The Florida Aquarium – Afternoon for Kids
Sourced From: travelexperta.com/florida-aquarium-afternoon-kids/
Published Date: Sat, 26 Nov 2022 11:16:46 +0000
