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38 kid-friendly activities to get you through the summer. By June Bunch
Y
ou can’t wait for your kid to go back to school, but let’s face it—that might as well be next year. Here's a list of kid-friendly activities that’ll help you not only entertain junior, but yourself, too, all arranged them by distance from Tampa International Airport. Catch a classic at Tampa Theatre 8 miles from Tampa International Airport The nonprofit hosts a classic movie series with nothing short of golden box office options. Watch your kids get mesmerized by the theater’s realistic star-lit ceiling, and see why the community kept this beloved 1926 theatre popping (get it, like popcorn?). Admission runs $10 per person. Doors open an hour before showtime. 711 N Franklin St., Tampa. Sunday and Thursday Showtimes at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. tampatheater.org
Waterbike the Hillsborough River 16 miles from Tampa International Airport Who needs a sidewalk when you can bike on the waterway? Tampa Water Bike Co. offers single and tandem water bikes from the Convention Center docks. Pedal the river while staying dry atop a boat-bike-lovechild. So long as they can reach the pedals, anyone 4 years of age or older can enjoy the buoyant hour-long experience for
Stock up on your charcuterie supplies (or Lunchables) and make your way to a lush landscape of rare and unusual tropical plants at Eureka Springs. See all the crazy things Florida can grow and compete in collecting the names of the endless prized horticulture. Eureka Springs’ 31-acre botanical garden rocks riveting roses, orchid rooms, and even greenhouses. Admission runs $2 per vehicle with up to 8 people per vehicle. 6400 Eureka Springs Rd., Tampa. Open weekdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (6 p.m. on weekends). hillsboroughcounty.org Master your imagination at MOSI 18 miles from Tampa International Airport
Take on the Tampa Riverwalk 9 miles from Tampa International Airport Indulge in downtown's 2.6-mile waterfront walk along the Hillsborough River which spans from the History Center all the way to Armature Works, highlighting a cityscape with lit-up waterways and plenty of quality people-watching. The art along the path is sure to light up the eyes of the little ones. If you’re feeling adventurous, add rollerskates to the mix. Begins near Tampa Bay History Center: 819 Water St., Tampa. thetampariverwalk.com Rock your roar at ZooTampa 13 miles from Tampa International Airport Meet a macaw, encounter a giraffe, witness a wallaby and simply fall in love with a lemur (because who wouldn’t?). Admission runs $42.95 for adults, $32.95 for children 3-11 and free for children 2 or under. 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa. Open 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. zootampa.org
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Get Inspired at Glazer Children’s Museum 8 miles from Tampa International Airport "Play with purpose” and use your imaginations to climb, thrive, and create. It’s a controlled environment where your kids can “take on the world.” Admission runs $15 for adults, $13 for children under 12. 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sundays 1 p.m.-6 p.m. glazermuseum.org
YOU NEED HISS: You can get as close to—or far away from—so many animals at ZooTampa. $30 per adult or $25 per child 15 or under. 333 S Franklin St., Boat Slip No. 15, Tampa. Open 10 a.m.-sunset. tampawaterbikes.com Get fired up at Busch Gardens 16 miles from Tampa International Airport Why limit fireworks to July 4? Get your adrenaline activated on roller coasters, then stay for sparks that fly nightly through Aug. 8, then every Friday-Sunday through Sept. 6, including Labor Day (so long as weather permits). Admission runs $114.99 (tip: buy an annual pass for the same price). 10165 McKinley Dr., Tampa. buschgardens.com Pack a picnic at Eureka Springs Conservation Park 18 miles from Tampa International Airport
Experience the ultimate science playground at the Museum of Science and Industry. You and your family can expand your minds with brain puzzles, IMAX movies, and zillions of other options worth getting curious about (even beds of nails). Admission runs $12.95 for adults; $10.95 for seniors 60+; and $7.95 for children 12 and under. 4801 E Fowler Ave., Tampa. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. mosi.org Bike the Pinellas Trail 20-ish miles from Tampa International Airport depending on starting point Pump up those bike tires and explore any length of the 75-mile long Pinellas Trail. A beloved section of the trail spans the Boca Ciega Bay, starting with the Cross Bayou Bridge. Kids can cruise the bridge and test out their need for
speed on the way downhill. Another favorite ride travels along the Dunedin Causeway, safely heading toward Honeymoon Island State Park with a sea breeze and an awesome view along the way. Refer to map for preferred entrance points. Open 7 a.m.-sunset. pinellascounty.org Take them out to the Tampa Bay Rays ballgame 21 miles from Tampa International Airport Nothing spells summer quite like baseball games. There’s something classic about root-rootrooting for the home team and grabbing a bunch of impulse vendor snacks along the way. Gear up in your Rays cap and dream of catching the rogue ball in the bleachers. Admission prices depend on seating. 1 Tropicana Dr., St. Petersburg. Refer to calendar for game days. mlb.com/rays Stare at the surreal at the Dalí 22 miles from Tampa International Airport Take your eyes on a high-dive with “DillyDally with Dali,” a free workshop for children 4-11 running select Saturdays with games, puzzles, and arts and crafts. See what inspiration escapes the frames. Admission runs $25 for adults, $23 for discounted adults (see list on website), $18 for students, and $10 for children 6-12. Mondays are free for strolling the grounds and galleries. 1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily (Thursdays 10 a.m.-8 p.m.). thedali.org Learn what grows at Florida Botanical Gardens 22 miles from Tampa International Airport Extensive flora and fauna, so the whole family can explore sensational succulents, extensive discovery areas, and beautiful butterfly-garden wonders. Run around in the vibrant color palette of the 100-acre landscape and see what new favorite flowers you’ll find. The best part? The gardens are free of charge to roam. 12520 Ulmerton Rd., Largo. Open 7 a.m.-5 p.m. flbgfoundation.org Look out from Lettuce Lake 25 miles from Tampa International Airport When the kids want to feel on top of the world, race them to the top of the stairs at Lettuce Lake’s observation tower. Overlooking the Hillsborough River’s floodplain, the tower rests at the heart of Lettuce Lake’s 3,500-foot long boardwalk. The whole park can be made into a day, loaded with slides and swings and such at the gigantic playground. Admission runs $2 per vehicle with up to 8 people per vehicle. 6920 E Fletcher Ave., Tampa. Open 8 a.m.-7 p.m. hillsboroughcounty.org continued on page 31
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