Things to do.

Major theme park with coasters, animal encounters, and seasonal festivals, the flagship Tampa thrill destination.

Downtown Tampa aquarium with wildlife rescue storylines and touch experiences, walkable from the Riverwalk.

Conservation-focused zoo known for manatees, Florida species, and family-friendly loops.

Large Winter Haven resort built for families with younger children, combining LEGO-themed rides, shows, play areas, seasonal events, a water park, SEA LIFE Florida, and the preserved Cypress Gardens botanical grounds.

Free 168-acre urban nature park near downtown Lakeland with wetlands, gardens, a canopy walk, playgrounds, a treehouse, event lawns, Florida Children’s Museum, and shaded paths around Lake Bonnet.

Classic live mermaid shows, a crystal-clear spring, wildlife programs, and seasonal Buccaneer Bay attractions make this a full family day trip north.

Working marine-animal hospital focused on rescue, rehabilitation, release, and education, with resident dolphins, turtles, otters, seals, and daily presentations.

Seasonal water park across from Busch Gardens, slides, lazy river, and summer crowds.

Interactive kids’ museum on the Riverwalk with climbing and pretend-play zones.

Old-Florida zoological garden with free-roaming flamingos, tropical paths, reptiles, birds, small mammals, and daily wildlife presentations.

Hands-on science museum north of downtown Tampa, great for kids and rainy days.

Bradenton natural-history museum combining Gulf Coast archaeology, a full-dome planetarium, family exhibits, and a manatee rehabilitation habitat.