by Lisa Putnam

Created on: January 04, 2010   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Tampa, Florida offers something for every kind of vacationer whether you are a single looking to get away from it all, a couple looking for some romance or a family of 6 looking for action and adventure.  From museums and theme parks to a fantastic nightlife that doesn’t stop until the morning, Tampa has it all.

Tampa is home to the world famous Busch Gardens theme park.  This park has thousands of animals, many of whom are endangered or near-extinction in the wild.  The mind bending roller coasters are sure to appeal to the kids and the kids at heart.  The world renowned Montu is one of the longest and tallest inverted roller coasters in the entire world and with 3.95 Gs and 7 crazy inversions you will be screaming your way through the twists and turns.  The newest edition, SheiKra, pummels you down 200 feet, but only after you stare out over the 90 degree drop.  Once you sail down the vertical drop you fly through a couple of loops and through water; splashing water onto the spectators below.  The Land of the Dragons kids’ area will excite young children and the whole family will love to climb and explore the 3-story tree top world of Jungala.  The park also has 6 year-round shows and adds more during the holiday seasons.  Perhaps the best part is if you or your spouse is active duty military, reservist, or National Guardman than he or she is entitled free admission simply by registering in advance or at the park!   

The more than 30 acres of water fun awaits at Adventure Island!  This water park has everything from a 17,000 square foot wave pool to the Fabian’s Fun Port children’s area complete with scaled down water rides.  Older kids and adults will love racing down the various slides and corkscrews.  This large park will provide fun for days!

The Lowry Park Zoo has been consistently rated the #1 Zoo in the United States and it doesn’t come to any surprise!  The zoo offers numerous animal shows, animal and non-animal rides, over 2000 animals in natural environments, and even an eco-cruise!  Visitors can even enjoy special back-stage animal encounters, day camps, and sleep-overs!

The Florida Aquarium, one of the top 10 aquariums in the country and winner of Nick’s Parents’ Picks Best Tourist Spot, showcases over 20,000 aquatic plants and animals.  Young visitors may join up with their varied children’s programs which educate children

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