Tampa Attraction - Florida Family Vacation in the Tampa Bay Area

A great family resort in this area is the Westin Innisbrook Resort, which is located in Palm Harbor northwest of Tampa on Florida's Gulf Coast.

For the kids, Camp Innisbrook's Loch Ness is a monster of a pool with slides, waterfalls, jets, fountains, and sand beaches. Catering to kids age four to 12 with a playground, putt-putt golf course, and tennis and golf schools. Outdoor nature walks; biking, and swimming are favorite activities, as is the indoor crafts and games.

For parents, there are 72 holes of championship golf, tennis, racquetball, fitness facility, as well as jogging and cycling trails. Guest accommodations are in 28 low-rise lodges, nestled around the golf courses. Clubhouses are centers for dining, specialty shops, and leisure activities.

Dubbed "Orlando's Beach", this affordable west coast area two hours from Orlando has miles of top rated beaches and local attractions such as the Seacoast Seabird Sanctuary, dolphin spotting, shelling, and Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise.

Resorts in this area that are well suited for families include:

The Don CeSar Beach Resort & Spa, this historic and colorful pink "sand castle", is one of the most memorable hotels in this area. In addition to miles of pearl sand beaches, "the Don" has lots of other sun and surf activities including two luxurious pools enveloped in tropical gardens.

As part of the "Kids Ltd." program, children 4 - 12 can participate in supervised activities, conveniently allowing parents to freely enjoy the spa, shoppes and restaurants that make up the The Don CeSar Beach Resort & Spa.

The Sheraton Sand Key right on Sand Key Beach, where sea turtles nest

The TradeWinds Island Resort on St. Petes Beach. The family friendly TradeWinds Grand has a giant inflatable slide and meandering little river you can navigate in a paddleboat.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - A Tampa Attraction

Some 2,700 animals roam the habitats of Busch Gardens This 335 acre theme park also has four thrill ride roller coasters, three water rides, lovely landscaped grounds, and opportunities to view elephants, rhinos, giraffes, etc. A fun, attractive park that's manageable to do in one day.

Adventure Island Adventure Island - A Tampa Attraction

This is the place to visit if you want to feel the sand beneath your feet, and enjoy the tropical breezes of the bay. Although far from a natural beach, 25-acre Adventure Island, is a water theme park located close to Busch Gardens.

Be prepared for some fun in the sun, because the parks towering slides, plummeting rafts, and tubes offer visitors an exhilarating water adventure. The Spike Zone, Adventure Island's 11-court outdoor volleyball venue, offers visitors a glimpse of profession volleyball matches.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium - A Tampa Attraction

The Clear Water Marine Aquarium allows visitors to explore a tank of stingrays and starfish or dive in the water with scientists.

The aquarium provides visitors with an in-depth look at loggerhead sea turtles, sharks, and river otters.

Canoe Escape Grab hold of a paddle and a canoe, and escape into one of Central Florida's wildest nature preserves. The water current is home to many gators, turtles, and great blue herons. Find peace and discover natural Florida in this 16,000-acre oasis.

Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise Stowaway on the Pirate's Ransom and become part of a pirate adventure. The pirate ship cruises the waterfront with a pirate crew in full costume. Almost anything goes with this boisterous crowd, even water gun fights.

Dinosaur World Dinosaur World - A Tampa Attraction

One of the largest dinosaur attraction in the world. Kids, as well as adults will enjoy an adventure walk through the parks grounds. Replicas of the dinosaurs are nestled along the path.

The museum exhibits an extensive fossil display and dogs are welcome, as long as they're kept on a leash.

Great Explorations-The Hands-On Museum - A Tampa Attraction

This museum is great for hands on activities, where kids can immerse themselves in the displays and exhibits. The museum features a 90-foot-long Touch Tunnel winding through the Pier's Great Explorations Museum.

Hands-on exhibits focus on the mind and body and feature tasks such as artistically altering light, manipulating sound.

Find out more about a family friendly St. Petersburg and Tampa attraction. Find great Tampa Bay Hotel Discount Rates!

Find the best rates for St. Petes and Clearwater hotels

For more information visit the Tampa Bay tourist board, St Petes tourist board and the Clearwater tourist board

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