There are so many places to go and things to do and see in Tampa that can be enjoyed by everyone. For a day filled with fun and adventure there's world famous Busch Gardens located at 3000 East Busch Blvd, Tampa 33612. At this fantastic theme park you can spend the day riding rides, flying high on roller coasters, splashing in the rapids, scouring the Serengeti plain, enjoying musical and entertainment shows, get up close to gorillas, observe the animals, take in bird shows and enjoy a variety of delicious foods and have the opportunity to taste some of the newest beers available. For more information, check their website or call (813) 987-5524.

Just a couple of minutes from Busch Gardens, you can spend the day meandering along the cool waters of the bayou on a tube, ride the waves in the wave pool, splash down water tubes and flumes and even play some beach volleyball at Adventure Island. This refreshing water park has it all and is guaranteed to keep you cool even on the hottest day. The park is located at 10001 Malcolm McKinley Drive, Tampa 33612. Visit their website for directions or call 1-888-800-5447 for additional information.

Just a short distance from both Busch Gardens and Adventure Island at 4801 East Fowler Ave #100, Tampa 33617, you'll find the Museum of Science and Industry also know as MOSI where you'll find plenty of interesting things to see along with interactive programs, exhibitions and the gigantic IMAX Theater featuring the newest movie releases. You can even pedal a bike on a steel wire 30 feet above the ground, experience what it feels like to be in the midst of 74 mph hurricane force winds or sit back and enjoy the night sky at the Saunders Planetarium. Phone (813) 987-6315 for information on exhibits and what's currently playing at the IMAX theater.

About a 15 minute drive from MOSI will bring you to Lowry Park Zoo located at 1101 West Sligh Ave, Tampa 33604, which has been named as one of the top zoos in the country. There are over 2000 animals to observe in their natural habitats along with the huge manatee tank where you can watch these gentle creatures swim and eat. There's also the reptile house featuring many species, nursery, petting zoo, aviary, bird shows, rides and restaurants. Directly across the street from the park winds the Hillsborough River. A boat launching ramp, small dock, swings and many picnic tables and covered picnic shelters line an extensive path through lush landscape that encircles the park area. You can reach the park for directions by calling (813) 935-8552.

If you're interested in getting very close to big cats that live in natural habitats with only a fence between them and you then a visit to Big Cat Rescue should be on your agenda. This 45-acre sanctuary, located at 12802 Easy St, Tampa 33625, is home to over 200 exotic and endangered big cats that have been rescued from all parts of the country. Explore the grounds, sign up for the all day adventure that takes you behind the scenes of the sanctuary or tour the sanctuary at night with only a flashlight to guide you! For information about scheduled tours and sanctuary admission fees and hours, call (813) 920-4130. The friendly staff is more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

Located in downtown Tampa at 701 Channelside Dr. is the Florida Aquarium where you'll see a variety of creatures including sea dragons, sharks, turtles, stingrays, river otters, alligators, penguins and over 30 species of birds. You can even book an eco-tour to observe the bottle-nosed dolphins in Tampa Bay. Call (813) 273-4000 for more information.