There is no shortage of Tampa attractions that will appeal to anyone in the family.  The options are endless from indoor activities to help you escape the summer heat, to theme parks with thrilling roller coasters.  Here is a list of some of the best Tampa attractions. 

• Busch Gardens – The ultimate family theme park, spanning over 300 acres of explorations from around the world. Within the park, you will find some of the best-known roller coasters, sure to please those thrill seekers in your family!  Additionally, Busch Gardens features a 65-acre Serengeti safari where you can experience up close encounters with hundreds of different animals!  If that is not enough excitement, the park also offers live shows, restaurants, shops and even a little carnival area with games for the kiddos.

• Adventure Island – Located just across the street from Busch Gardens, Adventure Island is Tampa’s famous 30-acre water park where you can race down the rapids or cool down in the wave pool. Its central location makes this attraction a great place to head to in the summer to escape the heat!

• The Florida Aquarium – 200,000 sq ft of a/c allows you to comfortably explore Florida’s different ecosystems and learn about the 8,000 animals in house. My kids love getting up close to the big fish, eels, sharks and alligators, but nothing makes them happier than trying to pet a stingray.

• Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park – Hands down one of my kids favorite attractions in Tampa is the zoo. Tons of animals, a kids play area, splash pad, themed events throughout the year and opportunities for up close encounters with giraffes and other animals.

• HorsePower for Kids – A hidden and local gem, this attraction has one of the best petting zoos around with tons of animals, including a Zorse (a horse & zebra mix).  Additionally, there is a playground, pony rides, and picnic tables to enjoy throughout the property.

• The Tampa Riverwalk – The Tampa Riverwalk is a great way to see some of Tampa’s greatest attractions. With nearly 2.5 miles along the Hillsborough River, the Tampa Riverwalk is bookmarked by two popular venues; Sparkman’s Warf, a fun outdoor venue comprised of food trucks and eateries, as well as a bowling hall on the south end and Armature Works, a popular, industrial food hall on the north end.  The Riverwalk’s pathway winds its way through shaded parks, under bridges and over water offering tons of things to do along the way. The Riverwalk passes hotels with outdoor lounges, boat docks, river cruises, sports venues, parks and museums.
  

• Dinosaur World – See over 200 life size dinosaurs, go gem mining and dig for fossils. What kid doesn’t like dinosaurs?

• Epperson Lagoon – Located in Wesley Chapel, a northern suburb of Tampa is the nation’s first man made crystal lagoon over 7 acres in size.  A Day Pass gives you access to the massive pool, slidezilla the inflatable slide, family lawn games, beach toys, beach volleyball, and access to the tiki hut swim-up bar.