Tampa Attractions

The largest science center in the Southeastern United States, MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry) utilizes a "hands-on, minds-on" approach, making it especially delightful to children. Over 450 interactive exhibits give you the chance to do everything from observe open heart surgery to fly a daring mission as a fighter pilot. You can experience the impact of 74 mph hurricane force winds in the Gulf Coast Hurricane exhibit, or walk among thousands of free flying butterflies in the BioWorks Butterfly Garden. MOSI also has the only IMAX Dome Theater in Florida, and a wonderful planetarium.

A trip to the Florida Aquarium will open your eyes to a view usually reserved for experienced scuba divers; Florida from under its waters. Divided into four different galleries, the aquarium follows the course of water from wetlands to the depths of the ocean off Florida's shores. In the Wetlands Gallery you can view alligators, river otters, several varieties of turtle and an entire mangrove estuary containing numerous species of fish. Showcased in the Bays and Beaches Gallery are numerous species of animals who call the shore and near shore communities home. The signature exhibit of The Florida Aquarium, the Coral Reef Gallery encompasses a spectacular 500,000-gallon artificial reef tank containing over 1,600 reef animals. The last exhibit, the Offshore Gallery, features the larger marine animals; sharks, sea turtles, jellyfish and more, as well as a touch tank allowing you to get up-close and personal with live sharks and rays.

Rated as one of the top three midsize zoos in the country, Lowry Park Zoo features more than 1,500 animals of 375 different species. Several areas within the zoo focus on native animals such as the rare Florida panther, primates, a free flight aviary, and a petting zoo. Sure to score big points with the kids, the reptile encounter showcases lots a slimy inhabitants. The park is also a major research center and hospital for the endangered West Indian manatee.

Located along the scenic Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa, Florida, the Tampa Museum of Art provides a broad range of art-related experiences for visitors of all ages. The Museum collection includes twentieth-century and contemporary art and a renowned collection of Greek and Roman antiquities. A changing special exhibitions program provides a lively mix of classical and contemporary shows. Complementing these exhibitions are a wide range of classes, lectures, seminars, walking tours, and children's activities.

The Henry B. Plant Museum is housed in the 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel and is now a National Historic Landmark. Henry Bradley Plant, the transportation magnate instrumental in the development of Florida and the City of Tampa, built the hotel. This quintessential Victorian palace features unique Moorish revival architecture and dramatic minarets. Visitors will enjoy the opulent European furniture and art treasures of the original railroad resort and the Gilded Age. You'll want to visit the permanent exhibit on the Spanish American War. The past will delight you at the Henry B. Plant Museum.

In 1886 Vincente Ybor, acting upon the advice of his friend, Gavino Gutierrez, came to Tampa and established Ybor City as a center for cigar factories and as a company town for the managers and workers who made the cigars. Accompanied by another factory owner, Ignacio Haya, he moved his operations to Tampa from Key West to escape labor conflicts and by doing so added tremendously to the prosperity of Tampa. For many years the cigar industry was the only major manufacturing concern in Tampa. Today, Ybor City is preserved as Ybor City State Museum, and has become a major dining, shopping, and nightlife venue in downtown Tampa.

The Tampa Bay History Center is a non-profit educational institution currently operating a history and heritage museum and research library in downtown Tampa, Florida. Through quality exhibits, programs and research, the History Center seeks to preserve and teach the remarkable history of the Tampa Bay area. Gallery exhibits show the geographical, historical and multicultural influences that have shaped the region through the centuries, from 12,000 years ago to the present. Traveling exhibits highlight Florida and regional histories.

Home of the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Raymond James Stadium is one of the premier stadiums in the NFL. Unique fan enhancements, such as the three million dollar pirate ship at one end of the stadium, make for a full day experience. The stadium also features individual seats, 650 wheelchair accessible seats, numerous concessions and gift stores, and plenty of parking. Tickets are available by phone at (800) 282-0683 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets for individual games are not available at the gate.

Florida's only domed field-sport stadium, Tropicana Field officially opened as a baseball stadium in 1998. The home plate end is higher than the center field end, allowing more rows of upper deck seats in the preferred viewing locations. The roof is a high-tech translucent membrane supported by a structural system that somewhat resembles a bicycle wheel. The stadium offers numerous concession stands, air conditioning, plentiful restrooms and ample parking. Tickets can be purchased by phone at (407) 839-3900 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets may also be purchased at the gate, which is open from 9:00 a.m. to the end of the game on home game days.

The Ice Palace, located in downtown Tampa, is a state-of-the-art, $160 million entertainment venue. It is the home of the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League and hosts more than 170 events annually. Individual game tickets may be purchased by phone at (305) 573-TEAM or online at TicketMaster.

The Legends Field Complex is considered the premier state-of-the-art training facility in Major League Baseball. The thirty-one acre facility seats 10,000 and is home to the New York Yankees Spring Training, and the minor league Tampa Yankees. Tickets may be purchased by calling (813) 879-2244, at the box office from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Feel the thrill and excitement of soaring to new heights as Big Red takes you from treetop to an altitude of 1000 feet. Cruise over the Tampa area and enjoy the panoramic view of its lakes, diverse wildlife and unique landscape. Big Red Balloon Sightseeing Adventures are the ultimate sky cruise experience!

When you come to Celebration Station, you'll discover they have more ways to play than you can imagine. Batting cages to sharpen your swing, Miniature golf, Go-Carts, Bumper Boats, and Laser tag are only a few of the many activities sure to please young and old alike.

The high-powered Indy style Formula racecars are the major draw at Malibu Grand Prix. These miniature versions travel at speeds up to 60 miles per hour, and visitors race around a ¾-miletrack. Guests must be 18 or older with a valid drivers license, or 16 or older with a valid drivers license and parent or guardian present. For the younger kids, a Mini-Grand prix is available for children 8 years or older. The attraction also offers batting cages, a miniature golf course, and a gameroom.