ADVENTURE ISLAND, 10001 Malcolm McKinley Drive, near Busch Gardens (813-987-5660). Open only through May 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., and 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. & Sun. One-day passes cost $31.95 for adults, $29.95 for ages 3-9, and children 2 and younger enter free. Two- and three-day Value Tickets for Busch Gardens and Adventure Island are also available. www.adventureisland.com.
ANIMAL KINGDOM, I-4 East to State Road 536 to Disney property in Orlando (407-824-4321). This Disney attraction is a hybrid zoo theme park running the gamut from "wild creatures of southern Asia" to gibbons and other exotic animals. Top attractions include the jungle safari, a Jeep-style tour through the bush, and Dinosaur, a virtual encounter with beasts of the past. Eat lunch at the entertaining, interactive Rainforest Cafe. Regular one-day passes cost $54.75 for adults, $43.75 for kids, and free for tots under 3. Other passes are available, including a five-day Park Hopper to all four parks. Hours vary.
AROUND THE BEND NATURE TOURS 1815 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton (941-794-8773 or www. aroundbend.com). Take an Eco Tour on the Gulf Coast of Florida with a guide. Rates vary a lot, so check the web site. Basically trips cost about $15 per kid.
BUSCH GARDENS, 3000 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa (813-987-5082). This 300-acre African-theme park and zoo has one of the area's best collections of alligators and flamingos, along with a mock Serengeti plain stocked with giraffes. Attractions include the Gwazi, Kuumba and Montu roller coasters, Myombe Reserve, Great Ape Domain, Rhino Rally and Tanganyika Tidal Wave. The mock-preserve Edge of Africa, featuring hyenas, giraffes and other jungle creatures, offers a variety of guided Jeep tours (for an additional charge) that allow guests to feed, observe and learn about giraffes, ostriches and other animals. Admission is $53.95 for adults; $44.95 for ages 3-9. Parking costs $7. Hours vary.
DISCOVERY COVE, 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando (877-434-7268). This reservations-only, man-made aquavaganza features swim areas where visitors can actually splash about with bottlenose dolphins and rays, snorkel among exotic fish in a coral reef lagoon, wade in freshwater pools and rivers, hand feed birds and relax in hammocks. The prefab Tahitian-style day-resort boasts sandy white beaches, thatched huts and a "high level of personal attention." The latter obviously due to the hefty admission price: $249, which includes all the cove's adventures, a freshly prepared meal and free access to guest amenities (snorkel gear, wet suits, towels, lockers, beach umbrellas, chairs, hammocks and a personal guide). Admission also includes a seven-day pass to nearby sister park Sea World and Busch Gardens. A more reasonable $149 admission includes all of the above, minus the dolphin swim. Open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. www.discoverycove.com.
EPCOT CENTER, I-4 East to State Road 536, Kissimmee (407-824-4321). In the land where pigs and carrots sing, this renowned Orlando attraction makes learning fun. Be sure to check out this park's newest attraction, Mission: SPACE, a thrilling interactive adventure. Future World features informative displays about technology and science. And Test Track takes visitors on the longest, fastest ride in the Disney Triumvirate, where guests see and feel the Arctic cold and desert heat, then zip along at 65 mph. Admission is $54.75 for adults, $43.75 for kids 3-9. Hours vary. www.epcot.com.
GATORLAND, U.S. 441 at the Orlando-Kissimmee line in southern Orlando (800-393-JAWS). This place claims to be the alligator capital of the world, and hey, who wants to argue? Take the Swamp walk and watch gators lounge, stroll down a wooden boardwalk through a canopy of trees and enjoy a view of the 10-acre natural habitat from a three-story observation tower, or check out the park from the safety of the Iron Horse train. There's a petting zoo (sorry, no gators), and Lilly's Pad, a water fountain park for kids. After working up an appetite, sample the smoked gator ribs and deep-fried gator nuggets at Pearl's Smokehouse. The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. Tickets cost $19.95 for adults, $9.95 for ages 3-12.
G WIZ: THE GULFCOAST WONDER AND IMAGINATION ZONE 1001 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota (941-309-4949). Sarasota's only science and technology facility features newly installed hands-on exhibits every year by ExploraZone, a well-respected science facility in San Francisco. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tues.-Sat., 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission costs $7 for adults, $5 for kids, seniors pay $6. Free admission from 5 to 8 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month. www.gwiz.org.
HISTORIC SPANISH POINT 337 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (941-966-5214). An environmental, archaeological and historic site featuring a prehistoric Indian mound, pioneer homestead buildings, and gardens from the estate of Mrs. Potter Palmer. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission costs $7 for adults, $3 for children ages 6-12. Seniors pay $5 on Monday. www.historicspanishpoint.org.
ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE, on the Universal Studios grounds, 1000 Universal Studios Plaza (East I-4 at Exit 30A), Orlando (407-363-8000). This mega-theme park dazzles visitors of all ages and tastes with five distinct islands in which to indulge. Visit Seuss Land, based on the popular children's books, or check out Marvel Superhero Island. Jurassic Park lets you ride the Dueling Dragons inverted roller coaster with two trains speeding, at times, 12 inches apart. The Triceratops Encounter is a peek at virtual 'saurs — including a 24-foot Triceratops that feels, acts, smells and even defecates like the real prehistoric pets. Admission is $53.95 for adults; $44.95 for ages 3-9. Hours vary.
J.P. IGLOO 5309 29th St. E., Ellenton (941-723-3663 or info@jpigloo.com). One of the area's premier skating facilities, J.P. Igloo includes two ice rinks, an inline hockey rink, a health and fitness area, a restaurant, a pro shop, and more. Hours and prices vary.
LEBARGE TROPICAL CRUISES U.S. 41 at Marina Jack's (941-366-6116). A fun and unusual way of exploring Sarasota's marine life and history, Le Barge offers three different tours. A dolphin watch tour and a sightseeing tour, which both cost $18 for adults and $13 for kids; plus a sunset tour, which costs $18 for everyone, and includes live entertainment, a light menu and a full bar. Open Mon.-Sat. Call for times.
LOWRY PARK ZOO, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa (813-935-8552). Recognized today as one of the top three mid-size zoos in the country, Lowry Park Zoo currently features 41 acres of lush, natural habitats comprising five main exhibit areas: The Florida Manatee and Aquatic Center, Wallaroo Station, Asian Domain, Primate World, and Children's Petting Zoo. Regular admission costs $11.50, $10.50 for seniors, and $7.95 for kids 3-11. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.
MAGIC KINGDOM, 1000 Buena Vista Blvd., Lake Buena Vista (407-934-7639). Visit your old pals Mickey and Minnie and enter the hub of Florida tourism. Get sick on the spinning Mad Tea Party ride, laugh at the Pirates of the Caribbean's animatronic mateys, watch the kiddies ride around in circles on Dumbo and pilot your own star cruiser in the interactive Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. One-day passes cost $54.75 for adults, $43.75 for kids 3-9. Other passes are available, including a five-day Park Hopper to all four parks. Hours vary.
MGM STUDIOS, I-4 East to State Road 536, Kissimmee (407-824-4321). If you love movies but hate L.A. (and who doesn't?), this park offers a behind-the-scenes look into the film industry. Battle with the evil Empire in Star Tours, a simulated ride inspired by the Star Wars movies. Delight in rock star treatment via MGM's Rock "n' Roller Coaster. Catch the popular Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular or take the Backstage Studio Tour. Admission is $54.25 for adults, $43.75 for kids 3-9. Hours vary.
MOTE MARINE LABORATORY AND SCIENCE CENTER 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota (941-388-4441 or www.mote.org). Watch turtles, eels, sharks, and manatees in action at the aquarium of this internationally recognized marine research facility. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs $12 for adults, $8 for children.
PELICAN MAN'S BIRD SANCTUARY 1708 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota (941-388-4444). Meet Eddie the Egret and Vinnie the Vulture at this rehab center and open air home for over 55 different species of birds. Hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $6 for adults, $2 for ages 4-17.
PELICAN PETE'S PLAYLAND 3101 McCall Road S., Englewood (941-475-2008 or www.pelicanpete@msn.com). Features miniature golf, batting cages, video arcade and go-kart tracks. Open noon-9 p.m. daily. Call for prices.
THE PIER, 800 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg (727-821-6443). The Pier's inverted pyramid-shape building (hard to miss) is filled with a variety of shops, restaurants and fun stuff for the kids. Catch strolling performers and live music almost any day of the week, not to mention some prime fishing. The Pier Aquarium takes up the second floor, and Great Explorations Hands-On Museum is on the third. Cha Cha Coconuts tropical restaurant gets the prime top floor, complete with observation deck. Other restaurants include Captain Al's and Cafe Morrow's. The Pier is open 365 days a year from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Attractions and restaurant hours vary.
PIRATES COVE 5410 14th St. W., Bradenton (941-755-4608). Features bumper boats, laser tag, go-kart tracks, miniature golf, batting cages, and video arcade. Open seven days a week. Prices vary.
PLANET FUN 3611 Desoto Junction Plaza, Bradenton (941-751-3162). Florida's largest indoor amusement park features a roller coaster, jet ride, jungle gym and game room. Call for hours and costs.
SARASOTA JUNGLE GARDENS 3701 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota (941-355-5305). Ten acres of native and exotic plants, jungle animals, reptiles and birds, and a petting zoo is open to the public 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is $11 for adults, $7 for ages 3-12 and seniors pay $10. www.sarasotajunglegardens.com.
SEA WORLD, 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando (407-351-3600). This aquatic wonderland features live action shows and tanks of exotic marine life. Watch Shamu glide and leap through the water. Let your feet dangle while braving Kraken, a roller coaster that whirls over water and underground at 65 mph. The Journey to Atlantis water flume ride explores the mysterious city on high-speed rails (oh yeah, and a near-vertical 60-foot drop). Visit the Odyssea Circus, take a simulated helicopter ride into the Wild Arctic or travel through Key West, a duplicate of the South Florida paradise, filled with turtles, dolphins and stingrays. Admission is $53.95 for adults, $44.95 for ages 3-9, and free for ages 2 and under. A nightly Polynesian Luau dinner and show (reservations required) costs an additional $42.95 for adults, $27.95 for ages 3-9, and is free for ages 2 and under. Hours vary.
SILVER SPRINGS, 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd. (352-236-2121). This 350-acre nature park features a Lost River Voyage, World of Bears, Panther Prowl and Jeep Safari. General admission is $32.99, $29.99 for seniors and $23.99 for kids. Twelve-month passes for residents costs $62.99, $48.99 for seniors.
SS AMERICAN VICTORY, 705 Channelside Drive, Tampa (813-228-8766). The SS American Victory served during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War as a cargo carrier and is now open to the public for self-guided tours. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., and noon-5 p.m. Sun. www.americanvictory.org.
SUNKEN GARDENS, 1825 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg (727-551-3100). This unique, 4-acre garden with meandering paths drops 15 feet below street level and combines lush tropical areas with flowing ponds and waterfalls. There's also a Butterfly Aviary, with 300 native butterflies, exotic flowering trees and fruit trees, and the Gardens offer frequent wildlife and gardening programs. Admission costs $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and $3 for kids. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon to 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS, 1000 Universal Studios Plaza (East I-4 at Exit 75A), Orlando (407-363-8000). This Hollywood-inspired theme park boasts movie-based rides such as Back to the Future, Terminator 2 … 3D, Twister … Ride it out! and Jaws. See the Nickelodeon set and the house used in Psycho. After you've toured the movies, trek over to Citywalk outside the main park. This 30-acre smorgasbord of shops, nightclubs, movie theaters and restaurants includes The Hard Rock Cafe, NBA City and Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. Citywalk admission's free, but some clubs may charge a cover. Purchase an All-Club pass for $8.95, or All-Club and movie pass for $12. Citywalk's open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. Universal Studios admission costs $54.75 for adults, $44.95 for ages 3-9. Parking costs $8 for cars and motorcycles, $10 for RVs and trailers. Hours vary.
WEEKI WACHEE SPRINGS, 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee (352-596-2062). This attraction includes world famous Mermaid Shows, riverboat rides, animal shows, scuba diving and the Buccaneer Bay Water Park. Add to that the distinction of being able to say Elvis visited once upon a time. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Buccaneer Bay is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri., and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. and Sun. Call for ticket info. The park is on its last fin, so visiting for the afternoon could really help save their tails.
This article appears in May 13-19, 2004.