ADVENTURE ISLAND, 10001 Malcolm McKinley Drive, near Busch Gardens (813-987-5660). This 30-acre water park features a huge variety of amusements, including slides, corkscrews, water falls, a wave pool, children's water playground and other family attractions. Additional amenities include outdoor cafés, picnic and sunbathing areas, gift shops, arcades and a white-sand volleyball complex. The park is open March through October; hours vary. Single-day passes are $34.95 for adults, $32.95 for ages 3-9, and children 2 and younger enter free ($5 parking fee). Combo tickets for Busch Gardens and Adventure Island are also available. www.adventureisland.com.
ANIMAL KINGDOM, I-4 East to Walt Disney World, exit 65 (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. Hours vary from week to week. Single day passes are $56.70 for adults, $47 for ages 3-9, and free for tots 2 and younger; combo ticket packages are available as well. www.disneyworld.disney.go.com.
BIG CAT RESCUE, 12802 Easy St., Tampa (813-920-4130). This 42-acre facility is the world's largest sanctuary for big cats that have been abused, abandoned or retired from performing acts. The sanctuary is home to more than 150 tigers, lions, leopards, cougars, bobcats, lynx, ocelots, servals, caracals and others. Guided tours are available at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Mon.-Fri., and at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Sat. (ages 10 and up only); admission is $22 per person. The Saturday Kid's Tour (for children under 10) is at 9 a.m., and admission is $12. www.bigcatrescue.org.
BUSCH GARDENS, 3000 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa (813-987-5082). This 300-acre African-themed 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. Visitors can also choose from a selection of shows and restaurants. Hours vary from week to week. Admission is $57.95 for adults, $47.95 for ages 3-9, and children 2 and younger enter free; parking is $7. www.buschgardens.com.
EPCOT CENTER, I-4 East to Walt Disney World, exit 67 (407-824-4321). In the land where pigs and carrots sing, this renowned Orlando attraction makes learning fun. Be sure to check out 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 ride along on a vehicle stress test, then zip along at 65 mph. Hours vary from week to week. Single day passes are $56.70 for adults, $47 for ages 3-9, and free for tots 2 and younger; combo ticket packages are available as well. www.epcot.com.
FLORIDA BOTANICAL GARDENS, Pinewood Cultural Park, 12175 125th St. N., Largo (727-582-2100). See what's in bloom at this cute, 182-acre park filled with native Florida plants and exotic tropicals, displayed in both natural and formal gardens. The park is also a natural habitat for Florida wildlife. Open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Free admission (donations welcome). www.flbg.org.
GATORLAND, U.S. 441 in southern Orlando, I-4 East exit 72 (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 110-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. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission is $19.95 for adults, and $12.95 for ages 3-12. www.gatorland.com.
ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE, on the Universal Studios grounds, 1000 Universal Studios Plaza, I-4 east to exit 74A, 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, which is 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. Hours vary from week to week. Admission is $63 for adults, $52 for ages 3-9, and children 2 and younger enter free. www.themeparks.universalstudios.com.
MAGIC KINGDOM, I-4 East to Walt Disney World, exit 64 (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. Hours vary from week to week. Single day passes are $56.70 for adults, $47 for ages 3-9, and free for tots 2 and younger; combo ticket packages are available as well. www.disneyworld.disney.go.com.
MGM STUDIOS, I-4 East to Walt Disney World, exit 64 (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 on 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; take the Backstage Studio Tour; and much more. Hours vary from week to week. Single day passes are $56.70 for adults, $47 for ages 3-9, and free for tots 2 and younger; combo ticket packages are available as well. www.disneyworld.disney.go.com.
THE PIER, 800 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg (727-821-6443). The Pier's inverted pyramid-shape building 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, or take advantage of 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 dining includes Captain Al's, Columbia Restaurant and the Dockside Eatery. Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun.; attractions and restaurant hours vary. www.stpete-pier.com.
SEA WORLD, 7007 Sea World Drive, I-4 East to exit 71, 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 Odyssey 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. Hours vary from week to week. Entry is $61.95 for adults, $49.95 for ages 3-9, and for Florida residents, includes admission to the park through December 31 (children 2 and younger enter free). www.seaworld.com.
SELBY GARDENS, 811 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota (941-366-5731 or www.selby.org). The orchid collection, numbering over 6,000, lies just past the garden's entrance. Beyond that is the bamboo pavilion, koi pond, Banyan Grove, Succulent and Cactus Garden, and other picture-perfect displays. This is a great place for plant and outdoor enthusiasts, tourists, out-of-town guests, and anyone seeking solace from the daily grind. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for ages 6-11, and free for members and children under 5. www.selby.org.
SILVER SPRINGS, 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd., east of Ocala on S.R. 40, exit 352 east off I-75 (352-236-2121). This 350-acre nature park features a Lost River Voyage, World of Bears, Panther Prowl and Jeep Safari. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is $32.99 for adults, $29.99 for seniors, $23.99 for ages 3-10, and free to children 2 and younger. www.silversprings.com.
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: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat., and noon-5 p.m. Sun. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for military, veterans and seniors, $4 for kids 4-12, and free for children 3 and younger. www.americanvictory.org.
SUNKEN GARDENS, 1825 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg (727-551-3100). This unique, four-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 and fruit trees, and wildlife and gardening programs. Hours: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-4:30 p.m. Sun. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $4 for ages 2-11 (free for members and children under 2). www.stpete.org/fun/parks/sunken.htm.
TAMPA BAY GHOST TOURS, locations vary (727-398-5200). Tours are as follows: The Maritime Mysteries & Pirates of the Pass Ghost Tour in John's Pass Village (tours leave 7:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri., and 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sat.-Sun., $14 adults/$10 kids 11 and younger); Haunted Halls & Horrifying Hermits in Pass-A-Grill (6 p.m. Wed., Fri. and Sat., $32/$19); Guys & Ghouls in Gulfport (8:30 p.m. Tues., Fri. and Sat., $14/$10); The Dark Side of the Sunshine City in St. Petersburg (7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sat., $14/$10). www.allthebesthaunts.com.
TAMPA'S 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, Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo currently features 41 acres of lush, natural habitats. Natural outdoor exhibits of more than 1,600 animals from Florida and similar locales include a Florida wildlife center and manatee hospital, Asian Domain, Primate World, the aviary, an Australian-themed children's zoo and Safari Africa. Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is $14.95 general, $13.95 seniors, $10.50 ages 3-11, and free to children 2 and younger. www.lowryparkzoo.com.
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS, 1000 Universal Studios Plaza, I-4 east to exit 74A, 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. You can also 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 Buffett's Margaritaville. Theme park hours vary from week to week. Admission is $63 for adults, $52 for ages 3-9, and children 2 and younger enter free. Citywalk hours: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. daily. Admission is free, but some clubs may charge a cover; you can purchase an All-Club pass for $8.95, or an All-Club and movie pass for $12. www.themeparks.universalstudios.com.
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 this the distinction that Elvis visited once upon a time. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April through August; Buccaneer Bay hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri., and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Admission is $21.95 adults, $15.95 ages 3-10 (ages 2 and younger enter free). www.weekiwachee.com.
This article appears in May 10-16, 2006.