THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM This impressive, aesthetically soothing downtown Tampa attraction focuses on Florida marine life and habitats. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. $21.95 for adults; $18.95, seniors 60 and older, and $16.95 for ages 12 and younger (kids 2 and younger admitted free). flaquarium.org.
FLORIDA BOTANICAL GARDENS See what’s in bloom at this cute, 182-acre park, which is filled with native Florida plants and exotic tropicals displayed in both natural and formal gardens. Open 7 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, 727-582-2100. Free admission (donations welcome). flbg.org.
FLORIDA MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS In addition to exhibiting important works, the museum displays photography central to contemporary life and culture. FMoPA collects, preserves and exhibits historic and contemporary works by nationally and internationally known photographic artists, and enriches the community by operating outreach programs to educate children and adults. FMOPA, The Cube at Rivergate Plaza, 400 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa. 813-221-2222, [email protected]. Hours: Tue.–Thu. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. Free for members, $10 adults and $8 for students and military.
GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM The kid-fun facility boats a 53,000-square-foot, candy-colored wonderland for kids 10 and under. The 170 interactive exhibits in the ergonomic, safety-minded facility runs the gamut from high-tech stimulation to simple pretend-play settings that engage the imagination. Glazer Children’s Museum, 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. glazermuseum.org.
HERITAGE VILLAGE The 21-acre, open-air park features 23 historical structures reflecting turn-of-the-century lifestyles of Pinellas pioneers. An archive library contains more than 2,000 volumes, along with photos, maps and other materials. Docents in period costumes also offer tours and demonstrate embroidery, basket making, quilting, weaving and more. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Sat., 1-4 p.m. Sun. Admission is free (donations accepted). 11909 125th St. N. Pinewood Cultural Park. 727-582-2123. pinellascounty.org/heritage.
JOHN’S PASS VILLAGE & BOARDWALK Tampa Bay’s Key West-wannabe tourist haven is a turn-of-the-century shanty-style village with 100-plus souvenir shops, restaurants and tons of artificial, Old Florida goodness. Out on the dock, check out dockside dining options, the local fishing fleet, dolphin watching, shelling tours, boat rentals, parasailing and jet skiing. Recommended are Kohr Frozen Custard Family Ice Cream and DeLosa’s Pizzeria’s pies by the slice. 150 Johns Pass Boardwalk W, Madeira Beach. johnspass.com.
LEEPA-RATTNER MUSEUM OF ART LRMA’s building, designed by Tarpon Springs Architect Ed Hoffman, has been nominated as one of the Top 100 Buildings in the Florida Architecture: 100 Years, 100 Places competition held by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Florida. Opened Jan. 22, 2002 on the Tarpon Springs Campus of St. Petersburg College, the Museum has a 20th century collection made up of art from Abraham Rattner’s estate donated by Allen and Isabelle Leepa, and a large donation made by the Tampa Museum of Art in 1997 — much of it Rattner’s lithographs, tapestries, sculptures, paintings and stained glass. Hours: Tue.-Wed., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thu. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun. 1-5 p.m. $5-$6. 600 Klosterman Road, Tarpon Springs. spcollege.edu/central/museum.
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. Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is $24.95 for adults, $22.95 seniors, $19.95 ages 3-11; free to children 2 and younger, not including the price of rides. lowryparkzoo.com.
MOREAN ARTS CENTER With roots dating back to 1917 as the Art Club of St. Petersburg, the center focuses on an innovative, community-oriented approach to art and art education. Its exhibitions have included contemporary art created by local, regional and national artists to the community in virtually all media — prominent artists such as Jasper Johns, Duncan McClellan, Allison Massari, Peter Max and Jun Kaneko. 719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-822-7872. moreanartscenter.org.
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS Its renowned permanent collection with impressionistic masters like Monet and Renoir, 19th-century European paintings and early 20th-century American paintings, in addition traveling exhibits, unique events, ancient artifacts, a sculpture garden, glass gallery and one of Florida’s most respected photography collections. $15-$17. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (with reduced admission after 5 p.m.) and Sun. noon-5 p.m. 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, 727-896-2667.
THE HENRY B. PLANT MUSEUM A national historic landmark, the museum’s housed in what was once the luxurious Tampa Bay Hotel. Exhibits include original artworks from private collections, period sporting goods, clothes and décor, as well as a permanent Spanish-American War exhibit and mementos from Teddy Roosevelt’s frequent visits. Museum hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Sat., noon-4 p.m. Sun. $5 donation adults, $2 kids. University of Tampa, 401 Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. 813-254-1891. plantmuseum.com.
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY MOSI, a not-for-profit educational institution, is the largest science center in the Southeast. Museum highlights include two replica diplodocus dinosaur skeletons; the IMAX Dome Theatre and its 82-foot hemispherical movie screen; BioWorks Butterfly Garden, an engineered ecosystem that emulates natural wetlands; the Back Woods, 40 acres of special water conservation elements and outdoor exhibits. Museum hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat.-Sun. General admission: $23.95 adults, $21.95 seniors, $19.95 kids ages 2-12 (includes IMAX film and entry to all exhibits); member admission, $3. Ongoing. General admission: $23.95 adults, $21.95 seniors, $19.95 kids ages 2-12 (includes IMAX film and entry to all exhibits); member admission, $3. 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. 813-987-6000. mosi.org.
