Best Educational Activities for Kids
When your family is ready for a break from Tampa’s endless water parks, check out these attractions that stimulate your kid’s brains and are fun. Children and adults alike will be enthralled by the wildlife and exhibits.
Manatee Viewing Center
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In 1968, manatees and other animals began visiting the Big Bend Power Station for the warm clean water ejected from the unit’s discharge channel. It provided them with much-needed warmth and people started coming to see them, leading to the creation of the Manatee Viewing Center.
The Manatee Viewing Center is a manatee sanctuary that features not only the beautiful animals but exhibits and displays about manatees and the power station.
Museum of Science and Industry
Tampa Bay’s Museum of Science and Industry has enough exhibits to keep the children edutained for hours. It has a mix of science- and art-based activities including The Saunder’s Planetarium. Watch your child’s eyes glow as they learn about the universe.
For a more physical activity, you can visit the playground or the Sky Trail Ropes Course. The museum also has a room dedicated to steam power, the rainforest, and robots. There’s so much going on at the MOSI, the kids won’t want to leave.
The Florida Aquarium
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Florida is known for its wide variety of marine life, so budget at least two hours for the Florida Aquarium. It’s far more than just a regular aquarium and features a massive splash pad, indoor and outdoor dining, and a wild dolphin cruise.
The aquarium has a stingray area, panoramic viewing window for viewing sharks, turtles, and more. Don’t miss the Sea Squirt Cove Kids Area for more fun activities. The Tampa Bay area has numerous affordable and family friendly hotels near many of these sites.
Dinosaur World
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Children are fascinated by dinosaurs thanks to popular movies like Jurassic Park. They may not be able to walk with a real dinosaur, but Dinosaur World is the next best thing. They can see life-sized dinosaur models in their native habitats.
It also has a dinosaur-themed playground with swings and slides, and is fun for every member of the family. There are interactive exhibits and you’re encouraged to bring your own cooler filled with snacks and beverages.
Glazer Children’s Museum
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Glazer Children’s Museum has many activities and exhibits for children of all ages. Do your children love painting? Rooms to Go Art Smart lets kids paint and decorate in a safe and clean environment. Get Moving lets your children burn off energy while learning about endurance, strength, and speed. If your children like biology, then visit the Museum’s St. Joseph Hospital.
They can learn the ins and outs of banking at Central Bank that teaches children about savings, and they can spend their money to power a train or launch a rocket. They can have fun in the sand at Gasparilla Island and dig for pirate treasure. They can visit the Gadget Garage, Firehouse, and many other exhibits.
A family vacation doesn’t have to be all about mindless fun. You can enjoy interactive exhibits and wildlife that not only is incredibly entertaining, but also educational.
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