Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
North of downtown, Tampa's zoo gets you as close to the animals as possible, with several
free-flight aviaries, a camel ride, giraffe feeding, wallaby enclosure and rhino 'encounter.'
Glazer Children's Museum
MUSEUM
child $15/9.50; 10am-5pm Mon-Fri, to 6pm Sat, 1-6pm Sun; )
This crayon-bright, interactive museum provides a creative play space for under 10s.
Eager staff and tons of coolio fun; adjacent Curtis Hixon Park is picnic- and playground-
friendly.
Museum of Science & Industry
MUSEUM
9am-5pm Mon-Fri, to 6pm Sat & Sun; )
There's something intriguing for all ages at this interactive science museum. Younger kids
go straight to Kids in Charge, where a wealth of hands-on activities hides science beneath
unadorned play. The frank human body exhibit - with preserved fetuses and cautionary
looks at pregnancy and health - is best for older kids. Don't miss the IMAX movie; it's in-
cluded with admission.
From downtown, take I-275 north to exit 51, and go east on Fowler Ave.
Manatee Viewing Center
WILDLIFE RESERVE
(
813-228-4289;
www.tampaelectric.com/manatee
; Big Bend Rd, Apollo Beach;
10am-5pm 1
Nov-15 Apr)
One of Florida's more surreal wildlife encounters is spotting manatees in the warm-water
discharge canals of coal-fired power plants. Yet these placid mammals show up here so re-
liably from November through April that this is now a protected sanctuary. Look for tar-
pon, rays and sharks, too. A snack bar, small exhibit, bathrooms and picnic tables round
out the sight.
It's half an hour from downtown Tampa; take I-75 south to exit 246 and follow signs.
Hyde Park
NEIGHBORHOOD
