Big Cat Rescue is the largest accredited sanctuary in the world dedicated entirely to abused and abandoned big cats. They are home to over 100 lions, tigers, bobcats, cougars and other species, most of whom have been abandoned, abused, orphaned, saved from being turned into fur coats, or retired from performing acts. Their dual mission is to provide the best home they can for the cats in their care and educate the public about the plight of these majestic animals, both in captivity and in the wild, to end abuse and avoid extinction.
Seeking the refuge of the warm canal waters near the old Big Bend Power Station, manatees were seen flocking to this area. From this, the Manatee Viewing Center was born and has since been designated a habitat sanctuary for these peaceful creatures. The onsite educational center features colorful displays and exhibits along with a hurricane simulator. A butterfly garden encapsulating the centers solar panels rounds out this ecologically and environmentally friendly tourist attraction.
At the academy, learn to ice skate, become a figure skater or learn to play an outstanding game of hockey. At the twin rink facility, public skating is available for children, adults, and young adults in group or private lessons. The skating school caters to beginners along with intermediate and advanced students. Learn to jump and spin, take part in summer camps or take private lessons to learn how to glide across the ice in style. The super-sized facility provides a full day of entertainment, coaching staff, and a full service café, bar, and grill. Visit the Oldsmar or Clearwater website for upcoming schedules. - Vickie Ferguson
TradeWinds Island Grand is located on 20 acres, directly on a Gulf of Mexico beach in Saint Pete Beach. The hotel offers 5 outdoor swimming pools, 4 full-service restaurants, and a spa. Guest rooms at the Island Grand are equipped with a microwave, coffee machine, toaster, small refrigerator, and kitchenware. A flat-screen cable TV is also included. Some rooms offer views of the Gulf of Mexico. TradeWinds Island Grand features 2 hot tubs and 2 tennis courts. Guests can enjoy paddleboats, beach volleyball, a water slide, and beach cabanas. Complimentary access to the KONK Activities Center is available for all guests. 24-hour babysitting services and themed drop-off camps are available for an additional fee. Water sport activities include jetpack rides and parasailing. Dining options at the TradeWinds Island Grand include the Palm Court Italian Grill, Bermudas Steak & Seafood, Flying Bridge, and Beef "O" Brady's. Casual dining includes a poolside beach bar and grab-and-go options. Fort De Soto Park is 16 minutes' drive from TradeWinds Island Grand, while Central St. Petersburg is 16.6 km away. The Dali Museum is just 17.7 km from the hotel.
At Busch Gardens, animals roam free and you are the outsider. You can see the park by monorail, cable car or train. Roller coasters, wild animals, entertaining shows, rides, food, shopping, sightseeing, bird shows, exotic flowers, train rides, Serengeti adventures, river rapids...the list goes merrily on. Wear comfy walking shoes and spend the day at this 300-acre park. You can even taste the Anheuser Busch brew that started it all. Busch Gardens is open year-round with varying schedules. Call or see website for details.
At Dunedin Lanes, there is something for everyone when it comes to bowling from tournaments and leagues to youth bowling and teen nights. Enjoy DJ cosmic bowling every Friday and Saturday night with the lanes fantastic sound and lighting system to keep you rolling along. Take a break and enjoy quality food at the Chatterbox Restaurant or take part in karaoke competitions along with the everyday happy hour selections until 6pm in the lounge. Whether stopping in for a leisurely game or planning a bowling birthday party for the kids, Dunedin Lanes has plenty of atmosphere with 24 lanes equipped with speedy and easy computerized scoring and provides children's bumpers on every lane. - Vickie Ferguson
Located right across the street from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Adventure Island’s 30 acres of water-drenched fun in the sun features the ultimate combination of high-speed thrills and tropical, tranquil surroundings for guests of all ages. Within a soothing Key West atmosphere await slides, corkscrews, water falls, a wave pool, children’s water playground and other family attractions.
More than 450 activities await you at this non-profit facility dedicated to promoting a better understanding of science and technology. The Saunders Planetarium shows you the stars. Step inside the Gulf Coast Hurricane exhibit for a blast of tropical nightmare. At the IMAX Dome Theatre, the world is bigger than life, filled with odd sights and sounds on a huge screen. Souvenirs ranging from totes and T-shirts to puzzles and posters are available at the Science Store. For refreshment, the MOSI Café offers pizzas, salads and sandwiches.
A hub for outdoor activities, this Tampa park offers visitors the opportunity to hike, fish, kayak, and more. The little ones can let loose on the playground structure and the picnic tables and barbecue's are perfect for a summer gathering. A nature center informs visitors on the local flora and fauna along with the extensive hiking trail information.