Tampa, Florida, is home to several great spots where you can get up close and personal with not only native wildlife, but also animals from around the world. Spend the day mesmerized by the beauty of magnificent creatures at one of these top places to see animals in Tampa. The Florida Aquarium Home to more than 14,000 animals, The Florida Aquarium is the perfect spot to explore the underwater world and amazing sea life. Get up close to both aquatic and terrestrial animals, and learn about their incredible ecosystems. Take a walk through the Florida Wetlands Trails to see otters playing, birds flying around freely, and alligators lounging around. The Moon Bay Exhibit includes a 2,000-gallon habitat where you can touch jellyfish and watch them gracefully drift through the water. Marvel at the beauty of the Green Sea turtle and lionfish at the Coral Reef exhibit, where you'll also find sand tiger sharks, porcupinefish, and moray eels. Kids will get a kick out of touching and learning about some of the more unusual sea creatures in the No Bones Zone. This exhibit includes sea urchins, anemones, sea stars, and sea cucumbers. The Florida Aquarium is located at 701 Channelside Drive. It is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. more Lowry Park Zoo Interact with numerous amazing animals from around the world at Lowery Park Zoo. The zoo encompasses 56 acres, and includes naturalistic settings and wildlife habitats that are home to more than 1,300 animals. Hop aboard the Expedition Africa safari tram to see giraffes, Maribou storks, elephants, and pygmy hippos. Enjoy close encounters with the Aldabra tortoise and go backstage at the white rhino encounter. Take a stroll along the Florida Boardwalk and Manatee Mangrove to see a variety of exotic animals that are rare or threatened with extinction, such as the Florida panther, manatees, and black bears. Have a seat and watch the Birds of Prey show, where you'll watch birds soar overhead and learn more about them. Head over to the Asia exhibit to see Clouded leopards, Indian rhinos, Malayan tapirs, and warty pigs at play in their own areas. You can even feed Lorikeet in the aviary. Lowry Park Zoo is located at 1101 W. Sligh Ave. It is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Big Cat Rescue Big Cat Rescue is a sanctuary for rescued cats, both big and small. With more than 60 wild cats in their care, they continue the fight to provide freedom to exotic cats. The sanctuary is open to the public; you can take a walk through the habitats to see large cats, such as jaguars, leopards, lions, and tigers. Additionally, a section for smaller cats is open for you to see bobcats, a Canada lynx, caracals, cougars, ocelots, Savannah cats, and servals. Big cat Rescue is located at 12802 Easy St. It is open Friday to Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Whether you're an animal lover or not, you'll be in awe of the natural beauty of the animals at these great places in Tampa. Image via Pixabay.com

Tampa, Florida, is home to an incredible number of wonderful lunch and dinner destinations, but there are times when nothing else will do. It is time for tacos. Take a look at our favorite taco joints in Tampa and try one out when that time comes. Lolis Mexican Cravings Drive down to 8005 Benjamin Road to check out this frequently packed taco restaurant. If you love hand-pressed tortillas and an absolutely authentic taco experience, you'll love Lolis. They make tacos in the Mexican tradition, with less tortilla and a lot more flavor than the typical chain varieties. Patrons adore the al pastor topped with pineapple, the freshly fried sopes, and the fish tacos. The flavors of their dishes are heavy with citrus and herbal flavors. Give their tacos a try, and you'll swear that you have been dropped into the middle of Mexico City. more Acapulco Taqueria For a tasty take on traditional tacos try out Acapulco Taqueria at 1001 North MacDill Avenue in West Tampa. Prepare to be blown away by their chicken and steak packed tacos. Their meats are incredibly juicy and full of flavor. Make sure to make use of the lime and salsa you are given. They are meant to magnify the tastes of the tacos. The owners here find that simplicity is best when crafting a great taco. Give one of their plates a try or customize your own. Either way, you won't leave disappointed. If you like a seasoned heat that comes on slow and doesn't overpower you this is the taco destination you're looking for. Taqueria Emanuel For genuinely great grilled tacos covered in melted cheese, head down to 280 North MacDill Avenue in East Tampa. These folks go heavier on cheese, sauce, and greens than other establishments, and the customers don't mind at all. Their pricing is popular with the people, and their drinks are plentiful. This is no fast food restaurant. It takes time to craft a truly great taco, but they are more than worth the wait. Customers come back again and again for the campechano and cochinita pibil tacos. Give their menu a try, and you'll be back again, too. Bartaco For your choice of traditional or US-style tacos, stroll over to 1601 West Snow Avenue. Gobble up three to five tacos for a filling meal. Bartaco tacos may not be huge, but they are packed with flavor. Look out over Hyde park as you relax with the ones you love and enjoy these great Mexican, Spanish, and American-inspired offerings. Some of their menu choices are surprising, like duck tacos and pork-belly tacos. No matter how many times you visit, you'll always end up full, and you'll never be bored. Tampa tacos are terrific. Keep these restaurants in mind so that you'll know where to go when your taco craving hits. Spicy, sweet, saucy, or covered in cheese, you can't go wrong with a good taco.

Whether you live in the Tampa area or are just visiting, if you enjoy art, there are several museums and galleries worth checking out. Let's explore some of these art scene hot spots and what they have to offer. Cracker Country Cracker Country combines art and historical artifacts to tell the story of the settlers who arrived in Florida in the late 1800s. The museum has a collection of buildings constructed between 1870 and 1912. These buildings include the Terry Store, Okahumpka Train Depot, and Carlton House. The homes feature furnishings similar to the ones owned by the original inhabitants. The Governors Inn building houses the first complete collection of oil portraits of Florida's governors. In the Church building, you'll find a Packard Reed Organ from the early 1900s. During your visit, you can observe historically dressed educators create arts and crafts. The Dali Museum The Dali Museum is home to the most extensive collection of Salvador Dali's works outside of Europe. Highlights of the 2,400-piece collection include the surrealist's famous Lobster Phone sculpture and paintings such as "Catalan Bread" and "Landscape of Port Lligat." The museum is also home to several of Dali's book illustrations, prints, and personal photographs. The Dali Museum's 7,000-volume library is an excellent resource for students and scholars. While visiting the museum, you don't want to miss out on exploring the AvantGarden, situated on the Tampa Bay waterfront. This peaceful oasis features a grotto, a stunning collection of orchids, and olive trees. Throughout the year, the museum hosts yoga classes, opera performances, and film presentations. more Florida Museum of Photographic Arts The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA) is dedicated to the preservation of historical and contemporary photographs while presenting them in a way that is relevant to modern life. The museum's collection includes works from such renowned photographers as Cindy Sherman, Olivia Parker, and Blake Yeager. If you're interested in honing your photography skills, FMoPA offers classes ranging in subjects from basic photography to mastering social media. Henry B. Plant Museum The Henry B. Plant Museum, housed in the former Tampa Bay Hotel, is a Moorish-inspired architectural wonder. Original furnishings and artifacts allow you to experience the luxury and history of the 1891 hotel. The museum also houses the Asian art collection that once belonged to the Plant family. The gardens, overlooking Tampa Bay, feature flowering plants, tropical trees, and unique statues. A visit to the Plant Museum is a unique glimpse into the beginnings of Florida's tourism industry. Morean Arts Center Founded to provide arts education to the Tampa Bay Community, the Morean Arts Center also houses stunning works of art from renowned local and international artists. An impressive Dale Chihuly collection features "Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier," a piece created specifically for the Center. The Morean Center for Clay is the southeast's largest working pottery studio and features a collection of historical and contemporary pieces. These are just some of the hottest spots for art in the Tampa area. No matter which one you visit, you're sure to have a memorable experience. Image via Pixabay.com

A cold ice cream cone is the perfect after-dinner treat on a warm night in Tampa, Florida. Fortunately, you have many exceptional ice cream destinations to choose from. Little Midway Little Midway might be newer to the Tampa area, but they have already earned a favorable reputation with the locals. This ice cream shop began as a little cafe that was owned and operated by local Tampa residents. The cafe eventually transitioned into a homemade ice cream spot. You can enjoy a wide variety of tasty ice cream flavors including apple pie, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and vanilla bean. Little Midway also serves sorbets, cookie sandwiches, and celebration ice cream cakes. more Dairy Inn The Dairy Inn will take you back to your childhood when you had to order your ice cream through a service window. This favorite ice cream spot was once a Dairy Queen until the owners decided to create their own ice cream menu made specifically for Tampa locals. Today, they maintain the old-school theme with an extensive menu that has something for everyone. If you ask anyone about the Dairy Inn, chances are they will rave about the burgers and tater tots, but will also recommend the soft-serve ice cream. Grab a picnic table and enjoy a tasty treat at the Dairy Inn. The Revolution Ice Cream Co. If you are looking for something unique, then you will want to check out the Revolution Ice Cream Co. This outside-of-the-box ice cream spot aims to offer you a creative menu with flavors you won't find anywhere else. Try the bacon ice cream or the habanero pepper ice cream. Of course, if you prefer traditional ice cream, they also have something for you. The mint or caramel flavors are both good options. The Revolution Ice Cream Co. also serves vegan coffee and Oreos. Larry's Larry's has been an important part of the Tampa community since it first opened in 1984. Conveniently located by the beach, it is the perfect place to stop after a hot day on the water. You can choose from over 100 different ice cream flavors or grab a bite to eat with a burger or flatbread pizza. Many customers also enjoy that the waffle cones are kosher and made locally in Florida. Candy Kitchen Tampa residents have come to learn that Candy Kitchen is the place to go when you are craving a hard-to-find candy from your childhood. What you might not know though, is that Candy Kitchen also serves tasty ice cream. Choose your flavor of homemade ice cream or Italian ice and then top it with your favorite flavor of candy pieces. Choose a banana split with sprinkles or go with a vanilla bean ice cream with Harry Potter chocolate frogs. Whether you enjoy a traditional vanilla bean ice cream cone or you are looking to try a different flavor, you will find it at one of these local Tampa shops. Grab the family and enjoy a few of Tampa's best ice cream spots. Image via Pixabay.com

Whether you're thinking about becoming a vegan or you've been one for some time, there are several spots in Tampa where you can enjoy a good meal. Let's discuss some of these spots and what makes them so vegan friendly. Farmacy Vegan Kitchen & Bakery Farmacy Vegan Kitchen & Bakery creates familiar dishes with a delicious vegan twist. Burgers and Philly sandwiches are made with "Impossible" burger and topped with the fresh ingredients like tomatoes, pickles, and mushrooms. The California Cuban consists of tofurkey deli slices, vegan gouda, pickles, and mustard on sourdough bread. If you're in the mood for something lighter, try the kale Caesar salad, avocado BLT wrap (made with smoked tempeh "bacon"), or the jerk tofu wrap. You can purchase a casserole to go for a vegan meal you can enjoy at home. more Farmacy also serves up acai bowls, smoothies, and waffles, made fresh to order. The selection of baked goods includes donuts, cupcakes, and sticky buns. These treats go great with double espresso or Americano. Dixie Dharma If you're looking for vegan-friendly Southern comfort food, head to Dixie Dharma. Start the day off right with biscuits n' gravy, a wet burrito, or the flapjack platter. Lunch favorites include a vegan sloppy Joe, barbecued jackfruit, and a fried green tomato sandwich. No meal at Dixie Dharma is complete without a side of Cajun boiled peanuts, creamy cashew mac n' cheese, or tater salad. If you're planning a party, the Dixie Dharma staff is happy to provide vegan catering. Loving Hut Cuisines from around the world inspire the vegan dishes at Loving Hut. Start your meal off with a plate of chili cheese fries, vegan wings, or spring rolls. The kale, orange, and vegan tuna salads are highly recommended. Loving Hut also serves up a variety of wraps, sandwiches, and burgers. Gluten-free soups include corn chowder, pistachio mushroom, and asparagus. If you're in the mood for something a little heartier, try the pineapple delight with rice, teriyaki tofu, or vegan pepper steak. You don't want to miss out on Loving Hut's version of pad Thai. For the younger diners in your party, the kid's menu features grilled cheesy bread, quesadillas, and vegan nuggets. Complete your meal with vegan cheesecake, carrot cake, or a dark chocolate brownie. Loving Hut also serves smoothies made fresh to order. New Leaf Elementals At New Leaf Elementals, you won't just find a delicious vegan meal, but you'll also find a selection of unique gifts. The shop sells crystals, wind chimes, and soy candles. The New Leaf Cafe serves up breakfast favorites such as a tofu scramble platter, vegan omelet, and French toast stack. Don't forget to order a side of hash browns, field roast sausage, or toast. Specialty sandwiches include the Dante, made with seasoned soy strips, mushrooms, caramelized onions, and vegan cheese sauce. New Leaf also serves up pizzas with your choice of toppings. These are just some of the fantastic vegan restaurants in the Tampa area. No matter which one you visit, you're sure to enjoy a delicious meal.   Image via Flickr by crd! under use of CC BY-SA 2.0

Spend the Day at Tampa's Busch Gardens. This world-class adventure park combines thrilling rides with educational animal experiences in one exciting location. There are tons of things to see and do around every corner. You're going to want to plan ahead. Have the best day ever when you follow these four visitor tips. Animal Experiences Did you know that Busch Gardens is home to 12,000 animals representing 300 different species including gorillas, cheetahs, elephants, and sloths? If visiting the animals is on your must-list, do this activity first. Many of the park's residents are most active first thing in the morning when the temperatures in Florida are still cool. more Learn more about the furred and feathered residents when you check out the Busch Garden's animal care center. While this exhibit requires a reservation and an extra charge, it's worth it. From a general wellness checkup to first aid, the center does it all to get its patients back on their feet. Witness the passionate crew firsthand and the high level of care these animals receive every day. If you don't have a ton of time to visit each habitat, grab a lift from the Serengeti Railway. This relaxing railroad ride shuttles guests around the Serengeti Plain where you can spot giraffes, zebras, and lions right from your seat. It's a terrific choice for families with kids. Keeper Talks Busch Gardens animal keepers host educational presentations with a few hand-picked animals scheduled throughout the day. Visitors will learn all about the animal's habitat, what they like to eat, and their social life. During this time, the keepers will inform you all about the critters' habitat, food, and more. Thrilling Rides Busch Gardens is a roller coaster fanatic's ideal destination. With 15 exhilarating rides, plan to holler, squeal, and screech at the top of your lungs. Since the rides are dotted throughout the park, the best approach may be to walk in a counterclockwise path. This strategy will put you right in front of the Cheetah Hunt, a 4,400 foot-long, triple-launch roller coaster. Continue along this way to encounter all of Busch Gardens' best thrill rides. If you're looking for a ride that's less fear-inducing, climb aboard the SkyRide for a leisurely 10-minute glide between the Egypt and Congo sections of the park. This cable car journey offers guests breathtaking, panoramic views of the park. It's a terrific way for the whole family to see the landscape and capture aerial pictures of the animal residents. Attend a Show or Festival When Florida's hot sun has you looking for an indoor escape, why not check out a show or attend a festival? From kids' productions to adult-only events, Busch Gardens offers a variety of entertaining options for everyone. The thrills are on tap every weekend from Aug. 17 through Sept. 8 at Bier Fest. Before you make your way over to Busch Gardens Tampa, browse our helpful guide. Spend the day enjoying all the attractions instead of trying to decide what to do first.   Image via Flickr by Roller Coaster Philosophy under use of CC BY 2.0

Are you on the hunt for an activity that's a bit out of the ordinary? From a flight over the Bay to a 60-mph roller coaster ride, there's something for every adventurer to do in the area. Discover these four exciting activities for thrill seekers in Tampa, Florida. Embark on a Helicopter Ride Adrenaline junkies will love going on a helicopter ride over Hillsborough Bay. There's no better way to see the sites than from the air. Hang on as your pilot dips toward the water, where you just might spot a bottlenose dolphin frolicking in the ocean, then get a glimpse of Downtown Tampa in the distance. more This scenic flight is a top agenda item for thrill-seekers of all ages, and it's a great opportunity for those who have never experienced a helicopter flight. Tours are available Monday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. A minimum of two people is required to book a ride in this bird. Ride the Tigris at Busch Gardens Step outside of your comfort zone at Busch Gardens. It's one of the most iconic theme parks in all of America since it first opened its doors in 1959. Today, this world-famous attraction covers 335-acres featuring extraordinary rides for the whole family and thrilling wildlife exhibitions that are home to more than 200 species of animals. Plus, visitors can catch a variety of shows and family-friendly, live entertainment by talented performers. Climb aboard the Tigris, if you dare: It's Florida's tallest launch coaster standing 150 feet high and reaching a top speed of 60 mph. Hang on tight for the dramatic, 360-degree heartline roll. The party at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay starts to heat up at sundown with "Summer Nights" from now through Aug. 11, 2019. Watch an exhilarating fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night. Zip On at Empower Adventures Embrace the challenge of a 2.5-hour guided zip line experience at Empower Adventures. Get ready to have your mind blown when you encounter 3,000 feet of highly-acclaimed aerial challenges that overlook the waters of Bayou Wilderness and Tampa Bay. Traverse the 200-foot suspension bridge, and finish up with a stimulating rappel. Located between Tampa and Clearwater, you can awaken your spirit of adventure at this premier outdoor adventure park that now features paddleboard excursions. Cool Off at Adventure Island Water Park Take a break from Tampa's hot summers and make a splash at Adventure Island Water Park. Decked out in a classic tropical theme, the park comes to life with lagoons and bayous that remind guests that they're in the deep South. Make sure to lounge on the man-made “Gulf Coast “ beach and enjoy Caribbean-inspired attractions like the thrilling Calypso Coaster. After an electrifying day on the rides, grab a bite to eat at the Surfside Café, where you can enjoy an icy adult beverage. The state of Florida is a prime destination for thrill-seekers of all ages. Which exciting activity will you pick to get your heart pumping today?   Image via Flickr by Bennilover under use of CC BY-ND 2.0

If you are looking for some great golfing in Florida, there are lots of options to choose from around the Tampa Bay area. Here are some of the best places you can try. TCP Tampa Bay TCP Tampa Bay is one of the most well-known golf courses in Tampa because of its reputation as a championship golf course. They have hosted 21 consecutive PGA Tour Champions events and have also won numerous awards. The course is a challenging and fun experience that can be enjoyed by players of all abilities. It is a par-71 course and has different tees that you can use based on your skills. more There is a practice facility at TCP Tampa Bay that offers private instruction and a place to practice your swing. There are tee stations, high-grade practice balls, and distance locators that can take your game to the next level. If you get hungry, Cuatro Restaurant and Bar serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Be sure to check out their website for dining hours and check out their menu options. The golf course is located at 5300 W. Lutz Lake Fern Rd., in nearby Lutz. Westchase Golf Club Westchase Golf Club is located close to downtown Tampa Bay. The National Golf Foundation recognizes it as a top 10 course in the national rankings. The course has a par-72 and winds through beautiful wetlands. Keep an eye out for the signature third hole, where there is a par 3 over water. The golf club offers professional golf lessons with the Cestone Golf Academy. For junior golfers, the Westchase Golf Club provides Junior Golf programming that is both educational and fun for all abilities. Lessons can be taken as an individual or in groups. The restaurant at the Westchase Golf Club is the Two Spoons. They serve breakfast and lunch menu items that will sate your hunger after a great day of golf. The golf club is located at Westchase Golf Drive, Tampa. Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club Lake Jovita has two different courses you can choose from, a North course and a South course. The South course takes advantage of hilly terrain. The 11th hole, a par 5, includes a 94-foot drop which is the largest natural elevation change of any golf course in Florida. The North course is a little more contemporary and has more elevation gains than the South. Both the North and South course make you feel like you are playing in North Carolina, despite being so close to Tampa Bay. There are a variety of perks that come with golfing at Lake Jovita, including curbside service and free practice balls for the driving range. The golf carts also have coolers conveniently located inside. Visitors to Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club have the choice of dining at the Lake Jovita Dining Room or the Lake Jovita Grill Room. The golf course is located at 12900 Lake Jovita Blvd., Dade City. These are just three of many golf clubs in Tampa Bay. For a complete list of golf courses in the area, you can visit Where2Golf, which also provides ratings of the courses.   Image via Flickr by Thanks for over 2 million views!! under use of CC BY 2.0

Tampa has a lot of museums that are worth exploring. Grab the family and check out these top Tampa, Florida, museums that are sure to educate and entertain. Henry B. Plant Museum The Henry B. Plant Museum is located within the Tampa Bay Hotel and dates back to 1891. Visit the museum to learn more about the Henry Plant, the Tampa Bay Hotel, and the Victorian era. You can explore the plant museum on your own or sign up for a guided tour. The museum offers adult tours, field trips, Sunday tours, and self-guided tours. Check out the Museum Store which carries unique gifts and items that are created by local Tampa artists and businesses. more The Tampa Bay Hotel created a reputation for its live concerts and you can enjoy live music in the same historic building today. Check out the calendar of events to find special activities like music in the museum, which includes a night of live classical music. Get to know the staff of the Henry B. Plant Museum at the Upstairs/Downstairs event. This historical event involves reenactment performances of important staff members throughout the years. Glazer Children's Museum For a family-friendly, interactive learning experience, the Glazer Children's Museum in Tampa is a great option. The museum offers many different exhibits, programs, and camps that will allow you to learn and take something new away with each and every visit. The Glazer Children's Museum makes learning fun and enjoyable with a variety of fresh exhibits like Artsmart, Farm, Engineer's Workshop, Forts, Hospital, Pizza Place, and Ocean Sandbox. Glazer Children's Museum also offers educational camps that are hands-on and entertaining for all ages. Register your children for one of the upcoming camps including Fourth Fridays or the Fall Camp. There are also many interactive programs available including positive parenting, grown-up nights, developmental checkups, sunshine Sundays, and children's board free Tuesdays. Tampa Bay History Center The Tampa Bay History Center features interactive exhibits that will give you an in-depth look into Florida's interesting history. On Track: A history of Florida Railroads and History by the Pint: Beer and Brewing in Tampa Bay are just a few of the exhibits that are worth checking out at the Tampa Bay History Center. You can explore the museum by joining a guided group tour, walking tour, or by arranging a field trip or corporate outing. The Tampa Bay History Center is perfect for all ages. Children ages 7 to 11 will enjoy the history adventure camp which includes activities, games, and crafts. Adults will enjoy the book group which meets once a month. Grab a bite to eat at the on-site Columbian Cafe. This cafe, based on the original Columbian Restaurant, is located right off the Tampa Bay Riverwalk and offers waterfront dining daily. Do something different this weekend and explore the local history of the city. Tampa, Florida's museums will keep you and your family entertained while also educating you on the important history of the place you call home.   Image via Flickr by tvanhoosear under use of CC BY-SA 2.0

Calling all animal lovers! If you enjoy viewing, interacting, and supporting the local wildlife of Tampa, Florida, then you are sure to enjoy these exciting destinations. Big Cat Rescue The Big Cat Rescue aims to care for wildlife while also ending the abuse of big cats in captivity. The Big Cat Rescue also works to end the extinction of big cats around the world. The 67-acre sanctuary houses lions, tigers, bobcats, cougars, servals, caracals, and jaguars. more Each tour is pre-paid and pre-reserved so make sure you get your tickets early. There are a few different tours to choose from including day tours, feeding tours, keeper tours, kids' tours, and night tours. The proceeds from tickets go back to helping the big cats. You can further help the Big Cat Rescue by donating your time. You can also learn more about, and support a favorite big cat within the park. The Florida Aquarium The Florida Aquarium has a lot to do and see and will keep you and the family entertained all day. The aquarium is divided into different habitats. In the Wetlands Trail, you will find alligators, otters, free-flying birds, and pythons. The Journey to Madagascar has lemurs, chameleons, geckos, and an Indian Ocean Reef. The Bays and Beaches exhibit consists of stingrays, giant sea turtle, spiny lobsters, and more. The No Bones Zone is a unique space in the aquarium where you can learn and touch the sea creatures without a backbone including anemones, sea cucumbers, and sea stars. Visit the beautiful Coral Reef and watch surgeonfish, stingrays, porcupine fish, sand tiger sharks, moray eels, and lionfish swim by. In the Dragons Down Under exhibit,  you will find sea dragons, sea horses, pipefish, and dwarf sea horses. There is also a splash pad for kids in the outdoor play zone, which is perfect for cooling off in the Tampa heat. Take in an educational movie at the 4-D theater. You can also sign up for a tour including the Wild Dolphin Cruise, Penguins: Backstage Pass, Close up Critters, and swim with the fish tours. Zoo Tampa Spend the day visiting your favorite animals at Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park. You can watch the animals in their natural habitat with close encounters including the African Penguin Backstage, Alabama Tortoise Encounter, Southern White Rhine Backstage, African Elephant Backstage, Indian Rhino Feeding, and Koala Photo Encounter. Support the animals by donating which helps toward animal care, education, and wildlife conservation. After exploring the zoo, hop on one of the many rides like the Overland Express Train, Roaring Springs, and Expedition Africa. You can refuel at one of the on-site restaurants with snacks like short ribs, grilled cheese sandwiches, and tiramisu. Adults will enjoy the beer and wine garden located in the Africa area. Make sure you keep an eye on the calendar of events throughout the year including Toddler Tuesdays and Zoo University. Whether you enjoy large cats, sea life, or tortoises, these Tampa destinations are worth checking out. Spend the weekend with some of Florida's best wildlife while creating lasting memories with your family.   Image via Flickr by chad_sparkes under use of CC BY 2.0