Chris O'Neill - Planet Home Lending

Want to see a sea cow? Head over to the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center. Stand on the observation platform to see hundreds of manatees swimming below, each weighing about 2000 pounds and measuring up to12 feet long. Afterwards, stroll down the 900 foot Tidal Walkway Nature Trail to see vibrant birds and animal life in their natural habitat.

Jump into gallons of fun and attractions at Adventure Island in Tampa. Twist and turn on the Riptide slide before plunging 50 feet below and dodge crashing waterfalls while floating down the Rambling Bayou. Stay cool when you rent your private Chickee Hut. Fuel up at Surfside Café or Mango Joe's. Go ahead get your weekend pass!

Experience a scientific playground at Tampa's Museum of Science and Industry. Explore more than 450 hands-on activities and attractions. Brave extreme weather conditions inside the Disasterville exhibition. Watch animal adventure movies like Born to be Wild on the jumbo screen at the IMAX Theater. Gaze into the stars and ponder the magnitude of the universe at the Saunders Planetarium. Who knew learning was this fun?

Tour a city built by dreamers and schemers at Ybor City Historic Walking Tours. You'll meet guide Lonnie Herman, spinner of tall tales about the city's shady past, colorful characters and sunny future. Tours depart weekdays, or by appointment, in front of the Vicente Martinez-Ybor statue at Centro Ybor.