Tell me about Tampa

Have never been to Florida and our Transatlantic next October (2015) on the Vision ends there. Have thought about doing Florida as a destination on its own when DS (just turned 2) and DD twins (born in May) are older.

It's a while yet before the flights are out but would It be worth adding on a few days in Tampa or should I head straight to airport after disembarkation and leave Tampa/Florida for another time ?

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Well if you were from the states, I would say wait. But you have to cross the pond which makes it more practical to add a few days. Not sure what Tampa offers nowadays except for Busch Gardens. And you are not far from the "meltdown" city of Disney. I would keep Disney low key though. Character meal, water park, Animal Kingdom...and always take a break during the day to rest. They might enjoy Sea World. But at their age, they would probably just enjoy being with Mom and Dad...and some pool time!!!

http://alphamom.com/family-fun/activities/tampa-bay-50-things-to-do-with-your-kids-before-they-grow-up/

Don't know if you can pull this but goggle it, some great suggestion!!

from Tampa you are close to the Gulf beaches in St Petersburg and the surrounding area ... does a few days on nice warm sand sound good? (depending on the time of year of your visit)

Will be there mid-November 😎

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The Gulf Beaches are a nice place to visit and Oct/Nov is very budget friendly.

I am a resident now but prior to that we used to stay at the Alden All Suites Resort on St.Pete Beach. All of the rooms are suites which allows for a small living room and dining/kitchen with separate bedroom area. This is nice, especially if one has children. Most of the rooms have private patios or balconies. There is a safe, key controlled parking garage, 2 pools, hot tubs, tennis, beach bar, beach toy rentals and a lot more. It is just the kind of place that will allow more bang for your buck compared to some of the high-dollar resorts that surround it.

Here is a link for pics and rates: http://www.aldenbeachresort.com

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The West Coast of Florida from Clearwater down through Sanibel has some of the nicest beaches in the world. Siesta Key Beach is always included in everyone's top beaches in the world.

I'm a big fan of Cleanwater, St. Pete, Treasure Island, Indian Rocks, Pass-a-grill, Anna Maria, Long Boat Key, Siesta, Sanibel beaches.

Small to no waves will be perfect for your young children.

Gorgeous little beach towns.

Thanks everyone. Sounds like it's worth looking into 👍

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Check out the Florida Aquarium too. You can get discount tickets at the port.

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Took DW to the local Aquarium for his 2nd birthday and he loved it so I imagine he'll be amazed by the Florida one. Great suggestion 😎

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Lowry Park Zoo is highly-rated and very family friendly, and is within the city of Tampa. There is a Legoland about an hour east of Tampa, just off I-4, and Tampa has a very nice children's museum. You can't go wrong with the gulf coast beaches, they are the best. As a former Floridian, I'm partial to Venice, which is just south of Sarasota (about 1-1/4 hours due south, off I-75.

I'm not sure of all of these are age-appropriate for your little ones but might be helpful for other CC'ers. 😊

Liz

Thanks Liz. The zoo sounds like a definite possibility 👍

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