St. Petersburg • Clearwater 2008 - (Page 40) » Besides the Beach If you’ve had enough of the beach, or want to expose your kids to other stellar experiences, try these familyfriendly days out. For a close encounter with the Florida eco-system, check out the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA), whose motto is: Rescue, Rehabilitate and Release. This hidden gem and working marine biology facility is famous for its permanent resident dolphin, Winter, who lost her tail after being caught in a crab trap. While awaiting a prosthetic replacement, she learned how to swim sideways. Her inspiring rescue, adaptation and survival story is docuThe Pier, St. Petersburg. mented on film and can be viewed at the entrance to the aquarium. You can see Winter, along with her surrogate mother and dolphin friends, up close and personal daily. The CMA has dolphin shows, photo opportunities and programs such as “Trainer for A Day. CMA also offers behind-the” scenes tours of its working animal hospital. This haven for rescued sea turtles, otters and other sea animals is definitely worth the trip. Clearwater Beach Club Watersports Rent an umbrella and two chairs for $18 a day; purchase a blow-up beach ball. BayWalk Sunken Gardens Celebration Station Tampa Bay Ghost Tours Parents can push little ones in the stroller. But make sure the kids are young enough that the stories don’t scare! Not recommended. Tadpoles (up to 6) Lots of retail shops to see from the comfort of the stroller. Stop at Ben & Jerry’s for some ice cream. Stroll the grounds of this historic botanical garden for free if you are under 2; adult supervision required! Learn about the interesting flora and fauna for $4 admission and check out the great gift shop. Playland Rides like Train, Swing or Drummer Boy cost $2.50 per ride (parents ride free). Froglets (ages 7-12) Banana boat rides pull five kids on a banana-shaped raft – lifejackets are mandatory. Grab a root beer float at Johnny Rockets. Outdoor Bumper Boats (under 36 in. tall must wear life vests). Batting Cages (slow to fast pitch). Video games. Frogs (teens) Try Jet skiing and parasailing (with photo identification). Catch a flick at the IMAX, one of 20 theaters, and shop for the latest bikinis. Take photos of Florida wildlife. Flamingos make great screensavers! Laser tag. ¼-mile Go-Cart Tracks (must be 56 in. tall to drive). A great educational activity. Walking Tours through St. Pete Video games. Beach, historic hotels and plenty of scary stories. 40 : Fun f o r f a mi l i e s
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