Things to do in Tampa for self travelers

Fun is in the water at The Florida Aquarium, home to a variety of animals from dwarf seahorses to apex predators! Explore habitats featuring species from Florida and around the world. Learn about alligators and river otters, sharks and stingrays, sea turtles and tortoises, lemurs and penguins, plus hundreds of species of fish and more. At the MORPH'D exhibit, presented by PAR, meet animals with unique traits like paddle fish, axolotls, and bird-poop frogs! Located in downtown Tampa, the aquarium is near the Riverwalk, historic Ybor City, and Sparkman Wharf. More than just an attraction, it's a non-profit organization dedicated to saving marine wildlife.

Have you ever gotten up-close with a Florida panther? This majestic feline is just one of the rare species you'll encounter on your visit to this award-winning wildlife park. With your ZooTampa ticket, you can enjoy encounters with animals from around the world as you visit them at their lush, tropical, and naturalistic habitats that provide a safe and comfortable home. As a true champion for wildlife, ZooTampa is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species. The park is the number one facility in the world for sick and injured Florida panthers and home to one of only four manatee rehabilitation centers in the United States. Witness the life-saving care that has treated more than 500 manatees since 1991. Known for the Nat Geo Wild hit series _Secrets of the Zoo: Tampa_, the park not only inspires the next generation of wildlife protectors, it also offers amazing experiences.

Unfortunately time travel isn't a thing... yet. Until it is, those of a paleo persuasion are best served at Florida's Dinosaur World. Walk among 200 life-sized dinosaur models and uncover hands-on activities in a lush garden setting. You can also enjoy dinosaur-themed playgrounds, a Dino Gem Excavation and so much more!

With amazing sea creatures, incredible wildlife, thrilling rides, and up-close encounters at every turn, there's something for the whole family to enjoy with these Tampa Zoo and Aquarium combo tickets! Save money with one easy ticket used to visit both attractions.

The Glazer Children's Museum is an imagination station. It's a creative space for young minds to expand their horizons through play. No classrooms, exams, or memorizing – kids can leave their inhibitions at the door as they climb, dance, and race around a variety of exhibits designed to help them play with purpose. Watch them work in Central Bank, build epic fortresses, conjure the bravery of firefighters, become messy little chefs, and much more at this learning laboratory.

The St. Petersburg Museum of History puts St. Petersburg on the map, with roots in commercial flight as the city's claim to fame. Let the experts be your guide as you trace the route of the first commercial flight from St. Petersburg to Tampa – it only took 23 minutes! For a more local flavor, check out the exhibit dedicated to the inaugural season of the Tampa Bay Rays. Once inside, spot famous MLB autographs from a collection of 4,800 signed baseballs. Learn all about how the Orange Belt railroad was built and the founder of Florida's most famous (and unusual) drugstore, Webb's City. You'll experience over a hundred years of history in one afternoon.