Aquariums, Museums & Zoos

The Armed Forces History Museum is dedicated to preserving the country’s military history and educating current and future generations as to the sacrifices made by so many to preserve its freedom. The museum was founded in 1996 by John J. Piazza, Sr., a local businessman and history buff. Housed in a 35,000 sq. ft. building – with an additional 15,000 sq. ft. outdoor display space – the Armed Forces History… Continue Reading Armed Forces Military Museum

Located in St. Petersburg, Florida, not too far from Anna Maria Island, the Florida Holocaust Museum honors the memory of millions of people who suffered through or died in the Holocaust. It is dedicated to educating the public about the Holocaust, and the stories of the people affected by it, to teach about the inherent worth of all races and cultures and the dignity of human life in order to… Continue Reading Florida Holocaust Museum

Sarasota Jungle Gardens is the area’s only zoological gardens featuring 10 acres of tropical vegetation and jungle trails. One of the oldest continuously operating attractions in Florida, Sarasota Jungle Gardens evokes memories of Florida days gone by, full of flora, fauna and fun, yet remains current and exciting for today’s families, locals, and tourists alike. See animals such as endangered exotic birds, prairie dogs, Florida crocodiles and other reptiles. Most of the animals… Continue Reading Sarasota Jungle Gardens

The Florida Railroad Museum offers one of the most unique museum experiences in the world . . . it’s where you “Ride the Exhibits!” Founded as The Florida Gulf Coast Railroad Museum with the stated goal of preserving Florida’s railroad history, over the years the Museum has acquired and restored rolling stock and equipment to operate for the public’s enjoyment. To achieve its goal of operating equipment and recreating the… Continue Reading Florida Railroad Museum

Big Cat Habitat is a nonprofit safe haven for exotic cats, bears, primates, birds, and other animals. The Rosaire family is a respected family of animal trainers originally from England from the Rosaire Circus. Now mostly retired, they dedicate themselves to the care and rescue of unwanted big cats and other animals in need. See lions, tigers, ligers, leopards, cougars, bears, monkeys, birds and much more when you visit Big Cat Habitat!… Continue Reading Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary

Explore the secrets of the sea through touch pools, viewable-working labs and high-tech interactive exhibits that showcase the world-renowned research of Mote Marine Laboratory. See sharks, manatees and sea turtles, along with more than 100 other species of marine life. The Laboratory has been a leader in marine research since it was founded in 1955. Mote Aquarium is proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)… Continue Reading Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Recognized as the #1 zoo in the United States by Parents magazine (2009) and Child magazine (2004), Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo features more than 1,000 animals on nearly 60 acres of natural habitats, splash ground water play areas, wild rides, educational shows and interactive opportunities to get closer to wildlife. The Zoo’s Manatee and Aquatic Center, home to the David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Hospital, expands the traditional boundaries of a… Continue Reading Lowry Park Zoo

Big Cat Rescue is the largest accredited sanctuary in the world dedicated entirely to abused and abandoned big cats. The sanctuary, which began rescuing exotic cats in 1992, is home to over 100 lions, tigers, bobcats, cougars and other species most of whom have been abandoned, abused, orphaned, saved from being turned into fur coats, or retired from performing acts. In all, the sanctuary has 14 species of cats, many of whom… Continue Reading Big Cat Rescue

Experience underwater viewing windows, dolphin pools, hands-on stingray tank, and other one-of-a-kind marine animal homes. Meet Winter, the star of the Hollywood blockbuster movie, “Dolphin Tale”! See turtles, sharks, otters and fish all swimming and playing in their homes throughout the aquarium. Included in the admission to Clearwater Marine Aquarium is the behind-the-scenes exhibit, Winter’s Dolphin Tale Adventure. See rebuilt scenes and actual props from the movie. The kids will… Continue Reading Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Get closer to all your favorite sea creatures at The Florida Aquarium. See cownose rays, sand tiger sharks, sea dragons, green sea turtles, moray eels, giant pacific octopus, and thousands of other unforgettable creatures. Touch real stingrays and bamboo sharks in the 5,000 gallon Touch Tank. You can also touch sea stars, crustaceans, urchins and mollusks in the No Bone Zone touch tank. Enter the wetlands and get within inches… Continue Reading The Florida Aquarium