VACATIONING WITH THE FAMILY

VACATIONING WITH THE

FAMILY Kid-friendly attractions in St. Pete/Clearwater

By Heather Turk

Splash Harbour’s Smuggler’s Run and Pirate’s Plunge water slides

Allegiant passengers visiting St. Pete/Clearwater looking for some family fun have come to the right place. Aside from boasting 35 miles of white-sand beaches, the sundrenched destination is home to numerous attractions the whole family can enjoy together.

CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM

Not your typical aquarium, this working marine animal hospital exists to rescue and rehabilitate sick and injured wildlife. In addition to seeing various animals being cared for, including sea turtles and river otters, visitors can get up close to several rescued animals that couldn’t be released back into the wild – like Hope, one of the Dolphins that starred in Warner Bros./Alcon Entertainment’s “Dolphin Tale” movies. Daily presentations are held so guests can learn more about the aquarium’s inhabitants and why they aren’t releasable. Visitors can also interact with some of the animals for an additional fee by booking one of the aquarium’s unforgettable Animal Experiences. Other unique add-ons are available, too, including eco-boat tours around Clearwater Bay. visit. seewinter.com

GREAT EXPLORATIONS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Offering real-life, practical learning experiences in a creative and playful environment, this St. Pete Museum features an average of 20 interactive exhibits that introduce STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) topics in non-traditional ways. Visitors will play and explore in exhibits designed to meet the developmental needs of children from birth to elementary school age, like My First Market – a kid-sized supermarket that teaches the value of making healthy eating choices. There’s also a 26-foot tall climber, Longo’s Cove, at the center of the museum that showcases images of Florida sea life as children climb from pad to pad, and a new For All Animals exhibit where visitors can learn about the safety and care of different animal species. Even older guests will likely learn something new! greatex.org

SPLASH HARBOUR WATER PARK

The only water park in Pinellas County, this thrilling attraction is located just two blocks from Indian Rocks Beach. Not only is it home to two 42-foot tall water slides – including Smuggler’s Run, which has an exciting bowl feature – but there’s also a 600-foot long lazy river, a zero-entry pool with mushroom waterfalls and ground sprays and the Treasure Cove Splash Zone featuring three slides, a dumping bucket and interactive water activities designed for younger guests. When it’s time to dry off, families can test their putt-putt skills on the park’s tropical-themed 18-hole miniature golf course for a nominal fee. splashharbourwaterpark.com

Great Explorations Children’s Museum is both educational and entertaining