The COOLEST New Adventures in Tampa Bay

by Laura Byrne

The Florida Aquarium

The Florida Aquarium has long been one of our favorite ways too cool off in the summer with its iconic glass dome, amazing sea creatures, and epic splash pad. It’s going to be an exciting summer here with the debut of a new exhibit and continuation of one of the most magical underwater adventures in Tampa Bay!

MORPH’D Opens this Summer

Does your child love axolotls? They can soon come face to face with one at the Florida Aquarium’s newest exhibit, MORPH’D, which will feature 18 perfectly adapted species from around the world that have evolved in some pretty strange, and yet genius ways!

In addition to the beloved axolotl, you will encounter species like the bird poop frog that can camouflage itself to look like…you guessed it…bird poop to protect itself. There will also be a four-eyed fish that evolved with a set of eyes above and another set to see below the water line, and an epaulette shark that almost appears as if its walking on the seafloor with its fins.

MORPH’D is part of the new 3,700-square-foot special exhibit hall and marks the completion of the first phase of the $40 million dollar expansion plan that is slated for completion in 2025.

SeaTREK:

Walk underwater

SeaTREK is easily one of the coolest things I’ve experienced so far this year in Tampa Bay. This underwater experience requires no scuba or snorkeling skills—you simply need to be able to breathe and walk. Kids as young as 10 can participate in this adventure in the Heart of the Sea exhibit where you’ll walk among sharks, Shelldon the loggerhead sea turtle, and other beautiful sea creatures. The experience is being offered daily this summer for $95, which includes Aquarium admission.

Flaquarium.org

LEGOLAND Florida Resort

Everything is AWESOME and ACTION-PACKED this summer at LEGOLAND Florida with NEW shows to experience along with all the fun you’d expect at this beloved theme park. Go Xtreme! , a new live-action stunt show, will feature BMX riders, scooter rides, a Cyr wheel artist, incline skater, and a world-record holding pogo athlete.

Also new this summer, The Rhythm Bricks , a roaming percussion group, will entertain families and over at the Resort, guests can experience Pirate Island Pool Parties after the theme park closes. You can pick up an annual pass right now for as little as $13 per month after down payment. LEGOLAND.com/Florida

NEW at Peppa Pig Theme Park: Breakfast with Peppa

This new experience debuts on June 9 for a limited time on Fridays and Saturdays. Breakfast with Peppa will be hosted in Miss Rabbit’s Diner, featuring a preschoolerfriendly buffet, while adults will be treated to an all-youcan-enjoy breakfast. The event also includes exclusive early ride times before the theme park opens. Pricing starts at $34.99 per child (ages 2-9) and $44.99 per adult (ages 10 and up). Guests under 2 are free. Sameday Park admission or a valid Annual Pass for Peppa Pig Theme Park is also required and sold separately. PeppaPigThemePark.com/Florida