The Florida Everglades, a vast network of ecosystems, preserves, and waterways is home to numerous exotic species of wildlife. Fish, birds, and a colorful array of different flora and fauna constitute this wild and untamed section of southern Florida. The Sawgrass prairies, mangrove estuaries, cypress swamps and Savannahs are all part of what makes the Everglades unique to visit. In order not to harm these fragile ecosystems, taking an Eco-tour is the best way to experience the Everglades. The Everglades Day Safari-West Coast is a socially aware and environmentally conscious tour company. A tour of the Everglades by knowledgeable guides and naturalists will not only educate you about this lush and verdant landscape, but also provide adventure and entertainment for the entire family.
The scenario plays out on any beach. It’s instinctive and universal. Walk along any beach just along the waterline where the waves roll rhythmically in and you’ll catch yourself doing it: looking down. Suddenly, right there, tumbling in sand and foam, you see it! A fleeting hint of color, a minute rippled edge. As the water recedes pulling a layer of sand and shell with it, it disappears. Now you see it, now you don’t! With impressive reaction time you reach down and grab the illusion. Slowly you open a dripping handful of sand and peer inside, hoping for the perfect keeper – an intact shell, a wonder nature, strikingly beautiful, elegantly scrolled, perfectly fluted, delicately patterned.
Of all the creatures in the sea, dolphins, hands down, win the popularity contest. We are inexplicably drawn to them, we personify them, we see ourselves in them!
They appear playful, curious; they show off, display a certain joie de vivre, and even look us right in the eye – all personality traits we claim as our own! Like us, they’re mammals, and are therefore warm-blooded, have lungs that breathe air, give birth to their young and nurse them. Add these facts - they have large brains, live in complex societies, help one another, learn from experience. It’s no wonder we’re intrigued.
Disney World, with all its showy, imaginative make-believe is truly a kid’s world. And, they flock to it.
But Florida has something more to offer kids – something natural, connecting, and equally magical, if in a different sort of way.
In separate posts on Trusted Tours Travel Guide, you’ll see three of these – places where kids can see, smell, hear, and sometimes feel Florida’s unique natural habitat –golden sawgrass in the Florida Everglades, alligators lying ever-so still on cypress logs, gentle manatees moving ever so slowly, green, flat-laying tree frogs camouflaged in bright bromeliads, flamingos decked out in the brightest of pinks, roseate spoonbills rhythmically waving paddle shaped bills back and forth in the shallows seaching for fish, great white herons gracefully balancing in tree-top nests, stingrays swimming in an underwater ballet, great barracuda lurking territorially, giant sea turtles surfacing for air, and multi-colored tropical fish darting over coral patches.
I was surprised by how different the day and night Starlight cruises are in Tampa, Florida. Completely different crowd from day to night. While the daytime was casual, relaxed and oriented to sightseeing with mostly an older group the night time was energetic, fun and oriented to dancing with a younger group.
Okay, I’ll admit it…I drove past the Florida Aquarium four times before I saw it over my left shoulder. Sheesh! I was so annoyed that I had to sit down and breathe deeply. Once inside my tension melted away. Soon I was floating amongst the fish. Gliding along while filtered sunlight washed over me and cool blue light calmed my senses….no…really. The interior was so tranquil that I could have fallen asleep. It was wonderful.
The Florida Aquarium in Tampa, Florida is part of the “Tampa Bay’s Triplet”package. I enjoyed the tropical rainforest area, the coral reef viewing window and the penguin promenade show is fun.
The Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Florida is one of the most unusual zoos I have ever visited. Part zoo, carnival, water park, aquarium, theme park, arcade and petting zoo, they try to have a little something for everyone, choosing variety over depth. It’s a busy kids dream come true.
The Lowry Park Zoo is part of the “Tampa Bay’s Triplet” package. I saw animals, rides, games, safaris, feedings, touch tanks and aviaries. Done with the Elephants? Feed a Giraffe. Tired of walking? Take a sky ride. Want to beat the heat? Cool off at the waterpark. They even have plans for a waterslide. (Bring some cash and coin to get the most from these experiences) More photos here.
The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) in Tampa, Florida is…well…industrial. No flourishes or fluff, just interesting science exhibits and daily demonstrations. Even the IMAX dome Theater lets you see the projection room from the museum so you can watch and learn. Nice!
MOSI is part of the “Tampa Bay’s Triplet” Package and loads of fun. My favorite was Disasterville where they simulate a tornado and a hurricane in different rooms. Safe but cool. Travelling exhibits and new IMAX movies keep things fresh. A Pirate and treasure exhibit was featured while I was there, including it’s own gift shop.
