5 Things to do in Tampa During a Layover

The Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.6 mile-long trail which runs along the Hillsborough River. Visitors can walk, bike, enjoy public art and access any number of restaurants, stores, parks and playgrounds, bike rental shops and attractions, such as the Florida Aquarium and the Glazer Children's Museum, along the route.

Walking along the river is a great way to stretch your legs and let the kids run wild at one of the many well taken care of parks along the walk. And the best part is that it is completely free aside from any restaurant or shopping stops.

2. Busch Gardens

Spanning 297 acres and boasting more than 12,000 animals, restaurants, live shows, roller coasters, shops and games, Busch Gardens has been a popular theme park since the 1950s. It may not be as well known, but believe it or not, Busch gardens is actually older than Disney World and includes themed lands, such as the Edge of Africa and animal exhibits based on the Serengeti Plain and the Myombe Reserve. If you're looking for a theme park/zoo experience in Tampa, this is the place to start.

Tickets start at $84.99 if bought online three days in advance. Tickets bought on-site cost $94.99. And prepare to fork over some more cash for parking as well, which costs $25 per car.

You'll find Busch Gardens about 10 miles northeast of downtown Tampa. You may want to look into picking up a car rental in Tampa for activities like this that are a little out of the way. Having your own car also makes exploring the rest of the city a whole lot easier.

3. Florida Aquarium, Tampa
Aquariums have been a source of wonder and amazement that all ages have enjoyed for generations. The Florida Aquarium in Tampa is no different. The Aquarium houses a massive collection of marine life (over 14,000 animals)! Visitors can spend hours on end making their way through the maze of different habitats and the animals who reside within. Spending time at the aquarium is certainly a great way to keep everyone entertained during a long layover.

The aquarium is open every day from 9:30 am to 5 pm and tickets vary in price depending on a number of factors, such as day of the week, weather and holidays. For the most part, you can expect to pay around $27 to $32 for adults.

4. Glazer Children's Museum
If you’re traveling with younger kids you may want to stop by the Glazer Children’s Museum. The 53,000 square-foot space is filled with interactive exhibits that aim to teach kids about the human body, math, science, and art. It also makes for a good indoor activity to have in mind if the weather turns on you.

The museum is located near The Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in downtown Tampa and is open every day of the week. Tickets range from $15 for adults and $10 for those 12 and under.

5. Tampa Electric's Manatee Viewing Center
Tampa is a great place for animal lovers willing to pay for the experience. However, finding science centers, zoos and aquariums that don't charge at least a little something for you to enter can be a challenge. Which is why Tampa Electric's Manatee Viewing Center is so special. At no cost at all, visitors can stop by and see Manatees swimming through the Tampa Electric water plant.

At the Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach, manatees seek refuge in the power station's discharge panel, where clean, warm Tampa Bay saltwater flows. When the bay gets too cold for the manatees, they retreat to this space for warmth.

Aside from being able to see these unique animals the Tampa Electric's Manatee Viewing Center also offers other attractions including a mangrove exhibit, butterfly garden, and a gift shop. It’s a bit of a drive at about 25 miles from downtown, but the Manatee Viewing Center is a wonderful experience to have during your layover in Tampa.