The Florida Aquarium

The Florida Aquarium is a three-story, glass domed aquarium featuring exhibits related to Florida's ecosystem and aquatic habitats. Highlights include: the Florida Wetlands Gallery, which displays a cypress swamp, mangrove roots, and a river with otters; the Florida Bays and beaches Gallery, which contains freshwater and saltwater displays; the Coral Reefs Gallery, which showcases many fish and colorful reefs; and plants and animals native to Florida (including alligators). Sharks, rays, and other sea creatures from the Gulf of Mexico can also be viewed at the aquarium. Try and pick a day when there are no school children there. The last time we went it was chaos. Children lying all over the floor. It was impossible to see anything. They even gave us free tickets to come back again.We never used them. more

The Florida Aquarium is a great place for the whole family to have fun. The aquarium itself is truely lovely and always safe and clean. The exhibts even give hands on action including touching sealife like starfish. In the summer time the Aquarium even has a small waterpark for the kids to play in and cool down. This is great for all ages and sometimes the adults even have more fun than the kids there. more

We've visited the Aquarium several times while in Tampa for my various surgeries and each time the kids loved it. You can touch the rays in the little tank, catch a presentation while watching a diver in the large tank, an area to touch sea sponges and coral, and there is an outside water park area that is fun for them on a hot day. The littlest one was especially hard to get to leave. It's a great way to pass the time and get your mind off things and I was very grateful my family had this option for something to do while I was layed up. more

My family loves the aquarium. There is alot to see. It is divided into fresh water and salt water exhibits. It's so nice to see what is under the water that you wouldn't normally see. We love the otters. There is a open air outdoor restaraunt that has a thatched roof and makes you feel as if you are on a tropical vacation. It is right next to the childrens water play area. We could see the cruise ship from our table. The kids played while we sat and had lunch. We have a family pass and go there often. Love it! more

We have taken the family several times and enjoyed ourselves completely. The have lots of different exhibits and animals. A little crowded but overall a great time. They have a water area for the kids to play in and cool off from the hot Florida sun. Would go again. Their prices are a little on the high side, but you can usually find some coupons in the local newspaper. more