If the summer heat gets to you before one of Tampa's famous thunderstorms brings late-afternoon relief, you can take a waterlogged break at this 25-acre outdoor water theme park near Busch Gardens Africa . You can also frolic here during the cooler days of spring and fall, when the water is heated. The Key West Rapids, Tampa Typhoon, Gulf Scream, and other exciting water rides will drench the teens, while other, calmer rides are geared toward younger kids. Wahoo Run plunges up to five riders more than 15 feet per second as the half-enclosed tunnel corkscrews more than 600 feet to a waiting splash pool. There are also places to picnic and sunbathe, an arcade, a volleyball complex, and an outdoor cafe. Although some people tend to go barefoot here, I suggest you wear shoes at all times -- it gets kind of nasty after awhile.

Parking: Parking $5

Transportation: Take exit 50 off I-275 and go east on Busch Blvd. for 2 miles. Turn left onto McKinley Dr. (N. 40th St.); entry is on the righ

Opening Hours: Check website for exact opening dates. Mid-Mar to Labor Day daily 10am-5pm; Sept-Oct Fri-Sun 10am-5pm (extended hours in summer and on holidays)Closed Nov-late Feb

Originally built in 1891 by railroad tycoon Henry B. Plant as the super-chichi 511-room Tampa Bay Hotel, this ornate building is worth a short trip across the river from downtown to the University of Tampa campus. Its 13 silver minarets and distinctive Moorish architecture, modeled after the Alhambra in Spain, make this National Historic Landmark a focal point of the Tampa skyline. Although the building is the highlight of a visit, don't skip its contents: art and furnishings from Europe and Asia, plus exhibits that explain the history of the original railroad resort, Florida's early tourist industry, and the hotel's role as a staging point for Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War.

Transportation: Take Kennedy Blvd. (Fla. 60) across the Hillsborough River

Cost: Free admission; suggested donation $5 adults, $2 children 12 and under

The opportunity to watch 3,000-pound manatees, Komodo dragons, Persian leopards, and rare red pandas makes this a worthwhile excursion after the kids have seen the plains of Africa at Busch Gardens. With lots of greenery, bubbling brooks, and waterfalls, this 24-acre zoo displays animals in settings similar to their natural habitats. Exhibits include the Florida wildlife display, Asian Domain, Primate World, Aquatic Center, free-flight aviary with a birds-of-prey show, hands-on Discovery Center, and endangered-species carousel ride. The Wallaroo Station has kids' rides, a small water park, a kangaroo walk-about, and a petting zoo. Lowry Park has one of Florida's three manatee hospitals and rehabilitation centers. The Eco Tour is very popular, featuring a cruise on the Hillsborough River, where you'll see turtles, herons, and manatees. The cost is $14 for adults, $13 for seniors, and $10 for children 3 to 11 (zoo and Eco Tour Package costs $27 for adults, $25 for seniors and $19 for children 3-11). The zoo is also a sanctuary for Florida panthers and red wolves. In spring 2006, the zoo introduced the rare African shoebill stork; a new ride, an African safari tram-style tour; and a new dining option, The Garden Grille inside the zoo's front gate.

Transportation: Take I-275 to Sligh Ave. (exit 48) and follow the signs

Cost: Adults $18.95; Seniors (60 and up) $17.95; Children (ages 3-11) $14.50; Children 2 and under free

A great place to take the kids, MOSI is the largest science center in the Southeast, with more than 450 interactive exhibits. Step into the Gulf Hurricane to experience 74 mph winds, explore the human body in "The Amazing You," and, if your heart is up to it, ride a bicycle across a 98-foot-long cable suspended 30 feet above the lobby (don't worry: you'll be harnessed to the bike). You can also watch stunning movies in Florida's first IMAX dome theater. Outside, trails wind through a nature preserve with a butterfly garden. The museum is one of very few in the world to feature the articulated remains of a Sauropod dinosaur.

Transportation: From downtown, take I-275 N. to the Fowler Ave. E. exit (no. 51). Take this 2 miles east to museum on right

The museum has moved to an interim location while construction of the new museum complex is underway.

This fine-arts complex has galleries with changing exhibits ranging from classical antiquities to contemporary Floridian art. Call or check the website for the schedule of temporary exhibits. However, if you have time for only one art museum on your trip, skip this one and head to St. Petersburg for the more innovative Salvador Dalí Museum.

Parking: Parking 90¢ per hour

Transportation: Take I-275 to exit 44 (Ashley Dr.)