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Tampa Bay Baby
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Families have many choices for summer staycation fun, right here in Tampa Bay! Staycations are becoming a popular choice as today's unemployment levels and gas prices rise. Whether you choose to spend the day in your backyard pool, visit local parks and museums or attend a local festival, you can create the feel of a traditional vacation, avoiding routine and creating special memories.
We asked ParentGuide® readers to share their Staycation recommendations and here is what they had to say. Submit your ideas by emailing info@parentguide.com
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 Kennedy Space Center
SR 405, Kennedy Space Center, FL, 32899
(866) 737-5235
It’s no secret that the space shuttle program is coming to end this year. That’s why it’s a great time to plan a trip to Kennedy Space Center (KSC), with or without a shuttle launch. After all, for more than two and half decades, the shuttle program has defined space exploration, not just for the United States, but arguably for the entire world. And KSC has built a fascinating history from being the epicenter of this program as well as many other storied space adventures.
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The Florida Aquarium
701 Channelside Drive,
Tampa
Excerpt from The ParentGuide® blog, ParentTalk
 Just smile and wave boys
Wednesday, August 26th, 2009
Those Penguins from Madagascar are so cute. I love them so much that I have four of them staring at me right now. Little toys that wobble like Weebles are perched on the shelf above my monitor to remind me that life needs to be silly and fun. I took their advice and escaped to the Florida Aquarium (ON A WEEKDAY!) where I was surprised to meet a couple of their own real penguins up close and personal.
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Affordable Movie Madness for Families
Touchstar Cinemas, Seminole, FL
 Beach Theater, St. Pete Beach
Sometimes, a “staycation” need last only a few hours to feel like you’ve actually escaped. A good movie may only take two hours out of your day, but it’s a great way to beat the summer heat and get away without having to travel far. The only problem is that the price of admission makes going to the movies
a rare treat for  many budget-conscious families. After all, it’s about $9 a ticket
for an adult, with kids falling into the $6 to $7 range at most megaplex theaters.
But there is some good news for film buffs and their families...
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 Fort DeSoto
Tierra Verde, FL
It regularly ranks as the top, or one of the top, beaches in America, and while others travel thousands of miles to visit it, we in Tampa Bay have the privilege of enjoying this sandy, watery wonder any time we want.
Fort DeSoto is more than a beach or park; it’s a blend of Florida history, pristine beauty and abundant nature all wrapped up in a white sandy beach....
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 Ocala National Forest on the Silver River
Our favorite Stay-cation is located in Ocala National Forest on the Silver River. We bring our own canoes (or you can rent them there for cheap). When we get to hot, we jump in the cool 72 degree water. We have seen wild boar, turtles, tons of fish (the water is like glass), sea otters....
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 Caspersen Beach in Venice, FL
My family’s favorite day trip is Caspersen Beach in Venice, FL. My daughters love playing on this beach. My youngest daughter, who is 20 months, loves Caspersen Beach because it isn’t crowded. The water is clear and she can play in the tidal pools...
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 Nickelodeon Family Suites
In less than an hour and a half you can take your family to one of the most action-packed hotels ever, and the best part is, you’ll probably end up having just as much fun as your kids. With super Florida resident deals, (including coupons for stuff you’ll want to buy once you are at the hotel anyways) and low rates, it’s also friendly on the wallet as far as family vacations go...
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 Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo
It’s time for summer family fun in the Sunshine State! Introduce your family to ours at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, named the #1 Zoo in the U.S. by both Parents magazine (2009) and Child Magazine (2004). See more than 2,000 exotic and endangered animals from around the world including tapirs from Asia, kangaroos and wallabies from Australia, elephants and white rhinos from Africa, and animals from our own backyard like the Florida panther. Don’t miss our newest and some say “cutest” resident, Bundaleer, the Queensland koala...
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 Honeymoon Island State Park
There are hundreds of beautiful sandy beaches in Florida, but Honeymoon Island State Park has become our family favorite. There are so many outdoor activities to do and enjoy at this family stay-cation. We've spent full days basking in the sun, swimming and snorkling and collecting seashells on the shore...
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 Zephyr Water Park
We went to Zephyr Water Park which is a spectacular, fun park and the most important point is that it is FREE!
It has a big lake where you can go around it rollerblading, with bicycle or stroller, on one side. My kids love it because it has the swing, slides...
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