TAMPA / ST. PETERSBURG
One of our favorite things to do is take a work trip and elevate it into a family educational experience. While our destinations are somewhat chosen for us, tagging along on my husband’s work trips have become a lot more fun for the rest of us than you might think! Even before we started homeschooling, we would take the kiddos out of school for a few days or a week at a time to indulge in a new experience or locale. Tampa and St. Pete was our favorite stop in 2018.
SALVADOR dali museum
I love what art museums are doing across the country to engage younger visitors. Even if art museums aren’t your thing, visiting the Salvador Dali museum is a must-do! The audio tours are narrated by his MUSTACHE and gave us all something to giggle about! This off-the-wall artist gave us lots to discuss and debate throughout the rest of our trip. I mean, why would you create a lobster telephone?
DALE CHIHULY GLASS collection + GLASS blowing
We did not expect to love this collection as much as we did! Even though the artists were not doing glass blowing in the studio that day, we all thoroughly enjoyed the video and works of art throughout the collection. To this day, we love spotting Chihuly pieces in places near home—like Rosemary Beach and at the Salamander Spa in Destin.
clearwater aquarium
If you haven’t seen the movie A Dolphin Tale, it’s a great feel-good, family movie that doesn’t include earworm songs that will never go away. Plus, it opens up conversations about marine biology, rehabilitation for wildlife and finding a future career that you’re passionate about. Winter, the movie star dolphin, didn’t want to come out and play but there were lots of animals to see and learn about. This one is definitely educational and entertaining! And, it’s not so large that you need a whole day to see it. We spent about 2 hours here and then enjoyed a yummy sushi supper!
We also recommend:
Great Explorations Children’s Museum
Swah-Rey desserts
Demen’s Landing
Strolling down Central Ave
Fort De Soto Park
Locale Market