The Florida Aquarium - Tampa

Steve’s take

The Florida Aquarium is right on Tampa's waterfront and it's the best aquarium in the state that isn't named SeaWorld. The outdoor splash pad is free and will keep your kids busy for an hour in the summer. Inside, the wetlands trail and coral reef exhibit are excellent, and the penguin encounter is the sleeper hit — your kids will want to adopt one. If you're in Tampa for a cruise departure or Busch Gardens visit, the aquarium fills a half-day perfectly.