1. Gulf Coast Beaches
Soft sands and warm sunshine
Surf kayaking at Turtle Beach, Siesta Key
For many visitors, the Gulf Coast’s fabulous barrier beaches are the biggest attractions; reached via causeway bridges, they encompass some 35 miles (56 km) of soft sand, lapped by the gentle waves of the Gulf of Mexico. Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach, lined with hotels, are convenient for families. At Sarasota, most development has been kept away from the beachfront. Several islands off the coast offer unspoiled sands ideal for beachcombers.
Key Sights
1. Caladesi Island Accessible only by boat, the island has a state park and an uncrowded beach ideal for playing.
2. Clearwater Beach Favored by active beachgoers, this resort beach has volleyball courts and watersports concessions. Sunset brings a nightly celebration with music and street performances.
3. St. Pete Beach This beach stretches for 7 miles (11 km) and is ideal for strolling. Lined with hotels, it is popular with families, and has excellent watersports.
4. Pass-a-grille This public beach at the quieter end of St. Pete Beach offers great sunset views. Bring quarters for parking.
5. Fort De Soto Park There are three sugar-sand beaches and a nature preserve with trails here (see Great Explorations Children’s Museum).
6. Anna Maria Island Located at the quiet northern end of Bradenton, this island has picturesque beaches and a laid-back feel.
7. Bradenton Beach This small island appeals to families with its beaches as well as the quaint town, with its historic pier, and a variety of shops, restaurants, and lodging.
8. Longboat Key This is an upscale resort island with lovely beaches and golf courses, but limited public access.
9. Lido Key This barrier island offers spacious beaches in three sections – dunes and trails to the north; resorts in the center; and a handsome shaded beachfront park to the south.
10. Siesta Key Justly popular, this small island is famous for its dazzling white-quartz sand that stays cool even on the hottest days.
11. Venice Beach A bounty of sharks‘ teeth lures sharp-eyed beachcombers to this beach.
The Lowdown
Car Rent a car from a rental agency at one of the airports to get around the region conveniently.
Visitor information Caladesi Island: 727 469 5918; www.floridastateparks.org/caladesiisland. Clearwater Beach: 727 464 7200; www.visitstpeteclearwater.com. St. Pete Beach: 727 464 7200; www.visitstpeteclearwater.com. Pass-a-grille: 727 403 6136; www.visitpassagrille.com. Fort de Soto Park: 727 552 1862; www.pinellascounty.org/park. Anna Maria Island: 941 778 1541 www.annamariaislandchamber.org. Bradenton Beach: 941 778 1005; www.cityofbradentonbeach.com. Longboat Key and Lido Key: 941 383 2466; www.longboatkeychamber.com/visitor. Siesta Key: 941 349 3800; www.siestakeychamber.com. Venice Beach: 941 486 2626; www.venicegov.com
Prices Caladesi Island: $6 per boat; $42–56 ferry. Fort De Soto Park and Pass-a-grille: $5 parking
Age range All ages
Activities Various watersports – snorkeling, canoeing, and kayaking – can be enjoyed at beaches such as Caladesi Island, St. Pete Beach, Lido Key, and Siesta Key. There is fishing at Fort De Soto Park and on Anna Maria Island, while Venice Beach is perfect for beachcombing and coral reef diving.
Allow 1–3 days
Good family value?
The Gulf Coast beaches and islands offer a range of sporting and leisure options for the whole family at a reasonable price.
KIDS’ CORNER
Sand craft
To make a fine sandy souvenir, pack up some sand and shells in a plastic container with a lid to take home from the beach. Spread glue on cardboard and cover it with sand, then glue shells in a pattern you like. Or make a border on a plain wooden frame for a picture or a mirror. Try to find enough scallop shells of the same size, since they look great as borders.
Bucket race
Here’s a silly beach game to play with friends and family. Set up two buckets away from the water’s edge and see who can fill the bucket first by carrying water from the sea using only their hands.
The shells you see were home to sea creatures who have moved on. Some of the prettiest are scallop shells. Others may have held sea snails, crabs, or mussels. Caladesi Island State Park is a good place to look for shells on the Gulf Coast.
Sandy facts
A beach is made up of super-tiny, loose specks of rock that gather at the shore and are carried onto the land by waves or ocean currents. Strong waves carry the sand farther inland and pile it into dunes. Underwater coral reefs are one source of sand. The finest white sand, found on beaches like Siesta Key, is made of pure quartz crystal that has washed down from mountains far away then been carried to the sea by rivers.
2. Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay
Rocking roller coasters and roaring animals
Flamingos in Busch Gardens, Tampa
This granddaddy of Florida theme parks still thrills with its daring roller coasters, African safari, water adventures, and lively musical shows. The grounds are divided into themed locations, such as the Congo and Egypt – each featuring animals native to those regions; the Serengeti Plain is home to rhinos, giraffes, and more. Even the most adventurous will be challenged aboard the scream-inducing roller coasters, and little ones can enjoy their own special kingdom.
Key Features
1. Falcon’s Fury Standing at 335 ft (102 m), this exhilarating ride is the tallest freestanding drop tower in North America. Riders can briefly enjoy the view from the top, before heading face-down at 60 mph (97 km/h).
2. Edge of Africa This walking safari experience on the southern edge of the Serengeti Plain offers sightings of hippos, lions, hyenas, lemurs, and other exotic African animals in naturalistic habitats.
3. Cheetah Hunt Designed for speed, this roller coaster climbs more than 10 stories above the African landscape before plunging 130 ft (40 m) into an underground trench. It set a park record for distance with 4,429 ft (1,350 m) of track.
4. Sesame Street Safari of Fun Aimed at pre-schoolers, this features rides and shows starring Sesame Street favorites.
5. Serengeti Railway Take this train for a relaxing ride through all the major areas in the park.
6. Turn It Up! This entertainment on ice, in the lavish Moroccan Palace Theater, features lavish costumes and world-class ice skaters..
7. Cheetah Run Get a close-up view of the world’s fastest animals from these floor-to-ceiling, glass-paneled viewing areas.
8. Cobra’s Curse The park’s most recent coaster, the wildly spinning ride, featuring a vertical lift, is built around the legend of a snake king in ancient Egypt.
The Lowdown
Address 10165 N McKinley Dr, Tampa, 33612; 888 800 5447; seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-tampa
Bus Hartline bus 18 from downtown to Busch Blvd. Shuttle Express available from Orlando to Busch Gardens
Open 10am–6pm Mon–Fri & 9am–7:30pm Sat–Sun. Hours may vary with season; check website.
Price $250–320; under 3s free. Save on selected tickets when buying online.
Cutting the line The Quick Queue pass ($20–40 per person; prices vary with season) gives access to the head of the line on each ride. Book tickets online to avoid waiting lines at the entrance and get a discount. Ride lines are shortest near park opening and closing times.
Guided tours Insider tours with keepers, as well as Safari tours
Age range 3 plus. Stop by Guest Relations to pick up kids’ wristbands with space to write a contact number in case children get separated.
Allow At least a day
Wheelchair access Yes
Café Eateries throughout the park (outside food not allowed)
Restrooms In every section of the park, except Serengeti Plain
Good family value?
Although Busch Gardens is quite expensive, it offers a full day’s entertainment that may well be the highlight of a trip to the Gulf Coast.
Letting off steam
With climbing nets, bridges, crawl tubes, and a multilevel maze, Treetop Trails (on site), a three-story play area in the Jungala area, gives kids plenty of exercise. If any energy remains, head for Adventure Island (www.adventureisland.com), a tropical-themed water park across the street. This features Vanish Point, a 70-ft (17-m) drop slide, Wahoo Run, a river raft ride, and twisting spirals on the Aruba Tuba run.
Eat and drink
PICNIC Garden Gate Café (in the Bird Gardens area) serves pizza, flatbreads and more on the lakeside patio overlooking the Bird Gardens.
SNACKS Zagora Café (in the Morocco Village area) offers burgers, fajita wraps and sandwiches.
REAL MEAL Zambia Smokehouse (in the Stanleyville area) has barbecued chicken and ribs, and mac and cheese.
Fried fish served with french fries at a local Tampa café
FAMILY TREAT Dragon Fire Grill & Pub (in the Pantopia area) offers families an international menu in a market-style restaurant, with adult beverages as well as a children’s menu.
Plush toys for sale at a store in the Moroccan Village area
Shopping
Throughout the park, shops tempt with attractive souvenirs. Find legions of plush animals at the Sahara Trading Company (in the Morocco area). Sesame Street favorites are the lure at Abby Cadabby’s Treasure Hut (in Safari of Fun) and both teens and parents like the apparel, souvenirs, and jewelry found at the Painted Camel Bazaar (in Pantopia). Caravan Crossing (in the Nairobi Village area) stocks beach towels, backpacks, and T-shirts.
Find out more
DIGITAL Explore the real Serengeti Plain of Africa at www.serengeti.org. Go to www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/tut.htm to find out about the amazing discovery of King Tut’s tomb in Egypt. Learn how to make a mini- coaster at home on pbskids.org/zoom/activities/sci/rollercoaster.html.
Next stop…
WEEKI WACHEE SPRINGS STATE PARK About 40 miles (64 km) north of Busch Gardens, the Weeki Wachee Springs (6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee, 34606; 352 592 5656; weekiwachee.com) is where mermaids await. They aren’t real mermaids, of course, but families have been enjoying the acrobatic antics of costumed swimmers since 1947. The arena is a natural spring so deep that the bottom has never been found. Seats are built into the limestone sides of the spring.
KIDS’ CORNER
Can you guess?
1 What is a group of kangaroos called?
2 What is a rhinoceros’s favorite food?
3 How many flamingos are there at Busch Gardens?
Not just a fashion statement
The dark fur rings you see around a meerkat’s eyes aren’t just for decoration. They function like sunglasses, reducing glare and allowing the animals to see vast distances.
Lemurs are curious critters with whiskers like that of a cat’s and long thick tails. They are found in only one place on Earth – the island of Madagascar.
Topsy turvy
Have you ever wondered why you don’t fall out of a roller coaster when you are upside down? Scientists and engineers have figured it out. Although gravity is pulling you toward the Earth, the force generated by the speed of the coaster going up is even stronger. That force is pulling upward on your body enough to counteract gravity. Just to make sure the ride is safe, the first passengers are sandbags or dummies. If they come down safely, the engineers and park workers try it out. Would you want to be one of the people who test a new ride?
Answers:
1 A mob. 2 Leaves and twigs. 3 More than 250.
3. The Florida Aquarium
Fishy fun – from sharks to sea horses
A diver amid reefs and exotic fish at The Florida Aquarium, Tampa
Florida’s largest aquarium is a great outing for all ages. In the Coral Reef Gallery, get a close-up view of a colossal and colorful underwater world that is usually only seen by deep-sea divers. Discover Florida’s freshwater creatures, such as otters, alligators, and snakes, in the Wetlands exhibit, while the Ocean Commotion has predators including sharks, a giant Pacific octopus, and a lionfish. Children will love the sea horse exhibit, which shows off these adorable creatures that come in a surprising number of varieties. At the touch tank in the lobby, kids can pet a starfish and feel other sea creatures.
Letting off steam
If children get restless, head to The Splash Pad, an extensive outdoor water adventure zone in The Florida Aquarium. With a rain-forest theme, the area features dump buckets, spray zones, and a designated water play area for toddlers, plus dry areas to climb and play in.
The Lowdown
Address 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, 33602; 813 273 4000; www.flaquarium.org
Trolley TECO (tecolinestreetcar.org) Line Streetcar Route 8
Open 9am–5pm daily
Price $96–100
Cutting the line Book tickets online and get discounts.
Guided tours Behind the Scenes and Feeding tours, as well as a dolphin-spotting cruise, are offered for an additional fee.
Age range 2 plus
Activities Shows begin every few minutes and feature coral reef divers, otters at play, stingray feedings, and a Penguin Promenade. Check the daily schedule in the lobby.
Allow At least 4 hours
Eat and drink SNACKS Café Ray (on site) offers sandwiches, wraps, paninis, and salads. It also has a kids’ menu. REAL MEAL Splitsville (615 Channelside Dr, 33602; 813 514 2695; www.splitsvillelanes.com) is an entertaining eatery set in a bowling alley, which has everything from burgers to sushi.
4. ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Walk with a wallaby, feed a giraffe
This major zoo, with 2,000 animals on 56 lush acres (23 ha), is fun for all ages, but is especially recommended for younger kids. It allows close-up encounters, including those with stingrays and giraffes, a petting zoo, and a special viewing area for watching manatees underwater. The zoo’s Manatee Hospital offers care for injured, sick, and orphaned wild manatees. Animals are divided into seven sections that include Asia Domain, Safari Africa, and Florida Wildlife Center. The zoo also has the Tasmanian Tiger Family Coaster, and the gentle Roaring Springs Ride.
A white tiger lounging in the Asian Gardens habitat area in ZooTampa at Lowry Park
The Lowdown
Address 1101 West Sligh Ave, Tampa, 33604; 813 935 8552; www.zootampa.org
Bus Hartline buses 41 and 45 stop at the zoo.
Open 9:30am–5pm daily
Price $96–120; under 2s free (including rides and the Expedition Africa Guided Safari). Stroller rentals $9.63 single, $11.77 double
Cutting the line Lines can be long in early afternoon and on weekends.
Guided tours Go for safari tram rides through the Safari Africa exhibit.
Age range 2 plus
Activities The zoo offers animal feedings, animal keeper talks, and birds of prey shows.
Allow At least 4 hours
Eat and drink SNACKS Garden Grille (on site) sells burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, salads and kids’ favorites in air-conditioned comfort. REAL MEAL La Pequeña Colombia (6312 N Armenia Ave, 33604; 813 876 8338) is an unassuming family-owned and family friendly restaurant that offers authentic Latin food.
Letting off steam
The zoo’s Aussie-themed Wallaroo Station offers kids a chance to work off energy with slides, tunnels, and ladders. It includes a cooling water play area, and kids can also splash around in the waters of the Manatee Fountain near the entrance.
Kids splashing in the water play area in Wallaroo Station, ZooTampa
5. Tampa Bay History Center
Explore 12,000 years of Tampa’s past
Tampa Bay History Center located on the riverfront in downtown Tampa
Founded in 1989, this 60,000 square-foot facility on Tampa’s Riverfront was opened in 2009. The kid-friendly History Center includes three floors of permanent and temporary exhibition galleries focusing on 12,000 years of Florida’s history. From the First People exhibit, to that on European Exploration, the museum helps children trace the changes in life and culture in Florida. The Treasure Seekers exhibition includes a life-size replica of a pirate ship, examples of navigational tools, a choose-your-own-adventure-style interactive story, and treasure recovered from Florida’s waters. Cattlemen, soldiers, farmers and orange growers. The map library contains more than 8,000 maps, charts and other documents dating back more than 500 years. It also runs many programmes for families and children, along with contests and craft activities.
Letting off steam
The nearby Museum of Science and Industry’s outdoor Backwoods Forest Preserve offers plenty of room to work off excess energy, and its multilevel Sky Trail® Ropes Course is designed with challenges for all ages.
The Lowdown
Address 801 Old Water St, Tampa, 33602; 813 228 0097; www.tampabayhistorycenter.org
Bus Hartline bus 5 from downtown
Open 10am–5pm daily
Price $41-52; under 7s free
Cutting the line Book tickets online or by phone.
Age range 5 plus
Activities The museum offers kids the chance to jump in the saddle with the cattle ranchers, play with tiny Tampa trains, or dress up like a pioneer in the Cracker cabin.
Allow At least 4 hours
Eat and drink SNACKS The Corner Cafe & Deli (100 Ashley Dr S #220, 33602; 813 273 9711; closed Sat, Sun) Good breakfast and lunch spot on the river. REAL MEAL Columbia Cafe (on site) offers Spanish- and Cuban-inspired dishes in a waterfront setting
KIDS’ CORNER
Cowmen & Crackers
Visitors get to experience a cattle drive while learning about Florida’s cattle tradition. Long before there were cowboys in Texas and the West, 16th century Spanish explorers brought a few Andalusian cattle with them. Eventually, these developed into vast herds, but when the Spanish settlers gave up their attempt to colonize Florida, they were abandoned, and spread across, thus becoming the breed known as the Texas Longhorn.
Florida cattlemen managed the cows from horseback using whips that they cracked in the air. The name Cracker arose from this tradition.
Sea horses swim upright instead of on their sides, moving up and down or sideways. When resting, they curl their tails around seaweed to keep themselves from floating away. Sea horses come in many colors, like orange, red, and green, and in patterns such as spots and zebra stripes.
Avast, matey!
Florida is known for the amount of treasure that has been lost to the sea around its coasts. The Tampa Bay History Center’s gallery Treasure Seekers: Conquistadors, Pirates and Shipwrecks gives kids a chance to imagine what it was like to sail across the Atlantic with explorers from Europe, or around the Florida coast with pirates and privateers, or dive to the ocean floor seeking lost gold.
6. Ybor City
Cuban flavor in a cloud of cigar smoke
Facade of the yellow-brick building housing the Ybor City Museum State Park, Tampa
This Tampa neighborhood is named for Don Vicente Martinez Ybor, whose cigar-making business opened here in 1886, spawning the most vibrant Cuban community in the US. Head to the Ybor City Museum State Park, housed in a historic bakery, to find out more about Ybor City’s history, and to see how workers lived. Stroll along 7th Avenue, where the old architecture remains, along with the many cafés and shops that have opened more recently. The Saturday morning market in Centennial Park draws crowds for its farm-fresh produce, Cuban coffee, arts and crafts, and live music.
Letting off steam
If kids need a break, pop over to the Tampa Riverwalk, running from Florida Aquarium north past Glazer Children’s Museum to Armature Works, a newly opened food hall. It is more easily accessed and protected from automotive traffic. Along the way, it meets 3 city parks with playgrounds, play fountains (Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park) and a splash pad (Water Works Park).
The Lowdown
Address Ybor City Museum State Park: 1818 E 9th Ave, Tampa, 33605; 813 247 6323; floridastateparks.org/yborcity/
Trolley TECO line streetcar from downtown Tampa to Ybor City
Visitor information The Visitor Information Center, Centro Ybor, 1600 East 8th Ave, Tampa, 33605; 813 241 8838; www.ybor.org
Open Ybor City Museum State Park: 9am–5pm Wed–Sun
Price Ybor City Museum State Park: $16; under 5s free
Guided tours Self-guided audio walking tours of the neighborhood are available from the museum.
Age range 8 plus
Activities The museum runs guided tours of a Casita – a cigar worker’s house – on the hour 11am–3pm Wed–Sun.
Allow 2 hours
Eat and drink SNACKS La Tropicana Café (1822 E 7th Ave, 33605; 813 247 4040) is a favorite for authentic Cuban sandwiches, snacks, and other treats. FAMILY TREAT Columbia Restaurant (2117 E 7th Ave, 33605; 813 248 4961) is Florida’s oldest restaurant and well worth a splurge for fine Cuban/Spanish cuisine and flamenco entertainment.
7. Glazer Children’s Museum
Big fun for small kids
This Tampa museum offers young children the chance to learn through discovery and play in mock settings – from a firehouse and a vet’s office to a bank. Flying an airplane, shopping for groceries, and serving as a waiter are some of the expe-riences that kids will enjoy. In Tug Boat Tots, children aged 3 and under can explore a boat, play at fishing, and listen to stories. The museum also features water play, as well as various arts and crafts activities.
Budding architects in the Design + Build area in Glazer Children’s Museum, Tampa
Letting off steam
The Glazer Museum is located in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park (600 N Ashley Dr, 33602), which offers a playground and a scenic paved waterside path. The play-ground has a unique feature – an interactive NEOS 360 Ring, which combines video games with aerobic exercises.
Sculpture of a manatee by Silas Beach, Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
The Lowdown
Address 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, 33602; 813 443 3861; www.glazermuseum.org
Bus Hartline buses 30 and 70
Open 10am–5pm Mon–Fri, 10am–6pm Sat & 1pm–6pm Sun
Price $50–60
Cutting the line Advance tickets can be ordered online, but there is rarely a queue.
Age range 3 plus
Activities Special programs are scheduled frequently; check website for details.
Allow 2–4 hours
Wheelchair access Yes
Eat and drink SNACKS Subway (on site) offers wholesome 6-inch- and 12-inch-long sandwiches with drinks, snacks, and cookies. REAL MEAL Eddie & Sams (203 E Twiggs St, 33602; 813 229 8500) offers authentic New York-style pizza, served by the slice or by the pie, alongside tasty pastas, sandwiches, and gelato.
8. Manatee Viewing Center
Florida’s favorite mammal, close up
Flamingos in the water at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
The Florida manatee is a swimming mammal and an endangered species whose closest relative is the elephant. It has a huge, seal-like body, flippers, and a flat tail, and can weigh as much as 1,000 lb (450 kg) and grow as long as 10 ft (3 m). These gentle creatures need warmth and, in cooler months, they flock to the warm water generated at the Tampa Electric Company’s Big Bend Power Station. They can be seen close up from the viewing platform at the Manatee Viewing Center, which is situated within the power station. Manatees are also drawn year-round to the warm springs at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park (4150 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, 34446, 352 628 5343; www.floridastateparks.org/homosassasprings), located 87 miles (140 km) from Tampa. Here, manatees can be seen from the park’s underwater observatory. The park is also home to bears, alligators, otters, deer, flamingos, and a 50-year-old, 6,000-pound hippopotamus.
Letting off steam
The viewing center’s Tidal Walk to the Tampa Bay Estuary works off energy and also offers a chance to see native coastal plants and birds. At the end of the walkway is another view of manatees swimming – in the plant’s discharge canal.
The Lowdown
Address 6990 Dickman Rd, Apollo Beach, 33572; 813 228 4289; www.tampaelectric.com/manatee
Car Rent a car from Tampa Airport. Parking is available.
Open Nov 1–Apr 15: 10am–5pm daily
Price Free
Age range All ages
Activities There is lots of fun stuff for kids on www.tampaelectric.com/manatee/funstuff/webcam2.
Allow 1 hour
Eat and drink SNACKS San Remo Pizza Restaurant (6426 N US 41, 33572; 813 645 9742) is a pleasant, family-run spot serving calzone. REAL MEAL Circles Waterfront Dining (1212 Apollo Beach Blvd, 33572, 813 641 3275; closed Sun) provides great views along with a varied menu and plenty of choices for children.
KIDS’ CORNER
Watch out for….
When you visit Ybor City, head for:
1 The Visitor Information Center. The Centro Ybor at 1600 East 8th Avenue is housed in the world’s largest cigar box, along with the Ybor City Museum.
2 José Martí Park. Located on the corner of 8th Avenue and 13th Street, this park honors José Martí, who fought for Cuba’s independence from Spain. The Pedroso family bought the land and donated it to what is now the independent Republic of Cuba as a memorial to Martí. So, technically, you are standing on Cuban soil.
Though smoking isn’t good for you, a lot of famous people have been photographed smoking cigars. They include past US presidents Bill Clinton and John F. Kennedy, Britain’s former prime minister Winston Churchill, and Cuba’s former president, Fidel Castro.
Massive manatees
To get enough nourishment for their mammoth bodies, manatees spend 6 to 8 hours a day feeding. How much do you think you would weigh if you ate for that long? Full-grown manatees can eat 100 lb (45 kg) to 150 lb (68 kg) of food per day – and they are vegetarians. They only eat green things growing in the ocean. Would you like that many vegetables in your diet?
9. The Dalí Museum, St. Petersburg
The Surreal world of Salvador Dalí
Aerial view of the spectacular Dalí Museum and Avant-Garden
The whimsical creations of Spanish artist Salvador Dalí, with his use of optical illusions and dreamlike canvases, intrigue all ages. Brought to St. Petersburg in 1982 by businessman A. Reynolds Morse and his wife, Eleanor, this is the biggest collection of Dalí‘s works outside Spain. The 2,140 pieces are housed in a concrete building wrapped in a fantastic geodesic “wave.”
Key Features
1. West Entrance The austere west facade of the museum gives no hint of the surprises inside. The entry through a dim, grotto-like space leads to a light-flooded three-story atrium.
2. East facade The undulating windows on the museum’s east facade are made of 1,062 triangular glass panes, of which no two are alike. They infuse the interior with light and offer visitors a unique view of St. Petersburg’s waterfront.
3. Helical staircase The staircase spirals toward the skylight, leading visitors to the galleries on the third floor. While a permanent gallery holds the paintings, another gallery has Dalí’s sculptures and films.
4. The Discovery of America by Christopher Columbus This painting, over 5 ft (1.5 m) tall, is one of eight "masterworks" in the collection. Each painting has its own gallery for best viewing.
5. Avant-Garden The museum’s waterside garden is a wonder, with boulder outcrops, eerie tropical plantings, a “golden rectangle” with multicolor paving, and a labyrinth. Some of the curved benches are draped with melting clocks.
6. The Disintegration of Persistence of Memory With its melting watches, this is one of Dalí’s most famous paintings.
7. The Hallucinogenic Toreador Painted in the years 1969–70, this is one of Dalí's dreamlike paintings, employing optical illusions that are especially engaging to young viewers.
The Lowdown
Address 1 Dalí Blvd, St. Petersburg, 33701; 727 823 3767; www.thedali.org
Trolley The Downtown Looper trolley line ($0.50 per person; under 5s free) has a stop at the museum.
Open 10am–5:30pm Mon–Sat (till 8pm Thu)
Price $75–84; under 5s free ($10 for ages 6–12 & $17 for ages 13–17)
Cutting the line Order tickets online to avoid queuing. Use the online coupon to save on adult admission.
Guided tours The museum runs daily tours on the half hour at 10:30am–3:30pm, as well as at 5:30pm and 6:30pm Thu. Tours run at 12:30pm–3:30pm Sun.
Age range 5 plus
Activities Dilly Dally with Dalí children’s programs are held on some Sat. There are arts and crafts at 11:45am–4:30pm on Sat and storytelling at 11:15am & 3:30pm Thu.
Allow 2–3 hours
Wheelchair access Yes
Café Café Gala (on site) serves soups, salads, and tapas.
Shop On the first floor (see Shopping)
Restrooms On the first and third floors
Good family value?
The Dalí introduces kids to Surrealist art. Although expensive for a family visit, the museum is a memorable experience.
Wide variety of apparel and bags in the wonderful Dalí Museum Store
Letting off steam
The Albert Whitted Park, near the museum and adjacent to a small city-owned airport, offers an aviation-themed playground, and a “control tower” to watch airplanes taking off.
Eat and drink
PICNIC Mazzaros Italian Market (2909 22nd Ave N, 33713; 727 321 2400; www.mazzarosmarket.com) has wonderful fixings for a picnic to be enjoyed in a park by Tampa Bay.
SNACKS Hangar Restaurant & Flight Lounge (540 1st St SE, 33701; 727 823 7767; www.thehangarstpete.com), in Albert Whitted Airport, offers sandwiches and snacks to go.
REAL MEAL The Moon Under Water (332 Beach Dr NE, 33701; 727 896 6160; www.themoonunderwater.com) serves pub grub such as fish and chips, plus Indian food. There is also a kids‘ menu.
FAMILY TREAT Red Mesa Cantina (128 3rd St S, 33701; 727 896 8226; www.redmesacantina.com) serves great tacos and burritos in an uncon-ventional, Mexican ambiance with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Outdoor seating at The Moon Under Water, St. Petersburg
Shopping
The Dalí Museum Store stocks merchandise inspired by Dalí imagery. There is home ware, trendy Art to Wear in the form of jewelry, scarves, fashion apparel, and totes – and more. Kids will like the puzzles and books on optical illusions.
Find out more
DIGITAL Check out academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Surrealism for a good introduction to Surrealism.
Next stop...
CRYSTAL RIVER ARCHAEOLOGICAL STATE PARK A 2-hour drive north of St. Petersburg, this National Historic Landmark (www.floridastateparks.org/crystalriverarchaeological) is one of the best places to see glimpses of the lives of ancient Native Americans in Florida. Once an important ceremonial center for burying the dead and conducting trade, this huge site has six burial mounds, temple platform mounds, and a midden, which is a mound containing shells, bones, and other relics dating as far back as 1,600 years.
Burial mounds in Crystal River Archaeological State Park
KIDS’ CORNER
Nothing is what it seems
1 While Dalí’s works don’t seem realistic, some were inspired by real events. Can you find a Dalí painting of a real event?
2 One of Dalí’s most famous paintings is his unusual impression of a familiar, everyday object. Do you know what it is?
3 Dalí often created optical illusions. Can you find a painting where figures of the Venus de Milo statue change into a bullfighter wearing a green tie?
Salvador Dalí is one of the most famous Surrealist painters. Do you know what the word "surreal" means? The dictionary defines it as “having an oddly dream-like quality.” Dalí described some of his works as “hand-painted dream photographs.” Have you ever had strange dreams? Do you think you could draw a picture of some of your dreams?
Dalí’s details
Salvador Dalí was born in Spain in 1904. His full name was Salvador Domènec Felipe Jacinto Dalí i Domènech, Marquis de Púbol –no wonder he cut it short! Dalí’s talent was recognized early. His parents built his first art studio when he was 10 years old. He had his first public showing in his home town of Figueres when he was 15, and his first solo show in Barcelona at 21. His most famous feature was his funny mustache.
Answers:
1 The Discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. 2 A watch. 3 The Hallucinogenic Toreador.
10. Bayshore Drive
Culture on the water
The Tampa skyline viewed from Bayshore Drive
The Dali Museum anchors one end of St. Petersburg’s extensive system of handsome waterfront parks, which stretch for some 23 blocks on Bayshore Drive beside Tampa Bay. A short walk away, The Mahaffey Theater – Duke Energy Center for the Arts hosts eminent international and national artists, Broadway shows, childrens theater, and musical performances that vary from classical to pop and rock. For soccer fanatics, the Al Lang Stadium, home to the renowned Tampa Bay Rowdies, is located next door. At the northern end of Bayshore Drive, the restored Renaissance Vinoy Resort is worth a stop to see photo displays of what life was like here in the posh 1920s.Vinoy Park is great for a stroll, with its view of the sailboats on the bay. A popular space for concerts and outdoor music, the park comes alive over the weekends.
The Lowdown
Address The Mahaffey Theater: 400 1st St S, St. Petersburg, 33701; 727 893 7832; www.themahaffey.com
Trolley The St. Pete trolley ($2, under 5s free) runs along Bayfront Drive to Mahaffey.
Open The Pier: 10am–8pm Mon–Thu, 10am–9pm Fri–Sat, & 11am–7pm Sun
Price varies according to venue.
Age range All ages
Activities Walking, jogging, and attending theatrical events.
Allow 2–4 hours
Letting off steam
Energetic kids will find plenty of room to run on the park paths that stretch the length of Bayshore Drive. They are the perfect place for a bike ride, too. Visit the nearby Demen’s Landing Park (1st St, 33701), with a playground and nice spots for a picnic. The park also offers open lawns for frisbees, a game of catch, or kite-flying. Walk over to the South Straub Park (1st Ave N, 33701), which has a rock sculpture that kids love to climb.
11. Museum of Fine Arts
Small museum, great artists
Housed in a handsome building overlooking Tampa Bay, this museum is located in the center of the bayside park system. While introducing kids to fine art can be difficult if the museum is big and overwhelming, this museum is small enough to suit short attention spans. It contains a world-class collection of works by many great artists – Cézanne, Monet, Gauguin, Renoir, Rodin, and O’Keeffe, to name but a few. Other galleries display ancient Greek and Roman pottery and ceramics, and Asian religious and decorative objects, as well as Egyptian, African, pre-Columbian, and Native American art. The photography collection is one of the finest in the Southeast. The museum also has a sculpture garden, a Steuben glass gallery, and special exhibitions. A video screen at the entrance informs visitors of daily child-friendly activities, such as special family tours (11am Sat), treasure hunts, and the chance to create an artwork inspired by works in the museum. The museum café offers waterfront dining with a view of the downtown skyline.
View of the stately building housing the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
Letting off steam
Run around in the bayside park around the museum, or take a trip 12 miles (19 km) southwest to the Fort De Soto Park (www.fortdesoto.com). A great day’s getaway, this is a county park of five interconnected islands with beautiful beaches and a cool historic fort to explore. The islands are home to mangroves, wetlands, and palm hammocks, as well as numerous species of birds. Fishing piers, hiking trails, and canoe, kayak, and bike rentals provide plenty of activities. There are restrooms, a food concession, and outdoor showers to wash away beach sand.
The Lowdown
Address 255 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg, 33701; 727 896 2667; www.fine-arts.org
Trolley The St. Pete trolley
Open 10am–5pm Mon–Sat, till 8pm Thu & noon–5pm Sun
Price $10–17; under 7s free
Guided tours The museum runs docent-led tours at 11am, 2pm Tue–Sat, and 2pm Sun.
Age range 7 plus
Activities There are children’s programs every third Saturday of the month.
Allow 2 hours
Eat and drink SNACKS MFA Café (on site; 727 822 1032; closed Mon), an airy space in the museum, offers a nice selection of sandwiches and salads. FAMILY TREAT Parkshore Grill (300 Beach Dr NE, 33701; 727 896 9463; www.parkshoregrill.com) has outdoor seating overlooking the Vinoy Yacht Basin. It also has a handsome dining room, with an open kitchen. The varied American menu ranges from crab cakes to steaks. There is also a well-priced kids’ menu.
Picturesque view of the Fort De Soto Park
12. Great Explorations Children’s Museum
Create a robot, run a pizzeria
Kids take charge here, in little re-creations of grown-up domains such as a pizza parlor, a fire engine house, a veterinary office, and a supermarket. There is a pretend orange grove where they can pick, pack, and ship oranges, plus turn them into orange juice. A treehouse built for climbing, a lab for making moving robots, and the chance to create animation using a digital video recorder are among the favorite activities in this museum.
Letting off steam
Go to the Sunken Gardens (1825 4th St N, 33704; 727 551 3102; www.stpete.org/sunken), adjacent to the museum. This long-established attraction has paved paths to stretch young legs, cascading waterfalls, and some 50,000 exotic plants and flowers from around the world.
Meandering path through lush greenery at the Sunken Gardens, St. Petersburg
The Lowdown
Address 1925 4th St N, St. Petersburg, 33704; 727 821 8992; www.greatexplorations.org
Bus PSTA (www.psta.net) city bus 4 stops near the museum. Check website for routes.
Open 10am–4:30pm Mon–Sat & noon–4:30pm Sun
Price $40–50
Age range 2 plus
Activities The museum hosts many special Saturday programs. Check the current schedule on the website.
Allow 2 hours
Eat and drink SNACKS Panera Bread (1908 4th St N, 33704; 727 895 5441) stocks delicious breads that make fine sandwiches. The desserts are tasty. REAL MEAL Fourth Street Shrimp Store (1006 4th Ave N, 33701; 727 822 0325; www.theshrimpstore.com) is set in a former service station and has a funky ambience. Great seafood, and a children’s menu too.
KIDS’ CORNER
Be an art detective
The Museum of Fine Arts has many famous paintings. See if you can spot some of them as you go through the museum. Look out for:
1 A big red flower
2 A girl reading a book
3 A foggy city on a river
St. Petersburg was named by its co-founder, Peter Denems, who had lived in St. Petersburg in Russia. He and co-founder John C. Williams flipped a coin to see who would name the new city. If Denems had lost, the city might have been called Detroit, where Williams was born.
The sunshine city
St. Petersburg features in the Guinness Book of World Records. It recorded the most sunny days in a row of any city in the world – a whopping 768 days!
Become a human sundial
St. Petersburg celebrated the 100th birthday of its waterfront park system in 2010 by making a “human” Centennial Sundial. A semicircle of hour markers on the ground is arranged so that if you stand facing north in front of the half circle, your shadow will fall on the correct hour. Find the Centennial Sundial in Northshore Park, which is located beyond Vinoy Park.
Answers:
1 Poppy by Georgia O’Keeffe. 2 La Lecture (Reading) by Berthe Morisot. 3 Le Parlement, effet de brouillard (Houses of Parliament, Foggy Day) by Claude Monet.
13. The Ringling, Sarasota
The greatest show on Earth!
Circus Poster in the Ringling Museum of Art
Built in 1925, the art museum holding multimillionaire circus owner John Ringling’s famous art collection is just one part of his vast estate beside Sarasota Bay. Ringling’s original collection of 600 paintings has grown to over 2,000 objects, including Asian and contemporary art. Peppered with gardens, the estate boasts America’s only authentic 18th-century European theater, as well as the exquisite Ringling home and two museums filled with circus nostalgia and fun.
Key Features
1. Cà’ d’Zan The Ringlings’ restored Venetian-style palazzo, completed in 1926, has a bathtub carved from a huge single block of marble. Look up at the ballroom's ceiling – it has a painting by children’s book illustrator Willy Pogany, showing dancing couples from all over the world.
2. Circus Museum Established after Ringling’s death, this documents the rich history of the circus, and also features colossal parade wagons, sequined costumes, and Ringling’s private rail car.
3. Historic Asolo Theater This restored theater serves as the venue for film screenings and concerts. Built in Italy in 1798, it was moved to the Ringling estate in the 1940s.
4. Ringling Museum of Art Now the State Art Museum of Florida, this houses priceless Old Master paintings. Look out for Rubens‘ Gathering of the Manna – it is hard to say whether the figure of Moses has rays of light or horns coming from his head.
5. Courtyard of the Museum of Art Find casts of original antiquities and Renaissance sculptures, including the towering David by Michelangelo, along with two replicas of Roman fountains. The Fountain of the Tortoises is a favorite with kids.
6. Tibbals Learning Center Kids can walk a safe tightrope, fire a miniature cannon, dress up as a circus clown, and try to fit into a midget car here. The handmade miniature Howard Bros. Circus model fills an entire room, with eight tents and 152 wagons, and is very detailed, right down to the smallest dishes in the mess tent.
The Lowdown
Address 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, 34243; 941 359 5700; www.ringling.org
Bus Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) bus 99 arrives hourly from downtown (www.scgov.net/scat).
Open 10am–5pm daily & till 8pm Thu (museums only)
Price $55–60. Free entry to the Ringling Museum of Art on Mon.
Cutting the line Call 941 358 3180 for advance ticketing information and 941 360 7399 to book tickets for the Historic Asolo Theater.
Guided tours Hourly docent-led tours of the Ringling Museum of Art and the Circus Museum. The first floor of Cà‘ d’Zan can be visited on guided tours only.
Age range 6 plus; the Cà‘ d’Zan is not recommended for younger kids due to its narrow walkways.
Activities Check website for information on shows at the Historic Asolo Theater.
Allow At least half a day
Wheelchair access Yes
Café Banyan Café, opposite the Circus Museum, serves hot dogs and chicken fingers.
Shop In the Visitors Pavilion (see Shopping)
Restrooms In every building
Good family value?
Kids will enjoy the Museum's attractions, especially the Circus Museum, though it is expensive.
Sculptures and blooming rose beds in Mable's Rose Garden
Letting off steam
The vast grounds of the Ringling estate have many paths for working off excess energy and beautiful gardens to admire. John Ringling's wife, Mable, was an avid gardener and her Rose Garden, patterned after an Italian circular design, is one of the estate's prettiest spots. When the 1,200 rose bushes are in bloom, the scents are delightful. Kids will have fun finding Mable’s Secret Garden, the Dwarf Garden, and the estate’s Millennium Tree Trail.
Blue Dolphin Café in the historic St. Armands Circle, Sarasota
Eat and drink
PICNIC Publix (1044 N Tamiami Trail, 34236; 941 366 3270) has picnic fixings and snacks to enjoy at the outdoor tables in the grounds near the Rose Garden.
SNACKS St. Armands Circle, the shopping area developed by John Ringling on Lido Key, has many good choices. Venezia (373 St. Armands Circle, 34236; 941 388 1400; venezia-1966.com) serves tasty pizza.
REAL MEAL Blue Dolphin Café (470 John Ringling Blvd, 34236; 941 388 3566; bluedolphincafe.com), an informal diner, offers a kids’ menu for breakfast and lunch.
FAMILY TREAT Café L’Europe (431 St. Armands Circle, 34236; 941 388 4415; www.cafeleurope.net) is a traditional French favorite for a special night out. The kids‘ menu has salads, chicken fingers, and Key lime pie.
Shopping
The Museum Store delights kids with souvenirs such as juggling balls, clown noses, and puzzles of museum sites. Grown-ups will find scarves with Venetian themes from Cà’ d’Zan, interesting jewelry, and home accessories. St. Armands Circle is lined with dozens of shops of all kinds, plus conveniently located ice-cream parlors for a break.
Find out more
DIGITAL See www.ringling.com to learn more about the history of the Ringling circus, the best circus acts, animal care, and other interesting topics. Discover what it takes to be a clown at www.allaboutclowns.com.
Next stop...
SARASOTA JUNGLE GARDENS One mile (2 km) south of the Ringling, the Sarasota Jungle Gardens (www.sarasotajunglegardens.com) have been pleasing families since the 1940s. Trails run through 10 acres (4 ha) of lush tropical vegetation and a “kiddie jungle” with an imaginative playground. Grown-ups and kids will like feeding the flamingos. Kids can enjoy shows that feature alligators, snakes, birds of prey, and tropical birds – interacting with these exotic animals is a favorite.
KIDS’ CORNER
Test your circus IQ...
1 Can you name three props you would need to look like a clown?
2 The biggest miniature circus in the world was made by one man, Howard Tibbals. How long do you think it took him? How many figures are in the circus?
3 Circus people have their own lingo: can you guess what a Joey is? And a funambulist?
One of the clowns featured in the Circus Museum is Lou Jacobs, who had a midget car. The car was 2 ft (60 cm) wide by 3 ft (90 cm) long, and Lou was over 6 ft (2 m) tall. But he managed to fold himself inside the car and drive it into the center ring, amazing everyone when he popped out.
Going for Baroque
John Ringling’s favorite artists, including Peter Paul Rubens, created elaborate paintings in the style known as Baroque. Popular in Europe from the early 17th to the mid-18th century Baroque paintings were dramatic, grand in scale, and at times exaggerated in detail. Housed in the Ringling Museum of Art, Rubens’ Eucharist series is a famous example. Can you make a drawing in Baroque style?
Answers:
1 A red nose, big shoes, and a funny wig. 2 50 years; over 1,300 figures. 3 Clown; tightrope walker.
14. The Aquarium at Mote Marine Laboratory
Close encounters of the marine kind
From seeing shark habitats, a dolphin lagoon, and a 23-ft (7-m) giant squid to getting up close with sea turtles and manatees and feeling a stingray’s velvety back in a touch pool, The Aquarium at Mote Marine Laboratory, has it all. Attached to a major marine research facility, The Aquarium showcases the Lab’s work and includes exhibits that feature real scientific studies on coral reefs and with other species. The chance to see exhibits where sea horses are hatched and raised, or learn how injured sea creatures are healed and returned to the wild at Mote’s Dolphin & Whale Hospital and the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center, are exceptional opportunities that make a visit to this aquarium unique.
Children observing tropical fish at The Aquarium at Mote Marine Laboratory
Letting off steam
A large swath of parkland with great views bordering Sarasota Bay, the Ken Thompson Park (1700 Ken Thompson Pkwy, 34236), nearby, has swings for kids, a fishing pier, and lots of green lawn for games and picnics.
The Lowdown
Address 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, 34236; 941 388 4441; www.mote.org
Car Rent a car from Sarasota Airport.
Open 10am–5pm daily
Price $50–66; under 3s free
Guided tours The 90-minute Morning Rounds tour allows up to three guests aged 10 plus to get an up-close look at feeding and care of the animals.
Age range All ages
Activities Feed seahorses at the Seahorse Conservation Lab. Check website for current schedule of family programs. The aquarium also offers Eco-Boat tours of Sarasota Bay.
Allow 3 hours
Wheelchair access Yes
Shop The gift shop sells toys, plush birds, T-shirts, and puzzles.
Eat and drink SNACKS Deep Sea Diner (on site) is fine for snacks or a light lunch. REAL MEAL The Old Salty Dog (1601 Ken Thompson Pkwy, 34236; 941 388 4311), nearby, is one of Sarasota’s best family choices, with an informal menu and an outdoor deck for watching the boats go by.
15. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Orchids, fish, and an enchanted garden
The more than 6,000 orchids are the showstoppers, but not the only lures, at this beautiful world of exotic plants. While known for its epiphytes – plants such as orchids that grow on other plants – the gardens also include bamboo and banyan groves, hibiscus, ferns, tropical fruits, cactus, native Florida plants, a mangrove forest, and eight plant-filled greenhouses. Kids are welcomed here and encouraged to wander the paths and run on the great lawn. Check out the weird plants that live on trees, feed the fish in the koi pond, and conduct a plant hunt, which can be printed out from the website, with one of the children’s guides.
A short drive 1 mile (2 km) north is the Sarasota Children’s Garden (www.sarasotachildrensgarden.com), a magical world where a tunnel leads to a space filled with whimsical sculptures of friendly dragons and octopuses, a pirate ship with rigging to be climbed, a maze to be explored, a tree fort, and a fairy garden for tea parties.
Take cover
If raindrops fall, the Kids’ Corner in the Historic Selby House on site is the perfect shelter. This interactive space is filled with plant-themed books, puzzles, activities, and crafts. A volunteer is often on hand to help.
Kids’ Corner in the Historic Selby House in the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
The Lowdown
Address 811 South Palm Ave, Sarasota, 34236; 941 366 5731; www.selby.org
Bus SCAT bus 17 on Tamiami Trail (US 41) stops nearby.
Open 10am–5pm daily
Price $65–80; under 4s free
Age range 5 plus
Activities Little Sprouts is a fun interactive program for pre-schoolers, with stories and games.
Allow 2 hours
Eat and drink SNACKS Selby House Cafe (on site) serves snacks, sandwiches, and desserts. REAL MEAL Hillview Grill (1920 Hillview St, 34239; 941 346 6989; closed Sun) offers a varied Italian and Mediterranean menu, including pastas, sandwiches and salads.
16. The Circus Arts Conservatory
Circus by kids – for kids
A girl learning to walk on a tightrope at the Circus Arts Conservatory
The Sailor Circus Academy, America’s oldest youth circus, is a key element of The Circus Arts Conservatory, a performing arts educational organization. What started in 1949 as a high-school gymnastics class has grown into a spectacular training program for youngsters aged 8–18. In a fun atmosphere, students learn circus skills, but also the importance of discipline, self-confidence, and a commitment to achievement. The students’ annual performances are a major attraction in Southwest Florida.
Letting off steam
There are lots of activities at Bayfront Park, and families can happily while away an afternoon. Alternatively, for a wilderness experience just 9 miles (14 km) southeast of Sarasota, head for Myakka River State Park (www.myakkariver.org). Here, the wild and scenic Myakka River flows through miles of untouched wetlands, prairies, and woodlands. Admire its beauty from a canopy walkway high above the ground, a boardwalk across Upper Myakka Lake, a tram tour through the backcountry, airboat tours, or on hiking trails, and watch out for wildlife such as alligators and armadillos.
The pristine landscape of Myakka River State Park
The Lowdown
Address 2075 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota, 34239; 941 355 9335; www.circusarts.org
Bus SCAT bus 11 stops on Bahia Vista and runs hourly from downtown.
Open For performances; times vary, check website.
Price $42–52 for circus; circus arts classes charge a fee.
Age range 5 plus
Activities A wide variety of demonstrations of circus arts and classes are available. Check website for schedule.
Allow 2–3 hours
Wheelchair access Yes
Eat and drink PICNIC Morton’s Gourmet Market (1924 S Osprey Ave, 34239; 941 955 9856) stocks goodies for picnics that can be enjoyed in Bayfront Park. REAL MEAL Mattison’s City Grille (1 Lemon St at Main St, 34236; 941 330 0440; closed Sun) has outdoor seating on Sarasota’s pleasant Main Street and a menu offering everything from pizza to steak.
KIDS’ CORNER
Alligator adventures in Myakka River State Park...
1 Alligators are found in only two places in the world. One is Florida. What is the other?
2 How many teeth does an alligator have at any one time?
3 When an alligator’s teeth wear down, they grow back. How many teeth can an alligator go through in a lifetime?
4 The park has some of the state’s oldest and largest alligators. How big are the biggest?
For more than 80 years, circus families have been living in Sarasota, making this city one of America’s foremost circus and arts communities. Kids can learn a wide variety of skills at the Sailor Circus Academy, from trapeze and juggling to riding and clowning. If you were a student at the Academy, which circus skills would you most like to learn?
Garden games
When you visit the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, see if you can find these plants:
1 A plant with leaves smaller than your thumb.
2 Plants with furry leaves, spiky leaves, red flowers, and orange flowers.
3 A plant taller than you are.
4 A plant growing on a tree.
Make a list of their names and look them up on the Internet when you get home.
Answers:
1 China’s Yangtze River Basin. 2 80. 3 2,000 to 3,000 teeth. 4 14–15 ft (4.2–4.5 m).
