TAMPA WITH KIDS by PJ Goetz

The Ultimate Mom's Guide to Tampa Bay and Beyond.

Tampa with Kids

Calendar of Events!

Things to do in Tampa....

In the Press!

Fun with Dad

5 days of Fun with Kids

Setting the Easter Table

Orlando Fun

Halloween 08

Manatee & Sarasota

New York City

Daytona Beach

Geocaching

Tubing Down the River

Fun Around Town

Houseboat on the Suwannee

Swim with the Fishes

Snowflakes & Helping Hand

Last Minute Halloween

Not into Soccer?

School Lunch

Scalloping

Family Fun Night

Road Trip

Hunting for Fossils in Fla.

Sand Castle Building

Beaches

Eating Out with Jr.

To Do by Area

About Us

pj

Univerisal Orlando
Lowes Royal Pacific Hotel

Orlando! The Yin and Yang!

PJ Goetz
www.tampawithkids.com  

Orlando is a great city. I don't think another city has as much family fun. The Disney, Sea World and Universal theme parks are the anchor tenets. These parks attract visitors by the thousands each and every day of the year. Every time I pull into the parking lot of a theme park I am amazed by the line of cars is waiting to get in each and every day. I can't help it, I start adding up the parking fees and start thinking just one day in parking fees and I could be set for the entire year. The excitement of Orland is unmatched. High tech rides use all of your senses to deliver the ultimate experience. Aliening fighting in the Men in Black ride and the villain fighting Spiderman ride are great examples that put you into the action and leave you wanting more. I love the theme parks. But after a day of high intensity fun, the kids can start to fall apart. It can become sensory overload and sometimes the way their systems deal with it is a total and complete melt down. We have all been there. Every time I see it I always say silent prayer for the momma and the child. It is tough. A great way to side step the melt down is a yin and yang plan; up time and down time, a little crazy mixed with a little calm. Calm in Orlando? Yep it is not hard to find. Here are some of my favorite low cost, high fun options that allow you and the kids the opportunity to unwind and relax.



Lowes Royal Pacific Hotel
Kick back and relax in a tropical paradise at the exotic Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando®. From the breathtaking beauty of the lush tropical landscaping and sparkling waterfalls to the serene tranquility of the orchid court where flowers are always in bloom, you'll be transported to the enchanted isles of the South Seas. Find a spot at the tropical lagoon-style pool, kick off your shoes and forget about the rest of the world at the Loews Royal Pacific. For the Florida Resident Rate follow the link below.
http://www.universalorlando.com/hd_florida_hotels.html  
Pool at the Lowes Royal Pacific
The Pool @ The Royal Pacific
Universal Orlando
Universal Studios Adventure Parks
Universal Orlando® Resort
This is more than a theme park. It's an entire universe of action and thrills featuring TWO spectacular theme parks unlike anything else in Orlando. At both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure every member of the family can share unforgettable experiences together. You can have the ultimate adventure, enjoy fun with your kids, rejuvenate yourself, have a romantic dinner, challenge yourself on incredible theme park rides, and relax by the pool in a beautiful Florida setting. For the Florida Resident special follow the link below.
http://www.universalorlando.com/hd_florida_index.html  
Orlando Science Center
Loved it! Escape the crowds and wander around this 6-story science center. Have you ever thought about a visit to Jupiter, or how about a trip back in time? Want to pet a reptile or stare face to face at a dinosaur? At the Orlando Science Center, your imagination and curiosity are your keys to unlocking worlds you've only imagined. Each day at the Science Center is a full day of exploration and discovery. Admission $17 adults/ $12 Kids. Use your MOSI pass to get in free. http://www.osc.org/Index.aspx  
** Across the street from the science center is a 400-year-old oak tree that was alive when the declaration of Independence was signed. Great Tree!
Orlando Science Center Florida with Kids
Orlando Science Center
Wekiwa Springs State Park Orlando
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Located at the headwaters of the Wekiwa River, the beautiful vistas within this park offer a glimpse of what Central Florida looked like when Timucuan Indians fished and hunted these lands. Just one hour from most central Florida attractions, Wekiwa Springs offers visitors the opportunity to relax in a natural setting, enjoy a picnic, or take a swim in the cool spring. Canoeists and kayakers can paddle along the Wekiva River and Rock Springs Run. Thirteen miles of trails provide opportunities for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding. Options for camping include a full facility campground and primitive camping areas. Canoe and kayak rentals are available. For information about rentals, call (407) 884 4311.
http://www.floridastateparks.org/WekiwaSprings/