Hillsborough County is in the West-Central portion of the U.S. State of Florida. Here are some fun activities when visiting Hillsborough County:
Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center
Manatees love warm water. And by a stroke of POWERful luck, Tampa Electric can provide it to them! Our Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach circulates water from Tampa Bay for cooling, then sends the water flowing clean and warm back into the bay. In the winter months the manatees leave colder waters to return to this warm and welcoming refuge.
Because of this uniquely unusual migration, we’ve built the Manatee Viewing Center so everyone could have a chance to see manatees gather. Our discharge canal is a state and federally designated manatee sanctuary that provides critical protection from the cold for these unique, gentle animals. Hours vary please check website to find visiting hours.
Visit TampaElectric.com to learn more.
Apollo Beach Nature Preserve
This is a 63-acre nature preserve that serves as a habitat for a variety of aquatic species. Seven acres of the preserve are separated from the habitat restoration area dedicated to nature-based recreation, a 37-foot observation tower that is wheelchair accessible, a short nature trail and fantastic shore fishing, and stunning sunset views.
Check out HillsboroughCounty.org to learn more.
A Galactic Playground
Brandon’s first-ever indoor playground and immersive science center. Their highly interactive center is filled with exhibits powered by kids. This is not a boring museum with buttons to push and long descriptions to read. The immersive atmosphere is designed to draw in children into the amazing world of science, inspiring them to be the next generation of technology leaders in our competitive world.
Check out GalacticPlaygrounds.com to blast off!
Lithia Spring Conversation Park
The park’s major attraction is a natural spring from which water flows year-round at a temperature of 72 degrees. One can also camp here!
Showtown Bar & Grill
A great watering hole with some circus decorations and history. A nice stop while passing through.
Visit ShowtownUSA.com to learn more.
Alchemy & Ashes
Find out more at AlchemyAndAshes.com.
Croc Encounters
Croc Encounters is home to many alligators, crocodiles, snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises, and exotic birds. Many of the animals were unwanted or rescued and we provide a permanent home to them. Hands on-tours are offered every day by appointment and walk-in self-guided tours are available on Saturday as well.
Get your croc on at CrocEncounters.com.
Dinosaur World
Wander among hundreds of life-sized dinosaurs in a natural setting. Coolers encouraged – bring your own healthy snacks and drinks! Interactive exhibits capture your kids’ imaginations. Dino-themed playground features slides, swings, and all-around family fun. Friendly dogs on leashes are welcome everywhere except the indoor museum with the animatronics. Boardwalks wind through natural areas shaded by centuries-old oak trees. Our 7,000 square foot gift shop offers great values on prehistoric artifacts as well as toys, games, and gorgeous geodes.
Learn more at DinosaurWorld.com.
Metals and Nature
Our two-acre garden in Plant City, Florida began over 30 years ago. The natural trails under the mossy oaks are a canvass for unique statuary and our handcrafted iron designs.
Explore the garden at www.facebook.com/metalsandnature.
International Independent Showman’s Museum
A museum that is uniquely different from any other museum in all the world. As the name suggests, our beautiful new building houses amazing artifacts, countless photographs spanning over a century of traveling shows in America and eclectic memorabilia from the colorful carnival and circus midways of the past. Simply put, there is nothing like the Showmen’s Museum, showcased under one roof, anywhere in the world.
Visit the museum at ShowmensMuseum.org.
The Ruskin Family Drive-in
The Ruskin Family Drive-In Theatre, with over 50 years of continuous service to Ruskin and Hillsborough County, has been a community gathering place since its first movie, “Singing in the Rain” played in 1952.
Find movie listings at RuskinFamilyDrivein.com.
More To See & Do
This is only a short list of the many things to do while exploring Hillsborough County. Do you have a favorite place to go? Let us know!
All information was found on the internet and on the locations website.
